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Thursday, June 28, 2012

June 2012

What a wild month June has been! 2+ week RoadTrip, numerous reviews, a party celebrating Jen's parent's 40th wedding anniversary, a Jimmy Buffett concert and my first interview/editorial piece for a national Gay & Lesbian magazine, Connextions. I will be featured in their next issue (they are a quarterly magazine, so it will be their fall issue). 


Unfortunately we had to postpone the "White Trash Party" until later this summer as there are way too many things we need to get done, not to mention a trip to the Jersey Shore planned for next weekend (Wildwoods). 


Oh, and the 4th of July is next week! My favorite holiday! There is no better place to celebrate then right here in Rhode Island. Jen and I may actually go to Bristol parade (will be my first time) and plan on having a big cookout July 3rd at Colt State Park before watching fireworks over Bristol harbor. I love driving around, looking at all the beautifully decorated homes and living so close to the water. I feel blessed every day that I live in Warren.


Hmm, what else?


Right now Jen and I are working on getting WE ARE GAY FRIENDLY (www.wearegayfriendly.com) directory up and running. Hopefully by next month. I will then work on WE ARE GAY OWNED (www.wearegayowned.com). Lots of big plans in the works! ;) 


I am addicted to Instagram and Pinterest and I admit, the new Justin Bieber CD is actually GOOD DANCE MUSIC!! Yup. I said that. No shame. 


Hmm, I got Jen to love BBQ and dear I say, country music (southern/alt-country)! ;D 


Yeah. That's been my month. Work, travel, family/friend/pet time, good music, great food and the anticipation of the 4th of July! :)


















Thursday, June 21, 2012

I am a Gemini




I am a Gemini, which makes me slightly crazy. 


My mind is always working.


I am usually doing two things at once as I need constant (and I do mean constant) stimulation.

I seek instant gratification and have a mentality which literally makes it impossible to give up. 

If at first you don't succeed....keep on trying until you do. Until your last breath, even. 

There are certain things that bother me immensely. Since this is my blog, I am allowed to vent. 


So here goes....

I hate when people don't respond to me. If I send an email to someone or (gulp) call someone, I expect some sort of a response. 

I don't care if it is a mule carrying a message bottle in it's mouth, you better answer me or you will get on my "pooh list". 

I bust my ass as a travel agent and travel writer. I don't charge a service fee to spend hours researching price quotes, so if you have decided NOT to book with me, at least tell me why and give me a fighting chance to change your mind. With a price match guarantee, what do you have to lose? 

As an author of a gay blog advertising gay friendly/exclusive businesses and events, I am always seeking new advertisers. 

It is a blow to the gut when you receive a "yes we are interested" and then weeks go by and you never hear back from the person. 


Why lead us on in the first place? If you have changed your mind and don't want to advertise with us, simply tell us. I'd rather know up front then be tagged along. 

Let me stress the following fact.....

The worst thing you can do to me on a personal and business level, but mostly on a personal level is IGNORE ME.

As a Gemini this is an absolute no-no as we are the "communication" sign. 

It will not only alienate me and have me seek out stimuli elsewhere, it will push you, your business etc., down on the list of importance to me. 

I am just being honest here. 

I make it a rule to treat people with as much respect as humanly possible. Again, I am not a saint, but I do try to be a good, honest person. 

As a woman in her mid 30's I have zero tolerance for people who play with my time and emotions. 

If I don't feel "connected" to you, then what is the point? 

I follow up with clients. I follow up with perspective advertisers. I try to be a real person and not just a "business persona" ---- it has, for the most part, proven successful for me. 

But then there are those individuals that just clash with us here Gemini's. 

To you I say, "BLEH!" :-P 


I think this definition of Gemini sums it up: 


Gemini Traits
Understanding the Gemini Traits
As most people believe that the stars affect our destiny, the horoscope provides us with the helpful guide to keep us abreast with our fate. It has been said that our zodiac signs have something to do with our personalities and traits. These are like special qualities that each individual is initially born with. For example, those who are born under the sign of Gemini are likely to have distinct Gemini traits.
The Gemini, or simply “the Twins”, is a sign of the zodiac that rules from May 21 up to June 21. It generally represents an independent and outgoing personality. Most Geminis delight in socializing, and they are almost always the ones who make a particular event a lively occasion. They simply love to entertain that’s why most of them take interest in hosting an event or performing in a crowd. They are magnanimous in offering their friendship to people. They have this gift of the gab, which makes them a good asset in every social circle as well as in work. In other words, they are the life of every occasion.
When it comes to serious matters such as work and love, Geminis are unique in a sense that they are born to become intelligent people. They are witty and sometimes, even cunning. They can also juggle multiple tasks without looking tired afterwards. As for communications, one can never be bored whenever he is around with a Gemini. A person who is born under this sign often makes it a point to carry out the conversation no matter how boring it may seem for him. Perhaps the most interesting quality of the Geminis lies in their being good at persuading people. Using their ability to communicate efficiently, they can easily get what they wanted from a person. Geminis are naturally charismatic, too. This is why most people fall for them even if they do not intend to please everyone.
However, since nobody is born perfect, a Gemini also has some flaws in his personality. The seemingly positive Gemini traits tend to backfire to the person. Being excessively spontaneous, Geminis can be viewed as reckless and flirtatious lot. Although they do not intend to act like that, the people around them tend to think otherwise. Another thing is their being indecisive. No one can exactly tell where their indecisiveness has rooted from, but this is true for most Geminis. Their minds tend to change every 15 minutes, albeit that would be a bit of exaggeration. Even though they are witty, there are also the times when they cannot simply make up their minds; especially if the matter seems to excite them. They love novelty and change, but in areas concerning love and career, this personality may not work for their own good.
Famous personalities who share these Gemini traits include Johnny Depp, Angelina Jolie, John F. Kennedy and Henry Kissinger. As we can observe, most of the Geminis are into public service and film industry. Actually, they tend to succeed in any career that they choose. Geminis are also compatible with people under the signs of Libra, Aries and Leo.


....


So yeah, I am a proud Gemini. 

I talk and think - talk and think - talk and think etc., 

That is why writing is so important to me because it is a means of expression. 

So if you want a successful relationship with me don't ignore me. Because it will only make it easier to simply shift my focus elsewhere. 

Just sayin. 

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Saturday, June 16, 2012

Living Life




I know how to live life. I mean truly LIVE LIFE. I have this down. 

I am not financially rich. I may never be. But you know what? I live the life of a millionaire. No, I don't mean I drive around in a luxury sports car or travel the globe, first class. I don't eat caviar or buy jeans for $200. I don't invest in $400 haircuts of have a $1,500 guitar. I don't have an Apple Mac laptop and my pets don't have diamond collars. 

Most people would be shocked at what I live off of and all I am able to do with the money I have. 

This year alone I have enjoyed watching people eat numerous lobsters in front of me. 

Stayed in luxurious hotels. 

Had invites for spa treatments. 

Witnessed turquoise water so crystal clear you can see the snow white sand below it. 

I have been treated like a rock star at Hard Rock Hotel and skipped the line to ride thrill rides at Universal Orlando.

I have had bottles of wine and strawberries dipped in chocolate left in my honor. 

I have received complimentary theater tickets, park passes, movie passes and event passes. 

I witnessed full moons glowing over dark oceans. 

I have dined on crepes in Quebec. 

I have stayed in haunted hotel rooms and have experienced temps so cold you literally get brain freeze. 

I've drank butter beer and have eaten some of the best meals and desserts of my life. 

I've enjoyed an Irish comedy tour and the worst play of my life in Sommerville, MA. 

I have walked, laughed and kissed in the rain. 

I have witnessed smiles on the faces of family and friends as my partner and I host parties in our warm, beautiful home. 

I have baked for people I love. I have cooked for people I love. 

I have gotten my dog's hair cut and have spoiled my pets with toys and treats. 

I have written songs. I have sang songs. 

I have blasted music loud and danced with my pets in my arms. 

I have gone on a 2 week road trip and numerous weekend getaways. 

I have gained a name and reputation for not only myself, but my businesses. 

This year I have gained new friends and family and most importantly, a beautiful fiance. 

I have photographed nature, architecture, people and pets. 

I pay my bills and rent every month.

I have bought presents for my family and friends. 

I have managed to buy myself new clothes and shoes each season and a new laptop computer. 

I have managed to put gas in my car at least twice a week.

I have gone dancing, played pool, gone for long walks, rode a bike and exercised. 

I am most proud to say that I have gotten engaged in an ice palace, found a beautiful location to host my wedding and found someone that truly loves me and is my best friend. 

........

I have done ALL OF THIS with less money than most of you will be able to comprehend. 

How? By my HARD WORK. By my DETERMINATION. By knowing how to budget the little money I do have in my life right now. 

What gives ME peace of mind? 

Knowing that I can still LIVE LIFE, a full, beautiful, fun, exciting, life without a ton of money.

No couch potato here. 

No complainer here. 

No "glass is half empty here". 

No negativity. 

Just faith, hard work, hope, trust and will. 

The other night I had just finished crying and you know what my partner said? 

She told me I looked so beautiful and HAPPY....glowing....that even though I was sad at that moment, the joy shined from me and my smile. It was something to that effect. 

I smile. 

When the world knocks me down or keeps taking from me.

I smile. 

When the world blesses me with luxuries I cannot wrap my brain around. 

I smile. 

I laugh and smile....always. 

Some people spend their entire life worrying about tomorrow and never live for today and before they know it, the stress of that worry kills them, having never truly LIVED and enjoyed life. They lived in their constant negativity and worry and in the end......money doesn't matter. Living life and life experiences matter. Being the best person to others, matter. Being kind hearted, matters. Laughing and smiling every day - matters. Being a positive influence and source of joy - matters. 

Getting out and TRULY LIVING....matters. 

You don't need MONEY to TRULY LIVE. 

You need will. You need determination. You need support. You need love. You need friends and family. 

In the end, when a person dies, they don't bring their money or "things" with them. 

In the end, what truly matters, is the legacy you leave and the people's lives you've somehow touched and improved in some way, shape or form while HERE on earth....LIVING life. 

On your death bed, I assure you that you will not be thinking about that car you didn't buy or that new TV or money at all...you will be thinking about all the EXPERIENCES you never had. 

All the wasted days spent doing -- NOTHING. The people you didn't spend time with.

I live well within my means.........and I live an extremely well life because "my means" aren't based on dollar signs, my means is based on my WILL and DESIRE to live every second I am blessed with good enough health to do so and on the days when I am sick, I fill those days up with HOPE, DETERMINATION, PRAYER and LAUGHTER. I watch my favorite shows on TV, read until my brain hurts, snuggle with my pets or in my partner's arms. I soak up every second I am given of this life....healthy OR sick. I am always grateful. 

I believe that when a person dies their life flashes before their eyes...maybe not in an "instant" but I believe all the things you believed as truth about someone is finally reveled. You may have thought a person didn't have your best interest at heart, only to learn, they always have. You might have lived your life thinking you could "never do enough" for someone, to learn that every single thing you did was truly appreciated. You might have lived your life thinking the worst of someone, only to learn it was always that person who cared and prayed for you. We all make assumptions and the majority of them are - wrong. The safest bet? Truly live a good life. Be as kind and honest as possible. Do because you WANT to do something for someone else, not because you feel you SHOULD or HAVE TO. Do from the heart. 

You can't change other people's ways of thinking, unfortunately. Only yours. In time, they, like us, will all come to learn the truth. 

We don't escape anything in this life. You cannot escape karma.

If you have lived a good life, believe me, you will be rewarded. Somehow. Somewhere. 

If you have lived a cruel life, that too will have its consequences. Again, I truly believe this. 

I don't expect anything from anyone so, as the saying goes, when something kind is done for me, I am truly shocked and appreciative because I didn't see or expect it. Life is much easier that way. Less disappointments. 

The only person I expect the best from, is myself. And, God, do I try to be a good person. 

I am proud to say I LIVE.... TRULY LIVE.....within MY MEANS. 

Do you truly LIVE within yours?

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Road Trip 2012 Highlights

I recently returned from a 2 week road trip. It was my fiance, Jennifer's first REAL road trip, so I was super excited. We had SO many things planned. So many reviews set up, but, as with most road trips, changes occurred which actually turned out to be a good thing! 

The first week turned out as planned.....Alexandria-VA, Atlanta-GA, Destin-FL and Orlando-FL. We walked past historic houses, stayed at plush hotels, soaked up the sun, went swimming in the ocean, reviewed some fantastic restaurants, had fun at Islands of Adventure etc., etc., but the 2nd week, which brought a burst of (much needed) rain and a surprise visit from a "monthly friend" caused our plans to travel further south to Fort Lauderdale and Key West to change. We decided to save those destinations for (possibly) our honeymoon and head back north. We arranged stays in Florence-South Carolina, Annapolis-Maryland, Atlantic City-New Jersey and Lancaster-PA.

The weather was gorgeous! Sunny and warm (low 80's). We were hosted at the beautiful Westin Annapolis and enjoyed the quaint town. We were also hosted at the GORGEOUS Borgata Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City which truly made us feel like we were in Las Vegas! Wow. That place is simply amazing (I even won money!! - lol - always a good thing). We had Philly cheesesteaks and made a stop at Eastern State Penitentiary. We also decided to visit Amish country in Pennsylvania. We had so much fun driving through towns such as Bird-in-Hand, Intercourse and Blue Ball. No. Really....lol.

We blasted music. Ate at Waffle House. Played the "Cracker Barrel Game". Survived a 3 hour delay getting over the George Washington Bridge. We were teased by stormy looking clouds. We walked the Atlantic City boardwalk. Were the ultimate tourists at Hard Rock Cafes. Got special treatment at Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville in Orlando. We went on rides at Islands of Adventure in the pouring rain. Sipped Butter Beer at Harry Potter Land (YUM!!!! Think creme soda with a creamy topping). We visited the tackiest place in America - South of the Border and had so much fun we almost peed ourselves! We adopted a doll that truly could be our child at JR's in North Carolina. We were given bottles of wine, chocolate covered strawberries, fruit, crackers, cheese and welcome notes in all the hotel we were hosted at. We enjoyed perfect weather in Destin as we relaxed on the beach, toes in the sand and cooled off in the turquoise/emerald water. We enjoyed yummy BBQ and sung along to Johnny Cash and Hank Williams. We witnessed a brush fire, thunderstorms, brilliant sunshine and a rainbow. We bought oranges, peaches, peanuts, watermelon and veggies which all rotted out by the time we got home...lol. 

Jen and I spent every second together for over 14 days and got along beautifully. We laughed and had SO much fun, words can't even do it justice. 

We were sad when the trip was over but know we will be on another adventure soon. 

With a trip to Ptown scheduled for this weekend and a trip to Wildwoods, NJ July 6-9 and upcoming trips to the Jersey Shore, Brooklyn-NY, Newport-RI, Providence-RI, Boston-MA, Niagara Falls-NY, Lake Placid-NY and Saratoga Springs-NY planned for the summer....I think we'll both get our travel fix! ;) 

What an amazing way to celebrate my 36th birthday....with my amazing, loving, beautiful, fiance and best friend. 

Here are some photos highlighting our trip!

-Des