Stop Hate

I posted that below because it so moved me.

Do you know how many boys I wanted to give valentines to? To know this kid was killed because he did so, is so sad and such a horrible tragedy. This stuff shouldn't be happening now, but it does because society still says it's ok to kill or hate someone for being Gay.

I have been angry at people, but never really so that I wanted to kill them.

It's the parents that pass this hate down and the lawmakers that still allow it.

What would Jesus do? He wouldn't kill or hate someone! God neither.

It is man who kills and hates and then uses God or the Bible to condone it.

It must stop!!!

Now!

Ellen Degeneres RULES

Please click on the above title.

Food for Thought Food for Living

Implement whatever you can.


1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.

2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Buy a lock if you have to.

3. Buy a DVR tape your late night shows and get more sleep.
4. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement,

'My purpose is to __________ today.'

5. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.

6. Play more games and read more books than you did in 2007.

7. Make time to practice meditation, yoga, tai chi, and prayer. They provide us with daily fuel for our busy lives.

8. Spend more time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of 6.

9. Dream more while you are awake.

10. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.

11. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli, almonds & walnuts.

12. Try to make at least three people smile each day.

13. Clear clutter from your house, your car, your desk and let new and flowing energy into your life.

14. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires,issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control.
Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.

15. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn.Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.

16. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.

17. Smile and laugh more. It will keep the energy vampires away.
18. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

20. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

21. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

22. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.

23. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

24. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

25. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'

26. Forgive everyone for everything.

27. What other people think of you is none of your business.

28. GOD heals almost everything.

29. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

30. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

31. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

32. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

33. The best is yet to come.

34. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

35. Do the right thing!

36. Call your family often.

37. Each night before you go to bed complete the following
statements: I am thankful for __________. Today I accomplished _________.

38. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.

39. Enjoy the ride. Remember this is not Disney World and you certainly don't want a fast pass. You only have one ride through life so make the most of it and enjoy the ride.

40. Please Forward this to your friends.

May your troubles be less,
May your blessings be more,
May nothing but happiness come through your door!

Looking Good!!

Wow...I forgot that Freddie Prinze used to say that on "Chico and the Man". Seems like a lifetime ago.

Yesterday I wore the shirt and coat my boss gave me. I got positive feedback and that made me feel good.

I've lost 16 lbs, again, but hopefully this time I will keep it off. For Good.

Thanks LB!

Old Photos, but just got them!

Just got this photo of myself and co workers Liz and Michelle from a Sunshine Safari Benefit. It was last Fall. At the Waldorf Astoria!

That jacket and tie were my father's and I like to wear them when I dress up, makes me feel he's with me.

Don't Liz and Michelle look GLAM!!!!

Medium Cool

Well, not much to write.

Except I have lost a couple more lbs...16 thus far.

Went to the gym on Sunday AM. That felt good.

Had our first rehearsal Sunday afternoon for the upcoming conference show. I get to sing "For Good" from WICKED, the Glinda part. They want me to do it in drag..I'm gonna see if I can just do it as a male..with a sceptor or something.

A great group of singers though...doing songs from RENT and SWEENEY TODD and SPRING AWAKENING.

Work was work...nothing major.

So, on to another day.

Grateful to be alive and well and living in NY.

Didn't watch the Oscars, no TV. OH well, I saw enough on Youtube and the various magazines and newspapers.

I am soo glad Marion Cotillard won. She so deserved it.

I would have loved it if Julie Christie and Marion had tied. Shades of Babs and Katie Hepburn in 1969.

Ah well..no big surprises.

Katheryn Heigl was the most glamourous, though she wore a bit too much rouge.

Still..she was beautiful!!!

Help Find Evan Tremble/URBAN LEGEND

Well after I posted this, I found out it was a fake, a hoax!

How sick of people!!! Then when someone really IS missing..people will think it's another hoax..and ignore it.

Shame on those that do this!!! Wrong in so many ways!!!=======================================================================

I just got this email so thought I'd post, just in case.

Please look at the picture, read what his mother says, then forward this message on.


My 15 year old boy, Evan Trembley, is missing.
He has been missing since 20 September 2007.

Maybe if everyone passes this on, someone will see this child.
That is how the girl from Stevens Point was found by circulation
of her picture on tv. The internet circulates even overseas,
South America , and Canada etc.
Please pass this to everyone in your address book.
With GOD on his side he will be found.

'I am asking you all, begging you to please
forward this email on to anyone and everyone
you know, PLEASE.

It i s still not too late. Please help us. If anyone
knows anything, please contact me at:
HelpfindEvanTrembley@yahoocom
I am including a picture of him.

All prayers are appreciated! ! '

It only takes 2 seconds to forward this.

Grateful Day

My boss gave me a shirt and coat that she had bought for her husband but they didn't fit..and guess what..they fit me!!!

Very dapper...and very grateful!

Since I have NO style sense...I need all the help I can get.

Like the line from the Broadway show "Xanadu", I like to dress simply and let my personality be the star!!! :)

Serene Sunday

Well, despite the day not turning out the way I had planned, or thought, or geared up for, all went well.

Went to two diff meetings, had lunch with Phil at Benny's Burritos', we had the Breakfast Burrito, then came home and vegged.

I did take some new pics, and as you can see, my workouts with Eric are having an effect.

I have to, want to, workout tomorrow. On my own. I should have today, but got lazy.

One day of laziness, and that's all.

Back on track tomorrow.

Saturday and Piaf

What a great Saturday!

I got up, went to a meeting, met up with David. Walked and talked for a bit. Great message.

Did some errands, then back to Hells Kitchen to get an adjustment at the chiropractor, Dr. Rocco Tetro. Felt good as I have gotten off center and tight from working out. He gave me a tip about pineapples. He said after I work out to have some, as it breaks down the acid that builds up that causes muscle soreness. So, I'll give it a try!!!

Then I went grocery shopping, buying all healthy food!!!

Home, for a nap! That felt good. Funny, when I was a kid, I hated nap time and always snuck out or caused trouble. I just couldn't lay still. Now, I relish a nap and welcome it. Especially during a busy day.

I got up and went to another meeting. Great topic and shares. I wasn't sure what I was going to do with Eric out of town and Brian in Hollywood. But, HP was watching out for me. Robert H invited me over to his place to watch "La Vie En Rose", the movie about Edit Piaf! He has a GREAT apt, and two pretty cats. One very vocal, but that's ok.

The movie was good, a little confusing as it jumped back and forth from time to time to time, but oh what a performance Marion Cotillard gives. UH MAY ZING!!! She captures Piaf in all her pain and glory. What a tragic life! Why did Edith, Judy, Billie Holliday and so many women of that era have such tragic and sad lives? I wondered about rehap and AA and NA, but they were around as Edith went to rehap a couple of times to kick a morphine and heroin addiction, but never won.

I know many are looking at Julie Christie's performance in "Away From Her" to win the Oscar, but I think, hands down, and up, Marion should win. She is phenom!!

Long Live Piaf!

And thank you Robert for keeping me on track for another night!!

Valentine's Birthday

Well, a much better day. The sun is out, it's cold but not windy, and today is Valentine's Day.
My boss gave us all XO cookies. Sweet. I'm not going to eat mine though. I lost a lb and want to keep on going. I'll "regift" mine. :)

Today is also my sister Sonya's birthday. Happy Birthday to Sonya Westbrook.

I wore my red shirt today! I know, Corny Collins!

Last night I met up with Eric at the NYSC at 23rd and 8th. Whew. We had a good, hard, workout. Very productive.
AND I feel harder and stronger today, though a bit sore.

It just feels good to be back on track. I have a tendancy to let myself get run down and off track, and this time I am bound and determined to keep on taking care of myself.

The best Valentine's Day gift I can give myself, is taking care of myself.

To all who read this, love and light and hope!

And, be good to yourself today! We are our best allies!!

Wet Wednesday

Well, some days are just..kinda blah. Today is one of those days.

The snow gave way to warm rain...so the ride on the subway this morning was steamy. UGH.

Work was/is slow...meetings scheduled and magz tabbed, so not a whole lot to do. That will change soon.

Going to the gym after work with Eric. The NYSC at 23rd and 8th. Bigger and more crowded, but not as balmy and stinky as the one on 16th and 8th can be. Also, a bigger and gayer clientele. NO I will not be found steaming in the steam room. UGH..all those germs!

I went to the NYSC near work in the Met Life building last night after work. I managed to do 43 minutes on the Precor with 1 minute sprints every 5 minutes. Also did crunches and some push ups. Not too much as I had been told by my workout partner Eric that we were going to do chest tonite..muscles that is.

So, slowly getting back in shape. Eric has been so helpful. I tend to do better with a partner/sidekick. Like Lucy and Ethel, Fred and Barney. :)

Rained all day today, but looks like it has stopped for a while. Thankfully. But glad I don't have to drive in it.

So, a lowkey day, but a grateful one.

And that's a good thing.

Poseidon and Pamela

My friend Jay Lean in LA sent me these pics.

I LOVE "The Poseidon Adventure", the original NOT the remake. Love this poster, though, Eric Shea is missing..OR he is taking the photo.

Also, LOVE ME SOME Pamela Franklin. Haven't heard or seen of her since the 70's. Loved her in "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie" and "The Legend of Hell House" and "The Innocents" and "The Nanny".

Hurry back to NYC Jay, Broadway needs you!!!

Friends and Fun

What a great day Sunday was!!!

Despite, or in spite, of it being FRIGID and off and on snow flurries, I was warmed by the wonderful people I have in my life.

Slept in a bit, then went to the Center to read/listen/sing through the Conference Show, which will be May 4th. Very creative new lyrics to some current Broadway songs. It looks like I might be singing the part of Galinda in two WICKED numbers, Defying Gravity and For Good. Whether I do them in drag remains to be seen. I've done "fun" drag for the last two shows, comic that I am, and I asked this time if I have to do it, if I can be pretty. :)

There were some new faces and voices yesterday, which was so encouraging to see. Each new show brings someone out to tap into their creativity and get back into self acceptance and love. That is such a treat and joy to see.

When I sang the lyrics to "For Good" from WICKED, not rewritten, I teared up thinking about Justen Dardis and Cary Brown, both friends of mine who are no longer on this earth. I miss them both! And, they are remembered.

Afterwards I went to Starbuck's and had a Skinny Latte with Susan and Brandt, then we went back to the Center for a meeting. Very powerful. We are survivors. The punishment we have suffered at the hands of adults and other children, growing up, could have killed man, and indeed, does. But, we survived and are growing stronger. And, learning to take care of ourselves and not abuse food, sex, alcohol, drugs, money, and each other.

After that I went to dinner with Brian and David, at the Dish. Healthy and delish! It was COLD out so no long walks afterwards, though I did ride the subway home with David as he lives two streets over.

Then I got home, did laundry, and talked to Joe Applebaum back in LA. His Applebaum Bakehouse is in business and doing well, one order at a time.

So, a great weekend of friends, love, hope, and creativity.

AND..a good workout too. My legs and butt are SORE..but..in a good way. :)

Thanks to my workout buddy Eric!!!

Satisfied Saturday

What a wonderful day yesterday was! Simple, but filled with the things and people I am blessed with.

Got up, went to a meeting, got my 30 day chip for no food binging, then met with my friend Jeffrey.

Then went and did some errands, and was very grateful that the rain had stopped as I didn't bring my umbrella with me. It was chilly, but dry.

Got home and did some prep work for today's Intergroup meeting, for which I am Treasurer.

Ate some dried fruit and an energy/protein bar, then headed to New York Sport's Club at 16th and 8th to meet up with Eric. We did lunges, jumped rope, squats, and worked out shoulders and then did some cardio. Believe it or not...well, do, but it was actually FUN! Having a workout partner is soooo much better. I give up more easily on my own. So having Eric to encourage me and work out along side me is so much better.

Afterwards I went to a meeting, then had dinner with Brian and Todd. We ended up going to Arte Pasta. I had the Butternut Squash ravioli. YUM!

Next we walked through the meat packing district, which is all gussied up and transformed into a hip slick cool place to eat, shop and walk. We headed to Billy's Bakery, where, incidentally, Brian and Gio and I had gone Friday night after having dinner at Mamma Budhas', where we ran into fellow blogger and friend Patrick (Man Hat In). Sean and I had the Orage Chicken with broccoli, which Frank said was really "Candy chicken". It WAS very sweet..I have to watch it...white sauce is better then brown in a chinese restaurant.

Anyway, back to Billy's Bakery. I was "good" and didn't have anything either night. Just watched and smelled. I have had their cupcakes and cake and cookies before. I like them so much better then Magnolia Bakery, which got it's fame from an episode of "Sex in the City". Too busy, no place to sit, and the cupcake icing is TOO sweet.

So, they all ate, and I enjoyed the walk and the company.

Walking in NY is so good. So much to see, and it feels like you are getting somewhere rather than just trudging from point A to point B.

Last night it started raining, but luckily I had gotten my umbrella earlier and had it in my gym bag.

So, Brian and Todd got wet, but they looked sexy and handsome in their dark jackets and long hair, very James Dean!

I took the subway home, and when I got home, realized what a nice time I'd had spending it with friends. Both nights.

When we ran into Patrick, Sean and Frank at Mamma Budhas', it was so "synergistic".

The fact that two friends, both from LA, but now in NY, would end up at the same restaurant, at the same time, right next to each other, was just fun!! I told Patrick I couldn't wait to read his blog the next day. He does such a great job of writing about the sites and smells and feels about all he does.

Our mutual friend Joe Applebaum, of Applebaum Bakehouse, was the common denominator. I love when this type of thing happens.

Today I am going to the read thru/sing through of the Conference show. Then the Intergroup meeting.

Service and fun. And singing. Hell if it wasn't for the sshows I've done, I wouldn't have sung or performed. Well, maybe I would have, but this has given me a chance to perform, do service, inspire, and help celebrate creativity and fun.

And, to make some of the best friends a NY transplant could have.

I am a very blessed man!

The Year of the Rat - I'm a Rat! :)

Chinese Zodiac - Rat

Personality
Occupying the 1st and most prominent position on the Chinese Zodiac, the Rat symbolizes such character traits as wit, imagination and curiosity. Rats have keen observation skills and with those skills they’re able to deduce much about other people and other situations. Overall, Rats are full of energy, talkative and charming but they have a tendency to become aggressive.

Rats are full of good advice but they will never share their troubles with others. They are honest individuals and they enjoy living for the moment. They’re also capable of surviving any situation.
Health
Overall Rats enjoy good health. They’re very active which helps keep them in shape and able to fight off sickness. They can at times be tense, aggressive, and full of nervous energy, conditions which can lead to stress. Regular exercise designed to calm will benefit Rats.
Career
Extremely perceptive and wise, Rats can focus on the big picture. That ability along with their good judgment enables Rats to solve problems before they arise. Rats focus on titles because titles translate into status and money; two motivating forces. Rats make excellent bosses. Routine halts their creativity so Rats need flexible positions that allow creativity. Good career choices include: administrator, director, manager, entrepreneur, broadcaster, writer, musician, stand-up comedian, politician, lawyer, researcher, and race car driver.
Relationships
Rats are very charming. They enjoy social activities and because they’re out a lot, they’re always meeting new people. They aren’t good at breaking off relationships however, and this presents problems going forward with new relationships. Anyone hoping to partner with a Rat must be able to keep up with the Rat’s active nature.
Rats and the 5 elements
Metal Rats – Years 1900 and 1960
Metal Rats are strong-willed individuals who are determined to get what they want, regardless of the cost. Intensively emotional, their behavior can border on extreme. Possessive feelings, envy and rage can cause problems. Relationships can be problematic as Metal Rats are obstinate.

Super Tuesday

What a day yesterday! New York celebrated the Giants' win at the Superbowl with a huge "ticker tape" parade in Lower Manhattan, my neighborhood. I was at work so couldn't go but did watch it on tv.

New Orleans had Fat Tuesday, which isn't my cup o tea but good for them to be able to celebrate in their city.

AND...yesterday was Election Day, the Primary. I had a bit of confusion as to how to vote, but I found the polling site near my place, which was down near the World Trade Center site. There were still police rails up along the streets and crowds still mulling about. Lots of trash too.

But, I went in, found my district, and voted. I am proud to say I voted for Hillary Clinton. Though she's not perfect, by any means, I support her. I think she'll do an amazing job, and make history at the same time.

I do think Obama has a lot going for him as well. I found out his grandfather and grandmother were from Augusta, KS where my Dad lived as a boy and then died later in life. My stepmother Dolores still lives there.

My wish..is that whoever "places", invites the other to be Vice President. Not only would that be doubly historical, but so powerful too!

So, a great Tuesday!!!

Applebaum Bakehouse CLICK HERE

http://applebaumbakery.com

Click on the title Applebaum Bakehouse!

I am drooling as I write this.

Check out my friend Joe's website. He is in LA and is an AMAZING baker. I have personally taste tested many of these. My fave? The Ginger Chews.

YUMMMMMM

Another Friend Found

Here is a photo of my friend Steve Hammel, his partner Scott, and great neice Claire.

Steve does PR and is a friend from back in my LA days. I had lost track of him, but again through emails and the internet highway, got back in touch with him.

I think this is a great photo...Great Uncle Steve! :)

27 Dresses

Had a good Saturday. Meeting, a long nap, which felt nice, restful. Then a meeting, dinner at The Village Den, then we went to see "27 Dresses" at the Chelsea Cinema. Very cute and fun. I laughed out loud a lot and also talked back to the screen...was told I am very vocal at movies. Well, "Rocky Horror" taught me I can have FUN..and interact..if the movie warrents it.