Strelitzia

A Fond Farewell

2012-01-09T17:18:00.011-05:00

I had a visit with my oncologist today. Due to mild neuropathy but otherwise good results from chemo, this week’s treatment will be my last. Any further treatment besides radiation will be determined by the pathology report from February’s surgery. I will see her again about three weeks afterward. If there is the need, we will discuss current clinical trials for IBC at that time. She remains

Holiday Update

2011-12-25T08:18:00.003-05:00

It’s Christmas morning, and the house is quiet. This is the beginning of the downslide to the church’s “quiet season” of winter, having worked basically full time hours for the past several weeks. We opened presents last night because I will be working this morning at the one service our church is offering. Then we’ll pedal off to St. Louis for three days of fun and chaos with my brother’s family

Living With Uncertainty

2011-11-15T23:26:00.002-05:00

We all live with uncertainty. We wake up each morning not knowing for sure what the day will bring; and yet we act as though it will go as planned. Most often, it does.Every one of us hungers for certainty. It allays the fear of the unknown. We can quiet our thoughts when we know what lies ahead. That knowledge doesn’t have to be true for it to be an effective balm. How often have we been hit

Damocles' Sword

2011-11-07T07:21:00.005-05:00

I have started the new round of weekly chemo infusions, this time with only one drug, Taxol. It’s much easier to handle than the other drugs: so far the worst side effect is double vision from dry eyes, easily fixed with eye drops. I still get sleepy, but not until 6:00 or so. I’ve been introduced by a common friend to someone with a similar diagnosis and the same treatment, and she’s having a

Overheard: Survivor

2011-10-12T14:13:00.003-04:00

It was warm and sunny the other day, and I was driving my convertible with the roof down. (Sophie was enjoying the ride harnessed in the back seat.) I had on a simple scarf as I waited with other cars at a red light. Somewhere to my right, I heard someone speak out."Excuse me!"I looked around and saw a man about my age at the wheel of a huge six-wheel pickup truck, looking at me."Are you a

Great Update!

2011-10-10T15:42:00.004-04:00

I am finishing my fourth course of chemo, which will bring a new wave of cluelessness. But that's okay, because today's exam showed NO MEASURABLE TUMOR in my breast—and the last exam said the same about the node tumor. The large tumor measured six by seven centimeters at the start of chemotherapy, and the node was three centimeters. The kind of cancer I have (triple negative) is not always

Tabula Rasa

2011-10-08T15:41:00.006-04:00

It’s three days before my fourth and last A/C chemo. (After that I will start a 12-week regimen of weekly Taxol infusions.) As I reported briefly on Facebook, the chemo and your prayers are continuing to work!

What Day Is This Again?

2011-09-22T13:07:00.003-04:00

When I haven’t been working, I’ve been sleeping. More than a week has passed by, and I’ve slept it away. A friend pointed out that actually I’ve been fighting cancer. So yeah, I’ll own that. I have been waiting

Hope And Expectations

2011-09-15T15:23:00.002-04:00

I’ve learned to distinguish between hope and expectations. While both feelings anticipate an outcome, hope is the one to which I must cling because it embodies faith in a desirable conclusion. Hope is amorphous and resilient, adapting to moments, emotions and setbacks with renewing energy; it is the essence of God’s grace made present in everyday events. Expectations have definitive boundaries,

Genuinely Good News

2011-09-13T13:06:00.007-04:00

I had my second chemo yesterday; two down, two to go of this particular regimen. (Then more of a different kind.) Before I sat for my infusion, I went through all the status tests: blood, weight, tumor check.Everything looked good, so in spite of my cold and very low fever (99.2°), I was given the go-ahead. But the GREAT news is that my tumors were significantly smaller than when I had my first

Almost Normal

2011-09-08T02:23:00.004-04:00

I have a cold. No big deal; every fall the germs filter down like leaves. Except THIS cold sent me to the emergency room last night. My immune system is compromised, and whenever I have a temperature of 100.4° or higher, I must go to the ER and get IV antibiotics.I spent three hours getting poked, infused and tested. I am thrilled to report my white blood cell count was very high, enough that I

Overheard: Staff Meeting

2011-09-06T12:36:00.007-04:00

We had a big staff meeting today. About thirty people were listening to our new pastoral residents talk about what they anticipated as they begin their two year residency program. A loud cell phone pierced the quiet conversation. Our senior pastor was not amused. As the offending party wrestled with the ringer and looked at the screen, pastor drawled dryly in his southern twang."That had better

The Music Is Back

2011-09-02T15:26:00.006-04:00

Thanks to the urging of kind friends, I took your advice to try the music again, and it's working. My choices are more low-key, but then that's always been my bent anyway.I'm feeling better, thank you.Monday afternoon, the chemo infusion was relatively benign, and I had my "chemo buddy" there to chat about possible reactions and how she dealt with them. Ben was working that evening, so my

Uncomfortably Numb

2011-08-28T19:38:00.004-04:00

I've been seeing some sort of medical professional every weekday for ten days now. At least I got the weekends off.Friday I had a medi-port put in my chest just under my skin. It provides easy access for infusion of chemo drugs, which starts tomorrow. I will have my son take me to work, and a colleague who is just finishing her regimen will be my "chemo buddy" for my first time. Since Ben has to

This Arrived In The Mail Today

2011-08-24T20:28:00.002-04:00

It's not a cure, but it's close. My mom sent it. She understands.

Positive Prognosis

2011-08-23T21:50:00.004-04:00

After a series of appointments with increasingly bad news, I finally got some good news: the cancer has NOT metastasized; that means it has not spread to other parts of my body. That strong breeze you feel is my sigh of relief. What a weight has been lifted! And hope returns. We are still waiting for the results of the HER2 test, which will determine which of two chemotherapy regimens I will

Diagnosis And Treatment

2011-08-20T17:14:00.004-04:00

I had my MRI on Wednesday, and Abe and I met with my surgeon on Friday. She took us through the steps of Cancer 101 and explained the findings of the tests. I have a fast-growing type of cancer that has spread to my skin and lymph nodes. At this point the plan is to have me start an aggressive program of chemotherapy followed by a complete mastectomy and radiation. There may be more. She sent me

Diagnosis

2011-08-16T08:39:00.005-04:00

Yesterday I learned that I have breast cancer. Apparently having had cancer (melanoma) before does not mean squat in preparing you to hear that word again. After I finished crying and cursing, my thought

Overheard: Heaven Scent

2011-08-01T21:23:00.008-04:00

Abe and I split a breakfast at Perkin's and hugged in the parking lot to go our separate ways. Abe held me a little longer than usual."You smell good."I don't wear cologne. "I smell like bacon!""Oh."They really need to bottle that stuff.

Heat Wave

2011-07-20T16:14:00.004-04:00

Today at 4:00 p.m.

Disaster Averted

2011-07-19T17:22:00.004-04:00

Whew! I'm all better now.Abe was up early and had to move my car so that he could get into his stuff in the garage. He asked me to join him for breakfast at a local restaurant before we went our separate ways. I got into my car and GAH. I was hit with a wall of that awful scent that's showing up in deodorants more and more. Even in this heat (about 90° then), I opened a window and blasted the air

Blogger Confirmation: This is Me...Online

2011-07-08T17:09:00.003-04:00

I had the great pleasure of meeting fellow blogger "This Is Me...Online" this past Tuesday. She was up from Arkansas to visit family very briefly and took some precious time from her tight schedule to see me. We met at the downtown mall so that three young teens she had in tow could have something to do while we talked. We could easily have gone on for hours. "Meo," as I like to call her, and I

Cultural Imperatives: Gay Authors

2011-07-05T14:50:00.003-04:00

I have been asking my gay friends to name “must reads” for anyone who wants to understand the modern gay world. I have read dozens of books, but now I’m getting into gay history with such authors as Edmund White, Andrew Holleran, Justin Spring, Armistead Maupin, and most recently Paul Monette. Monette wrote Becoming A Man: Half A Life Story, a memoir of boyhood growing into

I'm Out, Part 2

2011-06-15T16:43:00.008-04:00

I walked in the Pride parade this past Saturday, never having even seen it before. I did get some shots of a few of the floats as we lined up at the staging area, but only a couple of them are decent. The shots, that is.This is the float for two restaurants, one of which I visit almost every week. I don't remember seeing these two at Ivy's—and I'm sure I would—so they must work at Greg's.

Creation Museum

2011-06-05T00:50:00.023-04:00

Abe was working in the Cincinnati area this week and invited me to join him overnight when I was free. We had a lovely evening on Thursday, and Friday morning he headed back to work and I headed home.On the way there I had noticed the brown highway sign pointing to the Creation Museum. I’ve seen it in the news and kind of rolled my eyes and sighed. After I passed the exit on the way to Cincy, it

Painkiller

2011-06-01T22:52:00.003-04:00

"Love? What is it? Most natural painkiller what there is."The final entry in William S. Burrough's personal journal.

Positive

2011-06-01T20:33:00.007-04:00

The Damien Center had another positive test result today. He is in his mid-twenties. He was counseled immediately and compassionately, but when I had to leave he was sobbing in the parking lot in the arms of his friend.When a counselor came down and knocked to be allowed in the testing office, I knew what it meant. Others waiting to be tested were ushered into a different room. The tester emerged

Overheard: Knowledge

2011-05-29T19:22:00.004-04:00

Abe was watching a PBS science show."Interesting. I don't know whether to be grateful for new information or disappointed that I don't know everything."

Potent Weapon

2011-05-25T15:11:00.013-04:00

You know, I don't complain a lot. When I do, I wish I could it make it an art form—like Rox, for example, who has established a glorious, rolicking rant style that anyone would envy. But my sort of whine will have to do.I'm driving a loaner car while my own car is being worked on. It's a basic sedan with good sound, nice enough except for one thing: the odor. Oh Em Gee.Some scientist somewhere

New iPhone!

2011-05-17T12:26:00.005-04:00

It took for.ev.er for someone to offer the iPhone besides AT&T, but I knew I'd make the jump as soon as it happened. Sprint coverage was okay—except where I work, live and vacation. And they don't have the iPhone. Verizon's coverage has proved to be excellent, as expected since the husband has used it for years. Yeah, phone calls interrupt the Internet, but I'm used to that already.I have the new

A New Era Of Equality

2011-05-10T20:30:00.010-04:00

The Presbyterian Church (USA) has just ratified Ordination Amendment 10-A, which allows churches to ordain gay clergy, elders, and deacons if they so choose. The ruling becomes effective July 10. This is a great day in our denomination, joining the United Church of Christ, the Episcopal Church, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America in God's overwhelming grace. Justice has been done

Anniversary

2011-05-10T10:51:00.007-04:00

This month is heavy with meaningful anniversaries. May 1 was the third anniversary of my blog. I hardly realized it had arrived.May 10 is the anniversary of my brother's death. It is also the date I sat down with our Adult Ed. pastor four years ago and asked him to begin the conversation in our church to welcome the LGBT community.May 14 is the date three years ago when I sat with our senior

OneSecond

2011-05-01T12:54:00.006-04:00

I have finished three months' training to be a leader of a small group at my church. These groups form around a common theme, anything from gardening to golf to grandparents. And now: LGBT advocacy. I have put out an invitation—and will continue to do so—to anyone who wants to offer a grace-filled welcome at our church. We are known to be generally welcoming, but we want to reach out specifically

I'm In!

2011-04-19T11:02:00.007-04:00

Faithful readers may remember me grousing about the lack of LGBT support and/or discussion at the annual church educators' convention I attended in February. I complained on Facebook too, and a friend responded, "You should teach a workshop about it." The idea wouldn't leave me alone, and I submitted a proposal within days of the deadline. A couple of weeks ago, a member of the selection

The Shirt Of Shirts

2011-04-08T14:35:00.009-04:00

My friend and prolific fellow blogger Ur-Spo is a psychiatrist. When he isn't shrinking heads, one of his hobbies is making Hawaiian shirts. I can't remember how he got the idea, but he decided to ship one of his shirts to friends around the country (and out of it); and those who wear it and post a picture will get to choose one of four organizations to which he will donate a small sum of money.

Dear Abby

2011-03-31T08:47:00.006-04:00

Well, there's always something new to try. Today I wrote to Dear Abby in response to this letter:DEAR ABBY: Can common sense be learned or taught? Some people seem to be born with it. Others have "book smarts" but struggle with everyday common sense.I fail to grasp simple connections, and I sometimes ask questions that have obvious answers -- for someone else. I know other people who share the

Happiness

2011-03-30T16:19:00.002-04:00

Thanks and a happy chirp to Mike.

Rookie Lobbyist

2011-03-22T20:58:00.009-04:00

Today I drove down to the Indiana Statehouse and spoke to my state senator about the bill coming up for vote tomorrow. It will attempt to embed marriage discrimination in the Indiana constitution. Stay tuned for the newbie report on Bilerico.Update: My post is up on Bilerico.Update II: Our very own Blobby commented on the article, and that comment has become its own post! Great conversation

Who, Me?

2011-03-17T13:20:00.005-04:00

Did Denver eat the kitty treats?Update: Denver's gone viral, and now she has a Facebook page.

Florida Everglades: River Of Grass

2011-03-10T16:08:00.016-05:00

I landed in Ft. Lauderdale on a Saturday evening, and I spent Sunday cruising the coast as the clouds gathered. Late that afternoon my daughter Sheba joined me for her "mental health break." The next day was warm and sunny as we headed downto the original Tamiami Trail for an airboat ride in the Everglades.I had spent a few hours online trying to find an airboat experience that would be the

Today On Bilerico: PostSecret And It Gets Better

2011-02-21T16:20:00.002-05:00

Helping others is a powerfully uplifting mission. See the PostSecret card that was posted this week.

The One Thing

2011-02-15T18:34:00.003-05:00

As I sit here in the Sarasota airport watching the sun set on my vacation, I am recalling the conversation I had with David on the flight here. In the midst of all our talk about advocacy, I asked him, "What's the one thing you wish people knew?"David offered a moving soliloquy about the humanity of gay people. He wished straight people would see him as a fellow human being with one very small

Unconventional Meeting

2011-02-13T11:20:00.007-05:00

I almost forgot to tell you about my flight from New Mexico to Florida. I have no idea how long it took or what landmarks we crossed, because I was engrossed in conversation with my fellow seat-mate from before we took off.It all started with a question about the pin I was wearing on my sweater. The organization Believe Out Loud has a logo that is very intriguing, and I've started wearing it in

Convention

2011-02-12T15:26:00.008-05:00

After my day in Santa Fe, I returned to Albuquerque for business: the annual APCE convention (Association of Presbyterian Church Educators). It was a lot more interesting than it sounds. Colder, too.The ice in the midwest delayed my boss' arrival by two days, but the cold found us anyway. Albuquerque experienced record-setting cold of -10° (a biting -30° wind chill) that kept everyone indoors.

Overheard: Sanibel

2011-02-09T22:44:00.004-05:00

Sheba and I were driving on Sanibel Island today and noticed that a lot of the streets are named for shells. We approached an intersection.Sheba: "I don't care if it is a shell, that's just wrong."Me: "What? Tarpon Bay?"Sheba: "Oh! I thought it said 'Tampon Bay.' I should probably put on my glasses."(I know I've gone from Santa Fe to Sanibel, but there was Albuquerque and Ft. Lauderdale in

Santa Fe Quick Trip

2011-01-31T19:41:00.018-05:00

I have been working, working, working to get ready for the upcoming two weeks: I'm in Santa Fe for one day; tomorrow in Albuquerque for the national convention for church educators; and Saturday I leave from NM for FL for a well-earned vacation.Since I had only 24 hours, the first thing on my list was to see Michael Adee, the executive director of More Light Presbyterians. He is a master

The Glacier Advances

2011-01-14T20:44:00.007-05:00

No, this isn't about global warming. It's about church warming, as the glacial pace of progress moves forward.A couple of nights ago I began my three-month training to be a small group leader in our church. With a congregation of several thousand, many people don't have a personal connection to the church. Small groups provide that connection: to people, to mission, to God.What is meaningful

Thought For The New Year

2011-01-02T10:52:00.000-05:00

"Forgiveness is the fragrance the violet shed on the heel that crushed it." ~ Mark Twain

Today On Bilerico: A Canadian Soldier Sends Greetings To His Husband

2010-12-31T14:17:00.004-05:00

A Facebook friend linked me to a video posted on the Toronto Star website, one of a series of videos from soldiers sending greetings back home. This soldier wished "happy holidays" to his husband, family, and friends. When will we see this in American media?Posted also on Bilerico.

Hope In Small Things

2010-12-26T14:57:00.003-05:00

Barbara King quotes from Here Is Where We Meet by John Berger:Berger creates a conversation between a son and the dead mother who reappears to him as he stands atop an aqueduct in Lisbon.The mother says, “Let a few things be repaired. A few is a lot. One thing repaired changes a thousand others.” The son replies, “So?” And out flows a maternal speech:"The dog down there is on too short a chain.

I'm Still Alive

2010-12-17T08:00:00.005-05:00

...and busier than ever. I have things I wish I could write, and I've sat down a few times to try. I'm just too tired to put together anything salient. So this placeholder will have to do.In my mostly part-time work, I have two or three projects to do a month. This fall I've had two or three projects a week in November and December. Of course, December is the biggest month of the year,

Alterego

2010-12-08T09:32:00.004-05:00

Thanks and a hat tip to Mike.

Today On Bilerico: Chris Colfer, The Face Of Hope

2010-12-06T11:08:00.006-05:00

This image was on PostSecret this week. I think it says volumes about growing acceptance. Glee's writers are changing our culture, and it's wonderful.

World AIDS Day: "Once, When We Were Heroes"

2010-12-01T08:33:00.003-05:00

Please watch this poignant recollection of times past that gave us heroes who are still with us today.

Overheard: Chopping Onions

2010-11-25T22:31:00.003-05:00

I’m celebrating Thanksgiving with family in St. Louis. My brother was chopping onions for the stuffing and his seven year old son wanted to help.“Can I chop onions too?”“Sure. Here’s how you hold the knife. Hold the onion like this.”My nephew’s eyes began to tear. He squinted and shook his head.“What’s going on? Why do my eyes hurt?”My brother saw this as a learning moment.“That’s what happens

Those Darned Kids

2010-11-17T15:08:00.006-05:00

An email to Andrew Sullivan, about the fuss over Willow and Bristol Palin:I am dismayed at all the online hysterics over the immature behavior of Sarah Palin’s children. For the record, I am no fan of Sarah Palin and I don’t understand how anyone could support her bid for attention, much less a role in government. That said, I have to speak as a parent: the idea that we have control over what our

Tornwordo: It Gets Better

2010-11-09T08:49:00.003-05:00

Canadian-American Tornwordo talks to himself in high school and makes an insightful comparison of "norm" and "normal."Torn's blog is one of the first I discovered on the Interwebs. If you haven't read it, you're missing out. He shares his upbeat philosophy about life with his husband and dog. Great read!

Today on Bilerico: Megachurch Pastor Comes Out

2010-10-31T18:22:00.006-04:00

Meet Jim Swilley, a man I want the world to know. When he learned of the recent swath of youth suicides, Jim decided it was time to come out to his congregation and the world.While it's only the beginning of what will be a difficult but ultimately rewarding time, please read his story that I just posted on Bilerico.

Dare To Be Powerful

2010-10-30T20:06:00.003-04:00

A Quiet Grief

2010-10-29T01:20:00.002-04:00

This past week has been emotionally draining. We started with a wonderful celebration of my mother’s 90th birthday in Florida. But the rest of the week was spent in talking with my siblings and parents about their increasing need for assistance. While my stepfather will accept that it’s time, my mom will not go quietly into that good night.I love that she is guarding her independence, but it

Chicago!

2010-10-20T15:29:00.006-04:00

Last month I had a chance to meet a man I've known only online for several years. Brian, originally from Australia and now from New Zealand, planned a world trip that included Chicago for a couple of days. That put him close enough for me to visit for a few hours, so I took a day off and drove up to meet him at his hotel. We agreed that a boat tour of the river and lake sounded good, so we took

Ze Frank's Spamologue

2010-10-16T11:34:00.008-04:00

Ze Frank is difficult to describe, but he is someone you need to get to know. Brilliant and funny, he creates a nexus for connection that produces works of humanity, humor, and music from contributors all over the world. By himself he's pretty special too.I can't embed the video headlined here, so you need to follow this link to witness the re-enactment of an actual spam letter from Africa,

Best. Comment. Ever.

2010-10-14T09:21:00.003-04:00

I love this ad, but I love the comment below it even more.The following comment appears on the YouTube page:Look at your comment. Back to mine. Back to yours NOW BACK TO MINE. Sadly, it isn't mine. But if you stopped trolling and started posting legitimate crap it could LOOK like mine. Look down, back up, where are you? You're scrolling through comments, finding the ones that your

My Sweet Baby Girl Is Engaged

2010-10-09T16:50:00.000-04:00

I still have her woobie. Where did the time go?

Fox News Faceoff

2010-10-04T21:40:00.004-04:00

The opposing written opinions have been posted on the local Fox news site. Twelve to fifteen minutes of debate was edited down to about three. At least they used the part when my words were distinct. Update: while the video remains available, apparently the written opinions are not archived.

Today On Bilerico: Fox News Face-off: "Cupcakegate" Debate

2010-10-04T10:37:00.006-04:00

I get to find out tonight along with you whether I held up in my fight for LGBT equality. If you live in Indiana, the debate will air tonight on Fox affiliate Channel 59 at 10:00p, on the segment called "Face-off."I was asked to write an opinion piece to be posted on their website (with the video? I don't know). You can read the essay on Bilerico.

It's Getting Better All The Time

2010-10-04T08:11:00.002-04:00

I totally stole Blobby's post title to put up his "It Gets Better" video because it's the perfect description for what he has to say. Big bonus: he smiles at the end.

Manprano Preaches: It Gets Better

2010-10-02T14:08:00.003-04:00

Queen of Hearts Gregory Peebles tells it like it is. See it and share it.

Now, Where Was I?

2010-10-01T11:52:00.003-04:00

Oh, yeah. Guys, it's been crazy. Posts I owe you: I went to Chicago last week to visit with an Aussie blogger who was coming through on his world tour. Brian and I had too short a time, but it was wonderful. While you wait for my tidbit and pitiful phonecam shots, check out his reports on his travels.This morning Fox News (I know!) taped a debate between me and the executive director of the

It Gets Better

2010-09-28T08:29:00.003-04:00

My blogger friend David is on hiatus, but he posted this video to the "It Gets Better Project" on YouTube. His message is a strong one.If you have a story or words of encouragement to young LGBT people out there, please consider making a video of your own. This project will save lives.

Dear IRS

2010-09-26T20:37:00.006-04:00

An actual letter sent by a wonderful friend of mine (whose name I've obscured), who's just had enough. Click to embiggen.He enclosed a check for $5.00. I love this man.Update: I gained permission from the author to post it on Bilerico. It's up.

Be Still, My Heart

2010-09-24T11:07:00.005-04:00

It's National Punctuation Day!Photo courtesy of nationalpunctuationday.com.

Today On Bilerico: Dan Savage Tells Bullied Kids "It Gets Better"

2010-09-22T18:36:00.002-04:00

Dan heard the tragic story of Billy Lucas from a reader and decided to do something to stop any more young suicides that result from bullying. He has started a YouTube channel to offer videos from adult LGBT people who tell the kids "it gets better." You can read about it here.

Hand Dancing

2010-09-17T10:57:00.002-04:00

I can't stop watching this.Hat tip to Andrew Sullivan.

And You Thought It Only FELT That Way

2010-09-16T20:38:00.004-04:00

Actual light in Florida:Respectfully stolen from the Huffington Post.

My Heart Is Breaking

2010-09-13T20:44:00.004-04:00

A fifteen-year-old boy in Greensburg, Indiana killed himself last week because he was being bullied for being gay. The sub-header read that he was bullied for "being different," but the story quotes fellow students as saying he was teased mercilessly for being gay. There is no indication whether it was true or not, but it doesn't matter. After years of this kind of treatment, another student told

Today On Bilerico: Toward Life

2010-09-07T19:47:00.003-04:00

I learned from PostSecret that this is National Suicide Prevention Week, and it reminded me of the post I wrote last summer. I think enough time has passed that I can tell it to the world. I posted a lightly edited version today on Bilerico. New readers can find it here.

Verbatim: Emoticons

2010-09-06T22:28:00.007-04:00

Abe has discovered the chart of yellow emoticons on his new BlackBerry. He loves sending the kids messages with them. He texted Sheba a good night note, and then I got a text from her.Sheba: PLEASE tell Dad not to send me emoticons of vaginas anymore.Me: WHAT does that look like?!Sheba: ({}) WHO is teaching him these things?!Me: He insists that it is a big hug on his emoticon chart. :

Overheard: Classic Rock

2010-09-03T23:43:00.004-04:00

Ben and I were riding in the car, listening to one of our favorite classic rock stations. The Eagles came on.Me: "Can't they play ANYTHING else? It's always the same stuff."Ben: "They don't make new classic rock, Mom."Me: "Oh. Yeah."

S**t

2010-08-28T23:19:00.011-04:00

I've got a big day at church tomorrow, lots going on for which my presence is desired. Then I have a nearly four hour drive to Chicago to give a presentation to the entire Sunday School volunteer staff at my old boss's new church. It's my first paid gig, and I'm finishing the PowerPoint tonight.I went down to the basement to do a small load of clothes that would be best for the Big City. I came

"Malignant"

2010-08-24T11:39:00.009-04:00

The word "malignant" is one of the ugliest words in the English language. I heard it in 1986, from a doctor who removed a spot on my back and sent it to the lab. It was melanoma. I'll never forget that phone call.I am in the hills of southern Indiana today, completing a two-day annual retreat for pastors and program staff of my church. I offered my car for others to ride, and one who rode with me

This And That

2010-08-23T22:34:00.004-04:00

I was waiting at the light when this car pulled up next to me. With about five seconds left before the change, I managed to get this shot with my phone cam. You can't see the row of "spikes" that line the hood and lead to the arrangement on the roof. Look closely at the furry things affixed to the edge of the trunk: those are troll dolls. The car is heavily stenciled and the license plate reads "

Florida Phone Pics

2010-08-18T15:05:00.005-04:00

Rain in Florida has a standard pattern: sun/wall of water/sun.Abe, Ben and I spent one day at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon. This is where I discovered my new thyroid medicine has made me a motion wimp: one twisty slide ride was enough.I crossed the Sunshine Skyway four times to pick up and drop off the boys at the Tampa airport. Alas, it was not in a convertible.My mother retired this year at age 89

Even If Your Hands Tremble

2010-08-14T22:05:00.004-04:00

From the Facebook wall photos of Andrew Wood.P.S. I've been working on four projects, all due this weekend. Tomorrow sees their fruition and my return. See you soon.

An Open Letter To My Fellow Straight Christians About Marriage Equality

2010-08-09T08:42:00.003-04:00

I wrote an article about Proposition 8 and why I support its repeal. There are a lot of people who are wondering if they can do the same and be true to their faith. Please forward a link if you know someone like that. You can find it here.

Laughter

2010-08-05T21:31:00.003-04:00

I'm in Sarasota visiting my hometown and family. I went to dinner with my sister where we caught up with what's going on in each other's lives. Just as we were getting ready to leave, a man at the table next to us commented, "You two have wonderful laughter. It was great to sit here and listen to it." Yeah, it was great.

What's Your Sign?

2010-07-28T16:59:00.007-04:00

Here's mine.This past Monday the National Organization for Marriage held a rally on the steps of the Indiana Statehouse. I joined several hundred counter-protesters in a successful bid to seriously outnumber rally attendees. Well, someone took my picture and posted it on the NOM Tour Tracker website. From there, that picture has gone viral. Wow. Even Joe.My.God picked it up and posted it. I'm

A Person Of Privilege

2010-07-21T22:46:00.005-04:00

That's me, in so many ways. I was born into privilege as a white person. I've never had to question whether my race was the reason for someone's decision affecting my life. I am an American, born in the most powerful country in the world, where I take for granted the freedom I have to move, work and learn. I have an education and all of the many options it gives me. I am straight and therefore

Review: Inception

2010-07-18T19:16:00.001-04:00

WHOA.

Overheard: Words I Didn't Think I'd Ever Say

2010-07-17T22:05:00.001-04:00

I was preparing demo supplies for this morning's talk on HIV 101."I have too many penises. What do I do with these?"

Ms. Grammarian Leads The Way

2010-07-14T08:50:00.004-04:00

Okay, everyone, listen up. You over there, I need your attention. It's time somebody spoke up about the correct forms of the verb "lead." This is a lovely word with very few quirks, but so many people misspell the past tense form that I'm having to say something. When teaching irregular verbs to young teens, I would use the following sentences to help out:Today I _____.Yesterday I _____.I have __

Verbatim: Phone Cam

2010-07-09T22:14:00.005-04:00

Abe is in California with Ben (and I'm alone!). Never having done it before, Abe sends me five pictures in quick succession and of questionable quality.July 9, 2010 3:55 PMI remember that place. Did Ben just show you how to use the phone cam?July 9, 2010 3:57 PMMaybe.

Here, Look At Something Cute

2010-07-09T21:30:00.005-04:00

Terrible quality photos taken by my BlackBerry.Baby bunny by the rail trail just sat there as we looked at it.Innocent puppy sat by the evidence, which had four canine indentations from gentle handling.

Saturday on Bilerico: Christians Apologize At Chicago Pride

2010-07-02T20:03:00.015-04:00

It's all over the InterWebs. This picture depicts a young gay man hugging a pastor who says he is sorry for what the church has done. It is an uplifting scenario and you can read about it on Nathan Albert's very moving post.I couldn't wait to write an article about it for Bilerico, so I set about doing my homework. I found information about the Marin Foundation, which staged this event, that is

Verbatim: Movie Review

2010-06-29T21:01:00.003-04:00

Sheba went to see "Twilight" today. She gave a one-sentence review."Twilight's like soccer: they run around for two hours, nobody scores, and its billion fans insist you just don't understand."Update: Apparently she's quoting this review that is all over the InterWebs. I still like it, no matter the author.

This Is A Post

2010-06-24T23:24:00.010-04:00

So much going on, but the muse has abandoned me. So this is a report just to keep you informed.I attended my second Pride, and this one was three times bigger than last year's. Even with high temps and muggy humidity, the throng swelled and filled the new venue. I sat at the booth for our AIDS support center, selling water bottles to raise funds for our food pantry. We surpassed our goal and made

Local Fauna

2010-06-12T10:23:00.002-04:00

Courtesy of my little BlackBerry, I have some photos of local wildlife.Just after a rain, the new neighbors went for a stroll.I was enjoying lunch al fresco in my new car when a goldfinch happened by.Sophie joined me at work for a day.Sophie goes topless whenever she can. (Her harness attaches to the seatbelt.)

Answered Prayer

2010-06-10T15:24:00.013-04:00

Early Sunday morning, I was getting ready to leave Fort Wayne to attend worship at another church in Indianapolis. I checked my phone for any emails that I might need to answer before heading out. The one I received from our good friend "Kevin" made time stop as I went back to the early weeks of 2008, when my world fell apart.In a stretch of ten days in late January 2008 two friends died; we

Love And Light

2010-06-08T10:11:00.005-04:00

I spent this past weekend in Fort Wayne with Abe. He had an extended work week and invited me to join him for a couple of nights. After getting everything ready for my absence on Sunday, I left Friday afternoon to join him for dinner. It was a glorious two-hour drive, temps in the high seventies with the roof down in late afternoon.We ate at Casa’s, his favorite restaurant outside of Indy. This

I've Been Castled

2010-06-04T09:34:00.004-04:00

Actually, it isn't what I crave. I've never had a White Castle burger until last night.Our church has facilities that permit us to house people in times of need (showers, room for folding cots, etc.). We offer hospitality to homeless families one week a month, one of a number of churches that have combined for mission in that field. Last night, the Red Cross Emergency Shelter team enacted a mock