Taking it to the Streets

I know where I would have been if I lived in California. In the streets. I was excited to see so many people in West Hollywood out there, marching, protesting and making out frustrations heard.

The fight continues.

Time to Celebrate

I admit it, I was depressed yesterday. The elation of the election of Barack Obama had faded and the reality that our civil rights are still being put up to popular vote and failing miserably had me down. I think it was a bit of PTSD from November 2004, when Oregon voters passed Measure 36, writing discrimination into our constitution. I was devasted. It lasted weeks.

But the truth is, we do have a lot to celebrate. Barack Obama is going to be the next president of the United States. We can look forward to a repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," the Defense of Marriage Law and the passage of comprehensive non-discrimination legislation.

Not to mention getting out of the war in Iraq, re-establishing America as a force for good in the world, and ensuring that all Americans have healthcare. I feel proud once again to be an American. Thank you Alana and your son for the idea of having a party. Talking about it and planning has lifted my spirits up. We do have a lot to celebrate, even as we mourn our losses.

 Here's a sample of what we'll be serving at our party. If you were coming, what would you bring? 

• Hope Muffins & Believe Biscuits
  
• "Yes We Can" Crackers
  
• Victory Vegetables
  
• Swing Steak
  
• Community Organizer Oreos
  
• I have a dream puffs
  
• Labatts Blue State Beer
  
• "Not So" White House Wine
  

Rumored to appear: Rachel Maddow and the Obama's new puppy.

How Do You Spell "Landslide?"

This is the text Dipstick just sent me and it's a good question. Here is how you spell it: Barack Obama is the new President Elect!

Dipstick and I are beside ourselves tonight. We're both in Portland--one of the states that helped Obama cinch the election btw--and we're both freaking out! So frickin' excited!!!!!!!!!!

For me, I'll tell you that people have been yelling in downtown Portland, where I live, (aka Little Beirut) for hours about how Obama is going to win. Downtowns just sort of bode well with unexpected shouts on any given night, but tonight, everyone is feeling it. The energy is palpable. That's why as soon as MSNBC declared Obama President Elect, I hit "play" on iTunes to play Kool and the Gang's "Celebration" as loud as my speakers would play through my deck doors. I got some shout outs and no doubt more smiles than I can count, but the overriding feeling in downtown Portland tonight is "Hallelujiah!" I didn't realize I'd been holding my breath for eight years. It feels so good to let out my breath.

Tonight, I am gratitude.

Thank you America!

Here's to the future!

Dipstick and Obama

I was so antsy this morning, just couldn't sit still because I'm so nervous about tonight's election. I decided to head over to the Obama campaign office to see if they needed any volunteer help. Just as I showed up, everyone was outside, hooting it up and posing for a picture.  

I spend a few hours calling voters, reminding them to turn their ballots in. It felt good to be doing something.

It's an exciting day for America. I hope to wake up tomorrow to a whole new world.

Get Out and Vote!

This is the most important election of our lifetime. Don't let the polls influence you. It's very important to get out and vote this Tuesday. And incase you haven't decided who to vote for yet, check out this cute video.

The Kerby Ave Urinal

Do you have a urinal on your block? I do. And I’ll tell you why. My neighbor Jim moved here from New York about 10 years ago. And ever since that time, Jim has peed outside, on the side of his garage, against the neighbor’s fence. I’m not sure WHY he pees outside. He just likes to.

Most neighbors would be pissed at someone pissing on their fence. But not Fernando. He thinks it’s endearing. Maybe it’s a guy thing, I don’t know. But when Fernando decided to get a new fence, he didn’t want the pee rotting the wood. So he had the contractor install a urinal.

Now Jim can still pee outside to his heart’s delight. And Fernando's fence won't rot.   Isn’t that neighborly?

Pick Up Your Pens!

Today starts National Novel Writing Month. For all of you who have ever dreamed of writing a novel, but just didn't think you had the time, National Novel Writing Month is for you. In just 30 days, you can write a 50,000 word novel.  That's 1666 words a day. And according to Chris Baty, the founder of National Novel Writing Month, you don't even need a plot or characters to get started. All you need is to do is turn on a computer and start typing. 

Sure, you might not write a Pulitzer Prize winning manuscript, but you just might churn out a crappy first draft. And that's someplace to start.