Morning Edition - 11/1/07

The Thickness
After spending weeks enjoying a high calorie intake that included three square meals, snacks and assorted no-nos, I took a moment to weigh-in at the gym yesterday. What I discovered was that rather than losing the remaining five pounds that would bring me to my desired weight of 145 lbs., I managed to gain another 10 lbs. taking me to an even 160 lbs. If I wasn’t sure that the 10 lbs. were showing, I was reminded of it while picking up my lunch at the corporate cafeteria today. The cashier loudly exclaimed, “Boy, you are getting thick…what is that…like 10 lbs of ass?!” My initial reaction was to sling the mac & cheese, chicken breast, string beans, banana and yogurt at the ghetto hookah, but I really need to keep my job. So, I took a deep breath, gave her an icy glare and never responded. A security guard who was in line behind me simply said, “Quit messing with him.” Turned to me and said, “You look good bruh.” I flashed him a tight smile and kept stepping. The odd thing is that I took a moment to check my waistline and it’s holding at 29 inches, but it appears my thighs, butt and chest are absorbing the bulk of my weight right now. Since I don’t care for gaining mass or bulk, this isn’t exactly a welcome 10 lbs. Conversely, I’m very happy right now and I tend to eat BIG when I’m happy. I guess I need to draw the line somewhere and reign-back some of my intake to a more normal range. I’m already hitting the gym 5-6 days a week, so increasing my activity isn’t really an option. Anytime the issue of my increased weight and mass comes up, BD is more than supportive and alleges he loves my physique and always has, so any attempt to whine to him is immediately stifled. Similarly, it’s difficult to convince BD that I absolutely LOVE his body, if I appear to be so hard on myself. All said, actions speak louder than words, so if he and I can continue our insatiable and ravenous lovemaking, we prove our satisfaction with each other’s build. For now, I accept that 160 lbs. isn’t bad – at least not the way I’m presently carrying it – but I wouldn’t be comfortable putting-on any more weight.

Stretching Cash
Waiting until you’ve retired to enjoy life is insane. No one has ever laid in their deathbed wishing they spent more time at the office. Trusting that I can do anything I put my mind to, I’ve planned trips that will enhance my life, relax my body and rejuvenate my soul. Next month, I’m spending a week in my favorite place in the world – Puerto Rico – where I will take part in my family reunion. This yearly jaunt allows my enormous family to reconnect and share incredible stories of our lives and our family history. December, BD and I are sharing a long weekend in Puerto Rico. It’s time to introduce my baby to the shining star of the Caribbean, while sharing the insanity that is my people. February finds me on the slopes and my attempt at skiing and rekindling my ice skating career – NOT! Finally, I’ll be taking a 7-day cruise to Belize, Cazumel and Honduras with a group of close friends. It’s my first time location hopping and a fitting way to spend my 39th birthday. Now it’s time to buckle-down and exercise some new skills – to save and stretch cash.

The Price Of Stupidity
The Reverend Fred Phelps and his members at the Westboro Baptist Church believe that the death of our proud American men and women is justified for their role in defending a country that shows tolerance for homosexuals. To show his disdain for this perceived acceptance, Phelps and his church members routinely picket the funerals of American soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. They carry signs that read, “Thank God for dead soldiers,” and “God hates fags.” In March 2006, Phelps and his alleged God-fearing members, showed complete disregard for Albert Snyder and his family during the funeral for their son, Marine Lance Cpl. Matthew Snyder, who was killed in Iraq. Snyder sued Phelps and the Westboro Baptist church and yesterday was awarded $11 million by a Baltimore court. Phelps says he will fight to overturn the verdict, but the message is clear – stop the disrespectful, ignorant and hateful display. The protests are not about the soldiers being gay, but their support of a country that they say tolerates homosexuality.

On Blast
With maturity comes the realization that our country is great because of our diversity and respect for different types of people, their beliefs, sexuality, cultural differences, etc. The first amendment to our constitution says, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
Do you believe that our first amendment protects Phelps’ right to protest and picket at a private funeral?

Keep passin’ the open windows…