Ah, bushy bushy bushy. Why do you have to sell off the screwed up, nostalgic/blurred images of times in the Old West? I had the unfortunately opportunity to hear George Bush compare the outskirts of Pakistan to the Wild West.
I'm waiting to when he'll compare Iraq to the fight at the Alamo, where in he'll go on and on dreamily about how Iraq terrorists are like Santa Ana and his troops and we are the noble Texans just wanting to protect land, oil and resources - uh, I mean, democracy. Bush will talk and talk about how courageous the Texans were against the Mexicans until he remembers the end. And what was it that happened to Santa Ana and his men? Oh yeah, they kicked Texan asses. And Bush, in realizing his mistake just a second too late, will switch to a remembrance of all things 9-11.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Monday, February 19, 2007
girls (and mamas) just wanna have fun
Traffic was so slow... How slow was it?
It was so slow last week on the way home I was able to have a conversation with the man on the motorcycle on the lane next to mine. As he made funny faces and I laughed, I realized I have been craving some fun. Everyone is so serious. I am too - it irks me. I was talking with my boyfriend Rudy (ALLGO survivor, ex-employee) about just how much talking, processing, divining it takes to have even simple conversations with women.
I like those kinds of conversations but, let's face it mujeres, we get too serious too fast. It's like bowling after 2 months of knowing someone is impossible because it would just be too childish and awkward and funny to have your butt up in the air and only knock down two pins. (Insert joke here.)
And as a mama, this is even more intensified - yada yada - we are the caretakers - blah blah - would you like a napkin? - AUGH! - just wipe your own butt already! I'm viewed as a mama even by fully-functioning adults all around me. Now, I'm gonna say it here - unless I say "come to mama" don't presume I'm going to act like the mama.
So, of course, I loved it when I saw Amelia and her mommy Penny and, with just one look, I was able to make Amelia scream my name out in the church. Usually it's the butches who are seen as the fun one, while mama gets called when someone falls off a bike. Amelia knows I am a good tickler and nothing's more fun that picking up an almost 2 year old and tickling her while turning her upside down. Adults should be able to see other sides of people and themselves just as easily.
It was so slow last week on the way home I was able to have a conversation with the man on the motorcycle on the lane next to mine. As he made funny faces and I laughed, I realized I have been craving some fun. Everyone is so serious. I am too - it irks me. I was talking with my boyfriend Rudy (ALLGO survivor, ex-employee) about just how much talking, processing, divining it takes to have even simple conversations with women.
I like those kinds of conversations but, let's face it mujeres, we get too serious too fast. It's like bowling after 2 months of knowing someone is impossible because it would just be too childish and awkward and funny to have your butt up in the air and only knock down two pins. (Insert joke here.)
And as a mama, this is even more intensified - yada yada - we are the caretakers - blah blah - would you like a napkin? - AUGH! - just wipe your own butt already! I'm viewed as a mama even by fully-functioning adults all around me. Now, I'm gonna say it here - unless I say "come to mama" don't presume I'm going to act like the mama.
So, of course, I loved it when I saw Amelia and her mommy Penny and, with just one look, I was able to make Amelia scream my name out in the church. Usually it's the butches who are seen as the fun one, while mama gets called when someone falls off a bike. Amelia knows I am a good tickler and nothing's more fun that picking up an almost 2 year old and tickling her while turning her upside down. Adults should be able to see other sides of people and themselves just as easily.
Friday, February 16, 2007
Freedom from Workplace Discrimination Act
S.A. State Rep files pro-gay bill in Texas House
from QSanAntonio
State Representative Mike Villarreal (D-San Antonio) filed a bill in the Texas Legislature on January 26 that would prohibit a wide range of discriminatory practices based on sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.
House Bill 900, the "Freedom from Workplace Discrimination Act," would ban discrimination based on one's actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. If passed, the law would provide for equal treatment in a variety of areas related to employment and the ability to live in a home or neighborhood of one's choice. The bill also provides a great opportunity to educate the public about the discriminatory environment and actions often faced by the GLBT community.
Villarreal, who represents District 123, has long been considered a friend to San Antonio’s GLBT community. The Stonewall Democrats of San Antonio honored him last September with an award for Political Advocacy. "Rep. Villarreal hopes he can count on the support of the community for this legislation," says Andrew Dupuy who serves on Villarreal’s staff as the liaison for GLBT bills. "This bill will require extensive support from citizens and community organizations to navigate the arduous legislative process. Action alerts and legislative updates sent to your members, and your organization's and members' letters, testimony, and phone calls -- all will make the difference in moving this bill through the legislative process."
Write a letter of thanks for Representative Villarreal at:
Capitol Office
Room CAP GN.10
P.O. Box 2910
Austin, TX 78768
Or, call him with your thanks: (512) 463-0532
Or, fax the letter to: (512) 463-7675
Or send him an email by using the email option on the House of Representatives website: http://www.house.state.tx.us/members/email.php?dist=123&rep=michael.villarreal
No matter how you say it, say thanks!
from QSanAntonio
State Representative Mike Villarreal (D-San Antonio) filed a bill in the Texas Legislature on January 26 that would prohibit a wide range of discriminatory practices based on sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.
House Bill 900, the "Freedom from Workplace Discrimination Act," would ban discrimination based on one's actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. If passed, the law would provide for equal treatment in a variety of areas related to employment and the ability to live in a home or neighborhood of one's choice. The bill also provides a great opportunity to educate the public about the discriminatory environment and actions often faced by the GLBT community.
Villarreal, who represents District 123, has long been considered a friend to San Antonio’s GLBT community. The Stonewall Democrats of San Antonio honored him last September with an award for Political Advocacy. "Rep. Villarreal hopes he can count on the support of the community for this legislation," says Andrew Dupuy who serves on Villarreal’s staff as the liaison for GLBT bills. "This bill will require extensive support from citizens and community organizations to navigate the arduous legislative process. Action alerts and legislative updates sent to your members, and your organization's and members' letters, testimony, and phone calls -- all will make the difference in moving this bill through the legislative process."
Write a letter of thanks for Representative Villarreal at:
Capitol Office
Room CAP GN.10
P.O. Box 2910
Austin, TX 78768
Or, call him with your thanks: (512) 463-0532
Or, fax the letter to: (512) 463-7675
Or send him an email by using the email option on the House of Representatives website: http://www.house.state.tx.us/members/email.php?dist=123&rep=michael.villarreal
No matter how you say it, say thanks!
On a personal note:
I had a really hard time at my last job because of general stupidity regarding gender and sexual orientation issues. But the hard time I had was nothing compared to the experiences of others. It's about time queers in Texas could receive some comfort in their places of work. Far too many of us are working class (especially in Texas) and the idea of leaving a job, despite abuse, is an impossibility. Bills like this one will encourage queers to use their voice, knowing they have full support of the laws.
I remember sitting in front of the executive director and the operations manager and telling them that I felt that I couldn't say anything when a co-worker used anti-gay language in front of me (even if I did indeed tell her something) and the executive director stated that their employee manual offered protections based on sexual orientation. When I asked her to show me because I had reviewed the manual previously, she pointed out all the other protections and looked at sexual harassment then said "oh, well, we mean to offer it, even if it's not listed, we have good intentions here and don't mean to show disrespect." When I told her that Texas doesn't have such a protection, she turned that information to make it the answer I did not want - that she no longer had to deal with this and it was probably just a one-on-one situation - not an issue which would benefit all the staff in having the discussion. Nice.
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
strange bedfellows
Guliani's running. Talk about trying to win no matter what. Republicans probably think this will bring gay votes, just as "Hispanics" tipped the party to put Little Bushy in the house seven years ago.
Check out the article to see how he's already covering his butt (yes, a pun) to not appear supportive of all things gay. Makes me wonder what LGBT rights he is in support of. Here's the record (from Lambda Legal):
NEW YORK STATE LAW
Relationship Protections
Licenses marriages for same-sex couples? No
Honors marriages of same-sex couples from other jurisdictions? Yes
Statewide relationship recognition for same-sex couples? No
2000 Anti-Marriage Bill Proposed. S.5228: Anti-marriage bill again sponsored by Senator Maltese (R), carried over from previous year. A.594: Anti-marriage bill again sponsored by Rep. Seminerio (D), carried over from previous year.
1995 Domestic partnership benefits. The Civil Service Employees Association, representing most (but not all) New York State public employees, reached an agreement to include domestic partnership benefits in its new contract.
Employment Protections
Statewide private employment protections based on sexual orientation? Yes, N.Y. CLS Exec. Law 296 (2005)
Statewide private employment protections based on gender identity? No
Are state employees protected from sexual orientation discrimination? Yes
2003 Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Act (S.720/A.1971). Signed by Governer Pataki on 12/17/02.
Hate Crimes Law
New York’s hate crimes law includes sexual orientation. Chapter 107 of the Laws of 2000.
p.s. I never did like Snickers. (choose snickers ad, 1st quarter) Just as we think gay acceptance is higher, communities are more receptive, etc., we are reminded, by political leaders and television, by our families and neighbors, that being gay is still viewed without education. If gay acceptance were really here, suicides like those of Rachel Crites and Rachel Smith wouldn't happen.
Check out the article to see how he's already covering his butt (yes, a pun) to not appear supportive of all things gay. Makes me wonder what LGBT rights he is in support of. Here's the record (from Lambda Legal):
NEW YORK STATE LAW
Relationship Protections
Licenses marriages for same-sex couples? No
Honors marriages of same-sex couples from other jurisdictions? Yes
Statewide relationship recognition for same-sex couples? No
2000 Anti-Marriage Bill Proposed. S.5228: Anti-marriage bill again sponsored by Senator Maltese (R), carried over from previous year. A.594: Anti-marriage bill again sponsored by Rep. Seminerio (D), carried over from previous year.
1995 Domestic partnership benefits. The Civil Service Employees Association, representing most (but not all) New York State public employees, reached an agreement to include domestic partnership benefits in its new contract.
Employment Protections
Statewide private employment protections based on sexual orientation? Yes, N.Y. CLS Exec. Law 296 (2005)
Statewide private employment protections based on gender identity? No
Are state employees protected from sexual orientation discrimination? Yes
2003 Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Act (S.720/A.1971). Signed by Governer Pataki on 12/17/02.
Hate Crimes Law
New York’s hate crimes law includes sexual orientation. Chapter 107 of the Laws of 2000.
p.s. I never did like Snickers. (choose snickers ad, 1st quarter) Just as we think gay acceptance is higher, communities are more receptive, etc., we are reminded, by political leaders and television, by our families and neighbors, that being gay is still viewed without education. If gay acceptance were really here, suicides like those of Rachel Crites and Rachel Smith wouldn't happen.
Monday, February 05, 2007
Cuban Jokes (is this an oxymoron?)
My mother's tapping the Cuban vine this morning. She and countless others are awaiting the latest on a now fresh Castro, healthier than ever. So, she got this horrible/wonderful jokes that I had to post because they had me laughing out loud (people is neighboring offices grew quiet, waiting for a second voice to come from my office):
Joke #1:
Fidel dies and goes to heaven. When he gets there, St. Peter tells him that he is not on the list and that no way, no how, does he belong in heaven. Fidel must go to hell.
So Fidel goes to hell where Satan gives him a hearty welcome and tells him to make himself at home. Then Fidel notices that he left his luggage in heaven and tells Satan, who says, "No hay problema, I'll send a couple of little devils to get your stuff."
When the little devils get to heaven they find the gates are locked - St.Peter is having lunch - and they start debating what to do. Finally, one comes up with the idea that they should go over the wall and get the luggage. As they are climbing the wall, two little angels see them, and one angel says to the other, "My goodness! Fidel has been in hell no more than ten minutes and we're already getting refugees!"
Joke #2:
St. Peter came to the Lord and said, "I have to talk to you. We have some Cubans up here who are causing problems. My flute is missing, mojo sauce is all over their robes, they are making guayaberas from their robes, they have domino tables in the cafeteria, and they're wearing baseball caps instead of their halos. They refuse to stop making Cuban coffee on the heaven's stairs, and some of them are walking around with just one wing."
The Lord said, "Cubans are Cubans, Peter. Heaven is home to all my children. If you want to know about real problems, call the Devil".
The Devil answered the phone "Hello? Damn, hold on a minute".
The Devil returned to the phone, "O.K., I'm back. What can I do for you?"
Peter replied "I just want to know what kind of problems you're having down there".
The Devil said "Hold on again. I need to check on something". After about 5 minutes the Devil returned to the phone and said "I'm back. Now what was the question?"
Peter said "What kind of problems are you having down there?" The Devil said "Man, I don't believe this....Hold on". This time the Devil was gone 15 minutes.
The Devil returned and said, "I'm sorry Peter, I can't talk right now. Those damn Cubans have put out the fire and are trying to install air conditioning."
Joke #1:
Fidel dies and goes to heaven. When he gets there, St. Peter tells him that he is not on the list and that no way, no how, does he belong in heaven. Fidel must go to hell.
So Fidel goes to hell where Satan gives him a hearty welcome and tells him to make himself at home. Then Fidel notices that he left his luggage in heaven and tells Satan, who says, "No hay problema, I'll send a couple of little devils to get your stuff."
When the little devils get to heaven they find the gates are locked - St.Peter is having lunch - and they start debating what to do. Finally, one comes up with the idea that they should go over the wall and get the luggage. As they are climbing the wall, two little angels see them, and one angel says to the other, "My goodness! Fidel has been in hell no more than ten minutes and we're already getting refugees!"
Joke #2:
St. Peter came to the Lord and said, "I have to talk to you. We have some Cubans up here who are causing problems. My flute is missing, mojo sauce is all over their robes, they are making guayaberas from their robes, they have domino tables in the cafeteria, and they're wearing baseball caps instead of their halos. They refuse to stop making Cuban coffee on the heaven's stairs, and some of them are walking around with just one wing."
The Lord said, "Cubans are Cubans, Peter. Heaven is home to all my children. If you want to know about real problems, call the Devil".
The Devil answered the phone "Hello? Damn, hold on a minute".
The Devil returned to the phone, "O.K., I'm back. What can I do for you?"
Peter replied "I just want to know what kind of problems you're having down there".
The Devil said "Hold on again. I need to check on something". After about 5 minutes the Devil returned to the phone and said "I'm back. Now what was the question?"
Peter said "What kind of problems are you having down there?" The Devil said "Man, I don't believe this....Hold on". This time the Devil was gone 15 minutes.
The Devil returned and said, "I'm sorry Peter, I can't talk right now. Those damn Cubans have put out the fire and are trying to install air conditioning."
Friday, February 02, 2007
La Streppy
Tigrette (a.k.a. "La Streppy") had strep throat so, of course, this blog is about my suffering through it all. I am amazed I didn't get sick. Tigrette is always the most loving when she is sick so there were endless kisses on the mouth, long hugs, sips out of my drink, using my toothbrush, uncovered sneezes and coughs - it goes on and on. There's a reason, long ago, that we named her Typhoid Delhi. The girl knows how to pass it around. Worse, she would kiss you then say "I'm contagious".
The first day she was actually sick was Friday so my mother, who doesn't work on Fridays, took her. Saturday and Sunday were the first full days of glorious sun in a number of weeks - reason enough to go outside and do nothing. Tigrette wanted to reattach the placental bond by sitting in my lap all day and watching movies. She needed comforting. I needed a dose of sunshine and independent time.
Come Monday, with her no better, I took her to my doctor (who is great!) and we found out she did have Strep. Tigrette was healthy and alert enough to remind me I could hide some cool magazines in her jacket but, upon returning home, wasn't healthy enough to eat, throw trash away or pick up her socks from throughout the house.
My first question to the doctor was "When can she return to school?", to which the doctor replied she could return Wednesday. I knew she was feeling better Tuesday morning when she picked three little fights with me by 9 a.m. I was ready to medicate her and send her to school anyway.
By Tuesday night I was begging my mother to take her for an hour. I had all these plans! Go to the bookstore, buy a cup of coffee and sit outside, make a call, do some writing. All I did was take a nap. I'm still tired and it's Friday!
She managed to look beautiful and refreshed by Thursday when they had pictures taken. I remember years and years of minor "issues" which always meant my pictures were horrible. Sick for 3 days to return on picture day wearing a god-awful periwinkle and pale yellow shirt with a collar and (augh!) skinny tie (how could my mother not have known I was a dyke?). That's just the memory of 7th grade pictures.
The first day she was actually sick was Friday so my mother, who doesn't work on Fridays, took her. Saturday and Sunday were the first full days of glorious sun in a number of weeks - reason enough to go outside and do nothing. Tigrette wanted to reattach the placental bond by sitting in my lap all day and watching movies. She needed comforting. I needed a dose of sunshine and independent time.
Come Monday, with her no better, I took her to my doctor (who is great!) and we found out she did have Strep. Tigrette was healthy and alert enough to remind me I could hide some cool magazines in her jacket but, upon returning home, wasn't healthy enough to eat, throw trash away or pick up her socks from throughout the house.
My first question to the doctor was "When can she return to school?", to which the doctor replied she could return Wednesday. I knew she was feeling better Tuesday morning when she picked three little fights with me by 9 a.m. I was ready to medicate her and send her to school anyway.
By Tuesday night I was begging my mother to take her for an hour. I had all these plans! Go to the bookstore, buy a cup of coffee and sit outside, make a call, do some writing. All I did was take a nap. I'm still tired and it's Friday!
She managed to look beautiful and refreshed by Thursday when they had pictures taken. I remember years and years of minor "issues" which always meant my pictures were horrible. Sick for 3 days to return on picture day wearing a god-awful periwinkle and pale yellow shirt with a collar and (augh!) skinny tie (how could my mother not have known I was a dyke?). That's just the memory of 7th grade pictures.
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