Getting Back to my Life

The schedule this holiday season has been difficult for us. I had forgotten just how stressful traveling is, aside from the stress of the holidays themselves. The flight home was hell. A few days before we left to come home, U.S. Airways were having all kinds of problems with their “computer systems”. It wasn’t that at all. It turns out that the baggage handlers are less than happy about their wages and/or benefits, and are not putting the baggage on the correct planes, or failing to get it on the planes altogether. The result is very unhappy customers who take their grief out on other U.S. Airways employees at the destination airport (they are probably in a different union from the baggage handlers). Meanwhile, we are all caught in the middle of this mess.

This all took place in Philadelphia which just happened to be the airport that we had a lay over on our way to and from San Diego. Long story short; we got home ok. One bag was on the plane while the other bag didn’t make it. We’ve been home for three days and it’s still missing. The joys of traveling! I like to see other places - once I arrive. But, I hate getting there.

On the flight back, I had a panic attack at 30,000 feet, ended up loosing dinner, and felt like crap for the rest of the night. We got home at 8:30am, and came right home. I was so exhausted.

And to top it off, the dealership called to say that my new car (pictured left - the color is actually more of a burgundy with charcoal-gray interior) had arrived and they had me down to pick it up at 3:00 that day. Yes, I know... it’s a four door. I felt that I should surrender the things of youth (my two door hot chili pepper red two door), and get a car that is more fitting for a middle aged(+) man. If it helps any, it has a bigger engine and gets crappier gas mileage.

We picked up the car. It’s nice, and has so many features that I’m a bit intimidated with it. It accepts 128 voice commands, full navigation system, and heated seats (my favorite!). But after I picked it up and we got home, I told Kent I was going to bed. He was surprised I didn’t want to play with the voice commands and all the rest, but I was so tired that none of that interested me. I went to bed at 8:00pm and didn’t awaken until 9:00am the next morning.

So yesterday, I spent some time with it trying to learn all the commands, the navigation system (which will be nice because my sense of direction sucks big time!)

Tomorrow is my birthday. I’m not too happy about turning 50 but you know, I’m happier right now than I’ve ever been in my entire life. I have everything I’ve always wanted. I have a partner who is first rate. He accepts me as I am which I have to tell you, isn’t easy. I’m temperamental, high strung, and I let too many things bother me. I couldn’t ask for anyone who would come close. I almost didn’t go to the college where I met Kent. If I hadn’t, my life would be completely different. It’s funny how everything in life is left to chance. I was so damn lucky to meet the love of my life at that college way back in 1975 (I'm sure his parents wish differently; at least at the time we came out to them) and it’s lasted all these years. That’s so rare for any couple. I have a nice home that is very comfortable. I have so many things that I am thankful for. Life has been a rough journey for me. I think this is my time in the sun. I’m glad that I’m here to take it all in and to talk about it.

My birthday will be quiet. We are going to Monet’s Table for dinner. I forget all that they are doing. It’s something like a 12 course dinner and they are making a big deal of it all. Afterwards, we are going to a New Year’s Eve party at some friends. It should be a fun time.

Last year was not a good year for gay folks. We saw a lot of gay bashing at the highest levels of government. It’s difficult to deal with that when it goes all the way up to the President of the United States. But I know that time is on our side and in the end, the battle for equality will be won. I may not live to see it, but it will happen. Who know, I may be there in spirit. It will be a sweet day when it finally happens.

So, maybe 2005 will be a bit better for us than 2004 was. At least, our community won’t be used to bait voters into coming to the voting booths to vote against equal rights for gay partnerships. I guess that’s something. And, even in conservative Arkansas, a judge has ruled against a state-wide ban of placing a foster child in any household that has a gay person in it. That’s really quite remarkable for that state. I see progress happening in the most unlikely places.

Keep that chin up young person!!!

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - A state ban on placing foster children in any household with a gay member was struck down when a judge ruled that the state agency enforcing it overstepped its authority by trying to regulate “public morality.”

Ruling in a case brought by the Arkansas chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, Pulaski County Circuit Judge Timothy Fox declared the ban unconstitutional Wednesday. [...]

... Fox noted that the Arkansas Legislature gave the state Child Welfare Agency Review board the power to “promote the health, safety and welfare of children,” but the ban does not accomplish that. Rather, he said the regulation seeks to regulate “public morality” - something the board was not given the authority to do.

“The testimony and evidence overwhelmingly showed that there was no rational relationship between the ... blanket exclusion (of gays) and the health, safety and welfare of the foster children,” Fox wrote. (source)