viv

Anything Mitch Albom wrote! Tuesdays with Morrie, The Five People You Meet in Heaven, For One More Day, all fantastic! Good luck!

The selfish part of me wanted to vote for Youth, but in the end I went with Freedom. None of the others seemed worthy to me, or in my mind, followed another and by default you would have it anyway.

Hey Girly So I read the book... It was given to be for my birthday by a GA member here and friend, Dhruv, all the way from India! I blogged a little about it midway through the book and said: So, about this book Dhruv sent. I'm horribly invested in the story now, and a third done, and while it is set in a different culture and therefore hard to follow sometimes because of my lack of knowledge of that culture, it's not hard to figure out and I'll say that in the 104 pages I have read so far, I have been more saddened than I have been in a while. I have another 200 pages to go, so we'll see what happens, but for anyone who's interested, the book is called, The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini. In the end, after finishing it... I felt like I was a wreck. Like I was feeling SO many different emotions at once and I couldn't focus on any one of them long enough to sort through it and that was dizzying, frustrating. I was SO pissed about certain things, even sadder about others, and it made me wonder... If there is some great plan out there for us all, like your reason for existence here on Earth, why do so many good people have to go through it with you suffering and hurting, or worse, for you to reach it? And, if by chance, they do it out of love, and are strong people, people who don't need to be recognized for their efforts or their contributions to your life, people who just give of themselves because that's what they do, does that make them the strong, and you the weak? And, if you're the weak, why must you push down the strong to feel strong yourself? And, in the end, even if it takes years, a lifetime for you to know the reason why, what the great plan for your life was, does that excuse it? Does that make it worthwhile in the end? It's a good book, but be prepared for an emotional whirlwind just the same. Hugs, Viv

Other Steve... you're lucky you sat on the other side of Steve, cause you can ask him just how many times during the movie I almost wound up in his lap, and not for all the appealing reasons either. Mini golf would have definitely allowed us more time to talk, but maybe next time, right? Besides, that'll give Steve some time to practice his moves and get his ass in some tight, plain golf pants... giggle. I love the touque, so thank you SO much. One day when I'm a famous writer trying to escape crazy fans... I'll put it on and some shorts and look like a tourist But actually, I can just wear it to keep warm! I think I'll have to start a 'gifts' wall soon, cause I get some pretty cool stuff from people I've met through GA, but the best things aren't anything I can put on a wall Also, I gotta say, I know it's hard, or weird to meet new people sometimes, and I hadn't really even ever talked to other Steve before a few days ago, but it's worth it, cause there are some great people out there, and you never know, you might end up with someone cool to giggle with no matter when you're together, or how. Thanks for dinner~! I hope next time we can do it without rain and paramedics Hugs, Viv

Or learn another way that's better...

At this point, I feel like we have lost track of the original topic. We aren't discussing if it's right or wrong to stereotype, or if it's one's moral obligation to be judgemental when someone murders or rapes... we are discussing why you find the need to have prejudices against people in your own community, instead of embracing them as people who deserve to be who they are in a place meant to provide support to them and a safe place to do so in. What my main point was earlier, and I realize it was LONG and drawn out, was that if we just accept this behavior from people then we can never expect it to change, no matter if we are talking about something as ridiculous as dating someone who is bisexual, or if we are talking about something serious like homophobic people hating or young people who are afraid, like real fear, to be who they are for fear they will be hurt, homeless, or worse. If we can't see the difference here, we have to look harder. "Failure to do so only perpetuates the intolerence and stupidity we all claim to hate." Absolutely...

Wow guys, I'm not sure what to say here. I guess I'll start with this: It REALLY bothers me when people who have to go through life fighting for the chance to live without being judged, or labeled, or having assumptions made about them, and stereotypes pinned on them go and say things that are so... ridiculous. It makes them hypocrites, and it sets us back in terms of our ability to move forward as people who respect the rights of others to live happily and without limitations based on race, gender, sexuality, disablilty, etc. I'm not gay, or bisexual, but I work every day to help educate people and make this world a place where being happy with whomever they love, where people don't make judgements about others based on appearance or age, where people can feel comfortable being who they are and wanting what they want, instead of feeling like they have to hide or supress who and what they are because it's the RIGHT thing to do, is a reality. A few examples just from this thread that bother me for these reasons would be "Why would I want to commit to a long term relationship with someone who may bail on me when he does 'figure out his identity' is to be with a lady?" or "That, to me, is trying to have your cake and eat it too. People use bisexuality as a stepping stone to gay, and others use it as an excuse to have sex with whomever they please..." "**puts on his rose-coloured glasses**" or "I don't see why we can't respect that some people simply don't want to have a serious relationship with bisexuals." These comments just go to show that even within a group of people who should be open to, and supportive of, people having the right to love whomever they want without judgements being placed on them, that it's not that simple. When somoeone would rather 'put on rose colored glasses' or just determine that, as a group, bisexuals are greedy, indecisive people who just haven't realized who they are yet, saddens me. I expected more from you, as human beings, as people who have fought, and likely still do daily, for the very same privelage to be able to live as who you are, and as my friends. Someone said "It seems very hypocritical when gays and lesbians fight straight people for their rights, and then turn around and bash bi-sexuals because they are different." I say... different how? Different because they want a partner they can commit to and love, and be loved by, for the person they are? Or different because it's not how you are? Congratulations for doing so yourself. On the other hand, several of you said things that I find valuable. "A faithful guy is a faithful guy, it really shouldn

Live is always better anyway... right? Good point, Cowboy!

I don't think he'd even get that far... but I have seen him get out of those clothes damn fast

He does it for free for me

... maybe that's why you like me so much, eh? Me and my damn points... Ugh, I have a sister with no reason at all, EVER... so I get ya. Hugs, Viv

Who wears white after Labor Day?!

Oh yeah, I always go through them and dismissively sigh "eh, maybe next time" Wow. I mean, I've thought about that, but never actually followed through. I totalled my first two cars, and since then I've been VERY careful when driving. Especially since I live in Los Angeles, where normal streets + freeway trained drivers = crazymotherf**kerohmygodwhatthehell ishedoingohs**tohs**tohs**twe'reallgoingtodie! Hahahahaha! I live there, too and you know, I think that learning that saying should be a part of the driver's test out here, don't you?! And umm, Joey, my favorite little cowboy... if I have to come over there to get you to be SAFE (you know cause I love you and if you end up hurt I'll be VERY sad and worried) I will... (remember the tie/pocket/change incident??) That is all

*Giggle*

Happy Birthday, Colin!! Hope you have a great year and a fantastic birthday! Thanks for being such a great guy! Hugs Vivian

There was no stealing...! We were sharing That's what friends do, right? I know Toby said to take you to a gay bar, and I told him HOOTERS doesn't count... maybe someday, even if I don't think it's your 'scene'. We sure could have used a drink or five after that movie though... PS. Luvuh... I might try and dispell said rumors of you stealing my blog, even though we posted yours first... upon delivery of said cookies Oh and... I you!

For the love of good golly god and all the little children dont see Fred Claus! Need I say more? I can, but I feel dumberer now having watched it. And why did they show a tomboy with a bat but not a fabulous *snap* boy with a hoola hoop? So yeah BAD MOVIE ask Viv, (who for the record chose said movie cause she didn't want to see Saw IV or Beowulf (which sounded awesome)) look at me rock the double perenthi .... (yeah I made it up) And don't listen to her, she claimed I chose it, she lies! (jeff does too so dont listen to him either!) Now here's Viv... Oh boy, new keyboard and no mouse... I'll do my best with what I have while Steve's kitty nuzzles my foot. First of all... he owes me some cookies and I may hold his laptop hostage until delivery of said cookies... so it's my fault if there are no Shadowgod updates... Jeff said so and he's like... next to god or something, being an Angel and all. My daughter was on the ten naughtiest kids in the world list. There was a floating green, velvet elf hat on Vince Vaughn's crotch. Mrs. Claus was... a bitter old cookie monger and should have to sleep with... someone grody. You know those people that are always behind you in a movie theater that talk loud and laugh and make comments the whole movie and by the time your done with the movie you want to murder them for disrupting your movie going experience? Yeah well... that was us tonight, but I think they were sending thankful glances at us instead of irritated ones... right Steve? I'm joining Siblings Anonymous! I am, after all, a recovering sibling. So I'm not sure if it's a good or a sad thing that we predicted every part of the movie, right down to Chirp-Chirp. *Hi Nico* Purrrrrrr OMFG WHAT IS ON YOUR IPOD STEVE?!!! (WHAT? leave the siamese cat song alone!) Moving on... My work called while we were in the movie cause some old lady fell in the parking lot and cut her head open and the paramedics came so I had a mild spaz attack as Steve found where I parked my car. Back to Steve... Stomp it out Viv... Oh yeah she also says that Santa should NEVER be aloud to touch her with the grody hands... they were bad I'll admit it but I am also sure I wont have any reoccuring nightmares about those disproportionately "chubby" hands.... On the plus side the music was good, save for 'Here Comes Santa Claus' over and over and over and over and well you get the point. Honestly with that song on continuous rotation, the claims of Jolly Old Saint Nick being a megalomaniac are founded. Oh, and yeah, it starts with Kathy bates in LABOR, another reason to stay far away, far in the hell away. Honestly she looked better swinging a sledge hammer at my ankles. Viv here... Steve's trying to soothe the cookie issue with cake... I'll consider it. I think it's disco night here. Oh and Steve did the fabulous snap in the movie which was cute Maybe Strawberry shortcake. I was talking sensually to his cat while it was his turn... I said, "Hi big boy... " Anyway, Steve said the elves running at the end didn't have their legs spread the right amount... mmHMM! Since he's the expert on elves with spread legs... I'm hearing in bits and pieces... sheep go to heaven, and his cat's winking or something... Oh and, I just have to ask... do the kids in Spain leave flan for Santa instead of cookies? Lemme know, yeah? Steve... don't forget the PS Part when you're done. Alright first of all, the flan was in Spanish Harlem not Spain, second of all you really dont want to know what was wink'n, blink'n, and nodding at you as you were typing. :| I think thats about it, just, you know, don't see the movie, even if its base messege is kind of endearing... All kids deserve toys.. yeah I know, Im a sap, but the approach could have been better then the mindless drival the projector so effortlessly spewed onto the screen. Anyhow there is talk of cross posting this in her blog... so if you read hers already and made it to this point again, well Im sorry you have gleened nothing new and are probably worse for the ware now that you have had double exposure. but its still better then seeing the movie. So yeah um I think thats it, I think... ps Go Willie! AND, I want a green velvet hat floating around my crotch as I do the tush shake... where's the justice! Steve and Viv

I think she earned every one of her 29+19 years... that said, I hope that you have a great birthday, Sharon, and smile lots knowing that I did math for you... cause that's kinda scary all by itself! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! Hugs, Viv

Happy Birthday, Law! Hope it's a good one!

Well, one of them is. The other is like this... pubescent, teenage girl full of angst and drama, someone save me please?! I got home from work last night and found this on my computer... It's my son, who is six, talking to Tony. Tony: psssst Viv: 0 Tony: ... Viv: it's matthew Tony: hi matthew...can you ask daddy a question for me? ask him if tony can iron his tie Viv: he said no Tony: how are you? Viv: gooooooooooooooooood Viv: how or you???????????????????????????????? Tony: i am hungry Viv: me too Viv: but dad is getting pizza Tony: Tony: tell daddy green bay won 34 to 0 Viv: he said ok Tony: do you have school tomorrow or is it a holiday? Viv: no i don't have scool Viv: but yes the next day it is a holiday but i got to go/ bye Tony: bye Viv: i was wrong i can keep typing Tony: yay! Viv: *kiss**kiss*+6+6+6+6+6 Tony: what? Viv: hahahahaha Tony: what did you do today? Viv: help dad fix the lights Tony: what was wrong with them? Viv: some lightbolds were not working so we fixed them Tony: Tony: you mean lightbulbs Viv: yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees Viv: send a messege Tony: message Tony: hahaha Tony: i love you Tony: i can't wait to see you again when i come for thanksgiving Viv: i loooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooove you Viv: how are you? Tony: still hungry haha Viv: hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh Tony: matthew, when is your pizza coming? Viv: :s Viv: i don't know Tony: matthew Viv: hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha silly Viv: type you Tony: so what are you learning in school right now? Viv: i don't have scool Tony: i mean what did you learn on friday silly Viv: oh nothing Viv: brb Tony: ok Viv: bye bye Tony: bye Viv: hi!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Tony: hi Viv: ib means i'm back Tony: how was your pizza? Viv: good Tony: where's dad? Viv: still here Tony: tell him to answer me Viv: ok Viv: i got to go Tony: k Viv: bye bye Tony: bye MAD CHAT SKILLS!! On the other hand... we had this whole drama with my daughter the other night, and only cause it's SO much to retype, i'm just gonna repost the chat log from when I was whining to my angel about it. Vivian says: wanna borrow an out of control and crying pre-teen girl? pleeeeeeeeeeease? .: Dezlboi :. says: hmm .: Dezlboi :. says: lemme think .: Dezlboi :. says: no Vivian says: too bad... you don't know what you're missing Vivian says: despair Vivian says: angst Vivian says: tears .: Dezlboi :. says: what is she upset about now? Vivian says: yelling Vivian says: oh, well earlier she asked me if she could go play basketball outside of J's house. her mom wasn't home but i said okay as long as she stays outside where i can see her Vivian says: then i had to leave to get matty and she wasn't out there but i had to go so i left the door unlocked Vivian says: and as I

You'll be fine We do the best we can with what we have and what gets thrown at us, and even if this week sucked for all kinds of reasons, remember that the average, or even good weeks greatly out number the bad. Besides, it's Friday, so that means it's almost a new week, and I'm sure that one will be better, Foxy Hugs, Viv

You know that just means it's your turn...

Umm... THANKS!!! I would have done that myself had I known you were gonna make it a whole separate gallery... I figured you would just add them to yours. Hugs!!

So, yeah... San Francisco. Steve, Rich, and I got there Friday morning and took some crazy underwater subway from Oakland to San Francisco and then stopped at the Visitor's Center that my brother who used to live there for ten years told us to stop at to get free maps and stuff, only to be assaulted by two different homeless people, who will from here on out be known as the interesting people and that area, the interesting area, likely because I had some giant map unfolded looking for the 'you are here' spot. So we were trying to decide if we should try and walk the mile and a half to our hotel, or take a bus, or a cab, since we had our luggage. This one interesting man showed us where a bunch of cabs were waiting and then called Rich and asshole when he wouldn't give him any money. We took a cab, my first time, most horrifying ride in a car EVER!! to our hotel and dropped off our luggage since it was too early for check-in where the desk clerk, known as the sea-lion lady, gave me a map and a bus schedule, and then wandered around some nearby. Found a park with no grass, got a bagel, bookstore, found Steve an apple and an organic pumpkin, watched a dog walk into the dog groomer shop called the Bow Wow, Meow all by itself, and then walk out again later alone to check out what was going on, and then walk back inside again. The sea lion lady from the hotel called to say the room was ready so we went back over and got settled in to wait for Joey, Jeff, and Snow Dog who arrived around 1 and after much hugging and laughing at Jeff trying to park his rental car, we went to go over to some place where you can buy these groovy all-purpose bus, train, cable car passes and have some lunch with a 'special' waitress. Joey tried to wash his hands with honey, and then we went to Fisherman's Wharf and walked around some. So I'll tell you, that in San Francisco, it's all about walking and public transportation, and actually it's quite effective and easy to get around, but the busses fill up fast and then you're left to stand and hold on to these poles that run along the bus and since I'm so short, I can practically swing from them, it was all I could do not to fall and I know they were all waiting for it all weekend, but I remained upright! YAY ME!!! Rich and Steve were laughing at me when we left the airport cause the bus we took to the underground, underwater subway thing we rode on over to the interesting area, well when I sat down, my feet didn't reach the floor! We went back to the hotel and got ready for our night. We all decided to go to have dinner and see a movie so we headed out. We ate, saw American Gangster, and got a text from Trebs and when the movie was over we went to meet them in the Castro District. Finally we made it back to the hotel and it was pretty late since we were all up at some crazy hour like 4 a.m. that morning to get there and we agreed to meet at 10 a.m. the next morning. We go to eat, decide to go to Pier 39, see the sea lions, took a boat ride around the harbor and saw Alcatraz and went under the Golden Gate Bridge, etc... had lunch, took some pictures, and went back to the hotel so we could get ready for the dinner thing at Home restaurant. We ate, took a group picture, drove with them up to the Twin Peaks, saw the city at night from above, Joey made me use some self-cleaning public toilet thing, and then they dropped us off at the movie theater and we watched Dan in Real Life which was really good/a total chick flick... thanks guys Joey tried to pay me too much for his ticket and then wouldn't take his change so you know that cute skinny tie he had on? Well, I grabbed it and shoved my hand in his pocket with his change... which he promptly tried to shove down my shirt and I was like EWWWWWWWW!!!! Do you know how gross and dirty money is?! Then we went back to the hotel for the night. The next morning we decided to go over to the Exploratorium and The Palace of Fine Arts and check it ou and then we left there and walked down the harbor some only to realize we were stuck behind some yacht club, that's what they get for letting directionally challenged Viv lead the way. Took some more pics, and then we walked back to where we started and then partway down the 49 mile scenic drive route till we decided to find some lunch and Jamba Juice. Then Steve decided he wanted to go on a cable car ride so we bussed over to where you get on. So we get on this crazy cable car thing and jump off in China Town where Joey and I had to pee and ended up in the financial district which apparently is a graveyard on Sundays. Peed, took another cable car back to where we could get on a bus, but were too impatient to wait so ended up walking back to the hotel, and when we get back to the hotel, no one can decide what to do and I remembered seeing that there was a comedy club in town and Kevin Nealon from SNL was playing so we called and yes, Joey can get in, so we went. f**kING HYSTERICAL!!! and great food and I had these REALLY yummy Red Apple Martinis and then after went back to the hotel where we packed and went to bed, and then Jeff took Joey to the airport at 4 am came back to the hotel, slept a bit then took Rich, myself, and Steve to our airport, and then went back and took himself and Snow Dog when it was time, to their airport. Rich, Steve, and I had SO MUCH FUN lauging and joking in the two hours we had to wait for our plane. Rich got the pat-down from airport security, we had pizza for breakfast and Rich and Steve were talking about erections on the plane! I miss my boys already and I was doing this pitiful texting with Davey the whole weekend like... I wish you were here. I wish I was there, too. I miss you! I miss you more! Aside from that, I found out from the kids last night, that Tony, who was here babysitting for us all weekend from college, had a girl here... spending the night with him... IN MY BED!!! At least he had the consideration to wash my sheets... even if he did put the comforter on sideways. I sent Trebs some pictures Rich took to add to the SF Gallery... Hugs, Viv

That's GREAT! Yay for you, Foxy... Hugs! Viv