STUFF ON MY MIND

Swish News

2019-04-13T19:41:00.000-04:00

So last week marked the end of my column Unexpected Voice on Swish Edition. Not because I am a terrible writer or anything, so save the rude comments, but because the column concept was not working for the site. Sure I'm sad, but no hard feeling, I still love Scott and Dale and Steven and Jason! And who knows maybe I will be back in the future, but for now I will be migrating my columns over to "

Developing An Unexpected Voice (From Swish Edition)

2011-04-13T19:53:00.000-04:00

I remember sitting in front of the fireplace at my parents’ house wondering how I had arrived at this point. I was staring at my blue and white sneakers; tears were running down my face. My parents were on the other side of the room trying to process what I had just told them. I saw the confusion and concern in their eyes. I knew they didn’t know how to respond. My father

A Look Back

2010-09-21T02:49:00.000-04:00

I was doing some writing today, and I referred back to this post from less than a year ago. It is amazing what we can accomplish in a year. Now hopefully DADT is overturned in the next couple of days and we can continue making progress! Bill 18-482, Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Equality Amendment Act of 2009 TestimonyTestimony by JRH on Bill 18-482, Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage

Reality TV with Morals?

2010-09-16T17:50:00.000-04:00

Last night I was surprised with America's Next Top Model. I generally dont watch this show for any reason other than watching bitchy self centered girls get pissed at each other. And quite honestly I also believe that Tyra takes herself way too seriously. Last night however something was different. The photoshoot focused on bullying. Each of the models needed to reveal the one word that taunted

GLBT Hero

2010-08-19T22:19:00.000-04:00

For this upcoming possible project that I keep eluding to, and I will continue to elude to because in a way I enjoy being cryptic, I was asked who my GLBT hero was... Florence Nightingale? Nah! Gertrude Stein? Reverend Troy Perry (MCC)? Brave man! Larry Kramer? Possible. Harvey Milk? Strong possibility. What about Constance McMillen? Sadie-Ryanne Baker a leading activist for transgender rights

I'm Back... Sorry I Was Gone for So Long

2010-08-18T02:18:00.000-04:00

It has been an incredibly long time since I have written on this blog. Things have changed a little bit but things remain the same in a lot of ways as well. It has been months since the end of the wedding contest, but things have remained busy, and The Doctor and I are still referred to as "The Crate and Barrel Boys" and have even been asked to deliver a few speeches at events. Because of all of

Life

2010-04-11T21:57:00.000-04:00

So, I am totally addicted to Life... I love watching it. I think it may be even more exciting then Planet Earth! And here is why it is so totally amazing... Life is all about the amazing things animals do to survive. The way it is filmed is amazing, the animals are unbelievable. You seriously can't make this stuff up... except as you watch it, you can't help but think that Oprah (who narrates

Splitting Up

2010-04-07T20:54:00.001-04:00

This blog is splitting up... I am going to try managing two at least for now. Those of you who have been following me for a while miss my snarkiness! I figured I would keep my adventures in retail and life on this blog, and going forward my political and LGBTQ etc posts will be on my new blog. If you want to follow the new blog the name of it is... The Time for Change Is Now and the address is

Days After...

2010-04-05T11:22:00.001-04:00

It has been a few days since the voting has ended and I have somewhat regained my Facebook account and I have let some of the madness settle. There is still a long way to go and many things that can happen but the ever so public plea for votes has ended. No matter what the outcome the Doctor and I feel like we have made an positive impact. The long term impact of this contest remains to be seen

Make A Difference In A Day

2010-03-31T00:55:00.001-04:00

On April 1, 2010 millions of Americans are going to wake up and wonder what joke is going to be played on them. As they open up their web browsers for their morning dose of news they are going to click on a story that couldn't possibly be true, the headline reads... "Same Sex Couple Makes History Winning Popular Vote in National Wedding Contest." Some will be overjoyed with the headline, others

2010-03-30T10:53:00.001-04:00

Less than 48 hours left! If you haven't voted please vote http://www.ultimateweddingcontest.com/entries/22682 please forward to 5 friends. We can win!

I Had to Share

2010-03-20T13:31:00.000-04:00

Hey all- Happy Saturday, I hope you all had a great week. This week was amazing here in DC. For those of you who don't know, the Doctor and I went to the DADT protest held by HRC with Kathy Griffin and then we continued on to the White House where Lt Dan Choi with the help of Robin McGehee handcuffed himself to the White House fence in an act of civil disobedience. There is a divide on this

Ultimate Wedding Contest: Too Sweet

2010-03-16T14:21:00.002-04:00

We got the following comment on one of our posts today. I have been really good about ignoring such comments lately, but this one sent me over the edge for some reason. And my reason is below the quote! "I think voting has slowed because people are finding the other couple more compelling. Personally I find the gay couple too sugary sweet and a bit annoying... I'm getting sick of looking at them.

A Kink in the Armor

2010-02-28T04:15:00.003-04:00

It is 2:44 AM, 18 months since the attack, 12 months since the last nightmare, laying in bed and I have a flashback, I see myself laying in the pavement as a foot comes crashing into my skull. My vision fades to nothing and then I am back laying in bed. Tears are running down my face. I have been strong for a long time, I have fought through my feelings and I have stood up and said that words

Crate and Barrel Ultimate Wedding Contest: Love Not Hate

2010-02-26T18:57:00.002-04:00

When Greg and I entered the Crate and Barrel Ultimate Wedding Contest we knew to a certain extent would would be in the public eye. We knew when we started emailing the link out to people the word would get around. We also knew that when you are in the public eye you open yourself up to criticism, thats why many public figures don't even look themselves up on the internet. I however, couldn't

Crate and Barrel Ultimate Wedding Contest: Dear Ellen

2010-02-24T19:43:00.003-04:00

Dear Ellen Degeneres: My name is JRH and I am currently engaged to my partner the Doctor and we are competing in Crate and Barrel’s Ultimate Wedding Contest. While competing something amazing happened the community rallied around us and we are now a same sex couple leading a nationwide contest to win our $100,000 Ultimate Wedding. The Doctor and I met through a mutual friend in the Boston area

Our Love: In More Than 100 Words

2010-02-18T21:20:00.003-04:00

Boy meets boy, boy falls for boy, and boys get engaged. The pure existence of our love is not always accepted. We had to deal with hatred from outsiders and support one another in recovery. Our love story involves the evolution of the meaning of love and the perseverance that allowed two people such as us to openly experience happiness. We knew that we were right for each other from the start, we

Community

2010-02-16T19:41:00.001-04:00

Community can be defined in many different ways, but the idea is always the same. And its funny I feel like I belong to a lot of different communities, the one at work, the one in DC, the community in which I grew up, and of course the LGBTQ community. What has amazed me over the past several months is how honorable and gracious the LGBTQ community is. When I was struggling with the after effects

Ultimate Wedding Contest Link

2010-02-14T14:27:00.004-04:00

For those of you having problems linking in to vote from Facebook click on the link below and vote for us!VOTE HERE

The Blizzard of 2010 Parts I and II

2010-02-10T19:16:00.003-04:00

There are many things that I can say about the Blizzard of 2010. I am not really sure however where I should start. But it all boils down to I have been stuck in the house for five days at this point. Friday around 11am I left work. i was in a good mood, I figured that there could be things that were worse than being snowed in for the weekend. I bought some food, bought some alcohol, and

the Ultimate Wedding Contest

2010-02-03T23:58:00.002-04:00

Our love story.Boy meets boy, boy falls for boy, and boys get engaged. The pure existence of our love is not always accepted. We had to deal with hatred from outsiders and support one another in recovery. Our love story involves the evolution of the meaning of love and the perseverance that allowed two people such as us to openly experience happiness. We knew that we were right for each other

Breakfast Bread

2010-01-26T00:44:00.002-04:00

On Sunday we went to Ris for brunch. A good friend of ours work there (please refrain from the waiter jokes) he is a great guy and he has heard all of the waiter jokes from me already. Ris is a new restaurant in DC, and as many of you know, I am way to picky of an eater to write a restaurant review, so I won't do that, I'll just recount a fun story from the morning! Our friend invited us to come

Diorama

2010-01-20T13:25:00.003-04:00

The other night I was discussing a book I had recently read with the Doctor, I told him that I hadn't written a book review about it because I wasn't quite sure how to without spoiling the book. This book was very conceptual, and the author had to be very crafty to succeed in this concept, and he did. The Doctor suggested that I make a diorama like you do in third grade, and then take a picture

DD Retirement Home

2010-01-18T14:10:00.001-04:00

We were working on a Sunday and it has been a long week. My boss called me on my way into work and asked if I wanted to pick some donuts up for the staff. Since I was still driving in I said sure, "I'll stop by DD on my way there, but I may be a few minutes late." As I pull into the Dunkin Donuts parking lot I notice that there is an over abundance of Oldsmobile and other large cars, as a matter

I'm Sorry I Have Been Gone

2010-01-10T14:46:00.003-04:00

Dear Blog-I am sorry that I have been gone for so long, as usual the Holidays are crazy and this year was especially insane. I promise I will return very soon with funny stories about work (Rush is starting soon) and life (after all I am planning a wedding) and all the other random things! My first post however, will be about my Nook... you know the new e-reader from Barnes and Noble, the device

Short Letters

2009-12-11T12:22:00.002-04:00

Dear Pickles- I like to have extra of you on my sandwich, can you please tell the lady that gives you out to allow me to have extra ones. All I want on my sandwich is tomatoes and extra pickles. The man in front of me had 12 different things on his sandwich for no extra charge... just tell her I shouldn't have to pay extra for a few more of you!Thank you, JRHDear Neighboors Below Us- Thank you

Chabon Lives Up To My Expectations

2009-11-18T21:49:00.003-04:00

It has been a long time since I have done a book review in this blog, I'm not really sure why but I think part of it is since the Angels Game I haven't completely enjoyed a book. The Mysteries of Pittsburgh by Michael Chabon has changed that. I was first introduced to Chabon a few years ago when I reluctantly began reading The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay. When I finished it I believed

Cemetery of Forgotten Books

2009-11-17T22:28:00.003-04:00

One of my all time favorite books is Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon, I think I have actually mentioned this in a couple of blog posts. This year I had the pleasure of reading his new title The Angels Game. Both of these books are beautifully written and capture the reader in an amazing story, and both of these books mention a place in Spain know as the "Cemetery of Forgotten Books." In

Three Years Continued...

2009-11-17T00:28:00.002-04:00

Here are some more of my favorite posts from July and on this year...I threw a fit...More Costa Rica... this post and a bunch of others after it The Hate Crimes Bill and Senator Kennedy's Floor Remarks (with a section that mentions our attack) An oddly entertaining trip to a restaurant Why I need to write a bestselling book!When good customer services goes wrong... Letter to Freshman Are you

Three Years of Blogging

2009-11-12T12:11:00.003-04:00

I have been meaning to post this blog for a while now. On November 9, 2009 my blog turned three years old. Never in my wildest dreams did I expect to be writing the blog for this long when I first started but it has become a part of what I do. Some days I do it better than others but I do it. This year was a tumltous year, with lots of ups and downs, and it all was captured in my blog. Here are

Bill 18-482, Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Equality Amendment Act of 2009 Testimony

2009-11-07T13:56:00.002-04:00

Testimony by JRH on Bill 18-482, Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Equality Amendment Act of 2009 before the Committee on Public Service and the Judiciary on November 9, 2009. I would first like to thank DC City Council Member David Catania and the nine co-sponsors of Bill 18-482 for introducing a bill that will amend the law and allow for same sex couples to marry in the District of Columbia.

Same Sex Marriage in Washington D.C.

2009-11-06T17:33:00.001-04:00

Here is your chance to help make a difference: Same-gender marriage has 10 co-sponsors on a 13 member DC Council and is therefore expected to pass next week. As with any newly passed DC Act, Congress has the power to prohibit it from becoming DC Law within a 30-Day Review Period. It’s therefore critical to have the record reflect overwhelming support for marriage equality. I’m writing to ask you

Drunk Vampire

2009-11-03T16:33:00.002-04:00

So Vampires are the new hot thing, with the New Moon and that Vampire HBO show thingy (True Blood I think its called) Vampires are in the mainstream and popular. So, when a guy showed up to our party dressed as a Vampire on Friday, I didn't really think anything of it. I wasn't quite sure who this guy was but I figured he was a friend with the roommate, or a friend of a friend. Anyway, the party

Reasons 3026- 3052: Why The Doctor Is Amazing!

2009-11-02T16:04:00.002-04:00

3026- He planned a party and invited a bunch of my friends down to surprise me! 3027- He dealt with me wondering where the hell he was when he was picking up said friends at the airport. 3028- He made sure to invite even friends who lived in Brazil. 3029- He went that extra mile to try to keep all of these plans a secret from me. 3030- He refused to have a good time unless I had a good time3031-

Pi Pizza Update

2009-11-02T15:21:00.002-04:00

A couple of months ago I talked about our trip to Pi Pizzeria in Adams Morgan Washington DC. I mainly discussed how we had the most insane but enjoyable service from the owner, Heatherly Hajoligholi. This weekend when our friends were in from Boston (and spots they moved to from Boston) the Doctor and I took them to Pi Pizzeria so that they could experience what I had talked about in the

Why We Fight, Why We March, Why We Care and Why I Shed a Tear

2009-10-29T11:14:00.002-04:00

At the signing of the hate crimes bill, President Obama said the following: "We must stand against crimes that are meant not only to break bones but to break spirits" because "no one in America should ever be afraid to walk down the street holding the hands of the person they love." The fight isn't over, but we are making progress, I hope this law helps put people like Fabio Brandao behind bars,

How Do You Not Know The Kindle... and now The Nook!

2009-10-21T13:28:00.003-04:00

I was absolutely amazed today, and I realize that maybe I live in a different world, but I could have never imagined that the kids that work for me have never heard of things like an e-reader! Barnes and Noble launched their new e-reader the Nook yesterday, in the book selling world this is big news since the most popular one, the kindle, is an amazon product, the nook is Barnes and Noble, it

The Engagement Party

2009-10-18T18:18:00.005-04:00

Last night was the Engagement Party that I had planned. We have been engaged for one week and it seems like things have been absolutely crazy. I am pretty sure we haven't had a moment to stop and enjoy it even though it is pretty much all we have been talking about. And then the wedding of course. But yesterday, and last night was all about a celebration. It wasn't easy getting the Doctor to the

Why Did You March?

2009-10-12T12:39:00.002-04:00

I am back to the blog from a long unintentional hiatus and I wanted to write about the National Equality March. The March itself was impressive, I never expected the turnout and that allows the Doctor to get in a lot of I told you sos! The speeches were well prepared and uplifting, and I had a tear in my eye when Cynthia Nixon (Sex and the City) introduced Judy Shepard. And of course enjoyed

Random and Unrelated Thoughts

2009-09-15T18:35:00.001-04:00

A few months ago when I was discussing my blog with Mr NG he mentioned that my blog is like a brushstroke of American culture. I think he was being nice because generally I feel my blog is a rant of random and unrelated thoughts. Today's post will be a collection of some random and unrelated thoughts. First off, I delayed writing about the VMAs for a day in order to let some of the hubbub pass. I

And the Winner Is (or) More Drugs on Campus

2009-09-11T10:38:00.000-04:00

Part of running a college bookstore is getting to hear the stories as to why we should return textbooks for students who have lost their reciepts or have decided to return them after the final return date. Usually the stories are pretty standard, the dog at my receipt... family member died... my girlfriend was cleaning and threw it out sort of thing. And then you get a good one... "Yo, I need to

The Shopping Cart

2009-09-09T12:57:00.000-04:00

There are always good stories around Back to School Rush time, yet because I am working 16 plus hour days I rarely have time to write them. A couple of weeks ago, we were getting in at 6am to process online orders, and after working until 11pm the previous night we were a little punchy. My boss had pulled into the parking garage a few moments before me and I lazily parked next to her. We

Glee: So Excited

2009-09-09T10:01:00.002-04:00

Just in case you didn't know, Glee a new show on Fox has its season premiere tonight, I am so excited, and I just can't seem to get the words from "Don't Stop Believing" out of my head. Just a small town girl, living in a lonely worldShe took the midnight train going anywhere Just a city boy, born and raised in South DetroitHe took the midnight train going anywhereI seen her in a smokey room, the

A Letter to Incoming Freshman

2009-09-03T14:14:00.000-04:00

Dear College Freshman- My thoughts on this years incoming class can be summed up in one simple statement, "Please, oh please, tell me you are not actually this stupid!" Thank you,Your Bookstore Manager

RIP Senator Ted Kennedy

2009-08-26T11:18:00.002-04:00

I feel a need to say something here on my blog considering that Sen. Kennedy was a strong supporter of the Hate Crimes Bill. The Hate Crimes Bill that would protect and prevent attacks like the one that happened to my friends and I. He even used our case as part of his floor debate in favor of the Hate Crimes Bill. Senator Kennedy served his country with dignity and honor. He truly cared about

Honeymoon at Blue Osa

2009-08-25T22:47:00.003-04:00

Apparently, while I was in Costa Rica this past year I got married to a woman and I am now featured on the Blue Osa website under honeymoons. Yes, this picture was taken of me and a female during a photo shoot for the website while we were there. Don't we look like such a loving couple. A couple who is enjoying a romantic stroll down the beach. This photo was actually a blast to take as we were

Express Men: Good Customer Service Intentions Poorly Executed

2009-08-24T18:37:00.000-04:00

With the promotion, and Rush arriving at my store I needed some new clothes so that I looked AGM worthy. I have always been one of the youngest in my positions, and this one isn't much different, plus I look younger than I am,(Shut-up S... or I will spill your secret on this blog) so sometimes the clothes make the difference. During Rush I always try to dress with authority. Anyway back to the

The Attack: One Year Later

2009-08-22T13:40:00.005-04:00

Last year at this time I was being taken off to the Cape by the Doctor. Last year at this time I didn't know what happened to me. Last year at this time I didn't realize how lucky I was to be alive. I didn't know a year ago that I would have my head stomped on as Fabio Brandao and his friends screamed "die faggot die." The dreams came back this week. The one where I would remember the start of

Hello Promotion

2009-08-19T20:02:00.002-04:00

I got the promotion I have been working towards for the last nine months today! Finally! I guess today is a good day, we will see what tomorrow brings!

Inappropriate Interview Questions

2009-08-19T17:29:00.001-04:00

Our HR manager was conducting an interview over the phone yesterday when we had a blackout in the store. She insisted she didn't miss a beat and continued asking the normal questions she would ask any potential employee. However, we all believe that she may have slipped, just because we like to make fun of her. we just kept harassing her with innappropriate interview questions to ask in the dark!

Ode to Professionalism

2009-08-18T21:46:00.003-04:00

Yesterday I got a message on my phone from one of my former co-workers in Boston. She was sending me a link to an article in the NY Times about textbooks. She sent me the message on face book but I told her to email me on my work email. She titled the email "Ode to Professionalism" and the following is the string of messages that followed that very professional email. R: Now that you're in my

Being A Bad Blogger and American Idol

2009-08-17T08:49:00.001-04:00

So this past Friday I was sitting at home and reading some different ways to have a successful blog, and one of the things they suggest is to have a consistent theme. They tell you to write about the same area or subject. Well... I'm not very good at that because of my ADD! But I think I can make the argument that all the things going on in my mind is a single subject, its what's on my mind...

Why I Should Write A Bestselling Book!

2009-08-14T12:12:00.000-04:00

Earlier this week I was writing a blog post that I lost because the power in my computer somehow went out, mainly because I pulled the plug out of the wall. The post was about how I should write a book with all of the stories about working in the bookstore. Now, the post I was writing earlier in the week was about how things like being called by a former employee to bail them out of jail would

Concern or Hatred? I Go With Hatred

2009-07-31T09:03:00.000-04:00

This morning I was driving into work as I do most Fridays. Because of the traffic in DC, I generally listen to the local radio station on my way into work in the morning instead of the satellite radio. That way I get the traffic updates and know how late I am going to be to work. As I drove in this morning the station teased a caller who was concerned about her son having a gay roommate in

Welcome to My New House on TV

2009-07-30T00:07:00.002-04:00

So we are moving in August to a new Row House in DC, and the house was previously featured on HGTV's Curb Appeal. That means that my house is famous and yours is not!I am very excited about the move, but not the act of moving. Some of the highlights of the house are that it is 3 levels, it has a sun room, tons of outdoor space, two roof decks,a huge master bedroom, and a hot tub. But most

Pi: Pizza and WIne Bar

2009-07-24T18:55:00.005-04:00

I don't do restaurant reviews, I never will, it's not fair to the establishment because I am such a picky eater. However, last week we decided that we would go someplace different for dinner, after all we love the Diner but there are so many restaurants that it is crazy to keep going to the same place for months (although we do that most of the time). We decided to go to a pizza and wine bar that

Costa Rica: Post 5 My Time with My Books

2009-07-21T22:34:00.004-04:00

With a view like that how can you not lay in a hammock and read? One of our favorite pastimes in Costa Rica on this vacation was reading. When we went on this trip the one thing that I wanted to do was sit on the beach and read a book. I got to do this everyday and I couldn't have been happier. The Doctor even started reading a book, something he insists he hasn't done for fun in a long time. I

Costa Rica: Post 4 My Flip Flops Join the Umbrella

2009-07-18T17:43:00.005-04:00

One of the most effective ways to get around the Osa besides walking is on a Quad. Otherwise known as a four wheeler, since the Doctor didn't know what a Quad was before we went to Costa Rica. A Quad is generally made for one person, and sometimes two, but we were three so we needed to create a makeshift seat on the back for none other than myself when we were traveling. The first time we went

Sen. Ted Kennedy and The Matthew Shepard Amendment

2009-07-17T14:06:00.003-04:00

Today the Matthew Shepard Amendment and the bill it is attached to was passed in the Senate. This bill will expand federal hate crimes legislation, this amendment adds sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and disability to previous hate crimes statutes. After 12 years of struggle this bill finally passes. For some additional information please visit http://dym-sum.com/2009/07/17/no210 He

Costa Rica: Post 3 Hiking to the Waterfall

2009-07-16T20:11:00.002-04:00

On the first day we were at Blue Osa we took a hike that I didn't enjoy. The water wasn't working so a trip up to the spring in the middle of the jungle up the mountain was necessary. This hike involved a machete which should have been my first sign that I wasn't going to enjoy it, and as a matter of fact I never actually finished the hike because I stayed at the base of the mountain as the

Costa Rica: Post 2 Private Beach

2009-07-15T18:30:00.006-04:00

The beach we had at our resort was a very private beach. We could walk the beach for an hour and not run into anybody. Our cabina was about 100 meters off of the beach and we woke up and went to bed with the sound of the waves lapping up on shore. One of the amazing things about Costa Rica is that all of the beaches and the water are immediately adjacent to the jungle. During high tide in some

Costa Rica: Post 1 Losing an Umbrella

2009-07-14T18:05:00.003-04:00

Last night I just got back from Costa Rica... yes the second time this year, and since we didn't have any Internet I am going to post a few stories from Costa Rica here over the next few days. The first thing I want to write about is Friday night. The Doctor and I are in the middle of the jungle in Costa Rica on the Osa Peninsula with our friend Yogi A who is opening a hotel/ resort there. He was

FEDERAL HATE CRIMES BILL

2009-07-07T13:32:00.001-04:00

I just recieved the following email from Ted Kennedy's office- Just as a follow-up, we have included information about JRH's incident in our materials for the floor debate for the hate crimes bill. The bill will likely be on the floor in the next few weeks. I will try to send you a copy of the debate if incident is mentioned. Thanks for sharing Jonathan's story. I look forward to the day when

I Need Tall Buildings and Warm Water

2009-07-06T12:45:00.000-04:00

I will admit here that I was a raging b word yesterday and I apologize for being so darn grumpy. We had a crazy weekend this weekend with the Holiday, a large BBQ with my family and friends, and then on Sunday the Doctor wanted to go White Water Tubing in West Virginia. The BBQ was fantastic and apparently I raised the bar when it comes to family BBQ's... damn I am good. The problem arose with

A Prize In the Mess

2009-07-02T11:33:00.000-04:00

When I got back from Chicago my desk was covered with papers and packages, my desk is always covered when I get back from a trip, or even a day away from work. I neatly piled my packages on my desk, checked my emails and voicemails, handled what I needed to handle and then began going through the pile. Most of it was boring and was discarded immediately. At the bottom of the pile however, was a

Please Help

2009-07-01T11:48:00.001-04:00

So last night I tried to update and freshen up my blog, I uploaded a new template (which you don’t see here cause it didn’t work) and somehow managed to lose chunks of my formatting and add-ons even though I backed up my entire blog. Does anybody know how to work with blogger? How to reformat things? Maybe able to make things look fresh new and pretty? There are so many different things I see on

What Have You Done Today to Make you Feel Proud...

2009-06-30T22:39:00.004-04:00

June is Pride Month... In 1969 the seeds behind pride month were planted, this year marked the 40th anniversary of the birth of pride and was also important to me because of what happened to me since last year. Pride is not just about the parties, it is so much more. Pride is about equality, it is about our fight for our rights, our fight to be able to get married, our fight to be treated the

DYM-SUM Article

2009-06-29T17:21:00.002-04:00

A very good new friend of mine spent two hours on the phone with me about a week after the trial. David helped me write my statement for the protest that is included in his article here and he wrote a fantastic article about why we need to keep up the fight. Please follow the link, and continuously visit www.dym-sum.com. http://dym-sum.com/2009/06/25/no160/Please enjoy and think carefully about

JCH's Statement: Fabio Brandao Case

2009-06-25T13:51:00.001-04:00

Last week I posted my statement that was read at the protest. Today JCH's statement was posted on another site and I am sharing it here. I was obviously involved in what happened and experienced all that JCH is discussing, however, I cried when I read it. It is touching, and shows how an attack like this can impact people... please read and also visit www.dym-sum.com It was a night that was meant

Articles About Fabio Brandao and Protest

2009-06-25T13:35:00.000-04:00

Below are a few links to some of the articles that have been published about the protest and the attack. The more we talk about things the more we can change things. WASHINGTON BLADE ARTICLEhttp://www.washblade.com/2009/6-19/news/localnews/14728.cfmMETRO WEEKLY ARTICLEhttp://www.metroweekly.com/gauge/?ak=4356WEEKLY DIG ARTICLEhttp://www.weeklydig.com/%5Bcatpath%5D/200906/

Pride in Baltimore

2009-06-23T21:26:00.002-04:00

Saturday after work was my day to decompress, obviously last week was a very stressful week while I prepared my statement for the protest, the Blade article came out and I gave about three interviews regarding the attack, and the Fabio Brandao case. The case was all consuming last week, and I had to work at the store all week and Saturday. So when I got home from work on Saturday, the Doctor was

My Life on The D-List

2009-06-22T22:03:00.000-04:00

I rarely watch Kathy Griffin on Bravo, however last night we just happened to stop on the show while we were waiting to watch Weeds, and I am so glad we did... Last night Kathy and her clan were visiting Paula Deen at her house in Tenessee. Besides Kathy hitting Paula in the face with a switch, and Paula calling Kathy and her assistants serving at her sons restaurant a circle j#rk, there was

My Statement That Was Read At the Protest

2009-06-18T16:22:00.004-04:00

First off I want to thank everybody who has supported me and the community over the past weeks and months. Secondly, I owe a great deal of gratitude to four people who helped me write the statement below. First off, obviously the Doctor has been a huge support, secondly Mr. NG helped with my first draft. And new found friends Bradley Reichard and David Mailloux helped me finalize this statement

Not in Boston? Still Interested

2009-06-17T20:02:00.002-04:00

For those of you that aren't in Boston and are still interested in the statement that I have prepared for the protest tomorrow... I will release it here tomorrow around 4:30pm!

Rules For Running an Adult Kickball League

2009-06-15T12:29:00.001-04:00

1) Ensure you get permits so that you can play on the fields PRIOR to the start of the season. One can not play kickball without a field. Playing kickball in busy streets is dangerous. 2) At the beginning of the season make sure you provide your players and coaches with all the materials necessary in order to have a successful season. 3) Rule 3 piggybacks on rule 2- Make sure all of the players

Wait? How Did we Get Here

2009-06-13T17:37:00.002-04:00

Yesterday was an interesting day at work to top off a crazy week. Myself and my boss whom I have known for about 8 years had to go out to one of our offsite stores for a meeting with the coordinators. I swear the store is so far out in Virgina it feels like the middle of nowhere. The meeting went fine and we introduced our new manager. We walked the store and gave them a few tips and then moved

Protest Judge’s Decision to Free Convicted Gaybasher—No Jail Time!

2009-06-09T22:12:00.001-04:00

On Thursday, June 18th, at 4pm, Join the Impact MA and the Anti-Violence Project will protest a shocking miscarriage of justice in the case of an admitted gaybasher who left two victims lying in the street with brain injuries. The protest will take place on the sidewalks outside the Boston Municipal Court in downtown Boston/North End, at the corner of New Chardon and Merrimac Streets, near

The Doctor

2009-06-08T12:02:00.001-04:00

I have been holding off on this post for a while because the Good Doctor and his mother both read my blog, and I don't want to embarass the Doctor but with everything going on, I think its important that I write this post. For those of you that vomit at the sign or even mention of sappy sweetness, I don't reccomend reading on. For others feel free to read and enjoy (or make fun of me). Obviously

A Day In Bed

2009-06-05T13:32:00.001-04:00

Yesterday was my day in bed, it wasn't exactly the enjoyable kind of day in bed as I have the flu, but I think it is what was necessary. After everything that has been going on involving the Fabio Brandao case, and trial, and sentence, and press, and protest! Then you add on work and traveling and I was exhausted. No wonder I got the flu. When I woke up I felt like hell, I reached over, turned

Backlash to Fabio Brandao Sentence

2009-06-04T13:29:00.001-04:00

And here is the article run in Bay Windows regarding the Backlash to the Fabio Brandao sentence.http://www.baywindows.com/index.php?ch=news&sc=glbt&sc2=news&sc3=&id=92092

My Response Published in Bay Windows

2009-06-04T13:21:00.003-04:00

My response to the Fabio Brandao sentence was published today in Bay Windows. http://www.baywindows.com/index.php?ch=opinion&sc=letters&sc2=news&sc3=&id=91991

What If You Were Next?

2009-06-03T12:16:00.000-04:00

Over the past week I have been bombarded with comments and concerns regarding the Fabio Brandao case. I have found it hard to keep up with all of the messages. Facebook is really an amazing outreach tool and people have “friended” me from all over the country from all walks of life. Most people want to let me know that they stand with me, that they support the “cause” or that they have been

Post 300- And Its Time for A Funny Story

2009-06-02T00:29:00.001-04:00

After several posts in a row regarding my role in the Fabio Brandao case I think it is time for a good ole fashion bookstore story! A couple of weeks ago I was resetting one side of my sales floor, and the Bookstore Gods were very mad at me. It happens sometimes when nothing is really going your way, you drop things, the angry customers all come to you... in retail its normal! I guess in every

Back to Work After Fabio Brandao Trial

2009-06-01T11:29:00.000-04:00

Today is my first day back to work after the trial, and I am looking forward to the return to a little bit of normalcy. That does not mean, however, that I am forgetting about Fabio Brandao. Many of my employees knew that I was returning to Boston last week for the trial. Most of them did not know all of the details of the trial but they asked me how it went when they saw me walk in today. When

Fabio Brandao Makes Me An Unlikely Activist

2009-05-31T10:14:00.000-04:00

I am not one to be an activist, I am more likely to be the one who sits back and lets other people do the work. I generally figure that if I don't do it then someone else will... like the Doctor cooking for me, or the cleaning person cleaning the house! However, the Brandao situation is a bit different. Would I be speaking out if this hadn't happened? Probably not, but I guess good has to come

Why Keep Posting About Fabio Brandao

2009-05-30T10:15:00.000-04:00

Why do I keep posting about Fabio Brandao? I have a forum with my blog, an ability to reach out to people and keep them informed. No, I don’t have thousands of followers, nor a huge audience but I have the ability to write and let people know that what happened is not ok. Yesterday I received an email on Facebook from a former high school classmate. As I read it I got a little bit teary eyed.

Fabio Brandao Gets Off Easy- Globe Article

2009-05-29T18:20:00.003-04:00

Click on the title to read the article ran in the Globe today about Brandao gettng off easyhttp://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/05/29/victims_of_south_end_beating_say_assailants_sentence_too_light/

Response to Brandao Sentencing

2009-05-29T12:59:00.001-04:00

I was in court yesterday, and got to face my attacker for the first time. As a matter of fact it was the first time I saw my attacker. Fabio Brandao and his friends had beaten me so severely that I was unconscious in the middle of the street by the time they got into there car and pulled away. I knew I was hit hard, but because of the injuries I sustained I did not remember the violent attack.

Fabio Brandao Guilty

2009-05-27T16:06:00.002-04:00

Fabio Brandao guilty on all 9 counts including Civil Rights violations!

The Commonwealth v. Fabio Brandao

2009-05-26T17:18:00.003-04:00

It is Tuesday evening and I am sitting at BWI waiting for my slightly delayed flight to Boston. I am heading up to Boston because the trail against Fabio Brandao starts tomorrow. For those of you who don't remember the story I was attacked in Boston right before I moved down to DC because I was walking friends home after a night out. Here is the story from Edge Boston... Gay bashing on Columbus

2009-05-23T15:26:00.001-04:00

As I sit here in the park with children screaming I'm glad that my kids are animals (literally)

Silly Looking

2009-05-15T09:44:00.002-04:00

Have you ever really looked at students in their graduation regalia... like an entire horde of them... yeah, they look really silly, especially with that square hat, multi colored tassles and long hoods, then add on some honor cords and velvet stripes, just plain old silly!

The Bookstore Gods

2009-05-13T19:06:00.004-04:00

So the last few weeks have been crazy with end of term book buyback, and because I don't have a floor manager I had to run my in store buybacks and my offsite buyback by myself... the result is that on the busiest day I walked 15 miles and my feet were bleeding. I am serious it was a really crazy week... the good news was it started to die down today, so I started prepping my floor for summer

CALL TODAY

2009-04-28T17:32:00.002-04:00

As the survivor of a hate crime, I urge you all to call your US Representative TODAY and urge them to vot in favor of the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Act. (202) 224-3121.

That's Funny...

2009-04-27T22:52:00.002-04:00

I was reading my book at lunch today when my sandwich arrived. I put my book down on the table upside down so that the back cover was facing up. I eat some of my sandwich and then something on the back of the book catches my eye..."...son of Prince Charles's wife Camila..."I immediately reach over and turn the book over, and I think to myself... Funny, he doesn't look like he is the son of a

The Animals and the House

2009-04-25T18:09:00.012-04:00

So it is a georgeous day here in Washington DC and we are keeping it pretty low key, we went to brunch this morning around 11, and then my friend from Boston who is playing down here this weekend (DJR) came over for a bit. We BBQ'd a late lunch and now we are just enjoying the evening out on the front patio. See like I said nothing too exciting. Oh yeah, and then we cleaned this morning.So I

Revenge: Practical Joke Style

2009-04-24T14:28:00.003-04:00

Last week I was off on Friday, when I returned to work the following Monday my office had been redone. I was expecting it to be actually redone judging from the email I had received, but I was mistaken. When I walked in my desk was surrounded, floor to ceiling, with cardboard framing success boxes that had a "gnome sized" door for me to get into my office. The boxes were beautifully decorated and

People All Over

2009-04-21T17:10:00.002-04:00

I have mentioned this before but I think it is really cool that people from all over the world read all of the silly things I have to say on a day to day basis. Sure I don't get a million hits a day like some of the big blogging folk, but I do have over 6000 hits (sad I know) and they have come from all over the map. Below are the places that people have clicked on my blog from...United States (

Cleaning the Grill Can Be Hazardous

2009-04-20T20:55:00.003-04:00

We bought a grill a few weeks ago and since then we have become grilling fiends. Every night it seems rain or shine we are firing up the grill, and making dinner. Yesterday evening we were having a few people over and decided to make some meat and veggie skewers on the grill.We uncover the grill, and being that it is the first time we have grilled in the daytime we notice that the grill is a

Love Spring Days Off

2009-04-17T11:02:00.002-04:00

I am off today and for the next three days. I have to go back to work on Monday and it may be tough. My parents were supposed to come down today but my Dad had to work. So instead I am being lazy.I started my day by driving the Doctor to work and then I came home, sat down, and watched the Today show. Now I am going to shower and then hit up the Diner with my book for some lunch. I may even bring