Thankgiving

Thanksgiving

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Well we made it to Idaho alright. We actually ended up going through Nevada, then Oregon and finally to Idaho. I hadn't realized we'd be hitting a bit of Oregon on our way up. We hit some pretty thick fog and rude driver's towing trailers [they wouldn't move over into the specially made turn outs for slow drivers]. The stars out in the middle of nowhere were amazing and it was pitch black out at 6:00pm. We ended up getting to our motel around 10:00pm I believe, having lost an hour moving into Mountain Time.

None of us slept very well and were super tired when we got up the next morning [Thursday]. We got ready and took Jack to the Hounds Lounge and headed to Cindi's folk's place. They live in a very new development in what most likely used to be "out in the country". Their house is huge, way too big for two people and a small dog. It has a butlers pantry for crying out loud! I'd never even heard of that until yesterday! So anyway, the house is super nice and the kitchen was amazing and very fun to cook in. We made some yummy vegetable cornucopias that turned out really well! Cindi's two aunts, one husband, her parents and the two of us had a wonderful and small Thanksgiving dinner. I'm used to way more people and it was a nice change. One Aunt was also vegetarian and loved the meal we'd made. It took a long time, but it was worth it when she cleaned her plate and went back for more roasted veggies.

We weren't able to stay long since the Hounds Lounge closed early. Everyone loved Jack [what a surprise] and he was exhausted having played all day long.

All in all it was a wonderful day, a nice intimate Thanksgiving with parents who love and support us.

Away & Stuff

Tofurkey

Well we're leaving today for our trip to Idaho/Utah! We're all packed and ready to go. I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving.
In between stuffing yourselves with [tofurkey] and pie make sure and read [this], proof that Bush and his administration lied when they claimed Saddam had ties to 9/11. Even with this evidence I doubt much will come of it.

My Favorite Event of the Weekend

http://www.weeklyradioaddress.com

Cindi found this satirical weekly radio address from President Bush. Oh my God it is so fuckin' hilarious! My favorite was the one they ran after the November election, too funny! You can listen to it [here]. I recommend this every weekend, though it's fake, it's spot on!

*Bull Shit*

The Govenator

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This is the bull shit response I got from the Govenator regarding SB 849. This bill would have made marriage gender neutral. I have included my own thoughts for clarification in another post. I have tried three times now to wrote a post with his letter and my repsonse but it keeps fucking up my blog.

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Thank you for emailing to express your position regarding Assembly Bill 849 (Leno). I understand the importance of this piece of legislation and the outcome it would have on our State and nation as a whole. After extensive consideration and thorough deliberation from proponents and opponents of this issue, I have decided to veto this bill.

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I am proud California is a leader in recognizing and respecting domestic partnerships and the equal rights of domestic partners. I believe that lesbian and gay couples are entitled to full protection under the law and should not be discriminated against based upon their relationships. I support current domestic partnership rights and will continue to vigorously defend and enforce these rights and as such will not support a rollback of these rights.

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California Family Code Section 308.5 was enacted by an initiative statute passed by the voters as Proposition 22 in 2000. Article II, section 10 of the California Constitution prohibits the Legislature from amending this initiative statute without a vote of the people. This bill does not provide for such a vote and I do not believe the Legislature can reverse an initiative approved by the people of California.

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The ultimate issue regarding the constitutionality of section 308.5 and its prohibition of same-sex marriage is currently before the Court of Appeals in San Francisco and will likely be decided by the Supreme Court. If the ban of same-sex marriage is unconstitutional, this bill is not necessary. If the ban is constitutional, this bill is ineffective.

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While I was not able to sign this bill in particular, I did sign legislation to extend the rights of domestic partners. Last legislative session I signed SB 1234 (Kuehl), the most comprehensive extension of domestic partner rights. This session I signed AB 1400 (Laird), which clarifies that marital status and sexual orientation are among the characteristics that are protected against discrimination by business establishments under the Unruh Civil Rights Act. I also signed AB 1586 (Koretz) which adds additional language to already existing anti-discrimination provision to clarify that State law prohibits insurance companies and health care service plans from discriminating on the basis of gender in the creation or maintenance of service contracts or the provision of benefits or coverage.

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Thank you again for taking the time to voice your opinion. Taking the time to communicate your opinions and concern shows that California's people are engaged in issues that affect the well being and future of our State.

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Sincerely,

Arnold Schwarzenegger

*Bull Shit*~My Response

This is bull shit. He announced his intent to veto before the bill ever reached his desk. His own political career, pointless reelection campaign, and support from extreme right-wing republicans are more important to him than doing the right thing for this state.

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If he truly believed what he stated in his letter he would have signed AB 849 into law. By not signing it he continued the discriminatory practice of separate and unequal that the domestic partnership laws are. Yes, they rare and groundbreaking, but they do not provide full protection under the law and are discriminatory based on relationships! They embody everything he says he is against. I’m glad he won’t support rolling back these rights, but we have to move forward.

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I truly do not give a flying fuck what this “Family” Code says. It is discrimination and should be over turned in what ever way possible! As I and millions of others have said, the rights of the minority should NEVER be decided by the majority. I don’t care what the people of California want; it is not up to them to decide what rights I am entitled.

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After the courts ruled in favor of gay marriage in Massachusetts they were told it should have been decided by the legislature and now that it has been done they want the decision from the courts. And we all know why, if it goes before the Supreme Court it will be after it has been packed with ring-wing extremist judges and we will loose. He claims to support full rights for gays and lesbians, how can he say this and not believe the ban is unconstitutional.

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Oh well thank you for the few rights and protections you did deem us worthy of, but again it’s not enough! I’m not satisfied with crumbs when the rest of society is dinning on a ten course meal.

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My letter and concerns aren’t about the state or its people. It’s about me and my family. It’s about me and my rights as a human being who happens to be a lesbian. This state has done little for me as well as all the people in it. They voted for that discriminatory initiative, they voted in Arnold, and now they may have the opportunity to vote away our domestic partnership rights. Fuck California and all the people in it. I don’t care what is “best” for them, my motives are purely selfish. I don’t expect or need them to accept or acknowledge my partnership, I want the rights I’m entitled to regardless of public opinion or readiness.

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I can’t wait until we can vote this bastard out of office and send him and Skeletor back to Hollywood.

The Hounds Lounge: Doggie Daycare

This is where we are gonna take Jack when we're in Idaho. It looks soo cute and I know he'll have a blast. They even have a web cam so we can try and sneak a peak at Jack when he's there. We could have found some where to board him at night so we could stay at Cindi's parents' place but I like having Jack sleep with us plus it still wouldn't have solved the issue of where he'd go during the day. It is costing us more money to do it this way but I think its the best.

Wrist Trouble

Cindi and I recently took a psychic skills class given by a woman in our Ritual Planning Group. It sounded like fun and a way to meet more people in the area. Here is a description of the class:

Come have fun and play with energy. Learn some new tools and play with others you may already know (such as grounding and running energy). We'll work with neutrality and manifestation, no effort and laughter. Ever need to separate from the energy of someone (coven/family member, coworker, patient) and just can't seem to do it? Ever have a conversation in your head that just won't stop? You'll leave with tools you can use in your everyday life as well as enhancing your magical skills. Class will start with a free spiritual healing from your teachers, with your permission, and then on to fun time! A short reading will be available for an additional donation.
Panthera is a long time Reclaiming Priestess and Witch and teacher in Cauldron of the Valley. She is also a Graduate of the Berkeley Psychic Institute. Magic, mystery and love are daily parts of her life and she invites you to make it part of your own too!
Kristen also Graduated from the Berkeley Psychic Institute. She manifested exactly what she wanted in a husband and is now living and creating miracles in Ireland with her husband. She'll be here for a short time while on holiday from being a grade school teacher.

The first day of class we both went and had a really good time learning more about grounding, auras and energy. The second night Cindi wasn't feeling well and decided to stay home so I went by myself. We learned more way to "protect" ourselves and manifest what we want in our lives. We were also all given the opportunity to ask a question and receive a reading from one of the teachers and then a healing afterward. I asked about my wrists [will get into back story after]. She told me I was communicating with my heart god[dess] at about 60%. A past life was glowing for her to read [was a brown ring on my pink rose]. She said she saw a horse stepping on my wrist and crushing it. Someone else blamed me for something that had happened to them and this came of that blame. She told me to visit the beach, which I still have yet to do. I started this post in July but am just now finishing it. I'd saved it and forgot about it. I think this has to do with the guilt I continue to carry with me. I believe this life-time is about dealing with and letting go of guilt especially for things I am not to blame for. This is especially true with the current [and past] issues with my mother. I'll now go into the back story of how the wrist trouble came to be.

*Back-Story* on May 1, 2003 I was living in Seattle and had literally just started hanging out with M. We talked for the first time the day before and he had invited me to Cinco de Mayo brunch at a friends house. His roommate decided to leave early and I remembered I had left my coat with my keys and phone in his car so I ran out to catch him before he left. There were stairs leading up to the porch that were covered with leaves, I slipped down those stairs on the leaves and fell back into my hands injuring my right wrist. I was embarrassed and didn't say anything to anyone about it. I don't remember how long afterward it really started to bother me. I was in massage school [my second school] at the time and it got bad enough I had to drop out of school. I had hoped temporarily but I still have yet to return. I never got a real diagnosis and even went to physical therapy that I had to stop when I realized my insurance wouldn't cover it. It's not as bad as it was that summer and fall but it still bothers me from time to time especially when I do a lot of typing or put too much pressure on it. I had some work done on it right before I left school and had a huge emotional release though never figured out what it had stemmed from.

It's been awhile now since we took that class and it's something I haven't given much thought. Maybe it's something else I need to work through during this cave time.

Cind's Drum *Old-New Post*

~*Goddess Drum*~

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I guess I can finally publish this post, I started it August 10th but didn't publish it in case Cindi saw it. I did get her this drum as well as a bagpack to hold it. It's beautiful and was "broken in" at the Samhain ritual. It even came with a little minature drum that we're saving for Sebastian & Lili.

8/10/05: This is the drum I am planning to buy for Cindi's birthday. It is beautiful and since she will be using it a lot for magickal purposes I thought it was perfect. I'm hoping to get a bag for it as well to keep it protected so she can easily travel with it.

Coffee & Dessert

Medusa

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I don't think I mentioned all the drama from the Ritual Planning Group and I don't think I want to get into it now that's it's done and over with. It was about the trance for the Samhain ritual. Innisfree ended up leading it and did a wonderful job! While Cindi was gone to school I had dinner with Medusa, the start of the trance drama, and haven't seen or spoken to her since. She is now leaving the ritual planning group to fulfill outside duties. She was kind enough to email Cindi & I separately to explain and mentioned she wanted to spend time with us outside the Ritual Planning Group. We made plans for tonight for coffee & dessert. We are thinking about going to Ciocolat, it looks like they have lots of yummy desserts. I can't wait to see Medusa and hope there isn't any weirdness. I really, really like her!

jane siberry

jane siberry

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Jane Siberry is playing at The Palms November 30th. We are hoping to go see her. We have to get tickets [$20 each] and find a car to borrow the night of the show. We're planning to buy them this week, I just hope they don't sell out before than. Her voice is amazing and I think it would be a lot of fun to go to a local show. I never imagined I'd see good music in Winters.

Our Holiday Cards *I hope!*

Holiday Cards

These cards are so damn cute! We saw them awhile back and want them to send out for this fast approaching holiday season. We are frequently called "the girls" so it fits on many levels. It probably wouldn't be a bad idea to order them soon to make sure we get them in time to send out this year.

Sisters

Just when I start to doubt why we live here and if I want to remain close to my family, I get a reminder; my sisters. No matter what is happening with the extended family and even my parents, I love my sisters and want them to be apart of my life.
With our quickly approaching trip I was beginning to worry how I was going to complete my homework while we're gone. A rough draft of my paper is due that Friday. I began to wish I owned a laptop or could borrow one. My grandmother has one but it's pretty outdated and doesn't have to most up-to-date programs on it. Then I remembered Angela had a laptop. I called and asked her if it was her only computer, she said it was but I could borrow it anyway. She saved the day and my trip. I love having sisters that I can count on and who I enjoy helping when they need me. I hated having sisters when I was young, I wanted to be an only child. But now that I'm older and my relationship to my parents is beyond explanation, I am so thankful for my sisters and the fact that we love and support each other with out question.

I Want...

Modern Biker Watch

This is what I want for Yule this year! While they still have it and I still like it!

Sabbatical

I've decided to take a four week sabbatical from school. My current set of classes end on December 4th and I'll start the next set January 2nd. I'm feeling burned out and need a break from school to focus on other things. I want to teach myself to knit, read, walk, do yoga, prepare healthier meals, spend quality time with my partner and our fur children, organize the apartment, and clean. I'm sure I'll think of more. I feel better already!

My New Favorite Thing

Wonder Woman Organizer

I've been lusting after this organizer since I saw it awhile back. I had some points built up from the Advocate surveys I take so I got an Amazon gift certificate and used it to help me order this fine item. It should be arriving next Monday. I've been wanting a better organizer and this suites my non-conforming side as well my anal organized side. I just hope it's cute and functional.

It came yesterday, much faster than I expected. I love it and can't wait to start using it. I can't decide if I should just start now or wait for my old one to run out. Hmmmmm.........

My My

Wow I'm on a bloggin kick today! I am now officially obsessed with The L Word just as I was obsessed with Queer as Folk [the American version] and Six Feet Under. I know these shows are not representative of their respective communites [Lesbian/Bisexual & Gay respecitively] but I don't care. There is no possible way you can represent every person who calls themself any number of the letters that create LGBT. Even though most of us won't admit it we like to see pretty people on TV and in movies. I myself have been known to say that I support and watch movies/TV with real looking people in all shapes, colors, and sizes - which is true - but I also like to watch movies & shows with good actors, great writting, and really good background music which more often than not include non-representative pretty people. I am shallow and I'm ok with it. And I want hair like the actress who plays Alice, Leisha Hailey.

FU Arnold!

Arnold said no to our rights [while saying he supports full rights for the LGBT community] so we say no to him! I don't even care what these propositions are for as long as they are supported by Arnold I don't support them. Petty I know, but payback is a bitch!

My New Favorite Word

Word of the Day for Wednesday November 2, 2005
subfusc\sub-FUHSK\, adjective:Dark or dull in color; drab, dusky.
The tea-cosy, property of one Edmund Gravel -- "known as the Recluse of Lower Spigot to everybody there and elsewhere," as the book's first page informs us -- is haunted by a six-legged emcee for various "subfusc but transparent" ghosts. --Emily Gordon, "The Doubtful Host," Newsday, November 8, 1998
Her inscrutable figure -- imposing in designer subfusc, slightly donnish, reminiscent of Vita Sackville-West, to whom she was distantly related -- baffled and intrigued some. --Yvonne Whiteman, "Obituary: Frances Lincoln," Independent, March 6, 2001

Salt Lake Visit~Ideas

Some ideas for activities or places to go & things to do:

• Gypsy Moon Emporium
• Ninth & Ninth
• Coffee Garden
• UMFA Premieres Rare Photographs of Frida Kahlo
• Carlucci's Bakery