Yes, We Can.

Although I didn't publicize it, I was on a self-imposed "blogging strike" until this moment. I wanted to blog about my trip to Europe that happened in September, about the completion of the DVD I created for work, about appearing in a short horror film, and about performing at Davenport's Piano Bar & Cabaret in Chicago. But none of that seemed as important as what I was reading in other blogs-- the critical state of the economy, the inane war in Iraq, and the upcoming presidential election.

I just watched the 16-minute speech given by Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States. I bawled like a baby, starting with his inclusion of the phrase "gay and straight," and continuing right through to his rallying cry of "yes, we can." I was literally sobbing at the end, as Joe Biden and his family joined Obama's family on the stage, holding hands and celebrating. The shots of the audience were inspiring, particularly a gay couple in an embrace, one of them in joyous tears.

The pendulum has begun to swing the other way.

The right way.

The only way.

It's time to put it all into perspective. Life, citizenship, action, equality, responsibility, democracy.

Stay tuned.

My boyfriends and I.

I was inspired to do this photo of myself with Adam Levine and George Eads, based on my TMI answer earlier today. Hmmm, Doug.... horny much? Bored much?

TMI Tuesday.

1. When was the last time someone hit on you? What went down?

April of this year. A guy decided we were in a relationship on our very first date. It felt more like a hook-up to me from the get-go, so I relented to going to bed with him. He started getting all cuddly and weird, talking in various foreign accents and referring to things that would be great to see in the future. I had to finally say, "I don't have sex on the first date. This was our first meeting. We had sex. Therefore, this was the last date." His response was, "Oh, so you got what you wanted, and that's it?" My reply? "No, I didn't really get what I wanted, and that's it." As to what went down? His self-esteem, my pride, and him. On me.

2. If you were single and could be with any one person, who would it be (thinking singer/actor or someone famous here, but whatever)?

George Eads from "CSI." He's my celebrity fantasy du jour. Or Adam Levine.

3. Have you ever had done anything sexual in your office or your place of employment?

Thankfully, no. Ewww. Such a turn-off.

4. Do you apologize when you make a mistake? How do you react when someone calls you out?

This question is kinda random, given this week's theme. Well, I prefer to be told in private rather than embarrassed in front of others. But if a mistake is corrected, it's a good thing, and of course I apologize. Unless I did it on purpose.

5. Top or bottom?

I used to think I was a top, but I've discovered fairly recently that I rather enjoy the bottom, too. So I am honestly versatile, with bottom proclivities. Though when asked, I will say. "I don't prefer top or bottom. I prefer 'next to.'"

Bonus (as in optional): How old were you when you first had a willing sexual experience?

Wow... without giving any details whatsoever... I was 14. And it was with a guy. My first and last time with a girl happened when I was 16.

Refrigerator Wisdom Wednesday.

An actual magnet on my fridge.

Hmmmmm... I disagree.

WHAT CAN IT BE?

The three following statements apply to the same things (or people).

What (or whom) did Kurt Vonnegut call "transvestite hermaphrodites representing absolutely nothing?"

Hemingway and Chandler and Stephen King "wouldn't be seen dead in a ditch with one (though Truman Capote might)."

And what (or whom) has been called "girly," "odious," and "most pusillanimous, sissified, and utterly useless?"

Click here for the answer.

Who knew? I always liked them.

TMI Tuesday.

You find a fairy. With a wave of their wand they can change anything for you.

What is the one thing you would change about your body?

I would be slim and have a nice chest and arms. Really, this guy's body would do me fine. My cock size is fine, my face is okay, my teeth I could have done. But a good torso takes work, so bring on the fairy. The one with the wand. Um, the magic wand.

What is the one personality trait you would change?

I'd like to not have bi-polar tendencies. Depression I keep under control with meds, but the anger side is not quite so easy to manage. I would no longer be short-tempered. It doesn't come out too often, but when it does, it's ugly.

What is the one thing about your job you would change?

I'd have one that I am passionate about, making at least as much as I do now.

What is the one thing about your home you would change?

I'm okay with my home, although getting a magic-wand wave from a fairy, I guess I'd want a bigger place, perhaps closer to the city.

Or a place in San Diego. Paid for.

What is the one thing about your Significant Other you would change?

Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ... I would end up with a Significant Other. Probably the wand-waving fairy.

Who is the one person you would poof out of your life and why?

A woman at work who annoys me. I get along pretty well with people in general, so she's the only one who comes to mind. She's a passive-aggressive, small-minded beeyatch.

Who is the one person you would poof back in and why?

This is too selfish. Bringing someone back only means they would have to die all over again, and losing them once was enough. There's no one living that poofed out of my life-- I'm lucky that way.

Just Jeans Monday.

The Countdown Begins.

I fly to Dulles and then head to Heathrow in exactly 18 days. And in 21 days, I embark on my western European cruise. We have two nights in London prior to the cruise, during which time we'll do touristy, sight-seeing-type activities... Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Parliament, etc. I also plan on eating some pub food... you know, bangers and mash and items of that ilk.

While cruising, we will have excursions in Paris (via Le Havre), Lisbon, Vigo, Malaga, Barcelona, Cannes, Tuscany, and ending in Rome.

My dad and his wife are extremely excited to be taking this trip; they email me every day. Sometimes they just send a message with the exact number of hours until the trip; other times they send handy little reminders ("Weigh your luggage at home to make sure it's under the 50-pound limit." "Bring a stapler in your suitcase to attach your luggage tags from the cruise line, because they aren't self-adhesive.")

I have never been overseas, so this will be a huge event for me.

TMI Tuesday.

Sheesh, has it been a week already?

1. What is your favorite song to have sex to?

One Gregorian chant or another. Because it's been that long.

No, I really don't have one... songs have so much meaning, memory and history for me that I would be distracted by music during sex. I would literally be playing an imaginary piano in my head (which I always do when I hear music). And it's hard to play piano with two hands while also putting your hands in two other places.

2. What is your vision of hell?

Being all alone, with no phone, and having really good gossip.

3. In the film made of your life, who will play you?

Someone once told me Jason Bateman. But I think Stephen Spinella would have more fun with the role. Actually, Mr. Spinella's getting up there in years, so perhaps he could play me in middle age and later.

4. What is the one thing you most urgently need to tell your mom?

That I'm not going to go to hell for being gay.

5. What will be carved onto your tombstone?

"What is your legacy?"

And the bonus: What is your drag name (which would be, first name: the name of your first pet; last name: the name of the street you grew up on)?

Now I heard that your soap opera character name is your middle name and the street you grew up on, and your drag (or porn) name is your first pet and your grandmother's maiden name. But going by this question, my drag name is "Sophie Ridgewood."

I prefer "Chloe Mydia."