Family Blend

7 More Days

2008-10-28T22:06:00.004-04:00

Rosa sat...

so that Martin could walk.

Martin walked...

so that Barack could run.

Barack is running...

so that our children can fly...

Seven more days...

YES WE CAN!

Happy Birthday to Chris!

2008-10-28T13:37:00.006-04:00

I know that lately things have been rather political and heavy around here, so it's nice to lighten things up a little and celebrate another year in the life of Chris. We've had a year full of change and growth and new experiences, and I'm so glad that I get to share it all with such an amazing man.

I took Chris out on Saturday night to dinner and the symphony and it was so great to dress up and go out on the town :). On Sunday we spent some time working on the house and then had a little birthday party with some of our new friends here in Seattle.

Some of Chris's work friends came by. He's so lucky to work with such great folks!

A shot of the party guests...

Nate and Chrissy...our beauties in green...

More guests...

A shot of the single boys from the party. Can you believe they're all on the market????

It was so great to see how many incredible people wanted to share Chris's birthday with him. He's only been in town a few months and already has a circle of friends that adore him.

I also got a few shots of the AMAZING fall foliage from our balcony. Seattle in the fall is so gorgeous! We get to look out our windows and see THIS every day!

(Notice my shirt...I'm all about the Obama pride :)).

Protect the family

2008-10-23T20:22:00.007-04:00

My family. This blended family.

Few things make my blood boil more than propaganda like this: Save the Family.

Who would stand against the family? The radical homosexuals, apparently. This little ditty was written and produced by LDS singer/songerwriter Janice Kapp Perry to support the anti-marriage equality initiatives on the ballot in California, Arizona and Florida this election season.

Here's the simple truth: the measures in California, Arizona and Florida are all profoundly anti-family. Gay-led families already exist in these states and across the country. They will continue to exist, even if discrimination against them is written into these state constitutions. Families with gay members exist in even greater numbers, and the fight against gay marriage does nothing to reconcile these families to each other. Too often it needlessly drives them apart.

Gay people love family just as much as straight people. My gay friends who are alienated from their families because they are gay carry with them constant pain because of it. Many of my gay friends want children of their own to raise and love and nurture. I know gay couples raising children now, without the benefit of the protection that marriage brings to the family unit, at considerable sacrifice. Why do we want to attack these families? What threat do they really pose to anyone?

I don’t live in California, Arizona or Florida, but these initiatives weaken my family. My children know that Jed and I love each other and are committed to each other and they know that TOGETHER we are an integral and critical part of a family that for them includes their mother, grandparents and stepgrandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and our many, many close friends. They cannot fathom why anyone would seek to make it harder for us to be a family. And they cannot fathom why anyone would view us as less than a family.

This idea that marriage is some ancient institution that has never evolved is ridiculous and historically untrue. That said, I can get behind the idea that marriage is a basis for a strong society. So why then do those who claim to care about the state of the family exclude from the institution of marriage those who seek to make society stronger? Why do they not encourage the societal stability that comes from promoting commitment and and safe, nurturing environments for children?

The answer for some people might be that it's a matter of religious belief. To them I would say, you are welcome to believe that mine is an ungodly life--but you may not use that belief to justify your attack on the rights and dignity of my family.

Protect the Family. Vote No on Proposition 8 in California.

Strengthen Marriage. Vote No on Proposition 102 in Arizona.

Stand for Equality. Vote No on Amendment 2 in Florida.

No to Prop 8

2008-10-10T18:10:00.001-04:00

Setting the record, um, straight!

2008-10-10T17:47:00.004-04:00

The LDS Church and its partners in the Yes on Prop 8 campaign in California are mobilizing hard and spending fast to win its campaign against marriage equality. The LDS Church recently held a meeting/regional broadcast to mobilize its young people, and the the Yes on 8 campaign has very effectively swung the polls in their favor. Sadly, both the Church and the broader campaign have relied on the same set of talking points filled with scare tactics, half truths, red herrings and plain lies.

Mormons For Marriage counter the misinformation website. Take a look and share far and wide--especially with California voters.

Love conquers

2008-08-25T12:51:00.005-04:00

As Jed and I knew well before this whole Angela incident, many of our LDS friends and family are loving and supportive and approving of our relationship in particular and of gay people generally. They have shown that with their comments after Jed's last post. Thank you all. And I'm grateful for my Jeddy's wisdom in the way he responded to that very personal attack.

This is a family blog. It's the story of our unique little blended family. And we are so blessed to have so many people in our lives who are supportive of us. Including our friends at Mormons for Marriage, who are raising their voices against Proposition 8 in California. Go to their website, learn more, and do what you can to support them, especially if you are a gay-friendly Mormon in California!

Comments...

2008-08-24T18:05:00.004-04:00

Last week Chris wrote a post about his feelings regarding a statement from the LDS church. A comment was left earlier today by a person named "Angela." I'm not sure who this person is and neither is Chris. Her point of view is welcome and we love comments, but her personal attacks are hurtful...especially since we're unsure of who she is. I guess it's comments like these that still make my knees weak and threaten to make me revert back to the self-loathing and sadness I was plagued with through much of my life. If you're a close friend or someone in our lives that feels this way, please let us know so that we can have a productive discussion.

Here is the comment she left:

"Loving" someone of the same sex goes against the very fundamental teachings of just about every Christian religion in this world. The divine plan of God in our creation was not to try and procreate with someone of the same sex (which is obviously an impossibility). We were created in the exact likeness of God, and have a divine calling as men and women of God to create and bring children into the world, and into families that have both a father, and a mother. Anything else is a perversion of that divine plan. It saddens me to see that you made the decision, and failed to live up to your temple covenants that you made. The Spirit of God can no longer dwell within you when you live a "lifestyle" that is against God's plan. "Wickedness never was happiness" as much as you may think you are happy, you will never know the true happiness that only obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel can bring about. You have used whatever means necessary to justify your unrighteous and unnatural behavior. There are countless numbers of people who are hurt by how you have chosen to live your life, and we all pray for you daily. We are not indifferent or hateful, in fact, it is you that is indifferent, indifferent to God. You do not seem to care about His teachings, and the plan he has for you. You have in fact ignored it completely. You have been completely apathetic and careless with the life given to you by your creator. You are insouciant and unconcerned about your eternal being. Yes, there IS "one right way", and I know you are aware of that. The Old Testament is just ONE of the many, many examples in great scriptural works of God that speak to the impurity and evilness of homosexuality. The inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah had tampered evilly with the very fountain of life and abused the power of creation that God had given them. This mirrors what is happening today. I wonder how that all turned out for the people living in that wicked city? The Lord makes generous promises, and He certifies that He will not vary from these promises, for, said He, “I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise".

We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.

All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.

In the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshiped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize his or her divine destiny as an heir of eternal life. The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.

The first commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God’s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.

We declare the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God’s eternal plan.

Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. “Children are an heritage of the Lord” (Psalms 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, to teach them to love and serve one another, to observe the commandments of God and to be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.

The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.

We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.

We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.

This proclamation was read by President Gordon B. Hinckley as part of his message at the General Relief Society Meeting held September 23, 1995, in Salt Lake City, Utah.

We pray for you Chirs

They just don't get it...

2008-08-15T14:18:00.003-04:00

The LDS Church has recently put out a document on the "Divine Institution of Marriage" as part of its campaign to reverse the recent legalization of marriage equality in California and in support of efforts to ban marriage equality in Florida and Arizona.

Having just read this, I need to digest it further. But as of now I can only describe it as willful ignorance: of the nature of homosexuality, of the evidence about the state of marriage and family in the western world, of its own past of non-traditional marriage, and of the impact of its political activities on gay Mormon men and women and their families.

The Church takes pains to explain why its involvement in this political battle is not hateful. And I think they are right, in a way. Hate would be so much easier to dismiss. Hate would be so much easier to fight. Hate would show they actually care. This is indifference disguised as Christian love. And one of the many ways the church shows its indifference to its gay members is by continuing to conflate gender confusion with homosexuality. From the statement:

Strong, stable families, headed by a father and mother, are the anchor of civilized society. When marriage is undermined by gender confusion and by distortions of its God-given meaning, the rising generation of children and youth will find it increasingly difficult to develop their natural identity as a man or a woman. Some will find it more difficult to engage in wholesome courtships, form stable marriages, and raise yet another generation imbued with moral strength and purpose.

Message to 50 East North Temple: these are two entirely different issues! I am a man. I am comfortable being a man. I do not wish I were a woman. I am not confused about my gender identity. I am a man who loves another man. This is not gender confusion. And I'm sure you have been told this by many gay men and women. The fact that you continue to define homosexuality in such a way shows that you are unwilling to listen and unwilling to learn.

They just don't get it. And they don't care.

The Guide

2008-08-03T14:15:00.003-04:00

Most people probably think of their significant other or some love of their life when they hear this song. For me, this is a song to each of my girls...

They leave Seattle on Tuesday for a beach vacation with Keri's family, and they they go back to Salt Lake to get ready for the new school year. This has been a great summer. It has not always easy for me (I'm working on a post about that which may or may not ever see the light of day), but there is no question that I love these little girls with all of my heart.

Gay Rights Commentary

2008-08-03T12:24:00.004-04:00

Jed and I first discovered this guy because of his Shirley Q. Liquor videos on YouTube. But it turns out he's also a very smart commentator and advocate for gay rights issues. I enjoyed this clip about gay marriage this morning.

Happiness is...

2008-07-27T22:23:00.004-04:00

...doing nails on a Sunday afternoon.

Um, remember me?

2008-07-14T23:52:00.006-04:00

Alright, I have been a horrible blogger for several months now. Actually, I've been a real bad online writer of many stripes. I stopped visiting some of my favorite discussion sites; I haven't been commenting on others' blogs; and some online friends of mine who started a site that in its conception was something I was a part of have moved on without my participation.

I have no good excuse other than the pace of my life and the rather significant changes that it has undergone in the past few months. In the past, I dealt with change in part by writing. But for whatever reason, that hasn't been the case this time around.

But I'm getting the itch again. Jed is part of the inspiration for me since he has jumped back into blogging with two feet. The girls provide plenty of writing fodder as well, and having them here has certainly put a number of family issues at the front of my mind that could be blog topics in the next few weeks if I make the time to do it. And I'd like to do it.
___________

I was surfing around other blogs tonight when I noticed for the first time that a few months ago my friend Clark tagged me in a little online game and I never responded. So here goes.

The game goes like this:

1. Pick up the nearest book (at least 123 pages).
2. Turn to page 123.
3. Find the 5th sentence
4. Post the 5th sentence on your blog.
5. Tag 5 people.

From The Wisdom of Crowds byJames Surowiecki:

"Previously, trust had been the product primarily of a personal or in-group relationship--I trust this guy because I know him or because he and I belong to the same sect or clan--rather than a more general assumption upon which you could do business."

I'm doing steps one through four here and skipping the fifth to spare five friends from having to do this as well. :)

The 4th...Seattle Style

2008-07-08T12:21:00.006-04:00

Long weekends are gifts that need to be cherished and enjoyed. We did just that over the last few days. It was really nice to relax a little after the last few weeks. Chris went to Texas for work last week (I'm hoping he gets on and blogs about his job a little so that everyone can know what amazing work he does and how great he is at it) so it was just the girls and me for a couple of days. We had a blast! To kick off the weekend, we went to what is quickly becoming our favorite place in Seattle: Madrona Beach on Lake Washington. It's within walking distance from our house and there is no better remedy on a hot day than immersing yourself in the cool waters with the gleaming peak of Mount Rainier beckoning on the horizon.

Chrissy joined us at the beach while Jake went running along the lake. Our friends Aris and Cien came along as well.

Lily and I played in the water, while Emma and Derek took a breather and warmed up in the sun.

One of the best things about having our wonderful house is being able to have guests come anytime they want. We LOVE hosting friends (hint, hint) and our house never feels better than when a member of our extended family of friends is here with us. Over the 4th of July weekend we were lucky enough to have my cousin Monty and our friend Pouya stay with us. They flew in from Salt Lake City and had never really spent any time in Seattle before. The girls love them, and I have to say that Chris and I do too.

The morning of the 4th of July came and somehow Chris threw his back out. I think he was folding the laundry. Sometimes I tease him about being an old man, but he was really in pain. I felt horrible for him. He spent most of the day laying down with a heating pad and nursing his back. I did my best to entertain our guests as well as Emma and Lily. That night we went to see the fireworks. Emma stayed behind to take care of her Dad, so Lily, Monty, Pouya, Derek and I loaded up and drove over to Gas Works park (along with the rest of the population of the Puget Sound region) to view the fireworks over the city. We were NOT disappointed. Seattle puts on quite a show.

Monty and Lily had a little quality time.

We parked on the sidewalk to watch the fireworks. Lily gave me the blow by blow through the entire show. She described everything we saw and kept saying things like, "Wow...that one is like a giant mushroom...and this one is like a fairy dress...I wish every day was the 4th of July...then we could have fireworks every day..."

I let Lily hold the camera because she was so excited to get some pictures. Unfortunately that means we don't have any wonderful shots of the fireworks. But it was worth it. She loved being the photographer.

It was a great night!

In order to give Monty and Pouya the full Seattle experience, we took them to the drag show at Julia's on Broadway. It's a Seattle institution and the show was fantastic! They got to see Cher, Madonna, Reba, Dolly, Pink, Tina, Kylie and of course Liza. I don't think either of them had ever been to a drag show before and judging by their smiles and clapping, they loved it. Unfortunately, we couldn't take pictures during the show, but I was able to get a few of the gang before hand.

We decided to make a night of it and go out singing and dancing as well.

Wade

Monty and Pouya

Derek

On Saturday, Chris and I had a wonderful day with the girls. Monty and Pouya went downtown to Pike Place Market (those donuts!) and do a little homework and the fabulous Seattle Central Library (yes, they're both taking summer classes...such great students). Since they were occupied, we loaded up in the car and drove out to the charming town of Issaquah in the foothills of the Cascades. It was absolutely gorgeous! The main attraction for us was the production of Aida that was going on at the Village Theater. The girls had been introduced to the music through some of my playlists, and I'm pretty sure Emma already knew every word to "My Strongest Suit" before the show even started. I was a little nervous about taking both of the girls to a professional theater performance. Emma has seen a couple of shows on Broadway (Hairspray and Wicked) and really enjoyed both of them, but I hoped that Lily didn't get bored. My fears were completely unfounded. Lily loved the show from beginning to end and Emma was nothing short of enraptured. Afterward she said, "Jeddy, do you ever go to something thinking it's going to be one way and instead it's way, way, WAY better than you ever could have expected? Well, that's what Aida was like..." It made me so happy that they had such a great time and that we were able to provide that experience for them. The show really was fantastic. Unfortunately I forgot my camera that day, so we don't really have any pictures. I think Chris took one on his cell phone, but I haven't seen it yet. I really hope I get it because Emma actually wore jeans! For those of you that know Emma, getting her out of her loungy pants or sweat shorts is quite a feat and I wish we had photographic proof. She looked so cute! In place of pictures from our camera, here is a review of the show complete with photos.

Of course, as soon as we got home, we got to play "Aida" and dance and sing and have a blast. I'm pretty sure Lily told me that she has been playing "Aida" with her friends at camp.

This is Emma with a variation on a character that I will sometimes dress up as and embarrass them to no end. It's much cuter when Emma does it...but I think they secretly love it when I do :).

We ended the weekend with a BBQ. Chris grilled steaks in our still unfinished backyard (at least we have a grill...and we're working on the "finishing" part...) and Lily made a lemonade stand.

Nate liked the steaks so much that it set his feet tapping and spinning.

We're so lucky to have such great friends.

And now for the quote of the week.

As the girls were going to bed after the barbecue, I asked Lily to please go to the bathroom. She ran in, sat down and did her thing. I heard her make a noise, so I went in to check on her and she said, "Phew...maaaan, Jeddy...it smells HORRIBLE...and just because I had seconds on asparagus!!"

I just burst into laughter. Lord I love that girl.

Al Fresco

2008-07-07T14:57:00.003-04:00

Nothing like a little breakfast on the balcony.

My Gran

2008-07-03T10:51:00.003-04:00

Yesterday was my Granny's 71st birthday. She is not only my mom's mom, but she has become one of my best friends. How many people can say that their grandparents are some of their closest friends? I can. All four of my grandparents are healthy and happy and I consider myself extremely lucky to have such a great relationship with all of them. But Granny and I are especially close. Other than Jessica, she was my most faithful writer while I was on my mission (she even sent updates about Days of our Lives!!), she sent us packages full of good cereal and fun treats when I was growing up and I know that my parents couldn't have afforded it, and she has been nothing but supportive, loving and open to me since coming out. Granny is one of the most loving, giving, beautiful people I have ever met. She and my Papa opened up their home to Chris last year when we went to visit and it was as if he was a member of the family. Now, keep in mind...my family is very Southern. They are rather conservative in most of their views and way of life, but as far as their grandson is concerned, all of that goes out the window. She even called me before our trip to ask if Chris and I share a bed. I told her that we do, and she said, "Well, then I'll just prepare one for you here...I want it to be the same for you here that it is in New York. I just love you Jedders..." Made me tear up.

Her house is always full of people: friends, relatives, strangers...it's the Grand Central Station of Clarksville, Florida :).

Hope you had a wonderful birthday Gran! I love you so much!!

Proud

2008-07-01T17:33:00.005-04:00

This week has been pretty overwhelming. It's been a hard and emotional one. The state of California began issuing marriage licenses to gay couples two weeks ago and as a result the LDS church issued a statement asking its members to give of their time and means to support an amendment to the California Constitution to ban such marriages. It immediately made me feel vulnerable and hurt...and even ashamed, which bothered me. Here I am: comfortable, happy, in a wonderful relationship with a man I love, part of a family of friends and relatives that support me and love me, and yet it still really upset me. It made me feel like that self-loathing 15 year old again...feeling broken, totally alone, confused and depressed. I thought about all of the 15 year old young men and women that were sitting in churches across California, hearing this statement being read...exacerbating their own feelings of dejection. I hate that anyone has to go through that. And I was pretty bothered that it still got to me.

The perfect antidote was being able to be surrounded by Chris, Emma, Lily and our family of friends at the Pride Parade on Sunday. I was reminded about how beautiful it is to have a family...any kind of family. That we are all unique and beautiful and perfect. That institutions built on fear and prejudice no longer have any power in my life.

Chrissy and Jake rode the bus to downtown Seattle with us and eventually we met up with Tim and his sons, Cien and Aris, as well as Derek, Nate, Robert, Wade, Karen, Jonah and Amity and Cassie. Lily and Emma really had a great time. Tim staked out a perfect shady spot for us early in the morning and we had prime real estate for viewing the whole parade. The weather was picture perfect and the blue skies of Seattle beamed above the thousands of people sharing their love and support.

I also heard from my family in New York. They were celebrating Pride at the same time we were here in Seattle. Megan, Jen, Jimmy, Doug, Gerry and Mark. I am so grateful to be able to call you my family. I miss you all so much!!

And some of the Seattle family celebrating with us.

Chrissy and Jake

Wade and Jonah

Derek

Tim, Cien and Aris (with Chris and the girls)

I am overwhelmed with happiness, joy, excitement, and yes...PRIDE.

What have you done today to make you feel proud?

A place...where nobody dared to go...

2008-06-28T13:17:00.005-04:00

So last year, Chris and I got to see a new musical on Broadway with our dear friend Derek.

Yes, it was Xanadu, and I know what you're thinking: that movie was AWFUL! But the musical is truly endearing and hilarious and one of the best times I've ever had in a theater (and...I went back a couple of times because I loved it so much).

Well, we introduced the soundtrack to Emma and Lily and they absolutely LOVE it! We listen to it in the car, talk about the story...we even stayed up late last week to finish the Tony Awards so that they could watch the performance by the cast. Lily was rooting for Kerry Butler (the star of the show) to win the Tony, but alas she lost to Patti Lupone (Lily said, "Well, if she had to lose, I'm glad it was Patti..." How many 5 year olds even know who Patti Lupone is? Ah the joys of gay dads...).

So ever since the girls arrived in Seattle, we have had many dancing sessions to Xanadu. The cast is hilarious, and the girls have a lot of their expressions, accents and dance moves down pat. Lily has told all of her friends at Daycamp about it and is constantly reminding me that "Xanadu" means happiness.

Some of the cast:

And the girls:

Yes, Lily...for Jeddy and Daddy Xanadu does mean happiness...

Seattle

2008-06-13T02:43:00.003-04:00

So we're here in Seattle. Been here for a month. It's unreasonably cold for June, but nevermind. The girls arrive for the summer tomorrow, and maybe it's time to start blogging again. Life has been so busy the past few months, and I just have not found the motivation to do it.

Stay tuned...

Moving Day

2008-04-28T09:13:00.002-04:00

Jed and I are moving out of our apartment in Brooklyn today. It feels like we just moved in!

Since this is a corporate relocation, we haven't had to do much. The moving crew is here right now, packing up boxes and loading up the moving truck. This is so much better than moving ourselves!

We both leave with mixed emotions. We are excited for the new life that awaits us in Seattle, but leaving New York is not an easy thing to do. We are blessed with wonderful friends, and the excitement of the Big Apple is unlike any other city we've been to.

We've been bad bloggers lately, but with a new house to set up at the end of May, and then summer with the girls, I'm sure we'll have plenty of ground to cover in the coming weeks. The question is, will we have the time?!

Everything's Coming up Roses

2008-04-02T14:02:00.005-04:00

It's been a marvelous week here in New York. The trees are finally starting to show tiny signs of life, the weather is (slowly) warming up and best of all, our dear friends Chrissy and Jake were in town from Seattle. Chrissy and I go back to high school and she has the distinction of being the only girl I've ever dated. We were an adorable couple. Not as adorable as she and Jake are together, but almost.

So for 5 days we wandered all over New York and it almost felt like I was discovering it again for the first time. I'll miss this city so much. We did all of the touristy things (Empire State Building, Ground Zero, Battery Park/Statue of Liberty, etc.) but mostly just enjoyed each other's company. Here we are munching on some Falafel in the West Village.

While they were in town, we decided it would be a good idea to see a show on Broadway. Jake had never been to New York before and even though Chrissy has been here several times over the years, she had only seen one Broadway show (Kiss me Kate). All of my friends had been raving about the previews of the revival of Gypsy starring Patti Lupone.

Chris got online and found tickets for several nights that week. Looking at our schedule, we decided that Thursday night would be the best night for all of us. Chris bought the tickets and after he did he mentioned to me that the show started at 6:45, not 8:00 like usual. I had never seen a show that started at 6:45...but when we showed up we realized that the early start time was because we had tickets to Opening Night! It was amazing. Angela Lansbury was there, Matthew Broderick, Mandy Patinkin, Laura Linney, etc., etc. (Photos of red carpet here.) The energy was amazing. From beginning to end the show was phenomenal. I've seen a lot of theater, and I can say that this was probably the best experience I've ever had at a show. Everything came together perfectly: the cast, the material, the director (Arthur Laurents, the original author of the show came back at age 90 to direct it) and of course the star, Patti. Chris has finally come to understand the diva worship that exists within the gay community. Patti is his first diva. Often during shows I have to elbow Chris to keep him awake, but not in this one. He was riveted from the moment the orchestra began playing the overture. When the lights came up between acts, I could just see the excitement on his face. And of course, by the end when Mamma Rose sings her 11 o'clock number "Rose's Turn" there was electricity in the theater. The audience stood and gave her a standing ovation in the middle of the show...even before the curtain call. And what a curtain call it was! (See photos here.) Arthur Laurents and Stephen Sondheim came onto the stage and bowed with the cast as flashbulbs lit up the auditorium. All four of us just looked at each other in awe, never imagining that the night would be this wonderful.

Seattle bound

2008-03-23T23:21:00.002-04:00

It has been awhile since either Jed or I have updated the blog. There is plenty we both could talk about, but for now the big news is that we are moving to Seattle. I am starting a new job in May at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, so we will be relocating at the end of April.

This is certainly an exceptional career opportunity for me and, of course, it moves us so much closer to the girls. We are looking forward to seeing them more often! We shared the good news with them last week when we were in Utah, and the news was met with much excitement, particularly when we showed them on a map where Seattle is in relation to Salt Lake and in comparison to New York City. Lily immediately got online and started looking for a new house in Seattle. A nice kitchen seems to be her priority. :)

More soon, but that's the big news for now.

I've got a crush on Obama

2008-02-29T16:03:00.003-05:00

I'm still a Hillary man (see below), but the momentum is with Senator Obama. And that's okay with me. I'm a Democrat and I'll vote for a Democrat.

And, frankly, as a gay man, I'm starting to feel like I should tilt Obama. He's better than any presidential candidate EVER on gay issues. He uses the words "gay" and "lesbian" and the acronym "LGBT" in front of non-LGBT audiences. He's not afraid of us, nor does he fear any taint by association. He stops short of full support for marriage equality, but only in a semantic sense. He stands for full support for the rights of marriage-by-any-other-name.

And now there's this: Obama's Open Letter to Gay Americans. (Shout out to MoHoHawaii for bringing this to our attention.)

Why I'm Still Pulling for Hillary

2008-02-17T11:58:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago on Super Tuesday, I cast my vote for Hillary Clinton in New York’s presidential primary. I’ve been pulling for Hillary for several months now, but in the couple of weeks leading up to election day, I started to waver, even to the point where I started to consider myself undecided. Obama excites me with his soaring and uplifting oratory, and as much as I like Hillary, I have to admit that I’m not wild about staying on this Bush-Clinton merry-go-round in our national politics for another round. But as I stepped into the voting booth, my hesitation faded, and I quickly cast my ballot for Hillary.

On the issues, there is little difference between Hillary and Obama, so in the general election I will happily vote for either one as the Democratic candidate. Hillary still wins me over on her experience, and her wonkish nature. She knows the issues, and she’s got specific plans. All else being equal, that tips me in her favor. But there’s another reason why I’m still pulling for her, even as I find Obama’s ascendancy exciting to watch. Well, two reasons actually: Emma and Lily.

Notwithstanding Emma’s vocal support of Obama so that she can be the first female president rather than Hillary, I want Hillary to win for my daughters, and for little girls and young women everywhere. I want them to look at Hillary and know that there truly are no limits to what they can accomplish if they work hard and seek to make a difference in the world in which they live. If Hillary wins, and the Democrats retain control of the House, I want to sit down with my daughters to watch the beginning of the next State of the Union address, point to President Hillary Clinton and Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and have a little conversation with them about their the limitless nature of their futures.

Oh, and Hillary is just a little younger than my mom – the first feminist and career woman I ever knew. I think I’d like to see Hillary win for my mom and the women of her generation as well.

His first 29th...

2008-01-25T23:36:00.000-05:00

Give it up for the multi-talented Jed Montgomery on this, his 29th birthday.

He inspires me. He makes me laugh. He takes me to Broadway shows. So though I am many miles away from him for the second time in two years on his birthday (damn Postworks!), he is, as always, in my thoughts and in my heart.

Happy Birthday, Jeddy!

I resolve...

2008-01-01T23:10:00.001-05:00

I'm not big on New Year's resolutions but I'm going to make a few for 2008. (Tip of the hat to Jessica for inspiration since she started a list on her blog.)

I hereby resolve to:

1. Be closer to my children, and more involved in their lives.
2. Lose 15 pounds. Target weight: 165. (I've steadily gained 10 since my marathon in October 2006.)
3. Run a half marathon. (Which should help with resolution number 2.)
4. Eat better. (Which should also help with resolution number 2.)
5. Cook more. (Because I like to do it!)
6. Make a difference in the world through activism of some sort. (Still thinking this one through.)
7. Read more good books.
8. Go to the gym regularly. (At least 4 times a week.)
9. Go on a nice vacation. (Hey, can't we resolve to pamper ourselves a bit too?)
10. Live and love well.