Hey Ann Romney...What's a "real marriage"?

Oh my blogger, pals, I know you saw this post coming...

The Huffpost Gay Voices has her speech in video as well as text.

"What Mitt Romney and I have is a real marriage."

Is that a jab at the LGBT community?  Is that a jab at the same sex marriage movement?

Bring it on beyotch!

So you you think just because you're heterosexual you have a "real marriage"?  All gays and lesbians who are married have a "real marriage".  And even the ones who aren't married, but are in committed relationships would easily mirror a "real marriage".  As gays and lesbian couples, we love each other, support each other, care for each other in good times and bad, we bring children into our lives and nurture them and love them.  We too have values...values that are centered on "family, faith and love of one's fellow man" AND woman.  We are not valueless creatures.  In fact all of us, whether we have a piece of paper that says we're married or not, have values, care about what's going on in the world and want better lives for our children.  We go to work, or one of us stays home with the children.  We take them to school or daycare.  We have dinner together as often as we can.  We juggle our kids after school activities.  We struggle to make ends meet in a tough economy.  We celebrate love and togetherness. 


"Tonight I want to talk to you about love."  We too have deep and abiding love and the love "so deep only a Mother could fathom it".  And that love is for children we did not necessarily create.  We adopt, we foster, we use fertility clinics.  We find a way to complete our families that you would never comprehend.  The things we go through to become a family and live our lives every day as a family is both difficult and amazing.

I had coffee with a friend of mine yesterday.  Yes, a fellow lesbian.  And we talked about Mrs. Romney's speech.  We were both offended.  The things that just the two of us have gone through in our separate lives about relationships with women.  Our long term relationships mirror "real marriage".  Each of us has taken on the role of spouse in those relationships and created families, even if hers were fur families (families with no children, but with pets).  One thing we pondered was, what if only people following the "Christian way" could vote?  That would mean the following of us could not vote:

Those of us in gay and lesbian relationships.  (Ok, many of us would argue this one to the death about what the bible says about gays and lesbians, but for the sake of argument, lets include this one and move on.)
Those of us who have had premarital sex.
Those of us who have had children out of wedlock.
Those of us who "live in sin".  Meaning living together and not married.
Those of us who have had abortions.
Those of us who have had an affair.
Those of us (oh and this one makes me go eww!) those of us who swallow semen instead of using it for procreation.
Those of us who use contraceptives. 

How many people could actually vote?

None of us are perfect, none of us are "perfect Christians" or have "storybook marriages".  I'm willing to bet at some time in the future we will find out how really "un-perfect" the Romney's lives are.  Remember John Edwards anyone?


Lola's Diner ©2008-2012

A Lesbian's Review of "Fifty Shades Of Grey" by E.L.James

A friend of mine posted a question on Facebook, "Have any lesbians read Fifty Shades of Grey and what did you think?"  That got me to thinking.  Hmm...with all the articles I've read about the dramatic increase in sex toy sales, and people referring to it as "Mommy Porn", maybe there is something a lesbian could learn from the book.  It was only $9.99 for my Kindle, so I figured what the heck, let's see what all the fuss is.

 

It was an easy quick read.  I can't say that I really learned all that much, other than a kind of sadistic side of BDSM.  That turned me off.  Also, all the descriptions of Christian Grey's "member".  As a lesbian, that icked me out, but then, I'm not really the intended audience for these books.  I learned more than I really ever cared to learn about Doms and Subs.

The book starts out as every virgin's wet dream.  Millionaire, handsome, Adonis-like man, with a perfect body who is into BDSM, decides he is willing to initiate this virgin in the ways of vanilla sex, and then move on to the stuff he really gets into.  Christian Grey is the millionaire, Anastasia Steele is the virgin.

There is no limit to the excesses of riches he bestows upon her.  A Mac Book, an Audi, a Blackberry, a closet full of expensive clothes, first class upgrades when she flies to see her Mom, helicopter rides, etc.  Anastasia worries that she looks like or feels like a ho, with all these expensive gifts.

The ending, which I won't spoil for you, was kind of anti-climactic, and pretty much sets the stage for the 2nd book, and so on.  Will I read the 2nd book?  At this point, I'd say probably not.  Not unless someone can convince me that it's worthwhile, in terms of what I was looking for in the book...learning some new tips and tricks.  Yes, it was hetero sex people, but 1/2 of that hetero couple is a woman, and a lesbian could glean a few good ideas...were there to really be any in the first book.

So, have you read the first book?  Second book?  Third book?  What did you think?

If this is your first visit, consider following my blog, or getting updates via email.  Checkout the sidebar for how to.

Thanks for stopping by.
 
 Lola's Diner Disclaimer: I purchased "Fifty Shades of Grey" for my Kindle. This review is 100% my opinion and has not been edited or reviewed by anyone. I was not compensated in any way for this review.

Lola's Diner ©2008-2012

Introducing a new kitty to the family

I don't exactly know how well this is going to work, but my gf wants to introduce her kitty to Irish and Maddux tomorrow.  This should be interesting.  News to follow.

Anyone have any tips on how to do this?  All 3 cats are declawed, all 4 paws, so we don't have to worry about clawing injuries, however, they can still bite.  

Lola's Diner ©2008-2012

It's My Birthday!

Oh yes, oh yes! That's lil' ol' me! I don't look very happy do I?

This is a bit of a re-post from 2010.

"Lucky to be alive".

It's just a commentary on how times have changed and how someone of the ripe old age of 51 (did I type that?) is lucky to be around considering all the shenanigans we got into as kids and considering all the new fangled safety devices that are around to protect our children today.

As a child:
We never wore seat belts. Not required. Most cars didn't have them. And us kids fought over the front seat. The most unsafe spot in the car for a child!
We never wore bicycle helmets. What helmet?.
We never had any anti-bacterial soaps or cleaners.
We never had hand sanitizer.
We drank tap water without a second thought.
We drank from the garden hose all summer long. Every summer!
We ran wild through the neighborhood, or the next few over and our parents were none the wiser as long as we were home on time for lunch and dinner.
We trick-or-treated by ourselves and ate most of our candy before we got home.
We used insect repellent products containing 100% Deet or some more deadly carcinogen.
Rambunctious toddlers ran loose and our parents didn't have a care in the world. There were no toddler leashes or GPS Nanny Devices. Speaking of nannies, we didn't have nannies or governesses unless we were British royalty or our names were von Trapp.
We didn't have to worry about "R" rated movies. There were either movies everyone could watch, or XXX movies. And us kids didn't know about those, unless we had some pretty cool teenage friends.
We raced on our bicycles chasing the ice cream truck like starving orphans, without any regard to other vehicular traffic. And it came every single summer day.
Mr. Rogers was our neighbor and he came into our living rooms every day and no one thought that was the slightest bit odd, this kind of man-child who played with puppets and trolleys in the neighborhood of make-believe.
If our parents were smokers, they smoked literally everywhere. At fast food restaurants, bars, grocery stores, airplanes. Just about anywhere but church. There was no consideration for secondhand smoke. It was smoke em if ya got em.
There was no stranger danger.
Our baby cribs were covered with bright colored lead-based paint and the space between the rails was dangerously large enough for us to get our heads or even or bodies stuck in.
We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors, or cabinets.
Toys were painted with lead paint and had dangerously sharp edges. Recalls were unheard of.
We spent hours at construction sites, watching the big equipment from close-up.
If we got hurt at a friend's house or at school, there were no lawsuits. They were accidents and no one was at fault!
We drank Fresca and Tab with saccharine and cyclamates.
We didn't have computers and a television in our rooms. We had Commodore 64 (if we were really lucky) and the lone television in the family room. (Color, if we were lucky.)
We did not have PSP's, Nintendo DS's, Game Boys, Playstations, Nintendo 64, X-Boxes, Wii's, video games at all, 99 channels on cable, Blueray movies, DVD movies, video tape movies, surround sound, personal cell phones, Iphones, Droids, Personal Computers, Internet chat rooms, Facebook ... we had... friends.
Our actions were our own. Consequences were guaranteed! If we broke a law, our parents were on the side of law enforcement!

Think of it.

How is it we survived? And how did so many of us survive?

I'm so glad you did, so you can join me in celebrating my birthday!

Thank you for stopping by.

Today being a weekday I worked, but not before a mandatory trip to the DMV.  Yes, I know, you feel for me, don't you?  It was actually a quick and pleasant trip.  Every DMV worker wished me Happy Birthday (so if you're ever having a bum birthday, just go to the DMV to renew your license).  I got my Renewal Notice ages ago, but things have been so crazed here that I literally did not have time to peruse the rule book until Sunday night, planning on going the next day.  Ah...no.  Closed on Mondays.  I arrived shortly after opening.  No line, got my number and didn't even have a chance to take a seat before it was up on the number board.  Vision test, pay the cashier, then (dun dun dun...) the test.  I was really kind of sweating it because even though I have 2 teens, I really didn't know the new rules for teens.  So?  Did I pass?  Yup!  Got 100% of the signs correct, 3 wrong on the multiple guess.  And yes...my new driver's license photo sux!  I liked my last one.  Can't I have that one?

I came home to a wonderful homemade dinner of bbq'd pork chops and potatoes.  And...carrot cake and Gluten Free Chocolate Cake for my son.  Yes, we all tried it too.  It was very good. I also got a wonderful heartfelt handwritten card from my daughter.  All in all, not bad for a weekday birthday. 

And...after all...I couldn't have a wet tee shirt contest 2 years in a row...could I? 

Damn!  I could have!
 
Lola's Diner ©2008-2012

Review - Glory Foods

 I was approached by a representative of Glory Foods via email to do a review of their products.  They sent me a wonderful Deluxe Gift Basket full of their products.  I've been familiar with their products for years and love them.  I usually only make  collard greens from scratch for New Year's to serve with my Hoppin' John.  When I get a taste for them any other time of the year I buy Glory Foods products.  Nothing is easier than opening a can and warming it in a dish in the microwave.

The gift basket contained the following items:
Glory Foods Golden Sweet Corn Muffin Mix
Glory Foods Moist Rich Cornbread Mix
Glory Foods Seasoned Chicken Cooking Base
Glory Foods Spicy Vidalia Hot Sauce (I love hot sauce on my eggs.  And I love Vidalia Onions.  This was delicious on my spinach omelet Sunday morning.)
Glory Foods Seasoned Southern Style Cream Style Skillet Corn
Glory Foods Seasoned Southern Style Great Northern Beans
Glory Foods Seasoned New Orleans Style Red Beans and Rice (Again, I love to make my own, but when I don't have the time, this is just as delicious and so much faster.)
Glory Foods Sensibly Seasoned Lower Sodium String Beans
Glory Foods Seasoned Southern Style Country Cabbage
Glory Foods Seasoned Southern Style Turnip Greens
Glory Foods Fried Apples

Weekends have been pretty hectic around the diner, so I haven't had a chance to try the Glory Foods Seasoned Chicken Cooking Base.  Lately I'm lucky if I can do 2 home cooked meals.  I can't wait to try the Chicken White Bean Chili recipe in the Recipe section of their website.  Look for an update to this review in the future.

Lola's Diner Disclaimer: I was given a Gift Basket to sample their products. This review is 100% my opinion and has not been edited or reviewed by anyone. I was not compensated in any other way for this product review.


Lola's Diner ©2008-2012

Sunday Stealing - Imaginary Meme - Last Part

 Welcome back to Sunday Stealing which originated on WTIT: The Blog authored by Bud Weiser. Here we will steal all types of memes from every corner of the blogosphere. Our promise to you is that we will work hard to find the most interesting and intelligent memes. You may have heard of the expression, “honor amongst thieves”. In that age-old tradition, we also have our rules. First, we always credit the blog that we stole it from and we will “fess up” to the blog owner where we stole the meme. We also provide a link to the victim's post. (It's our way of saying "Thanks!") We do sometimes edit the original meme, usually to make it more relevant to our global players, to challenge our players, sometimes to select that meme's best questions, or simply to make it less repetitive from either this new meme or recently asked questions from a prior featured meme. Let's go!!!

Today we ripped off a blogger named Hui Lin from the blog Conversations with an Imaginary Audience. It's 200 questions, so we will do it in parts. Lots of parts. She does not state where she got it from. But this is someone who could not come up a separate screen name and a blog name. But, it was probably stolen there as well. So, of course, that will be as far as we go. Tracing back our theft's thieves might take some time. Take the time to comment on other player's posts. It's a great way to make new friends! Link back to us at Sunday Stealing!

181. What's the BEST rock band that you have seen live?  I think I'd have to say AC/DC when they played Alpine Valley back in the day.  We had 2nd row.

182. Could you image being in a situation where you would run from the police?  I've dreamed that I was running from the police, but I don't think a situation would ever happen in real life.  I'm too much "follow the rules" to have a reason for the police to chase me.  Not only that...I'm pretty sure I don't want to get shot.

183. Have you ever been asked for an autograph?  No.  Can't think of a reason why someone would ask.  Unless because I'm soooo famous from my blog.

184. What would you change about your living room?  Need new carpeting, also need to finish painting.  I have one wall that is almost completely covered by an Entertainment Center unit for my big screen tv.  We didn't get to that wall to paint when we painted the living.  The carpeting is horrid!  There is a big burn hole clearly visible when you walk in the door.  Putting a throw rug over it just makes people trip on the throw rug.  How did that burn get there?  Umm...NOBODY did it.  Yeah, that's the answer I got when I asked how it happened.

185. Do you drink out of glass or plastic most of the time at home?  I prefer glass.  But lately I've been using travel mugs, even for cold beverages so the ice keeps my beverage cold longer.

186. Last hug?  My daughter...after I hugged my son when we headed out to Walmart.

187. Have you ever had to make up your mind?  Huh?  Wtf kind of question is that?  Didn't I just make up my mind to answer this meme???

188. What is on top of your refrigerator?  Ziplock bags, aluminum foil, wax paper, and cling wrap.

189. Did it work out for you in terms of kids? (Meaning how did it work out & are you happy. In other words, from “Have none, wanted none” to “8 kids & 3 grandkids)  Yes, it worked out.  I have 1 of each.  However I wish and pray their mental health would improve.

190. Are you afraid of the dark?  Depends where I am when it's dark.  Someplace familiar, or unfamiliar?  Is it storming?

191. What if you had three wishes – what would you wish for?  1. I would wish for both of my kids to regain good mental health. 2.  I would wish for enough money to pay my bills every month and have money left over, instead of not being able to pay all my bills and juggling them every month so nothing gets shut off.  3.  I would wish for a getaway vacation for just my girlfriend and I and that my kids would be safe and well taken care of while we were gone.

192. Do you feel sad often?  Lately all the time.

193. Have you ever been in lust for an extended period of time?  Yup!

194. Do you shower daily?  Yup!

195. Have you ever prank called someone?  I probably have, at a sleepover, before there was caller id.

196. If you have a garage, is it cluttered?  Oh yeah!  I'm waiting for this damn heatwave to clear and get some cooler weather so both the yard and garage can be worked on.

197. You are about to die. What do you do with your worldly possessions?  If I'm about to die, why would I care about my worldly possessions?  I would want to try to see everyone I've cared about in my life and see them, hug them and tell them I look forward to seeing to seeing them on the other side.
  
198. Tell us about the first time that you bought a car.  I wasn't involved all that much in buying my 1st and 2nd car.  My 1st car was a surprise.  A $400 jalopy.  The 2nd was a 4 cylinder lemon.  My 3rd car however, I completely picked out on my own.  I got my Dad's GM discount and ordered my car exactly the way I wanted it  from the factory.  I literally did ledger sheets comparing the costs of various options and packages and picked and chose what I wanted, that met my budget.

199. What is your favorite type of music?  I enjoy all kinds of music, country not so much.  I usually listen to top 40 in the car.  For road trips, it's classic rock from the 70's and 80's.

200. What’s your family like? I'd rather not talk about that right now.  We're in a very difficult period.

(Editor's note: We did a surprise Stealing on the 4th of July. Feel free to add it this week or anytime. It's 40 questions and would have been parts 8 & 9)


Thank you for playing this week on Sunday Stealing! Please leave a comment or link when you have posted. Stop back and visit other player’s posts. That is really what this is all about, making new friends! Have a great week. See you next Sunday! (209)

Lola's Diner ©2008-2012

Sunday Stealing..The Imaginary Meme, Part 6

 Welcome back to Sunday Stealing which originated on WTIT: The Blog authored by Bud Weiser. Here we will steal all types of memes from every corner of the blogosphere. Our promise to you is that we will work hard to find the most interesting and intelligent memes. You may have heard of the expression, “honor amongst thieves”. In that age-old tradition, we also have our rules. First, we always credit the blog that we stole it from and we will “fess up” to the blog owner where we stole the meme. We also provide a link to the victim's post. (It's our way of saying "Thanks!") We do sometimes edit the original meme, usually to make it more relevant to our global players, to challenge our players, sometimes to select that meme's best questions, or simply to make it less repetitive from either this new meme or recently asked questions from a prior featured meme. Let's go!!!

Today we ripped off a blogger named Hui Lin from the blog Conversations with an Imaginary Audience. It's 200 questions, so we will do it in parts. Lots of parts. She does not state where she got it from. But this is someone who could not come up a separate screen name and a blog name. But, it was probably stolen there as well. So, of course, that will be as far as we go. Tracing back our theft's thieves might take some time. Take the time to comment on other player's posts. It's a great way to make new friends! Link back to us at Sunday Stealing!


 

Sunday Stealing: The Imaginary Meme, Part Six

 

 

101. Name 4 things you always have with you.  Cell phone, wallet, keys...that's all I need.

 

102. How many SERIOUS exes do you have? Too many.

 

103. What causes you to you admire people? Good character.

104. Do you like sports? I like to watch sports...baseball, football.

105. Would you have sex after marriage? Why or why not? Duh.

106. What is your favorite male name? Really?

107. Do animals go to Heaven?  I'll leave that up to God to answer.

108. Last time you had a great time with your dad?  My Dad passed away 23 years ago.  I don't think I could pinpoint the last time.  The final months of his life my sister and I were his caregivers, so I find it hard to get past that point.

109. What is your favorite hair style? For myself?  Shorty and spiky.

110. Do you like your name? It will do.

111. When was the last time that you quit your job?  It's been a long time.  The boss was a screamer and I had already landed another job.  I worked there a few weeks and got tired of the manual accounting system and the screamer's insistence to not computerize anything...suspicious?

112. When you wake up, what is the first thing you think? What time is it?  Did I wake up on time?

113. Have you ever pulled an all-niter?  Yes.  Most recently pulled an all nighter waiting in the er and then the ambulance ride and paperwork.  I was literally waiting for a cab at 7am, never having slept a wink since 6am the previous morning..
 

 114. What is the perfect day for you? The day after setting up camp.  Starting that first campfire of the day and brewing a pot of coffee.  Enjoying that coffee watching nature, waiting for the rest of my happy campers to awaken, then firing up the grill for pancakes.  The rest of the day spent chillin'.

115. Last time you cleaned the bathroom?  It's not been my job for awhile.
 

116. Have you ever failed a grade? Why?  Nope.

117. Have you met anyone online? All the time.

118. Have you ever smoked? Yup.

119. Do you like celebrities? Don't know any.

120. Do you like traveling? I love to travel...just wish I had the funds to do it more.

 

Thank you for playing this week on Sunday Stealing! Please leave a comment or link when you have posted. Stop back and visit other player’s posts. That is really what this is all about, making new friends! Have a great week. See you next Sunday!
Lola's Diner ©2008-2012