Too awesome not to post...
Potential cure for HIV discovered
Agence France-PresseLast updated 09:02am (Mla time) 06/29/2007
CHICAGO -- In a breakthrough that could potentially lead to a cure for HIV infection, scientists have discovered a way to remove the virus from infected cells, a study released Thursday said.
The scientists engineered an enzyme which attacks the DNA of the HIV virus and cuts it out of the infected cell, according to the study published in Science magazine.
The enzyme is still far from being ready to use as a treatment, the authors warned, but it offers a glimmer of hope for the more than 40 million people infected worldwide.
"A customized enzyme that effectively excises integrated HIV-1 from infected cells in vitro might one day help to eradicate (the) virus from AIDS patients," Alan Engelman, of Harvard University's Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, wrote in an article accompanying the study.
Current treatments focus on suppressing the HIV virus in order to delay the onset of AIDS and dramatically extend the life of infected patients.
What makes HIV so deadly, however, is its ability to insert itself into the body's cells and force those cells to produce new infection.
"Consequently the virus becomes inextricably linked to the host, making it virtually impossible to 'cure' AIDS patients of their HIV-1 infection," Engelman explained.
That could change if the enzyme developed by a group of German scientists can be made safe to use on people.
That enzyme was able to eliminate the HIV virus from infected human cells in about three months in the laboratory.
The researchers engineered an enzyme called Tre which removes the virus from the genome of infected cells by recognizing and then recombining the structure of the virus's DNA.
This ability to recognize HIV's DNA might one day help overcome one of the biggest obstacles to finding a cure: the ability of the HIV virus to avoid detection by reverting to a resting state within infected cells which then cease to produce the virus for months or even years.
"Numerous attempts have been made to activate these cells, with the hope that such strategies would sensitize the accompanying viruses to antiviral drugs, leading to virus eradication," Engelman wrote. "Advances with such approaches in patients have been slow to materialize."
New experiments must be designed to see if the Tre enzyme can be used to recognize these dormant infected cells, he wrote.
"Although favorable results would represent perhaps only a baby step toward eventual use in patients, the discovery of the Tre recombinase proves that enzymatic removal of integrated HIV-1 from human chromosomes is a current-day reality," he said.
The researchers who developed the enzyme were optimistic about their ability to design additional enzymes which would target other parts of the virus's DNA.
However they warned that there were significant barriers to overcome before the enzyme could be used to help cure patients.
"The most important, and likely most difficult, among these is that the enzyme would need efficient and safe means of delivery and would have to be able to function without adverse side effects," wrote lead author Indrani Sarkar of the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics in Dresden.
"Nevertheless the results we present offer an early proof of principal for this type of approach, which we speculate might form a useful basis for the development of future HIV therapies," Sarkar concluded.
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Friday, June 29, 2007
Cure for HIV??
My whole world's upside down...
(_/_) (_Y_) (_\_)
That be my a$$ shakin'...
Off we go...
Yesterday "Chatty McChat" found out that she's going to be a grandmother again -- and ran all around the office telling us all about it...
It was so sweet. 
~~~~~~oOo~~~~~~
In case anyone was wondering how to get their picture (or any avatar) connected to your name when you comment, just go to http://www.gravatars.com/. You sign up there and upload your pic and it follows you to all commenting programs that uses gravatars for your image. 
~~~~~~oOo~~~~~~
Welp, yesterday I (and Jess) quit football (you saw this coming). I was sitting at my desk last night, looking at our bank acct (let's just say, it wasn't a positive experience)... and thinking, why the hell am I burning sooo much gas to drive to Shelton and Hamden 3x's a week?
Not to mention, my thumb is still not right yet -- and we have so much going on this summer that is conflicting with practice and/or games... well, something had to give, and it had to be football.
I just couldn't justify going through all that trouble for something I didn't love doing.
So, the football saga, is at an end. 
~~~~~~oOo~~~~~~
You know that FreeCycle.org website I was telling you about? The one where you give away the stuff that you don't want anymore? Well, yesterday someone posted this to the group:
Subject: [FreecycleBPT] OFFER - Breastpump -
I have a used Pump In Style breastpump to offer. It is at least 8 years old.
Last I used it, it worked fine. All at your own risk, of course. I am included a car adapter for it. Have to take both.
It took all the self-restraint I could muster to not reply to the entire group with a big fat... "Ewww!!!!" LOL 
Seriously, Jess had to practically rip my fingers from the keyboard.
~~~~~~oOo~~~~~~
Don't tell anybody, but I think I can get Yahoo Messenger at work via Yahoo Mail... 
Dammit! I missed Eva's IM! LOL -- sorry!!
~~~~~~oOo~~~~~~
Oh no!! Chatty McChat brought in MUNCHKINS! 
~~~~~~oOo~~~~~~
Jeremie needs to be dropped off in Niantic tomorrow at noon (see, I woulda had football practice from 10 - 3!) Anyway... was hoping to maybe swing by Hartford Pride -- but sounds like the beach might be the order of the day.
After that a friend is throwing an Independence Day kick-off party, so we are gonna head over there.
~~~~~~oOo~~~~~~
Welp, better get to work... HAPPY WEEKEND!!
And now, your Moment of Zen:
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Thursday, June 28, 2007
I'm sorry mama, I never meant to hurt you..
Clearly "family"... and a commuter from Long Island (pronounced: LAWn-GEYE-LIND)... I try to avoid this guy. Unfortunately, he's seen my pride rings, so he knows that I'm family.
How do I explain him... hmmmm...
I know! Ever watch MAD TV? You know the hyper crazy UPS guy?
He's soooooooooooo over-the-top hyperactive it gives me a headache to be around him. Yesterday he came to get me to smoke a cigarette. Oh god help me.
My soreness is subsiding... just in time for football practice. Joy.
Jess is feeling a bit better today but probably won't be going to football tonight.
So, last night we got groceries at 6:00 p.m. We thought we were being frickin' geniuses and decided to get Jeremie his own case of soda and his own snacks and that when he was done with those, he would be done... and drink only powdered drink mix.
So, we bought him a 12-pack of root beer, a package of chocolate chip cookies, several yogurts, 3 of the 12 ice cream popsicles and half of the cheesy poofs
By 10:00 pm. he already drank 4 cans of his soda, 1 of ours (grrrr), 1/4 of the orange juice, a sandwich, some of his cookies, one ice cream and a yogurt.
Floored, we were. Presumably, nothing will be left when we get home from work.
I'm considering buying a padlock for the refrigerator and doing food rations in the house.
~~~~~~oOo~~~~~~
Speaking of Jeremie -- he's going to be away all next week with CAP for encampment. They work them boys out during that thing.
He went to mini-encampment a few months ago and slept for an entire day afterwards. I can't imagine what it would be like for a week! 
~~~~~~oOo~~~~~~
My old friend, Jenn, that moved to California a LOOOOOOOOONG time ago is in town today with her new son... I'm really hoping to get to see her during her visit this time.
~~~~~~oOo~~~~~~
I've made an executive decision. As soon as the cars are fixed, I'm driving to work. I've given this train thing a fair shake, and, well, it's official.
I hate it.
That's it and that's all.
~~~~~~oOo~~~~~~
CONFESSION: I'm secretly LOVING that Carrie Underwood song: "Before He Cheats"... seriously, I can't get enough of it.
I hate country music...
How the hell did this hick a$$ song get to me?? 
"I took a Louisville Slugger to both headlights..."
Dammit!
~~~~~~oOo~~~~~~
Welp, I better go...
And now... your Moment of Zen:
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Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Ouch.
I went to the gym yesterday. Damned if I'm not sore.
I did the elliptical machine that, in the past, I've liked better than the treadmill.
6 minutes later, I came to a screeching halt. OUCH!
For the love of Xmas!
So, I finished off the 30 min. workout that I promised myself on the treadmill. While on the treadmill I had 3 lb. hand weights that I alternated movements as I walked.
My inner thighs and lower back are killing me! (I think the lower back ache is from the exercise ball believe it or not)...
Anyway, that's that...
OBSERVATION: It's bizarre to take a shower at work.
TODAY'S CRAVING: Frozen yogurt.
VAL: Love ya.
I desperately wish I could get out of playing football. It just seems like soooo much hassle for something I don't love doing.
Ya know?
Think it looks suspicious to ask for a copy of my football contract so many weeks later?? ;)
Well, thanks to freecycle.org I have gotten rid of that old busted motorcycle and Kristie's old box spring.
Viva La FreeCycle!
Jess is home sick today... her throat was killing her all day yesterday and this morning she just felt like crap.
Feel better squishee! Wish I were home w/ ya.
I'm so excited! Haloscan added email notifications of followup comments! Now when you comment you can check the box to get an email whenever new comments arrive!
Yay!!
I missed that about blog-city... ;)
Sorry, no time for Zen -- Massa's callin....
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Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Once I ran to you...
Tickled my funny bone:
In Mongolia when you file a patent application they make the inventors sign a piece of paper essentially swearing they didn't steal the idea.
(Exact words from the form):
...has not been borrowed from anybody, and that I am (we are) the true inventorsLOL.. I don't know why I find that so funny.
of it...
I guess because it's so 1st grade... "Do you promise you didn't steal this from Billy?"... and for a whole country to do it... Eh, guess it's just funny to me.
Sneezy's getting dangerously close to getting put in her place.
Yesterday's conversation:
Unreal.She comes up to me and is like, “Is **** coming in today??” I said no, she’s got chemo today – “Ugh, well she didn’t put it on the calendar…” I say, “well, she sent you an email letting you know”… “I haven’t been in there yet.”
WELL THEN CHECK BEFORE YOU START B!TCHING ABOUT SOMEONE GETTING CHEMOTHERAPY FOR THEIR …
CANCER!
You insensitive b!tch.
Then she gave me a ride home. LOL
Ok, you guys HAVE to sign up for freecycle.org. It's AWESOME. Bear and Meg turned is on to it.
In an effort to try to stop filling up the landfills people swap their junk.
So you sign up for a local yahoo group and you post stuff that you have that you don't want anymore and people come and get yer crap! Nice, huh!?
So yesterday I listed a few things I wanted to get rid of...
...a twin box spring, grill, motorcycle and Coke cooler...
The motorcycle got TONS of attention.
Let me explain the motorcycle a bit:
About 4 years ago, some random guy gave Jeremie (who was 10 then) the motorcycle b/c Jeremie wanted to "use it for parts".
Well, 4 years later it's still exactly the same as it was back then. I don't have papers or keys to it... and I just want it gone.
This morning when Jess and I were leaving to take me to the train, we see Joseph outside fiddlin' with it... apparently the prodigal child has returned...
We told him to leave it because someone was picking it up... well, apparently after I left, Jess tells him that she's going back to sleep and to not cause the dog to bark and what's he do?
Causes the dog to bark -- and SOMEONE is eating us out of house and home... (we are currently on slim pickin's for food until tomorrow)...
God, I wish he'd just go back to Florida already!!! I don't wanna deal with him... he comes in our house -- riles Jeremie up, eats whatever he wants whether or not it looks like it belongs to someone -- and just generally acts like he's one of my kids.
I don't have nor do I want anymore kids.
I swear to God if I had a car right now I'd be heading home and kickin' him the f#ck outta my house.
Maybe THEN he'd go and stay with his uncle in Yonkers like he was originally supposed to.
I'm so thoroughly annoyed right now it's not even funny. I just left a message for my aunt to figure out what the hell is going on with her d@mn son.
So I got my grades for my last two classes. Both are a B. My f#cking GPA is PLUMMETING!!
...sigh...
Glad to have the next 8 weeks off... I need to re-group somethin' awful.
So, in the Road To Hell is Paved With Good Intentions category...
I brought all my stuff in yesterday to hit the gym at work...
...except my sneakers.
Buggery.
So, Jess and I did the exercise ball last nite instead.
And I've brought in my sneakers... so after I have to sit for like 2 hours and listen to some really boring a$$ crap from the woman who I will eventually be replacing, I'm gonna go hit the gym.
:)
I gotta run... I gotta get that boy outta my house -- I don't want him there.
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Monday, June 25, 2007
I didn't recognize you without the handcuffs...
MORNIN!
Woah... too much coffee...
Anyhoo... how goes it??
As you can see, I'm still alive. I survived the play. Yippee!
Sooo... let's recap, shall we??
So Friday I darted out of work a bit early and Kristie picked me up from work on her way home from babysitting in NY.
Traffic was a beast and it took us about an hour and a half to make the what SHOULD be 20 minute ride home.
Jess' brother Steve was there when I got home... he was coming to the play. Shortly after that Jess' sister, Sarah, also came over to go to the play.
:::nerves shot!:::::
So, I got dressed in something completely different than what I originally planned. I think it was a better choice... I'd show you a pic but -- ummm don't have one.
So, I was a nervous WRECK on Friday -- every time I had to speak I thought my voice was going to falter.
Jess said she didn't notice... whew! lol
At the end of the play we tell our own coming out stories and so after the show, Jeremie says, "I didn't know that!"... lol -- whoops! I guess it really WAS a coming out story! lol
Though, he IS Captain Oblivious...
Jess told me that Sarah cried at the play because she was so proud of me... HOW SWEET IS THAT??
Val and Linda also came to the play on Friday night... (thx! ::waving::)
Anyway -- after the play Jess, Steve, Sarah, Jeremie and I went to get a quick bite to eat at a local diner...
It's really sweet watching the siblings interact and watching Jess be the big sister.
After that we went home, Steve and Sarah went home and we crashed...
So Saturday morning I start playing Diner Dash 2 and didn't stop until I finished the game. lol -- seriously, it's an illness.
After that we all got ready to go do the final show.
This time Jess, Jeremie, Kristie, Kat, Tina, Katie, Cat, Roni, and Jeanne (from book club) showed up (did I forget anyone?)
Jess taped the show (once I get a chance to pull the tape and edit it a bit, I'll post it here).
This show, something happened. After my first one-liner part, I completely relaxed. I stopped being nervous entirely.
I had no problem looking people right in the eye.
The fear just completely washed away.
It was so liberating! :P
Anyway, everyone did a fabulous job... there's some real professionals I was workin' with, lemme tell ya. I'll miss them (well, Packie and Jenn I'll see a lot of, anyway).
I'm really glad I did this play. Thx Packie for letting me know about auditions!
I'm kinda sad it's over!
Anyway -- after the show Packie and Bill had a cast party at their house. YUMMY treats and hanging out with a bunch of sweethearts... who could ask for more??
Packie's sister was at the show that nite and at the party -- I forgot how much a riot she was!
:P
Love her! And she's smokin' hot! ;)
After we shut down that place, she and her friend were heading home and asked to follow us to the highway.
We had some excitement/a scare on the way home.
So we're driving down the Post Road in Norwalk near the Westport line and I see this Mustang's headlights swerve between our car and Packie's sister's car...
So I'm looking in my rear view thinkin' "what the hell is this dude doing??"
So he proceeds to floor it, and he swerves around me... I see him punch it down the road towards these two cars in the left lane ahead of me...
I look in my rear view to check on Packie's sister and see blue and red lights flashing and coming towards us wicked fast... I look ahead at the Mustang (simultaneously telling everyone in the car to look at the live "Cops" show we were witnessing)... and he nearly hits the cars in front of us and goes on the wrong side of the road...
...cop flies by us.... Mustang takes off down a side street somewhere.
Hmph.. never seen a high speed chase before... who knew it would be in Westport??
Anyhoo -- after that we deposited them on the highway and off we went for home.
Sunday came and we actually had NO plans (imagine!)... we were toying with the idea of going into Manhattan for the Pride parade, but we are running low on cash, so we bagged that idea. Instead we cleaned the house. :)~
Which was in desperate need of a cleaning anyway.
Later in the day, Sarah came back over but this time with them beautious children of hers. She was on her way back from a cousin's kiddie birthday party in Norwalk.
Still gorgeous kids... :)~
Little 5-year-old Eric went to Jeremie's room to find him (Jeremie as it turned out went to Dairy Queen to buy himself -- and notably no one else -- TWO ice creams with his graduation money) and when he came back he said "his room is a disaster!" LOL -- true dat, little man, true dat. ;)
After they left we ordered some pizza (we REALLY need to go grocery shopping) and Jess and I FINALLY watched Desert Hearts (thx for lending it to us Packie!)... that movie was very 80's. LOL -- but I thought it was good... that s#x scene was ... umm... bold for those days!
Brava ladiez. ;)
And that was the weekend... my boss isn't going to be in this week... at least it's not likely. She's got another bout of chemo today. :(
She's already starting to lose her hair. Poor thing.
But she's trying to stay positive.
I'm beyond impressed and wish her the best of luck with her battle.
Today I start using the gym at work. I wasn't going to go until Wednesday but I'm not going to football conditioning tonight -- we're fresh out of vehicles to get me there -- so I'll go to the gym here today.
Welp, that's it for me...
Why I'm a Lesbian: Reason #472
Friday, June 22, 2007
Am I dreamer?
Oh dear god.
It's Friday.
The play's today. :::thud:::
I'm pretty sure I'm gonna have a heart attack any second. Yep.
I've decided I hate what I was planning on wearing in the play and I hate what Jess is suggesting I wear.
So... I'm gonna be making some crash/rash/whatever decisions when I get home.
So in a bizarre turn of events - my 18 year old cousin who is up here from Florida and who has pretty much been saddled on me as my problem during his stay went and got himself a job.
A job.
Dude lives in Florida.
The whole time he lived in Florida his mother begged him to get a frickin' job and do you think he would?
No.
But during VACATION he decides he wants to work.
Don't get me wrong -- I'd rather he be working than out there getting in trouble somewhere.
But -- well, getting a job in Fairfield hints of longevity.
I don't want longevity.
I want my tour of duty to be over here. I didn't ask for this nor was I asked to have to deal with him and his "vacation"...
I have enough issues of my own.
Speaking of which ... I f#cking hate mornings. This morning on top of dealing with the usual morning b.s. that I have to deal with every single day... I had the "pleasure" of walking out of my bedroom and into two boys (my cousin and my son) standing there facing me rattling off their plans for the day.
I couldn't get Jeremie up at 6:00 am during school! First day of summer vacation the f#cker is standing there ready to take on the day?? WTF??
Then, Jeremie, who I can't PAY to take a shower jumps in the shower!
I nearly blew a gasket. Let me lay it out...
6-7 a.m. every weekday is Tina Time.
I'm the only one who's awake.
The house is quiet and dark and I can weave in and out of rooms without any stalling out to wait for someone else or talk to anyone else (the latter being the most important to me).
6-7 a.m. is the hour that I don't have to deal with other people and their whining or b!tching or coddling or reminding or giving rides or stories...
There is no one else but Tina from 6-7 am.
So, imagine my dismay when the second I walk out of my room I'm forced to listen to Jeremie and Joseph's plans and about how Joseph got a job, blah, blah, blah...
Then I go in my room to grab my towel and Jeremie hotfoot's into the shower... so now I have to WAIT...
Grrr.. whatever.
Not to mention other random things were pissing me off this morning.
::::breathe::::::
Nicki came by yesterday to bring me her copy of Diner Dash 2. I can't wait to get a free second to play!
Looks like I have plans for Sunday. :)~
Today my youngest sibling graduates high school.
Unfortunately because of the play, I won't be able to go to her graduation. :(
Who graduates at 6 pm on a Friday, anyway?? Sheesh.
Kat, good luck with giving your notice today! You'll be in my thoughts.
Welp -- every weekend from now until the end of July is booked up.
Football folkz are gonna be pissed.
:)~
Alright, I gotta go -- lots to do.
Wish me luck on the play tonight. I'm really quite nervous.
I'll let you know if I survive it.
Good luck Packie! :)
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Thursday, June 21, 2007
We were so much younger...
'Tis me.
So, Jeremie has successfully graduated 8th grade. Thank you GOD -- or whatever fictional character is chillin' on that cloud up there...
I'd post a picture, but I just have NOT had time to upload 'em yet. But I will.. I promise.
It's always awkward having Jess and K in the same place for the graduation... but this all definitely went better than Kristie's high school graduation last year.
No hostility. Just awkwardness.
The LGBT Blogger meet-up/drinkfest has been moved from July 8th to July 15th -- thankfully... we get paid again before that so the money won't be so tight since we are still in "pay people back/catch-up" mode.
Anyhoo -- here's the new flyer:
Why not?
My boss' boss asked me to help her with something at (of course) 3:45 pm yesterday (I get out at 4:45)... so she asked if I could stay a little late.
So I say, sure, I'll just take the 5:05 shuttle to the train and get the 5:26 train.
5:05 passes...
Last shuttle's at 5:25. I'll just catch that one.
5:25 passes...
Son of a...
So I just told Jess to come pick me up... I didn't get out of work 'til 5:30-something.
I hate that I sit at my desk all d@mn day and at the end of the day all of a sudden something needs to be "done today".
Meanwhile, I don't work for her... but the people who do? Yeah, they left right on time. You know, the ones who work for her AND live in Stamford and are not trying to catch a train.
Yeah, them.
Oy.
So -- last nite I was double-booked for Book Club and practice for the play. So Jess (thankfully) ran book club for me.
And wouldn't you know it FIVE people showed up for it???
Psh. Figures. The one night I'm not there.
Sounds like they had a blast too.
I'm sad that I missed it!
But, we NEED practice for the play -- we're still bumbeling through it.
Tonight is our final practice since the show is tomorrow night (ack!). We have to run through it twice tonight to try to get it down. And since this is the first time the ENTIRE cast will be at practice at the same time... this is a good thing.
Last night, the people who run Cranbury Park in Norwalk (where the Carriage House Playhouse is) locked us into the park.
Thankfully the producer had keys to the padlock.
Jess had come to pick me up so I could've left while they were all locked in there but I figured if they needed us to run to get someone, we should wait to make sure my castmates got out alive.
Wouldn't you know it -- as soon as the gate was open EVERY LAST PERSON took off and left me and Jess behind in the pitch black woods of Norwalk to lock up the gate.
LOL
I was like, "Gee, thanks! We weren't even the ones locked in!!" LOL
I mean sheesh, at least the producer should've waited to make sure we got outta there OK. Frank, you're such a fairy!! LOL
We got home from play practice at about 10pm. And I had last minute homework to do. So I threw together my final for child development and emailed it to my professor at midnight.
I got my grade this morning.
It's a 70 (wahhhh!!) because I forgot to cite my references that I got out of the book. DAMMIT!
Well, all the rest of my grades in that class are A's so I'm good.
I also had 8 quizzes/tests I need to do for my Social Problems class.
I printed them out and have done 3 of them (Jess helped some -- thx squishee!)... I've gotta figure out how to fit in 5 more tests during work today.
Then I'm done with school for the next 2 months.
I need a break... seriously.
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Tuesday, June 19, 2007
ahhhhhh much better...
Finally I had the chance to update the look of my blog.
I decided to go with "ho chic"... you like??? :)~
Oh hush -- what's the point in being a lesbian if I'm not gonna celebrate the female form...!?
Heh.
Anyhoo -- hi!
Jess and I are off today for Jeremie's 8th grade graduation -- so I've spent the morning brainstorming, then implementing my new blog look.
I am quite content with it.
For now anyway.
You know how I do.
Ummm oh yeah -- calling all LESBIAN bloggers!!!
We're havinga get together in Manhattan via Curly McDimple.
Here's the nifty flyer she made:
Like I said... nifty.
So I finally got rid of Blogger's comments and went with Haloscan. I like it a LOT better... AND -- you if you click on "track this conversation" at the bottom of the comment box you can get notified of follow-up comments made by me or other people who comment after you.
I love that!
I hate that I don't know when the bloggers I visit respond to my comment or not... I missed that about Blog-City. But no more!
Woot! Woot!
So get to commenting!
So, Kristie got a job at Stop & Shop -- and she's just as outraged as I was when I worked for them about having to be a part of the union by force.
BUT it's a job -- so there ya go.
She starts the week after next.
Last night we had to go to this alcohol training because the football team is going to be working some events at the Arena at Harbor Yard to promote our team.
I had to bolt outta there early to get to play practice... I felt bad b/c everyone was waiting for me. We didn't get out of there until 10:30 pm.
It was our first dress rehearsal... and of course I forgot my script so I was lost as to where I was supposed to be standing and what not... oy.
Anyway -- getting sooo excited (read: nervous) about doing this play.
I hope Packie and Bill have a lot of alcohol for the cast party! LOL
Ummm -- I think that's it for me...
And now... your Moment of Zen:
Monday, June 18, 2007
I used to be attracted to bois who lied to me...
Happy Monday!
How was your weekend?? Mine was pretty good -- how about the recap??
My thumb's really been hurting still -- so Friday after work we went to go get it looked at -- the doctor didn't see any breaks on the x-ray so she gave me something called a "thumb spica" (pronounced: spike-uh) -- which we just kept laughing about because the doctor was spanish with a thick accent so we thought she just said it wrong but then the American lady said it the same way... well... ok, guess you had to be there...
After that, my brother-in-law (heh -- still weird!) -- was sleeping over because the next morning he had to work early and we live closer to his/Jess' job than he does -- so we played poker and had some drinks then we all crashed...
Kitty Litter and her adorable family showed up -- and ACTUALLY SPOKE THIS TIME! LOL
So glad you did!! :)~ Your daughter -- omg -- what a cutie! :)
After that we went home and rested up then headed out to Ocean211 in Stamford which apparently is considering having a "Gay Night" once a week.
Let me tell you something ... I will never be going back there. We had 5 drinks -- our tab? $64!
WTF???
Yeah, I am never going back there... it's not even like the drinks were huge or anything... jeeze mon.
What a rip off. Anyway -- despite that -- I had a good time dancing with my baby and getting to know the TCC folkz better --- we even met a few couples there so that was cool.
After that we swung by the Brook to see what was going on -- and even though we didn't get there til 12:30 AM they still charged us a cover.
Hell if that didn't piss me off. :)~
Anyway -- the place was relatively empty -- and we watched a drag show (for a change). Jess and I danced with some girl who appeared to be by herself -- thinkin' what the heck -- right?
The b!tch f#ckin' bit Jess' shoulder!
All's I'm sayin' is had I known at the time she'da got popped one... lol
So we shut that place down -- being as we paid that f#cking cover charge -- and headed home and passed the hell out. :)~
Sunday we had such hang overs -- even me who doesn't get them!
I got up about 9 am and got some after-drinking grease to eat at Duchess -- came home... ate... then fell asleep again until 1:00. LOL
We just lounged around the house the rest of Sunday playing board games with Jeremie.
Later on Kristie calls me and tells me that my aunt who is at my mom's in Port Chester visiting from Florida with her son (my cousin who is about 6 months older than Kristie). So I told Kristie to stop by and say hello since she was in Port Chester already.
Well, I get a call a few hours later that my aunt kicked my cousin out of my mom's house and told him he's not ruining her vacation... and that he had nowhere to stay.
Which of COURSE I couldn't let happen so he came over about midnight last night telling us his tales of how he didn't do anything to warrant this excommunication but that he was bad in Florida and she was apparently still angry with him.
I don't know -- all's I know is putting a kid out on the streets definitely isn't going to make things BETTER for him.
So now I have to call my mom and maybe stop by during lunch to find out what the hell is going on.
Kristie said, for such "Godly people" our entire family was ready to let this boy have no where to sleep without any problems.
She's right...
Oy.
Let the busy-ness continue...
Tonight Jess and I have to go to a training with the football folks at the Arena at Harbor Yard because the team will be "working" certain events to promote our team. So we have to get trained in how to serve alcohol.
Though I already know how -- it's one beer for you, one beer for me... no?
Moving on -- Jeremie graduates 8th grade tomorrow. So I took the day off.
Garsh -- seems like yesterday Kristie graduated 8th grade -- now the final child is doing it.
Tina = Geezer.
I got an email from an old friend, Jenn, that moved to California probably 15 years ago now. She's up visiting again with her new baby. I haven't seen her in a few years. You might remember the last time I saw her.
Can't wait to see her again.
Welp. Time to jet... have a great Monday folkz!
And now... your Moment of Zen:
Thx to Val for sharing!
Friday, June 15, 2007
Do you wanna ride in my Mercedes boi?
How goes it! Miss me?
Yes, yes, I know ya did... but, well, I was busy yesterday. :P
Ok, so let's get to it...
~~~~~~oOo~~~~~~
The explanation on my firewall page says: "Gay and Lesbian Interest".
Hmph.
~~~~~~oOo~~~~~~
OK, I'm gonna talk about "sneezy" again...
I don't know if I posted it here or not, but my boss has breast cancer. She found out between interviewing me and my start date.
She started chemotherapy last week.
Since then, she's barely been at work because she's felt like crap. Understandably so.
However, when my boss called out the other day Sneezy started complaining that "this was ridiculous" and going on and on about how annoyed she was.
I was FLOORED.
How heartless can you be?? I mean, I don't even care if this was a usual pattern for her to call out all the time -- she has a VERY valid reason for doing it now.
She looks and sounds like SH!T. How the hell do you have the balls to actually complain about her calling out of work?
That's just wicked. Keep in mind, this is a self-proclaimed "Christian".
Whatev. I'm finding I am not a fan of this woman.
Know what I realized the other day? I can't write in all cursive anymore. I forgot how to do some of the letters! LOL
How sad!
Can you??
So yesterday I want to orientation in New Jersey. Here are my thoughts:
- In the 2.5 years I worked at GE, I never met the CEO. Meanwhile, the CEO of my current company lead the orientation for nearly two hours.
- He's English.
- I love listening to the English accent.
- New Jersey doesn't need a "Welcome to New Jersey" sign. The smell that slaps you in the face when you cross the line is enough -- thanks.
- I hate tolls.
- I don't care how much longer it takes to get over -- I prefer the upper level of the GWB.
So we blew off football. I just couldn't muster up the energy to go hit people.
Not to mention my thumb is still hurting me.
Tomorrow is Triangle Community Center's Pride in Norwalk. KEEP IN MIND THE LOCATION HAS CHANGED.
I'll be there. Will you?
PACKIE!
Tomorrow is the one year anniversary since Jess proposed to me. I love you baby.
~~~~~~oOo~~~~~~
Welp, I got a 10 page paper I need to write -- gotta go!
And now... your Moment of Zen:
Thx to Nicki for sharing!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"By Your Side" by Sade
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Wednesday, June 13, 2007
You gotta breathe her - really taste her....
Good morning.
First, before anything else, I wanted to send a Get Well Soon to Rain's sister who had surgery yesterday.
...even though I don't know you, my thoughts are with you.
~~~~~ oOo ~~~~~
So, I've been emailing back and forth with the author of this month's Book Club book "A Season of Change" author, DC Elmore.
She's really cool and MAY actually help write for the online show I want to do.
How cool is that??? :D
~~~~~ oOo ~~~~~
Ok, let me tell you about this woman in my office. She has the worst sneeze I've ever heard. It's loud and exaggerated and long and... well... it scares the living sh!t out of me every time she belts one out. And she does it at least 2x's a day.
It's ridiculous really... I mean, c'mon... you're a grown a$$ woman... you can't stifle that scream even a little bit?? Jeeze mon.
It's so loud the fact that I sit nowhere near her means jacksh!t. Look how far she sits! (Click on image to enlarge):
HONESTLY!
~~~~~ oOo ~~~~~
You know, the only good thing about riding in a "sardine train" is that you have a 90% chance that the conductor isn't gonna bother to take your ticket.
I've had about 3 free rides so far! :)~
~~~~~ oOo ~~~~~
A big ole congratulations to Kat on landing a new job!!! I wish I were working in Fairfield!! LOL
Woot! Woot!
~~~~~ oOo ~~~~~
Ok, so I found out yesterday that if any of you are expecting to come to see the play I'm in you MUST make a reservation.
The place is very small and fills up fast -- so call TODAY and make a reservation so that there are tickets for you when you come.
The number is on the flyer -- and here: 203.229.9797.
Also, not that I expect you to want to but -- if you wanted to go to both shows -- you'd only have to pay once. :)~
~~~~~ oOo ~~~~~
Speaking of the show -- I have to have all my parts memorized by Monday. ACK!
Packie has far more parts than I do -- how are you gonna do it??? I'm soooo impressed.
AND -- I have to actually do a piece at Pride this weekend. ACK! LOL
How do I get myself into these things??? LOL
~~~~~ oOo ~~~~~
Jess is mad at me because I'm never home. But this two weeks is the worst of it. After next week, school ends and the play ends and it's only football left -- which she is doing with me (sorta) -- you'll have to refer to her blog for details on that.
~~~~~ oOo ~~~~~
Hmmm -- have I got anything else to say?? Apparently not.
Have a good day folkz...
------------------------------------------------- "Tom's Diner" by Suzanne Vega
-------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
What do I do when lightening strikes me...?
Yes, yes, you know I go through this every so often. Look for changes soon.
Iff'n I get a free second any time soon.
Monday is done. Thankfully.
After work I hopped on the train where everyone was packed in like a sardine can. I ended up having to stand in the middle of a group of construction workers.
Really nice guys. We were talking about the series finale of The Sopranos while they tossed back their bottles of Guiness.
Side Note: I've been reading online about people's opinions on The Sopranos and what they thought of the last scene. There is a theory that the screen went to black because Tony got popped and he/we "didn't see it coming" like he said to Bobby earlier. I'm starting to think that that's what was meant by the ending.
Which just may be frickin' brilliant. AND means I'm too thick in the head to have gathered that on my own. Buggery.
Finally a seat opened up and one of the big burly construction dudes cleared the way for me to sit. Which happened about one stop away from my own stop... so when I got up to get off the train I noticed one of the guys noticing the bruise on my wrist from football.
All of a sudden I was embarrassed.
I wasn't gonna explain to this stranger on the train that it was a football injury, but I hated for him to think that some man was abusing me or something.
Eh, whatev. Nice to send a team full of women to a former mafia crime scene.
~~~~~~~oOo~~~~~~~
ANYWAY -- the workout was actually REALLY good. I'll give him that. I worked hard but didn't feel like there was much of it that I couldn't handle.
By the end I felt great.
And for an instant -- I caught a glimpse of the runner I used to be.
It was actually pretty startling.
:P
~~~~~~~oOo~~~~~~~
As soon as we got back in the car the skies opened up and a river fell out. There was a beautiful lightning storm going on though.
We started watching John From Cincinnati. I fell asleep. Jess woke me up and we watched Big Love (OK, I drifted in and out through it all)...
I just was wasted. I had nothin' left.
So we went to bed and Monday was complete.
~~~~~~~oOo~~~~~~~
This morning Jess couldn't wake up to take me to the train (and I was too tired to walk)... so I drove in to work.
Sounds like it was a good day for it -- Katie said the train was a 1/2 hour late. I got here 5 mins. early... and that be that! :P
~~~~~~~oOo~~~~~~~
Welp, I betta go... here's your Moment of Zen:
Ehem.. ew?
Thanks to Lily for sharing!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Landslide" by Fleetwood Mac
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Monday, June 11, 2007
Now I've heard it all...
Sorry for the second post today -- but ... well, this just HAD to be told...
(CBS 5) BERKELEY A Berkeley watchdog organization that tracks military spending said it uncovered a strange U.S. military proposal to create a hormone bomb that could purportedly turn enemy soldiers into homosexuals and make them more interested in sex than fighting.
Pentagon officials on Friday confirmed to CBS 5 that military leaders had considered, and then subsquently rejected, building the so-called "Gay Bomb."
Edward Hammond, of Berkeley's Sunshine Project, had used the Freedom of Information Act to obtain a copy of the proposal from the Air Force's Wright Laboratory in Dayton, Ohio.
As part of a military effort to develop non-lethal weapons, the proposal suggested, "One distasteful but completely non-lethal example would be strong aphrodisiacs, especially if the chemical also caused homosexual behavior."
The documents show the Air Force lab asked for $7.5 million to develop such a chemical weapon.
"The Ohio Air Force lab proposed that a bomb be developed that contained a chemical that would cause enemy soliders to become gay, and to have their units break down because all their soldiers became irresistably attractive to one another," Hammond said after reviwing the documents.
"The notion was that a chemical that would probably be pleasant in the human body in low quantities could be identified, and by virtue of either breathing or having their skin exposed to this chemical, the notion was that soliders would become gay," explained Hammond.
The Pentagon told CBS 5 that the proposal was made by the Air Force in 1994.
"The Department of Defense is committed to identifying, researching and developing non-lethal weapons that will support our men and women in uniform," said a DOD spokesperson, who indicated that the "gay bomb" idea was quickly dismissed.
However, Hammond said the government records he obtained suggest the military gave the plan much stronger consideration than it has acknowledged.
"The truth of the matter is it would have never come to my attention if it was dismissed at the time it was proposed," he said. "In fact, the Pentagon has used it repeatedly and subsequently in an effort to promote non-lethal weapons, and in fact they submitted it to the highest scientific review body in the country for them to consider.
"Military officials insisted Friday to CBS 5 that they are not currently working on any such idea and that the past plan was abandoned.
Gay community leaders in California said Friday that they found the notion of a "gay bomb" both offensive and almost laughable at the same time.
"Throughout history we have had so many brave men and women who are gay and lesbian serving the military with distinction," said Geoff Kors of Equality California. "So, it's just offensive that they think by turning people gay that the other military would be incapable of doing their job. And its absurd because there's so much medical data that shows that sexual orientation is immutable and cannot be changed."
Here's the link to the story: http://cbs5.com/topstories/local_story_159222541.html
So.... very..... tired.
I'm exhausted.
Completely and totally bushed.
This weekend we were busy:
- Saturday: Football practice. Where it was POURING on us and I busted the hell outta my thumb and wrist. Black and blues everywhere and my thumb isn't very mobile right now. ::::mental note:::: "Get football gloves".
- After football practice we were so pooped we ended up just sleeping over Cat's house so as not to have to drive all the way back to Fairfield. (Thx Cat!)
- Sunday we drove home about 10 am and Javi came over about 12:30ish. We hung out and played a board game. It was nice. :D
- About 3:00 we headed off to Missy's going away party. TONS of food... omg... lol But it was a lot of fun... "The Crew" SURE knows how to do a party.
- After that we went back to Nicki's house where we watched the series finale of The Sopranos. Did you SEE that??? (Cat we saw your nephew!)... That episode SUCKED!!! How were they not gonna end the d@mn 7 year show??? Stupid sh!t.
********************
This week will offer up no rest either:
Tonight we have workout for football.
Tomorrow night I have play practice.
Wednesday I have the board meeting at TCC.
Thursday I have an orientation for work that it's in NEW FRICKIN JERSEY then I gotta come back here and go to football practice
Friday... NOTHING. And we are SOOOOOOOOO keeping it that way. Come hell or high water.
Saturday is Gay Pride in Norwalk.
::::yawn:::
********************
My boss' boss is in a mood today. I don't know what crawled up her a$$ and died but she needs to chill the f#ck out. I'm so glad I don't work for her AND that I sit FARRRRRRRRR away from her. :P
********************
I've lost all focus on school. I have a 10 page paper to write by Friday and I couldn't give a rat's a$$ about any of it.
..sigh... I think next week is my last week of classes. I need to get on point here. FOCUS Tina FOCUS.
********************
This morning after Kristie dropped me off at the train station, Katie called and told me that she was driving her mom in to Stamford and did I want a ride... so I got to visit with them and b!tch about The Sopranos on the way into work. :)
It was fun -- thx!
Of course I found out that I missed The Tudors. Oy! Love that show! (Much more than The Sopranos)...
********************
Welp, I gotta run -- no zen today...
Have a good Monday...
Friday, June 8, 2007
Better to light a candle than to curse the darkness
So we've had a power outtage here at work. We're running off generators now.
I kinda like workin' in the dark.
This is how I used to work at Yale. :P
Poor Jess is so hurt from football practice tonight. Thankfully she is not gonna play this year after all. The poor thing. Her chest took a beating yesterday and she's SERIOUSLY hurting today. She was covered in bruises last nite.
It's far too soon post-surgery for her to be taking that much abuse in her chest.
I got an email from Curly McDimple about a lesbian blogger get together in NYC that she wants to put together next month... maybe hit a club and meet up.
I would love to.
If there are any other bloggers out there that are local that wanna come, let me know and we'll see about getting this thing together.
UPDATE: I am still nursing an addiction to Diner Dash. I am also fostering a new addiction to Full Tilt Pocker.
Seriously, I just wanna sit there and clickity, click until I get that damn $20,000 goal... it's drivin' me batty.
Plans for the weekend:
1) Football practice from 10-12 lunch break then practice from 1-3 (this and every Saturday until -- well, I don't fill like clicking on months ahead to find out when the madness ends).
We practice outdoors now. In full gear.
:::thud::::
2) Missy's going away party -- though I don't know what time. But any time we get to hang out with "The Crew" is a good time.
I'll miss that.
I don't know if you remember or not, but I run the Lesbian Book Club over at TCC in Norwalk. Yeah, you WOULDN'T remember being as you people never show up.
But I'm not hurt.Really. (Hint: It's June 20th in Norwalk)
ANYWAY -- I was contacted by the author of this month's book - Seasons of Change. Her name is DC Elmore. Very nice woman.
Apparently she autographed the book of one of my book club members (I wonder who?) and they told her about our group. So her partner googled us and contacted me.
So she's mailing me two autographed copies of her book. :D
I'm giving one away to one lucky winner who comes to his month's book club meeting on the 20th (see what I do for you people???)...
So be there or be -- umm, not there.
I'm sooooooooooooooo excited to be invited to Packie and Bill's civil union ceremony. I remember their commitment ceremony years ago.
Now it's the semi-real deal.
Since we had no plans for the 4th, it worked out great.
Can't wait for that!
These guys are party ANIMALS -- since they are also throwing an after-party for the play on June 23rd. Can't wait for that either! :P
Ok, I better go... have a good one folkz.
---------------------------------------------
"Weakness in Me" by Melissa Ethridge
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Yackity Yack. I don't talk back.
Without fail, I always get "cube farmed" next to an older woman who does NOTHING but babble all damn day long.
This woman is just like my ex-cube-farm-neighbor, Rosa. All ya hear is blabbity, blabbity, blabbity through the cube farm wall.
You'd think my silence would be some indication that I'm not listening/caring/interested.
Nope.
Been a minute since I've posted... been aggravated busy.
I've been driving to work every day this week. I gotta say.. I like it better. Even if I'm stuck in traffic most of the way.
I like the time to myself, smoking, listening to music and tons of personal space -- and I can always get a seat. ;)
**************************
What the heck is going on with the weather?? I OF COURSE am underdressed for these temperatures. I'm freezing! :PI was going to take the train today but couldn't find a frickin' jacket that was work appropriate.
Eh well -- I drove and got to work 15 mins. early. :D
The June hustle has begun. Monday and yesterday I went to practice for the play. I think my parts are coming along quite nicely.I'm getting kinda excited about doing this! :)
The play is about people's coming out stories. At the end of the play, we all tell our own story.
I wrote mine yesterday. It's -- um -- interesting. LOL
Tonight, I actually have NOTHING to do after work. I'm pretty damn excited about that.