Thursday Thirteen #24

I recently listed 13 of my favorite movies for Thursday Thirteen, so today I thought I'd take a shot at listing 13 of my favorite books...

THIRTEEN FAVORITE BOOKS (not in any specific order)

1) To Kill a Mockingbird ~ Lee Harper

2) In Cold Blood ~ Truman Capote

3) The Witching Hour ~ Anne Rice

4) Interview With a Vampire ~ Anne Rice

5) Running With Scissors ~ Augsten Burroughs

6) Glass Menegarie ~ Tennessee Williams

7) The Great Gatsby ~ F. Scott Fitzgerald

8) The Count of Monte Cristo ~ Alexandre Dumas

9) The Biograph Girl ~ William J. Mann

10) The Blackwood Farm ~ Anne Rice

11) Mansfield Park ~ Jane Austen

12) The Adventures of Tom Sawyer ~ Mark Twain

13) The Last of the Mohicans ~ James Fenimoore Cooper

Did You Ever Know that You Were My Hero?

My Thursday Thirteen today is in honor of all the heroes out there. Last week in one of the suburbs of Cincinnati, two firefighters gave their lives doing their job. Last week, Matt Maupin, an area hero of the War in Iraq was finally verified as a casualty of war and no longer MIA, this weekend his funeral is taking place in the Great American Ball Park here in Cincy. Some of these people listed below may not have given their lives, but at one time in my life, and some of them still to this day are my idea of heroes...




THIRTEEN PEOPLE THAT HAVE BEEN MY HERO (in no particular order)

1. My Father: So many times in so many ways my father has been my hero throughout my life. even when I thought he knew nothing and I knew everything, Dad was still my hero and still is today. I recall a day as a child he ran across the street to a neighbors house and saved her young son from possible death due to an epileptic seizure, from that day on I looked at my father in a whole different light.


2. My Mother: As my father impressed upon me the importance of responsibility and honesty, my mother taught me compassion, sensitivity and love. Her love for my father underpasses anything else I know. Her love for her sons is amazing, and totally unconditional. Her heroic acts may have been subtle and un-noticed by most, but in my book she is one of my greatest heroes.


3. My Grandmothers: My mother's mom worked all the time. At least it seemed to me. She was a small lady but very large presence in my life. I learnt from her why my own mother was who she was. My father's mother raised 6 children on her own in the days before welfare, child support and government assistance programs. Her husband left when the last child was born. I never heard her complain about her lot in life, or being saddled with six kids. She raised each of them to be strong outstanding adults.


4. My Cousin Gary: He wasn't really my cousin, he was my father's cousin, but he was a hero to me. I remember as a small little boy the party we had for him before he was to go off into the army and into Vietnam. He stood so proud in his uniform, and to me was larger than life. He never came back to a welcome home party but like many other young men in the 60's he came home in a flag draped coffin. Gary was a true hero in our family.


5. My Grandfather: Unfortunately I never realized just how much a hero my mother's father was until I was older. As a kid he was kind of off to the side. There but not in your face or in the forefront. As I grew older and learnt about all that he did and accomplished in his life, his heroism became more and more real to me. A WWII veteran, his ship was sunk in the Pacific Ocean and he was adrift for days and even declared missing in action and possibly dead by the US Navy. Yet, he returned and for the rest of his life would suffer excruciating back problems because of it. But he never complained. Then 6 months before he passed he was diagnosed with bone cancer. His valiant fight with this painful debilitating disease was heroic in it's own right.


6. A Childhood Friend: I knew him from the age of 8 and it seemed to me he had it all. The perfect home, the perfect family, and as we both grew older he had the perfect car, the handsome face, the nice clothes...the list goes on and on. In those few short years between puberty and High School graduation, he was a hero to me. Now as an adult and a father and grandfather I realize we were probably each other's hero.


7. My Dad's Brother: To me, he seemed like the perfect father. I saw the passion he had for his children. I also realized when I got older that he became a father to all his brothers and his sister after his father left them. He was also in the Air Force during Korea and Vietnam, retiring as a young man after 20+ years of faithful service. He continued to work hard and provided well for his family. His battle with diabetes late in life, and loosing a leg was also an indication of the hero he really was.


8. DJ: Any one that could put up with me on a daily basis would have to have some kind of heroic abilities!! But seriously, DJ is one of the most enduring, passionate, compassionate, strong and responsible person I have ever known. His love is unconditional and true. A hero every day in my life.


9. Superman: What person my age did not have Superman as a hero growing up. I'm not talking about the Dean Cain, Tom Welling Superman, I am talking about the George Reeve Superman of the TV, and the Christopher Reeve Superman of the movies back in the 70's and 80's. TV's George Reeves/Superman to me was my first glimpse of a hero. And what a hero he was. As a teen and young adult Christopher Reeves brought Superman back to life for a whole new generation, then his own battle as a quadriplegic and his fight for research and cure was the true hero in him.


10. My Best Friend Silver: Many times over the past 13 years I've seen him deal and cope with many issues and trials. He has also seen me do the same. Yet, he always faces his issues with a quiet strong peace. He has the ability to look at issues in the face and be able to see beyond them which allows him to deal with them. Not only that, I think he is one hell of a father to his son. Hats off Silver, a true "gay" hero! Just kidding, but he is a true friend and that is true hero not only to his son, but to me as well.


11. My Friend Veruca: He over came so much from a young child and pushed himself to be the person he is today. Successful, educated, and a believer in dreams that can come true. Even though our paths crossed for a short amount of time considering the length of our lives he impacted my life in a very powerful way. I am so blessed to have been able to have him with me as we both "come out".


12. My Kids: Now let's talk about some REAL heroes. These four individuals are truly heroes in my book. My three sons and my beautiful daughter. Against all odds they have rose from the ashes so to speak and are making something of themselves. Yes, dad kind of let them down over the years, but that has not stopped them, and so far they are all four doing quite well becoming adults that a parent can be truly proud of.


13. Myself: It has taken me almost 50 years, but finally I have realized that I too am a hero. I love who I am, not in a vain sense, but in a sense of being happy with who I am. A lot has transpired in these 47+ years, but I'm here. A father, grandfather, son, brother, friend and lover. I am proud of who I have become, even though it was not who I had planned to be as a kid ( I wanted to be a psychiatrist!) It is who I am, and I know I have so much more to give. I like who it is that I see every morning when I look in the mirror and I think that in itself takes a heroic amount of work.

So, who were or are some of your heroes?

Thursday Thirteen #22

Today is my younger brother's 43rd birthday. Over the years we have had our issues and disagreements, but now that we are both grown men with grown children we seem to understand one another a bit better, so for my Thursday 13 today, in honor of my kid brother I give you...

Thirteen Redeeming Qualities of my Younger Brother

1) He is a true family man, loving his wife and children with a passion that far exceeds most.

2) His convictions, whether I agree with them or not, are strong and unwavering.

3) Steadfast. You don't have to second guess him, he is always the same no matter where he is or whatever the situation.

4) Hardworking. He has made a good life for himself and family and works hard for the things he has obtained.

5) Honest. Brutally honest. Sometimes his honesty pricks your heart, but again there is no second guessing, you know how he feels on a subject and he will let you know.

6) He loves our parents with the same passion and compassion as he does his wife and children. He recognizes that who he is , is a reflection of the two parents that raised us.

7) Thoughtful. There is never been a year as adults that he has not called me on my birthday and wished me a happy birthday. Even when we were not as close, he never forgot.

8) Courageous. During his recent bouts with cancer he has faced it head on with a strong conviction that all things happen for a reason and he will face it regardless of the outcome.

9) I have to admit he is a handsome guy...maybe not as handsome as myself, but handsome nonetheless... we do look alike I may add

10) Persistent. He never gives up. Even as a kid he persisted in everything, never willing to admit failure.

11) Even though he is a man's man, a true rugged persona, he has a sensitive quality that is both redeeming and sincere.

12) Funny, he has a side of him that is very funny. His sense of humour is great and honest as he is. I see a lot of my father in him, and that is a great thing, trust me.

13) A true brother. Even when we were at odds with one another, and even when he turned away due to not understanding my "lifestyle choice" as he called it, I never questioned his loyalty to me as my brother. I knew that if it came down to it and I needed him, he'd be there for me.

Happy Birthday Brother, hope it's a good one!

Thursday Thirteen #21

I honor of my new Grand-Daughter Alyssa;

Thirteen Things I Had Forgotten About a New Baby.

1) They sleep A LOT! But only during the day of course.

2) They SHIT A LOT!!

3) They are really not smiling at you, that is gas.

4) You really should not push on that soft spot in their heads.

5) They do not understand baby talk any more than the rest of us.

6) When crying, they really don't care who you are as long as you are giving them the bottle.

7) They really do know the sound of mommy's voice.

8) The terrible twos are just around the corner.

9) No, they don't look like grandpa!!

10) The whole navel thing!! I completely forgot about that!!

11) Toys do not interest them, at least not yet.

12) They are so tiny

13) There is noting more precious than holding a newborn in your arms.

Thursday Thirteen #20

THIRTEEN MOVIES I'VE WATCHED MORE THAN 13 TIMES

1. To Kill a Mockingbird

2. Wizard of Oz

3. Godfather

4. Godfather 2

5. Star Wars

6. Imitation of Life

7. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days

8. All About Eve

9. Stargate

10. Trick

11. 10 Things I Hate About You

12. Back to the Future 1 & 3

13. Giant

Thursday Thirteen #19

THIRTEEN REASONS WINTER SHOULD BE OVER.

1) Snow

2) Ice

3) Cold

4) Windchill

5) Flu Season

6) Winter coats

7) Heat Bills

8) Gray skys

9) Depression

10) Coughs

11) Sleet

12) Driving to work in snow, sleet and ice.

13) Scrapping ice off the windshield

Thursday Thirteen #18

Don't ask me why but this is all that came to mind for my Thursday Thirteen post today...

13 Things That I've Had In My Mouth But Will Never Go There Again!

1) Pet feces. I did that once (as a very small child) and I do not remember it, and I really don't care to find out what it was like.

2) Brussell Sprouts. My mother made them for dinner once and made me sit at the dinner table until they were no longer on my plate. It was dark when I finally left the table.

3) Orange Peel. Have you ever tasted it?? For something that tastes so good on the inside, it is really gross tasting on the outside!

4)Chewing Tobacco. No, It is not that same as smoking!

5) Old Milk. Not on purpose... Need I say more? And no, it does NOT taste like cottage cheese.

6) Dirty Underwear. The Where's, Why's and How's will not be revealed.

7) Lego's. They get stuck in your throat VERY easily.

8) Chocolate Covered Jalapeno. You'd think someone that was addicted to chocolate as I would minded, but WHEW, it was an experience.

9) Shampoo. I was half asleep and went to brush my teeth and grabbed the wrong bottle. I know I don't see how, but I was still asleep.

10) Zest Soap. Mother had her way of keeping us from using filthy language.

11) Beef Jerky. Have you ever noticed that the more you chew the bigger it gets??

12) Orange Marmalade. See #3, Same thing.

13) Mary Jane Candy. Some mean old woman in our neighborhood ALWAYS gave a handful of those out at Halloween. GAG!!

What about you? Anything you'd prefer to never taste again?

Thursday Thirteen #17

Thursday Thirteen & Happy Valentines Day!

THIRTEEN REASONS FOR VALENTINES DAY

1) Chocolate!

2) Craft stores need to reduce the inventory of their red, pink and white crepe paper.

3) To totally humiliate all the single people.

4. CHOCOLATE!

5. What else would we call the St. Valentine's Day Massacre? The February 14th Massacre? That just does not sound as menecing.

6. Another reason to spend your hard earned money on someone else.

7. Seriously, do you really want heart shaped balloons? Or Balloons period for that matter.

8. Another day for women to be pissed at their husbands for forgetting another "special" day. I bet it was a woman who came up with this idea, what do you think?

9. Chocolate...

10. What else would department stores place in the center aisle between Christmas and St. Patrick's Day?

11. A good reason to take your special someone out for a ridiculously expensive dinner.

12. Hallmark needed a filler between Christmas and Easter.

13. To remind us all that it does really feel good to remember those that you love. And to also be remembered by those that love you.

Thursday Thirteen #16

THIRTEEN THINGS I COULD NEVER GIVE UP FOR LENT.

1) Showering, after 40 days one would really become rank.

2) Texting, isn't amazing how much we rely on the newest technology already?

3) Sex, need I say more?

4) Cottage Cheese! You know how I love cottage cheese. I so wish Chiptole would carry cottage cheese.

5) SIMS 2, yes I'm a geek.

6) Movies of any kind, DVD or in the theater. Sorry just can't go 40 days without a good cinematic indulgence.

7) Blogging, even though sometimes it seems like I go 40 days with out posting anything.

8) American Idol! Yes it is true, I have become addicted, and during it's hiatus I even watched the American Idol replay shows. Pathetic, I know.

9) Work. Honestly I could not give up work for 40 days. Number one I'd go mad, and number 2 I'd loose my job.

10) Talking to DJ, hell I can't even go a day without talking to him...actually not even a few hours.

11) Internet, that goes without saying I suppose.

12) My vehicle, could you imagine having no personal transportation and have to depend upon public transportation, you know that is the great equalizer.

13) Pizza, Chocolate, Biscuits, Eggs, Hamburger, DJ's desserts, you know all those things I am not supposed to be eating due to my diabetes. Hey can some one fix me a Margarita!?

Thursday Thirteen #15

Thirteen Men I'd Run Away With... (If I Were Single of Course!)

13. James Marsters - Not to be confused with #3
12. John Barrowman - He's gay, and his boyfriend is hot too!
11. Johnny Depp - I love a man that is as enigmatic as he is.
10. Matthew McConaughey - But he'd have to wear either deodarant or cologne
9. Jake Gyllenhaal - Love his chest!
8. Bill Murray - Well, just because some say we resemble one another.
7. Rob Lowe - He has gotten so much better with age.
6. Leonardo Dicaprio - Another that has gotten better with age.
5. Viggo Mortensen - He can speak in several languages!
4. Brad Pitt - But Angelina would have to go, and all those kids!
3. James Marsden - As long as he takes me on the set of X-Men
2. Chris Evans - Another hot chest!
1. Patrick Dempsey - Dr. McDreamy, what more needs to be said?

Thursday Thirteen #14

Thirteen Things I've Learnt About People and Human Nature

1) People are not always what they seem.

2) People have secrets that if found out, they think will lose them friends; and they are probably right.

3) Women are more honest about personal issues, whereas Men are more honest about work related issues.

4) True friends are few and far between.

5) Most heterosexual men are not secure in their sexuality around gay men.

6) Most heterosexual women can feel at ease and comfortable with gay men.

7) Never discuss religion and politics in a social setting.

8) Women are just as concerned about their careers as men, some even more so.

9) People will lie if put up against the wall.

10) Unconditional love can be found, but it is extremely rare.

11) Men are more willing to help out their friend financially than women.

12)Women are more willing to help out a friend emotionally than men.

13) This would be a terrible place to live if we were all alike and didn't have our friends.

Thursday Thirteen #13

Thirteen Things I Will Likely Never Be Able to Do:

1) Travel to Mars
2) Time Travel
3) Eat brussell sprouts
4) Paint a replica of Mona Lisa on my living room wall
5) Change urine into liquid gold
6) Breathe while immersed under water
7) Hold one million dollars in my hand
8) Cure cancer
9) Explain the reasons why I had to take algebra in High School
10) Read War and Peace in 30 minutes or less
11) Magically transport myself to Savannah and spend the rest of my life there
12) Meet Morgan Freeman and discuss the reasons why Algebra is taught in High School
13) Perform open heart surgery

Thursday Thirteen #12

Thirteen New Years Resolutions That I Didn't Keep:

1. Quit Smoking.

2. I will never have sex again.

3. Eat less chocolate

4. Give up Coffee

5. Loose 15 pounds and keep it off

6. Put $$ into savings

7. Quit Smoking

8. Become a vegatarian

9. Go back to school

10. Publish my book this year

11. Learn a new language

12. Become debt free

13. Quit Smoking

Thursday Thirteen #11

13 Thoughts about Christmas

1. Just how does Santa get his fat ass down that chimney?

2. Do Atheists celebrate Christmas?

3. Why do we celebrate Christmas in December?

4. How does Santa get all those damn toys in that little bitty bag?

5. And what about going worldwide giving gifts in one night?

6. When you don't get what you want for Christmas, does Santa have a return policy?

7. Wouldn't it be better to leave Santa peanut butter and celery sticks instead of cookies and milk, I mean he is a little overweight...

8. Speaking of weight, just how do eight reindeer pull his fat ass on that sled full of gifts?

9. Remember those Norelco commercials at Christmas? Why? Santa has a full beard, why would he be a spokesperson for electric shavers?

10. If Christ was born on Christmas, wouldn't it have been cold out in the barn where he was born in the manger?

11. Who created egg nog? And why is it only on sale during the Christmas season?

12. If you stay up all night Christmas Eve, will you still get gifts under the tree?

13. If you buy the gifts in the twelve days of Christmas, just how much money would you have to spend?

Thirteen Thursday #10

Thirteen Things to Do to Survive the Christmas Holidays...

1- Tell everyone you lost your job and you have no $$, so that way they don't expect and gifts from you.

2- Go to Aruba

3- Ignore it. No tree, no cards, no shopping.

4- Take off all your clothes and run around in the snow, that way you get the flu and have to miss all the parties and festivities.

5- Stay drunk from Thanksgiving to New Years.

6- Fake it. Hey women do it all the time!

7- Win the lottery in October

8- Bake cookies, decorate your home to make it look like Santa threw up in it, have a Christmas party every Saturday inviting the same guests.

9- Watch Surviving Christmas over and over and over until you go into a coma.

10- Change your phone number

11- Go on a crash diet from September to November loosing 25 pounds, that way you can enjoy the holidays without guilt.

12- Therapy

13- Just let it happen, it's going to anyway. Enjoy it, they only come once a year...

Thirteen Thursday #9

Thirteen Things that Have Never been Said to Me...

1) You are a very quiet person.

2) Do you always smell that way?

3) How's your elephant?

4) Hey, what about those Bengals!?

5) Do you swear to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help you God?

6) You have the right to remain silent,...

7) Your the winner of the 36 Million Powerball!

8) Do you use tampons or pads?

9) Hey Brother, can you spare a dime?

10) Is there a reason you had your nose pierced?

11) Remember that time at band camp...?

12) Hey! Watch that thing!!

13) Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn.

Thirteen Thursday #8

Over the past few years there has seemed to be a rise in multi-generational relationships, meaning older dating much younger. Many of these connections have made the news due to the younger party being much younger, such as under-age. Many of them being older women involved with much younger males. In our area alone two women have been arrested for being with teen aged boys, while they themselves were in their 30's and even 40's. Personally my partner DJ is 20 years my junior, but just so you are aware, we were both legal adults when we met and began dating. I will touch on this issue in future posts, but I thought a good Thirteen Thursday post would be...

THIRTEEN ADVANTAGES OF DATING YOUNGER THAN YOURSELF:

1) You never feel as old as you are, dating a younger person allows you to have at least the "feeling" of staying young, a perpetual Peter Pan effect.

2) You are more open to new ideas and current fads.

3) It keeps you focused on helping your partner not to make the same mistakes you may have had. (This doesn't always happen as they are their own person and they will probably make the same choices you did)

4) It also makes you take better care of your self physically, as you want to "keep up" with your younger counterpart.

5) If your relationship lasts, you will have someone to take care of you when you are old.

6) You will continue to have a strong steady income once you retire, as your partner will undoubtedly still be working.

7) You can share your wisdom with someone that may actually appreciate it

8) Most of your mutual friends are younger as well, so you are surrounded with fresh ideas and opinions.

9) It has broadened my mind to try new things and new hobbies that I would have otherwise never probably ventured into.

10) You learn patience and so do they.

11) The cup always seems to be half full, not half empty.

12) You get the high fives, and "good jobs" from your peers due to being able to catch a "young'en"

13) And last, but certainly not least, the sex is Incredible!!!

Thursday Thirteen #7

I recognition to Mr. Matt Damon who was named this year's sexiest man alive by People magazine, my Thursday Thirteen today is;

THIRTEEN REASONS I SHOULD HAVE BEEN NAMED THE SEXIEST MAN ALIVE INSTEAD OF MATT DAMON...

1) I am really good at hunting guys named Will.

2) I had some very close ties when in school

3) I am just as talented as Mr. Ripley

4) You would NEVER find me chasing Amy.

5) I never really had an identity problem

6) I also never thought of myself as supreme

7) I try not to give people I love ultimatums

8) When I leave a room, I don't make a big deal about Departing.

9) I'm not a fan of Jimmy Kimmel

10) Some people refer to me as the rainmaker

11) I've seen the ocean about eleven times

12) Or maybe it was 12 or 13, I can't remember

13) I know how many licks it takes to get to the center of a tootsie roll pop!

Thursday Thirteen #6

THIRTEEN THINGS TO DO BEFORE THANKSGIVING

1) Loose about 10 pounds, so I can eat more!

2) Buy a Thanksgiving outfit, hey I'm going to loose ten punds, I deserve it!

3) Get a haircut, you know to look good in my new outfit.

4) Start my Christmas list, it is right around the corner.

5) Get the car fixed, no one wants to have their car breakdown on Thanksgiving!

6) Get curtains for the living room. Who knows, we may get company.

7) Find a new recipe for DJ to make. Everyone knows I don't cook.

8) Buy more minutes for the cell phone. Holidays mean lots more calls

9) Finish reading that book I bought last Thanksgiving.

10) Update myself on the current football standings, I need to have conversation material while with my brothers.

11) Send out Thanksgiving cards. Oh I don't do that, nevermind.

12) Update my phonebook, need to at least call those family members I haven't talked to all year.

13) Get all my to do's completed at work. Having two days off it will be terrible when I return after Thanksgiving if I don't.

Thirteen Thursday #5

Thirteen Foods I Need to Avoid (but that doesn't mean I do!)

1) Doughnuts

2) Candy Bars

3) Ice Cream

4) Cake

5) Pasta

6) Non-Diet Soda

7) Alcohol

8) Pizza

9) Sugar Cookies

10) Bread

11) Pudding

12) Chocolate

13) Cheese