Purple spirit day

Millions of Americans wear purple on Spirit Day as a sign of support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth and to speak out against bullying. 
Spirit Day was started in 2010 by teenager Brittany McMillan as a response to the young people who had taken their own lives. Observed annually on October 20, individuals, schools, organizations, corporations, media professionals and celebrities wear purple, which symbolizes spirit on the rainbow flag. 
Getting involved is easy -- participants are asked to simply "go purple" on October 20 as we work to create a world in which LGBT teens are celebrated and accepted for who they are.


In honor of the kids who are no longer with us.  
I am continually saddened by the number of suicides due to bullying.
I was bullied back in the 80's for being different and effeminate in rural South Carolina.  It was hell on earth, and I could not get out of there fast enough.
Today, it seems the bullying has gotten worse, and some youth are having trouble dealing with the stress.  And, many of them don't have the option of leaving, or have a support network to help them work through it all.
Let's all do our part to help our troubled youth...let them know
IT GET'S BETTER!

Gadhafi dead

Breaking news...

Moammar Gadhafi has been killed in a raid in Libya.  This brings an end to more than 40 years of tyranny and terrorism.
Perhaps I've seen too many movies...but, I can't help but wonder, was our government involved?
I mean...we've heard the tales of how we snuck in, under cover of darkness, and dispensed of Osama Bin Laden.  Who's to say that we weren't involved in this situation...it seems very similar to me.
But, If the US is involved, I don't necessarily think that is a bad thing.  We need to stop tap dancing, and pussyfooting around. 
For far too long, everyone has been afraid to say or do anything for fear of pissing off someone, or some faction.
This man was a dictator that murdered nearly as many people as Osama Bin Laden.  Whoever was involved in this slaying...this bringing of justice...I say BRAVA!

Farewell Sweet Carson!

Farewell sweet Carson!

Miss you already!


Carson Kressley was eliminated from Dancing with the stars last night!
While it wasn't a shocking elimination, he will surely be missed.
Truly, his technique was pretty darn awful...but he was quite frankly the most entertaining of all the contestants.  
Honestly, I'm surprised that Chaz Bono is still on the show as well.  But, I'm happy that he has enough fans and supporters to keep him around week after week.  I dare say he won't be around much longer though.


But, back to Carson...I'll truly miss his spirit and freedom on the show.
I'm sure some people are bothered by his overt femininity out in middle america...but, I can honestly say that he makes me feel proud to be a gay man...
KEEP ON PRANCIN' CARSON!

American entitlement

I recently took a vacation to San Juan, Puerto Rico.

It was the most beautiful place!  Old San Juan is just gorgeous, with the old buildings, forts, and the gorgeous Caribbean sea as the backdrop.

I was fortunate enough to stay at the Ritz Carlton in what's called the "resort area" of San Juan.

Of course, the Ritz Carlton is beautiful and well-appointed.  The staff at the hotel, and really all over the city, were so friendly and accommodating.  Not to mention, the men in San Juan are DELICIOUS!

But, one thing that really bothered me was the way some of the American visitors were treating the folks working at the hotel.  I witnessed some terribly obnoxious behavior towards the hotel staff.  

There were many instances that I wanted to walk up to someone and slap them. I was embarrassed at the level of rudeness and entitlement they were displaying.

I mean, come on, just because you are on vacation...and can afford to stay at the Ritz, doesn't mean that the employees are your personal servants.

Maybe it's my upbringing...I grew up in rural South Carolina, in the 80's.  I was taught that you always say please and thank you, and that things aren't always going to go your way.  So, I am always shocked at how some people think the way they act is ok.

I'll definitely return to San Juan.  But, perhaps next time I'll stay at a more moderately priced hotel...along with the "little people".

Marilyn Monroe visits Chicago!

There is a new art installment on Michigan Avenue...
Forever Marilyn.
She has already caused quite a bit of controversy...and I really can't understand why.


Some people are complaining that it is vulgar and distasteful...
REALLY!?!  This is distasteful?  I'll bet you think the Kardashians would be fun at bible study too, huh?


What IS distasteful is how some men are acting underneath her skirt. Come on guys!  
You're businessmen in downtown Chicago.  Control yourselves and stop acting like drunken fratboys at a Cubs game!


I think it is beautiful...and the many visitors to Chicago are flocking to check out Marilyn.  Maybe that was the whole point...create a controversy so that people would come visit, and spend money.  Ahh, marketing at its' finest!

What are your thoughts?  Do you think this sculpture is a thing of beauty?  Or, is it in bad taste?

Juicy Juice

Well, happy new year everyone!  It has been quite some time since I've written anything here.  For those of you agonizing with bated breath, sitting on the edge of your sofa, waiting for the next blog entry...I truly apologize.

December was a whirlwind, as the holidays usually are.  But, the holidays were ok.
Working in the fitness industry, January is a CRAZY month!  All those folks with new years resolutions trample down your door with completely unrealistic goals....
I need to lose 20 pounds in the next week...go!
I want to drop 2 dress sizes, but I'm very busy so I only have time to work out once a week and I only eat fast food...go!
Idiots!  Come back and see me when you come to your senses.

Of course, part of my job is educating those people on how to realistically, and safely achieve their weight loss and exercise goals...but, still, It is always so funny how people think it will happen overnight.
Of course, they are a little dejected when they learn that they won't be able to audition for "America's Next Top Model" by next weekend...But, hopefully, they are a little wiser when it comes to their bodies.

With all the busy, busy times of the past few months, I couldn't help but notice I was not my usual perky, life-of-the-party self.  What was the problem?  Why was I in such a funk?
The holidays were fabulous, I love Christmas...I don't get depressed around the holidays...what was going on??!!

And then I realized...I had not done anything creative since Thanksgiving!
I had not edited or mixed any music, written anything on my blog, not even redecorated my condo or bought a new outfit (GASP)!

That was it...I now knew why I was walking around like a zombie.
So, I got busy being creative!
I rolled the proverbial lemon across the counter to get those creative juices flowing in my brain.
I went shopping and bought a fabulous, sassy new outfit and even got some HAWT new shoes to go with it.
Then, I rearranged my guest bedroom.
Then, I made a new music mix for my fitness class...and even made a new mix for my Spin class.
Then, I got busy writing a new post for this blog....
so many juices...so many creative ideas flowing!!

Ahh, that's better...I'm back to "normal" once again...Who's a pretty girl?!

Well, everyone...until the next time...HAPPY NEW YEAR!
And, get out there and do something creative...before you hurt someone.

Greener Pastures?

We've all been through it, drama and politics in the workplace.  Try as you might, there's just no escape from who-you-know politics and talentless supervisors, afraid of anyone that might shine a light on their true ineptitude.

I made many moves in my 20+ year career.  I've always been in search of the elusive greener grass.  But, each time I changed jobs, I only found more of the same...
You might be stuck with a complete idiot of a supervisor, who only got to their current position because of their [ahem] oral talents.  And, this person is so afraid of anyone that displays a shred of talent in their job that they go out of their way to keep you from progressing in your career.
Or, you get the supervisor who has been with the company for 3,000 years.  They are a supervisor simply because they have stuck around and managed not to be fired or die.  They have no supervisory or social skills whatsoever.  They are usually lazy, bitter, and just want their next paycheck...so don't bother them with any of your newfangled ideas.  These are super fun supervisors to have!
Or, you might have the good fortune to be stuck with the over-achieving-golden-boy (or girl), who never sees anything you do as good enough.  "I'd love to give you a raise or promotion, but I really don't feel you've gone above and beyond this period.  If only you'd come in on a Sunday and re-painted the entire building and re-paved the sidewalk, that would have shown me that you are truly committed and deserve this".
BITE ME! I deserve a raise and promotion because I have to deal with your idiotic bullshit day in and day out!

Currently, I find myself (once again) in the position of do I stay or do I go?  Truth be told, my current situation is not as bad as anything I've been through in the past.  But, there is a definite under-appreciation of my contributions.  And, being shunned in a recent "reorganization" has not helped improve my state of mind.
Do I risk changing jobs...where I may move into a much worse situation?  Or, do I stay at my current job and just continue trudging forward with no prospects of career advancement?  Is the safe bet the best bet?  This is my dilemma.
I just want to work someplace where I am appreciated, rewarded, and PROMOTED for doing good work.

Is that too much to ask?  I guess I'll have to brush up on my [ahem] oral skills.