Due to Technical Difficulties...

For some reason, the signal I am getting on my internet line at home is very weak, so I am unable to connect while at home. Since that's where I do 99% of my blogging, it's been a bit of a hindrance; hence, no posts for awhile.

I shall return on or shortly after Saturday, when a technician from the cable company is coming to fix the problem.

See you soon!

Number Three Has Happened.

No, I'm not speaking of Heath Ledger. While I am terribly saddened by his death at such a young age, I believe there is someone else who completes the Suzanne Pleshette-Allan Melvin trio.

That would be Ms. Lois Nettleton. If you're not familiar with her, for shame! She was an amazing actress, graceful, charming, funny... I always felt like I knew her personally. Her performance as Blanche DuBois in a 1973 Broadway revival of "Streetcar named Desire" was heralded by critics. "This is a Blanche . . . who has been to hell and back and yet retains her innocence," wrote critic Clive Barnes in a review for the New York Times. "Miss Nettleton plays Blanche as a woman of nearly unshatterable courage."

She died at the age of 80 of lung cancer. I came to love her as a regular guest on "The $20,000 Pyramid." But I will never forget her guest appearance on "The Golden Girls" as a lesbian who falls for Rose. Brilliant.

So... Heath Ledger and Brad Renfro can be part of a different trio. But Lois is the third I was waiting for, sadly.

TMI Tuesday.

It's all about books! And I'm a librarian! Big friggin' deal!

1. What was your favorite book as a kid?
Oh, I always loved “My Father’s Dragon”, as well as “A Wrinkle in Time.”

2. If you were stranded on that proverbial desert island (again!), what book or books (up to 5) would you want to have with you?
I would definitely want “The Stand” by Stephen King, “Flesh & Blood” by Michael Cunningham, “Naked” by David Sedaris, “Letters From a Nut,” by Ted L. Nancy, and “The World Almanac.”

3. What was the first "naughty" book you read and in what way was it naughty?
I read “Flowers in the Attic” and almost all of its sequels, and they had some titillating sex in them... and since they were aimed at girls around my age, they always described the male characters in terms of sex appeal.

4. If you were to publish your autobiography today, what would be the title?
Either “Legacy,” “I Get That a Lot,” or “This Life is a Gyp!”

5. Would you rather look at nude pictures/pornography or read erotic fiction and why?
Pictures... I can make up my own fiction in my mind, but the visuals really turn me on. I read once that it’s a guy thing.

Bonus (as in optional):Do you know the whereabouts today of the first person with whom you had sex?
Nope... he was a hottie, too. A male nurse, about 10 years older than me. Italian. No idea whatever happened to him.

A Meme of Randomness.

1. What is in the back seat of your car right now? Fortunately, less than usual. A towel, and a box full of cd’s.
2. When was the last time you threw up? Thankfully, it has been awhile.
3. What’s your favorite curse word? Jesus Fucking H Christ All-Goddam-mighty!!
4. Name 3 people who made you smile today? Penny, Boyfriend (just thinking about him), and Jill.
5. What were you doing at 8 a.m. this morning? Getting ready for work.
6. What were you doing 30 minutes ago? Trying to figure out a way to make more space in my department.
7. Where were you born? Milwaukee, WI.
8. Have you ever been to a strip club? No, but I saw strippers up close and personal once at Temptations Bar.
9. What is the last thing you said aloud? Oh, really?
10. What is the best ice cream flavor? Peanut butter cup.
11. What was the last thing you had to drink? Coffee.
12. What are you wearing right now? Black pants, duck shoes, blue silk sweater, navy t-shirt.
13. What was the last thing you ate? A Krispy Kreme donut.
14. Have you bought any new clothes this week? Yes.
15. Where were you last? At home.
16. What’s the last sporting event you watched? Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha.
17. Who won? See answer to 16.
18. Who is the last person you sent a comment/message while blogging? Stephen.
19. Ever go camping? Yes, but it was a long time ago!
20. Where do you live? Bloomingdale, IL.
21. What song are you listening to? None currently.
22. Do you tan? No. Just call me Lobster Boy.
23. Do you drink your soda from a straw? Not at home, but always when I’m out.
24. What did your last text message say? Can’t remember.
25. Who’s your best friend? Lots of great friends, but Michael is my best.
26. What are you doing tomorrow? Working, then going to the dentist, then home for “Project Runway.”
27. Where is your mom right now? At home in Huntley, IL.
28. Look to your right, what do you see? A box of Kleenex, a silver bucket full of lollipops, and lots and lots of books.
29. What color is your watch? Today it is silver with a black band.
30. What do you think of when you think of where you live? A cute little townhouse that becomes more me every day.
31. Ever ridden on a roller coaster? Yes. Used to like it, until my brain surgery.
32. What is your birthstone? Sapphire.
33. Do you go in at a fast-food place or just hit the drive through? Usually a drive-through person.
34. What is your favorite number? 2
35. Do you have a dog? Yes, my Westie named Bailey, who is almost 12.
36. Last person you talked to on the phone? Someone at work.
37. Have you met anyone famous? Lots... my friend Jackie used to invite me to the annual Chicago Film Critics Awards, as she works for a major corporation that used to sponsor the awards. Among the luminaries I have met, both there and elsewhere:
Oliver Stone, Nicolas Cage, Cuba Gooding, Martin Landau, Shelly Long, Betty Buckley, Liz Callaway, DW Moffett, William Peterson, Bonnie Hunt, Kevin Andersen, Fred Willard, Roger Ebert, Harold Ramis, Randy Newmann, Julia Stiles, Kathy Bates, Ian McKellan, Gary Sinise... I’m sure there are more.
38. Any plans today? Work, then home to relax for the evening.
39. How many states have you lived in? Wisconsin (ever so briefly) and Illinois.
40. Ever go to college? Yes—BM from Elmhurst College and MLS from University of Illinois.
41. Where are you right now? At work.
42. Biggest annoyance in your life right now? Winter—cold, snow, ice.
43. Are you struggling to forgive someone right now? No... that shouldn’t be a struggle either way. You either forgive and forget or never forgive... not really ever a question with me... although I tend to forgive in general.
44. Are you allergic to anything? Penicillin, pine, and Splenda.
45. Favorite pair of shoes? Not really... I guess I most enjoy my slippers.

Waiting for Number Three.

I was so saddened to learn today that two of my favorite people from my childhood (and beyond) have passed away.

Suzanne Pleshette has died at the age of 70. Naturally, I adored her as Emily, the sassy but loving wife of Bob Newhart on his first tv show. I also squealed with delight when his second series, Newhart, ended with him discovering that the entire series had been a dream and he was back in bed with Emily.

But I also loved her in her few guest appearances on Will & Grace as Karen's grifter/mother. I loved how she called Karen "KiKi." I'm so sad she's gone.

The second death? Sam the Butcher. Actor Allan Melvin has passed. He also voiced "Magilla Gorilla," one of my favorite cartoons of my youth. He was on "All in the Family / Archie Bunker's Place," too, but I didn't care for those shows. No, he was and forever shall be Sam the Butcher.

Rest in peace.

What Am I Sick Of?

Boyfriend and I are both ill with colds, so we were unable to go to the premiere of "Three Days of Rain" presented by the theatre group to which I belong. Sure, we'll have plenty more opportunities to see it, but tonight he was to meet, among other friends, AnnieGrace! I'm terribly bummed.


Feeling headachy and a little congested, I am in a pissy mood. So, I've decided to make a random list of things or people I have had enough of. Let's begin:







Baby-doll dresses and tops: they make everyone look pregnant. I abhor them.















Paris Hilton



Britney, her sister, her mom, her ex-, her boyfriend, her babies, her lawyers, et al



Commercials where "apply directly to forehead" is repeated several times-- or any other commercial lampooning this phrase repetition



Disrespectful middle-schoolers



The writers' strike



Reality shows-- with the exception of "Project Runway," "Dancing with the Stars," and "American Idol"
















Tom Cruise and his "wife"




Movies or tv shows featuring an African-American man playing many roles, among them an older, fat, African-American woman













Pop-up ads mimicing dialog boxes telling me to click for my prize, or any pop-up mortgage ad featuring a scary animated dancing person or creature



The View



Clay Aiken



Tattoos





Broadway musicals based on movies that were bad movies to begin with









Paper-wasting "neighborhood shopper" newspapers that are in my mailbox almost every day



The war, the administration, the impending election ads



Commercials for Washington Mutual (WaMu) featuring a nice young African-American man against a large group of fat old white male bankers




YouTube losers being touted as celebrities










Anything related to "High School Musical"-- sequels, stars, ice show incarnations, tours, amateur productions



















Spam email that assumes I have a small penis, trouble getting it up, or an interest in "teen barnyard sluts"


Will Farrell

Thanks for letting me rant. I feel ever so much better now.

'Nuff Said Friday.

I'm such a slacker!

Here, for your consideration, is Pat Burrell.

TMI Tuesday.

1. If you could live in any home on a television series, what would it be?



Wow, it's a toss-up between the Bewitched house and the Brady Bunch house... because I spent so much time in both of them, I'd feel at home in either one. Incidentally, my two favorite tv dads were Mike Brady and Darrin Stephens (#2), both played by gay actors. Not surprised.





2. If you had a clone, what would you make it do so you could have free time?


Go to work for me. Duh. I have direct deposit, so I could just basically shop all the time.

How shallow of me.



3. Who was your best friend when you were 8? When you were 13?


When I was 8? Hmmmmm.... I guess it was Eugene Buza. He was supposed to be a grade ahead, but he was held back. He had lots of issues, and my siblings made fun of him (behind his back), but he was pretty funny and we got into lots of trouble together. Sadly, he was riding his bike and hit by a car and killed at the age of 30 or so.


When I was 13? It was Wendy Rezab, my then girlfriend. She moved away at the end of freshman year of high school. I just tracked her down a little over a year ago and came out to her on National Coming Out Day. She was my first kiss... with a girl, I mean. Her breath always smelled of onions. That's why I'm gay.



4. If you could travel anywhere, where would it be & why?





I don't know... I've never been outside North America, really, so anywhere in Europe would be a start. Austria and Switzerland appeal to me. And Greece (specifically, Mykonos) ... for the men. (Again, I'm feeling kinda shallow tonight.)





5. Would you hate losing your sight or hearing most?


Hearing. Period. I'm a musician.



Bonus (as in optional): Nature or nurture?


NATURE! I don't blame my tv dad role models or my onion-breathed first girlfriend.

And stop asking this question, world.

'Nuff Said Tuesday.

A day late, the adorable Christian Maelen, from I Think I Do.

Images of him are hard to come by; see the movie.

We've Gone to the Dogs.

Saturday night was the fateful night when my Boyfriend and I decided to introduce his two dogs (a 1 1/2 year old pit bull and an 8 month old black lab mix) to my dog (a nearly 12-year-old Westie). Boyfriend and I met at his place and loaded his dogs and one of their (collapsible) kennels in my car (his car isn't big enough) and the other kennel in his car.

We met at a park just down the street from my house, and I went home to get Bailey. When all three dogs first met, it was a little rough. Gideon, the lab, thought perhaps Bailey was a chew toy. Poser, the pit bull, was only mildly interested, and Bailey wanted nothing to do with either of them. Just then Boyfriend realized he'd left the kennel-- th one thing that he was supposed to bring-- leaning against the fence by his garage. We decided he would go back home with Gideon and get the kennel, while I would let Poser and Bailey get to know each other. Which they did, and they were both pretty cool with the whole thing.

About 80 minutes later, Boyfriend and Gideon returned. It was a blessing that Gideon had done so much time in the car; his tummy doesn't travel well, so he was pretty tuckered out and relatively sedate. We let the three dogs hang out for a bit and sniff around. Mostly the younger dogs wanted to play and Bailey, like a crabby old man who dislikes children, grumbled for them to leave him be. And they respected him, even cowered. Ever the alpha male, that's my Bailey.

So we put all three in the guest room in their kennels, side-by-side, for the night. This way they could smell and see each other, but remain in their safe cocoons. The next morning was still a little tentative, but they were all much more at ease. We crated them again for a bit while we went to brunch, and when we returned it was better still. Since Boyfriend didn't have to work today, he and the boys stayed again last night and we did the same routine. All is well.

What a relief to have that hurdle crossed. It will get easier when the families are blended, and we've laid a good foundation and done it cautiously.

Okay, So Here's the Latest.

My boyfriend and I continue to be madly in love. It's been nearly two months since our first meeting, and we talk for at least an hour every night before bed. We typically see each other on weekends, although he came over last night (Thursday) for a little visit.

We got to talking about my ex, whom he has met. He asked, "May I pry? Why did you break up with him again?" I reminded him of the reason-- that the ex had met someone else (online, long-distance, whom he had never met face-to-face) and fallen in love. I took that as my cue to end what was already a sad relationship. Ex and I had not been intimate for quite sometime, and we had fallen out of love.

This panicked the Boyfriend, who immediately became concerned that our "no sex for six months" rule would take its toll on me and cause the end of the relationship. I calmed his fears as best I could, reminding him that I wanted to honor the decision we had made. Well, we ended up getting extremely intimate, and exploring some new activities while not actually experiencing the "big event." I told him that I didn't want him to compromise his ideals, that I was willing to wait until May. I assured him that I wasn't going anywhere, and that the intimacy and affection we share is already so far beyond what I have ever enjoyed with anyone else (especially the ex) that I have no qualms about waiting for sex (or "making love," as he insists it will be called).

It was really heartfelt and open, and I am so loving that we are letting it unfold. I have a feeling it won't be six months before we actually consummate the relationship, and that it will happen when it feels right for both of us. Meantime, it's so great to discover each other's bodies, features, skin, lips, hair a little at a time. It's like unwrapping a present when you already know what's inside. Like, "I know it's a sweater, but what color? What is it made of? I hate to tear this beautiful paper, so I'm going to take my time. I can wear the sweater and enjoy it as much as I want after I see it, but I only get to open it for the first time once. I want it to last."

Take it slow, breathe, relax, let it happen...

Things That Always Make Me Laugh.

These never get old for me.

The first is a Monty Python Sam Peckinpah film spoof.




Another Monty Python sketch.




And a commercial parody from the "Kentucky Fried Movie."




And finally, a real commercial which I saw several times before it was banned.

'Nuff Said Thursday.

Where have I been? I just discovered the gorgeous

Michael Horta.

My Pet Peeves.

Okay, I have a lot of pet peeves... the usual, you know. People who dial a number on their cell phone, then start up the car and talk incessantly while driving. Or people talking on a cell phone loud and clear in a store or a public place with no regard for others around them. In fact, a good many of my pet peeves are associated with the cell phone.

But it's grammar that's on my mind today. I'm talking about very simple, very basic, yet very common mistakes that an alarmingly huge percentage of the population is making.

The worst-- by far-- is the use of an apostrophe with a plural s. "Cookie's for sale here." "No exchange's." I could go on and on, but you get the idea. If you do this, please stop. And on the subject of apostrophes, it might be a good idea for everyone to double-check the old rule about "it's" and "its." This is probably the most common grammatical error in the English

language, but if we all try very hard, we can correct it.

The other one I'd like to address today is the dangling participle. The worst offenders with regard to dangling participles or misplaced modifiers are newswriters, both on radio and television. Here is an example:

"Missing for three weeks, police found her remains in a nearby garbage dump."

The implication of this sentence is that the police were missing for three weeks. The corrected sentence makes it even worse:

"Police found her remains, which had been missing for three weeks, in a nearby garbage dump."

Well, her remains weren't missing; she was. A better version of this sentence would be:

"Police found the remains of the woman, who had been missing for three weeks, in a nearby garbage dump."

Seriously, this is an extremely common error. Next time you're bored watching or listening to a news report, try to catch one of these. You'll be surprised how often you run across them. Here is a wonderfully helpful guide you can use to find them... and to avoid them.

Yes, perhaps I'm being a harshly judgemental Virgo. Perhaps I'm making a big fuss over something many would consider trivial. But I take pride in what I learned at a young age and I believe it's important to remember and respect the guidelines and rules for intelligent writing.

I feel so much better now.

TMI Tuesday.

1) Do you have/ever had any dating or sex superstitions? (Wear 'lucky jeans' on first date, always light a vanilla candle, etc.) If so, what are they?

I’m not that superstitious about dating or sex. Despite almost 3 years of dating, there were no tricks that I would have used or needed. It’s all about fate and chemistry.

2) If you were stranded on the old deserted island, and a genie appeared who could only grant you one wish -- to bring one of the following people to join you, who would it be? - your spouse/significant other - an unrequited love or some person you've had a crush on - an old/past love - your best friend

My significant other is now my best friend, so that answers that.

3) Tell us "weather or not" you're in the mood -- how does rain, snow, sleet, scorching heat, sweltering humidity etc. affect your libido.

Well, I’m always in the mood, and I sleep nude year-round (thank the good lord for electric blankets), but I am much more horny in the summer.

4) Are you a crying drunk, an angry drunk, a 'I'm drunk, let's screw' sort of a drinker? (And, if you do not drink -- which one of those things is the reason?)

I don’t drink enough anymore to actually get drunk—I’m on meds and I grew up with an alcoholic father—but when I used to binge drink, I got horny and very honest.

5) Who turns you on the most & why: [the activist, the author, the care-giver/healer (nurse, doctor, masseuse, herbalist, chiropractor, etc.), the comedian, the educator (professor, teacher, mentor etc.), the model, the musician, the politician, the scientist]

The care-giver/healer is noble, and I’m turned on by the idea of having sex with him and seeing the not-so-noble side of him… also the idea of getting to “give” to him for a change.

Bonus (as in optional): Looking back, what's the one thing you've done which was supposed to be erotic, but didn't quite work out?

Sex in a bathtub. Jizz and water do not mix, and the clean-up is frightful.

'Nuff Said Monday.

Frederic Deltour.

A Terrible Oversight.

I have scarcely mentioned him, and I don't have a very current photo, but it occurred to me that I have never posted about my sweet dog, Bailey. He's a West Highland terrier who came from a private home in Oak Brook. He is going to be 12 years old on April 22, and for an old boy he's in pretty good health and spirits most of the time.

He suffered from some jaw cancer when he was just a puppy. Fortunately, they did not have to remove any of the jawbone... but he has no teeth on the lower right side of his mouth. He is a very sweet and loving dog. The only time he makes a growl is when he is being picked up, and that started from the time he was a tiny puppy.

I feel terrible when I spend the night at Michael's, because it means Bailey is alone. Granted, he has the run of the house, and I leave the tv on for him, and he hasn't peed or pooped at all. Still, he needs to be with me, and it would be nice to take him with me for overnights at Michael's. So... very soon, we will be introducing Bailey to Michael's giant-sized (but puppy-aged) dogs. That should be interesting. I wonder if valium is okay for situations like that? (For me, not the dogs!)

More Post-Holiday Luxury.

I spent some more of my gift cards on a lovely sweater. I had some gift cards which can be used at the Gap, Old Navy, or Banana Republic, so I tried the Gap first. Disappointing. After looking around at Banana Republic, I found the perfect sweater. Isn't it handsome? It bothers me a bit that the Banana uses mature-looking models. Does this mean their clothes appeal to that age group? Never mind that I'm in that age group...

Anyway, I love it. And I didn't pay a penny for it. And it's warm.

And I look good in it, if I do say so.

Better than that old guy in the picture.

Post-Holiday Luxury.

The Starbuck's Gift Card is a lovely thing to receive. I so enjoy the Cafe Verona, strong, with lots of light cream and 1 1/2 teaspoons of organic sugar (thank you, Michael, for turning me on to that).

I received many Starbuck's Gift Cards for Christmas this year. When I added the total amount of all of them, I discovered I had a whopping $80 worth. So I decided to visit Starbuck's to see what I could do with all that money (besides buying 40 cups of coffee).

And then I saw it. The Krups Burr Grinder. I salivated when I saw it... similar to the way I salivate at photos of certain hot men. It was not cheap, but at $60, it was within my gift card price range. Oh, it's amazing. I've had coffee grinders before, but this one has a coarseness setting, as well as a "number of cups" setting. I can now pour in the whole Verona beans, choose coarse (for my percolator), and choose the number of cups. No thinking required, no measuring, just lots of good, fresh, delicious coffee.

I've been awake for days.

TMI Tuesday.

Happy New Year! I was delighted to see Stephen is back in town and blogging again!

1. Last week was "The Most Wonderful time of the Year", but what are your favorite 2007 memories?

Buying my first house, moving in, and decorating it.

The Wizard of Oz.

The Dining Room.

Fifth of July.

Showtune.

A Midsummer Night's Cabaret.

The Annual SOC Benefit with AnnieGrace and friends.

Any Stephen / AnnieGrace event (AIDS Walk, Larry Sloan Awards, Disco Ball)

Falling in love with Michael.

2. What is the best thing you learned in 2007?

Patience, both in love / relationships, and in life.

3. On a scale of 1-10, how good was your 2007?

I'd give it an 8, especially because of August through December (finding a good therapist and then finding a boyfriend).

4. What is your wish for 2008? What is your wish for someone else for 2008?

My wish for me is that I'll have enough money to be comfortable and not have to worry. And my wish for someone else is that they will be able to treat her cancer and improve her quality of life.

5. If you knew that you were going to die in 2008 what one thing would you do?

Can't just name one thing... I would quit my job and travel, spend more time with those I love, and get my songs published.

Bonus (as in optional):Do you make New Year's resolutions? What is/are your's for 2008?

Well, I'd like to eat better and exercise more. Then I could look like this (thank you, Photoshop!):