Another One Joins the Fray - Maybe

It's going to get very crowded very soon. Senator Obama will probably be announcing right after the New Year. Hillary hasn't 'formerly' announced yet either. But, the question still remains. Who will the republicans put forward? Almost certainly it will be America's Mayor, Gulliani. While he may be a formidable candidate, hopefully people will look at all the candidates full resumes rather than basing decisions strictly along party lines and celebrity image. I still think the dream ticket (at least as of this writing) is a Clinton/Obama combination. (Actually they could be flipped either way, but Hillary's ego would never have her as VP).

So, here's Evan Bayh announcing his exploratory committee. And, he has something Barak doesn't have, which is a record. He has a substantiated record of leadership and success. I hope that people look at him closer than they might otherwise, given the star draw of some of the other candidates. Though he doesn't have the name recognition, or elicit the oos or awws of some of the other candidates, he does have the experience of being a legislator and a Governor. I wish him luck. It's going to get busy.

Winter's Here

Sigh. Rain has arrived and sunny days are no more. But, it'll be back. We had our Sacramento conference last weekend, and had a great time! It was so much fun, with friends visiting from Reno, the Bay Area, Southern CA and Phoenix.

I'm selling the bug. It was inevitble. We love this little bugger, but I just never had the time to restore it the way I wanted, but boy it was fun while we drove it! And, it's running perfectly too. But hey. You can only drive one car at a time anyway right? And we have two other convertibles. Three was too much.

Oh well. We hope you're doing well and hope to hear from you soon.

A Day For Celebration But Not Boasting

Rick Santorum, Crying after the election. If he'd been compassionate, reasonable, basically - a human being, he could have spared himself the tears.

We received news that we've waited for for at least 2 of the last 6 years. Finally there's some balance brought back to our government. After years of congress, failing to do its job, we have a referendum that clearly states what we'd like. What we demand.

The country wants nothing more than strong, sensible, moral leadership. One of the ways we are guaranteed that is first by electing a President who embodies those ideals. Failing that, we have a government structure which allows a congress to keep an inept or renegade Head of State in check.

Heretofor, we've not had that. Now hopefully we've injected some humility into this administration. The days of 'because I said so' method of governance, I hope will come to a close.

But rather than shoot our guns in the air, hoot, holler and smack each other on the back with high-fives and "git her done-s", I hope the democrats honor this opportunity. Let's try and bring this country back together and reign in the President, rather than seeking to punish him. If any progress is to be made in the next two years (and progess neeeeds to be made) we should not get bogged down in retribution but seek rather to be the party of the high road.

Let's tackle real issues of healthcare, tax relief for all not just for the richest few, energy independence, and of course the war. If we send these issues to the desk of the President, and he chooses to hang on to an expired ideology that would have him veto good, sound legislation. Then, we'll be certain of an encore in 2008.

If however we become the party of pettiness, it's likely voters will not likey gravitate to Dems in 2008. We'll be guilty of what this administration has all along, that is, taking voters and Americans for granted. For whatever 'political capital' the president may have had (and I'd argue he had very little to start with), he's squandered it. Just threw it away.

Let's not make the same error. Let's be the country we're capable of being. Strong, compassionate, a world leader. Because currently, we're not. And history will ultimately provide the President with the retribution he may or may not deserve. He will be recorded as the worst President in modern American history.

Lost His Cool? I Don't Think So

I don't think Clinton lost his cool. I think he only modeled a reaction for us we all should be exhibiting. To try - 6 years into a Republican controlled White House, and Congress - to pin national security woes on the previous administration is outrageous.

The question is NOT why wasn't more done seven years ago, the question needs to be what has been done since. Namely - little. So often lately the media wonders what the Left has to offer. The picture painted is that Democrats have no vision to counter that of the failed 'stay the course' (even it's the wrong one) misguidance of our current administration.

Well - here's a voice. And, YES, he raised it. I hope it was heard. Revisionist history should not detour the conversation of what is being done now. Today. Yet this is the strategy that the Bush administration has so succesfully trotted out in the past. Give the Americans a decoy. Gays. Stem Cell Research. Abortion. War. Terrorism.

Give us a detracting topic over here with this hand, so that we don't see what's going on in this hand. The one in the cookie jar. The one covering the yawn. The one only half-hiding the giggle of how gullable we are to fall for this tactic EVERY time. The hand that is trying to turn the popularity chart upsdide down so that the numbers look positive.

Were not so many of us lemmings, this strategy would be laughable.

What has been done in the last 6, 7, and in 2008, 8 years? We need to hold this administration responsible for it's deeds, misdeeds and non-deeds. Yes the Dems have a vision, they've always had it. They've just had laringitis. Clinton rectified that perception in this interview with Conservative-Hitman-Disguised-as-a-Journalist Wallace.

Yes he came across hot headed. And damn shame on you if you're NOT heated. I wish he'd been able to reach across and bitch-slap Wallace and ask him... "are you for real?".

The only other regret? That President Clinton didn't sign off the interview with something like.. "what you just witnessed, is what you can expect a lot more of in the upcoming election, when America's outrage is expressed at the polls, in the streets, and at the next Presidential Inauguration".

Coming Home from the Reno Conference

Sleeping John
Originally uploaded by ChristopherSolis.

I was at the Reno conference last weekend and had a great time. It was kind of sad to see how it has shrunk over the years. I'm thinking registration must have been right around a hundred. But I'm so glad I went as the workshops were great. I met some nice folks and we had fun at karaoke too!

It was the weekend of the baloon race and would have loved to get some pics, but those things take off before the sun rises!

All in all it was a great weekend. Here's Jon who was sleepin in the back of the car on the way home. I snapped this one with my phone in the rear view mirror. We all got sunburnt on the way home - but there was too much luggage in the trunk and we had no place to put the boot that covers the convertible top!

Hmmph. I guess that's what happens when you stick too many folks who love shoes and outfits in one car.

Driving to Yosemite, Tahoe, Reno (And Back)

I love Lake Tahoe and Reno. I don't go that often (really). I know. Doesn't that sound like something a gambling addict would say.

"I don't go very often. Just Wednesday through Tuesday".

But, really, I go about 4 times a year. I was sitting around thinking it would be nice to take a mini vacation so I did. Rob would love to go on these little serenity junkettes with me, but I know he had things to do around the house. He starts school next week, so he's feverishly working on house projects.

Besides, when I go for a drive.. I go for a DRIVE. I went to Reno via Yosemite and Lake Tahoe. I was gone the whole weekend and put about 750 miles on my car. Crazy I know. Actually in the end, I think I'd just hang out in Reno. I know it seems sort of .. less glamorous than Lake Tahoe, but there's more to do (I'm not into hiking, other than to the mall).

Some random thing happened on the way home. I was driving outside of reno, I think it's called Elko. And, came across a stranded motorist. He was driving from Fallon Nevada (No Where) to Sacramento. Oh my gosh, it was my friend Rick from the S&C Fellowship. I was all. Nuh uh. How weird is that. He was stuck without a jack, so the one from my car fit his Ford, and he was changed - off and running in no time. How's that for a higher coincidence?

So with the Reno conference coming up next week (see link above), I think I'll have another opportunity to hit that fabulous Price is Right slot that kicked my ass. I'll be the next contestant, come on down, or I ain't leavin.

(oops. That sounded like something a gambling addict would say)

ciao.

I Don't See It

I'm looking at this story in the news about this aparition of the Virgin Mary in a chocolate factory. It seems some of the chocolate dripped and created this little statuette but, I'm not seeing anything holy about it. Hmm. I'm either blind or jaded... but I hope it brings her tremendous happiness.

Leatheryby's Summer

Serena All Purple
Originally uploaded by ChristopherSolis.

Here we are hanging out at Leatherby's our favorite ice cream place in Sacramento. Mikey and Hannah my nephew and neice are visiting from San Diego. Here's Serena all purple eating lemon ice cream, her favorite.

I hope you're doing well. We're having a great summer.

In Austin

Rotunda Ceiling. Beautiful.
Originally uploaded by ChristopherSolis.

Rob and I are on our whirlwind tour of Texas. We are in Austin now after Houston and San Antonio. Rob had a good conversation with the University of Texas today and they suggested he finish his undergrad at Sac State. So, we're in Sac for a while at least!! I know that makes some folks happy. But, we're loving Austin. It's like we've died and gone to Texas. It's a very nice place and the real estate is comparitively cheap. We're loving the fellowship we've met here and of course the liveliness of the music and art here far surpasses any place we've lived. But I start my job at the Internship and Career Center at UCD soon - so no worries. We're in California NOT Texas.

We'll be home this weekend and we'll tell you of our adventures when we see you :)

Getting Ready To Head Out...

Texas Flag
Originally uploaded by ChristopherSolis.

Going to Texas next week to see friends in Houston, San Antonio and Austin. Rob and I are looking forward to our Honeymoon Tour of Texas so be sure to check back here for tales of our escapades and of course .. pictures.

We love you, will miss ya, and we'll see some of you soon.

Ciao.

Enough

Lebannon.Destruction
Originally uploaded by ChristopherSolis.

The bombing continues in Lebannon. While President bush's policy of silence continues likewise.

I agree that no country should have its soldiers kidnapped and that no terrorist group should be given free reign to terrorize its neighbors, the level of destruction is simply now too great.

At some point the world should look and see how devastating this campaign is going to be to a fledgling democracy. I hope someone, anyone intervenes and asks Israel to stop their campaign. It's clear that they have made any point they set out to make about reprisal.

It will take years and years to repair this infrastructure. And, human life that's been lost already is irreplaceable. Please Mr. Bush. Say something. For a change.

I'm So Happy I Could -- JUMP

Weezy in the Sac
Originally uploaded by ChristopherSolis.

Well. After 8 months, I FINALLY got a job. Well. As I said, to my closest friends.. sometimes I looked hard.. and sometimes.. well.

But all that is neither here nor there, because I couldn't be happier. happy happy happy.

I'll be back at the University of California - working in campus at the UCD Internship and Career Center. A great place to be. So - yippee. I'm planning a celebration trip to TEXAS. So, if you're from there, be looking for me in meetings.. soon.

Ahh the North Hall Picnic

J and L
Originally uploaded by ChristopherSolis.

Had a great time at the North Hall picnic. And, I have to say - as I've already let the committee know - they did a great job. I wasn't sure the change in location was going to work. For years we've had it at a smallish park where we had our own area. Moving it to a big park didn't turn out to be as problematic as I thought it might though.

Here's two lovelies enjoying the day. Including the little dog we nick named Sister Patril, because those ears are wide enough that if a little breeze came along.. this pup is taking flight!

All in all - a greatttt time.

Bunny and J Hanging In The Summer Sun

Bunny and J
Originally uploaded by ChristopherSolis.

Well, it's been far too long since my last post. And, since I didn't want you all to think I'd been hanging out doing nothing - nothing could be further from the truth. I've been busier than I've ever been. Mostly doing program and social stuff (certainly not employment work!).

But, I've been having the summer of my life! Here's Bunny and J hanging out at Pride 2006 in Sacramento. We had a parade this year and Bunny along with his partner Ginger drove their fabulous '66 Buick and we had a great day.

Tragic Loss.. Feeling Blue

UCD Student Angelina Malfitano was lost in a car accident this week. Angelina was an AMAZING outgoing student who worked in the LGBT Resource Center on campus.

She was bright and bubbley - even as a Freshman. She was such a friend to the LGBT Community and an advocate for equality on campus. As she matured in her studies she took on the role of organizer, being a focal point for Lavendar Graduation and working on her Thesis putting together a history of the LGBT Community in Davis.

She was such a hardworker and so full of life. It's always so tragic when someone like Angelina who seemed to just be getting her wings is cut short of her flight. I was just coming to know her as an amazing woman and it's just so very sad that she's gone.

I'm sorry that her collegiate career, in these last days of her studies, was so busy and she was working so hard that we couldn't coincide our schedules for me to take her to her favorite "Applebees" to chat and catch up. My thoughts are with her family, and those closest to her.

Scoping Out a Romantic Evening

Sterling Hotel - Sacramento
Originally uploaded by ChristopherSolis.

So, I searched for the perfect place for us to go to after the event. I didn't want to just go 'home' after such a wonderful day. I had one major requirement. It must have a bathtub that was two die for. One we could soak away the day and talk about every detail Rob wasn't privy to during the planning phases.

We booked the Sterling Hotel. If you're ever in Sacramento and want one of the most romantic getaways.. this is it. Annie, our good friend recommended it. It was heaven. Loved it, loved it, loved it.

Near Mortification!

Here's Dinger!
Originally uploaded by ChristopherSolis.

It was a lovely spring day and I went to my recovery meeting and saw my Sponsor. He asked what I was doing the next evening. "Nothing" I said. "Great - would you like to go to a baseball game?"

Yikes.

This is one of those drawbacks of having a straight sponsor. Never did any of my previous ones ask me a question like that. I did go with one to a a fashion show in San Francisco once. That was fun.

To be fair - I actually DO like to go the baseball game (NOT the same as watching it on TV) - so I agreed.

We were driving to the stadium and Greg and Mike were in the front seat talking about the game. I was in the backseat looking out at the afternoon traffic thinking.. Did I bring my sunglasses? Did I bring the sunblock? Did I bring my hat? Check, Check Check. Oh. Did I bring the binocculars? (Those players have great tushes).

I giggled to myself but was brought back to a snapping reality when Greg and Mike started talking about how some lucky fan tonight was going to get to throw out the first pitch. What?

Now, I'm not one to shy a way from a public spotlight. Gosh knows, sometimes I've run over to plug the thing in, so it will illuminate on me brightly - but the thought of being singled out and having to stand on the pitchers mound with all those fans screaming or chomping their hotdogs looking at you... well. Let's just say, I'd rather have my brows trimed by a weedeater.

Thoughts of ballpark fans having beer coming through their nose as they witness the ball lobbing from my hand to a few inches in front me, going.. "Hey! He throws like a girl!" brought back too many memories of true embarassment from little league. Always last to bat, always last picked.. always looked down at by the coach who made a wince when he saw it was my turn to hit .. "maybe you'll get walked?"

But Greg and Mike pointed out it was 5 Millionth Fan Night. Whomever was the 5 Millionth to cross the thresh hold of the gate was going to be bestowed this historic (well historic for Sacramento) honor. Whew. That was close. At least I knew no snide-practical-joke-playing agent of baseball humour would walk up to me thinking.. "let's ask HIM.. he looks like he'd throw like a girl".

As we crossed the parking lot I nearly smudged my nice baseball outfit on the dirty Ford Explorer next to us. We walked across the asphalt and to be completely truthful, I'd completely forgotten our discussion about the 5 millionth and was on to other thoughts.. like.. how awful it would have been to get smudged by that dirty car or.. mmmm HOT DOGS. (Love me some hot dogs.)

I handed my ticket to the agent for scanning and looked upward as I crossed the gate to see what the section was in relation to my ticket but I was being jostled as the Mariachi Band struck up, confetti rained down upon my head and reporters and photographers came running from every direction.

Oh no. Oh my God no. Please say it isn't so. What are the chances anyway of all these thousands of people.. no, it's fair to say MILLIONS of people - could I be destined for the privlege (or punishment?) of being forced to publicly humiliate myself from a pitchers mound.

The world seemed slow motion, and I saw folks running my direction.

Only - to push me out of the way to stick the microphone in the face of the woman behind me - Number 5 Million.

Yes. I was 4,999,999. OH THANK YOU JESUS.

I enjoyed watching her throw the ball. She did a great job. I wassss alittle jealous watching her parade around the field on the back of a Corvette convertible. THATTT I would have liked. And, she didddd get free food, season tickets anddd free round trip tickets to hawaii. But, whateverrr. A pile of gold wouldn't have encouraged me to trade places..

And, after the game began and the Rivercats won, and we gathered our things to leave.. the Jumbo Screen lit up and the Field Announcer asked for the owner of a Ford Explorer to please report to the Information Booth.

It seems he won the dirtiest car in the ballpark contest and was bestowed the honor a free car wash from the local chevron station. Mmmph. I left the ballpark mortification-free. But, someone didnt.

There Had to Be Music...

Mariachi Trio
Originally uploaded by ChristopherSolis.

I was putting together Rob's bash.. and of course, there had to be music. I wanted representation from both our cultures (Mexican, I and He, Scottish)

So the guests had both! Mariachi and Bag Piper. Kinda weird combination huh? Well... maybe so are we.

I Didn't REALLY Consider It.. Gosh -- well....

Only for a Moment..
Originally uploaded by ChristopherSolis.

So, there's a place for one-stop-shopping when planning a wedding. A Bridal Fair. It never ever occured to me that these things should be called wedding fairs. I went with Kelly and we scoured the place for caterers, florists, locations, limosines, tuxes, videographers, photographers, choreographers, etc.

The cheese factor at these events is quite high. Mostly ladies half my age, with their maids of honor and mothers. Heyyyy. Maybe that's why they call them Bridal Fairs?

But, I figured my money was as good as anyones. Maybe BETTER - since I had so little of it.

So we strolled up the isles with our little bags. Stoping here. Stopping there. Accepting congratulations everywhere. "um. actually. it's a two-groom ceremony. and. um. the other him isn't here because it's a surprise wedding".

I can assure you, here in liberal Kolly-fornia nobody flinched at a two groom ceremony. It actually made us somewhat of a novelty and found people were even more helpful, perhaps. It was the surpise wedding part that created all the hubb-ubb.

So, yes, I explained. Yes. We've been together for over 16 years. So, no - it's NOT likely he'll say no. He better not say no. But, just in case, I started keeping tabs on how much this was going to cost. Because afterall, I'm happy to foot the bill for the biggest day of my life. But, if it turns out he decides this is all so sudden, and he's not sure, or says no, then well - I can present him the bill for his "Birthday Party".

So, like a moth to a flame, like a wolf to the moon, like a bee to a flower.. you get the picture.. I'm all.. OOOOOOO shiney things. Dresses.

DON'T WORRY. It's not a drag wedding. But it was funny to dream for a moment. What would they say if I came down the isle wearing THAT..

well. they probably don't have it my size anyway.

Hmm. A Tux. A Tux.

Our Rings
Originally uploaded by ChristopherSolis.

So I had to figure out how to get Rob into a tux, without giving away the idea that there was a wedding coming up.

Thankfully, we have a friend in our circle who works with the Sacramento Opera. I asked him if he would extend to us a faux-invitation to an upcoming opera event. This seemed plausible, and also would throw the scent off any association with his upcoming "Birthday" party.

So, Rob agreed to attend the 'opera event' scheduled three weeks after his party. So, great. Now I just have to find the place to rent em. No biggie.

Hang On To Your Gubenatorial Legacy

Oh. Uh uh. Another Bush? Great idea. NOT.

If nothing else shows how out of touch this monarchy is with the average American citizen, it's even the NOTION that anyone would come forward with that last name and expect to be elected President. Wow.

What would the Jeb inherit? The current Bush's poll numbers? That immense goodwill George has created around the world? Oh.. no. It must be that political capital that, apparently, must be sitting in a bank somewhere because King George hasn't been able to show any of it.

Yes. George II would like to see his brother as the next President of the U.S. To his credit, or political acumen, Governor Bush has been mum on the subject, even though Daddy told Larry King that it was a good idea. Yikes.

Trust us Jeb. Keep what legacy you've created in the state of Florida. The last swan song you'd want to avoid would be, being trounced by Hillary. Better to just wrap up your career, go back to the castle in Texas and call it a career.

Searching.. Searching.. Searching..

Coloma Valley
Originally uploaded by ChristopherSolis.

So we were looking for places to have our event. And, we traveled high and low. High, to about 3000 Feet above Coloma. This is a picture of the road as we ascended. It was a beautiful morning in February and the fog was settled on the road ahead.

Unfortunately, the site was somewhat washed out because of the rains. Did I mention we had probably one of the wetest I ever remember. The American River had flooded and there was the wreckage of an RV in the spot we'd in theory have our vows. It seems the rushing river had picked up the RV and brought it down to this otherwise picturesque location. It was a bit rural, and the thought of standing next to the river, in the clay and grass - while postcardish - scratched any notion of formal attire.

Mary please. Tuxes and BBQ. Hardly. So back to the urban landsape of Sacramento. The lows were a lovely basement location, with florescent lighting. Um. No.

So back to the Library Galleria and giving in to the demanding, never-smiling, and hardly pleasant staff - and their demand for extra charges - charges to use the front door, to use the balcony, to breathe..

Oh well.. Oh! And, how WILL I get Rob into a tux at a surprise event? It's not like I can throw it at him just before we depart and say "oh yeah. Your Birthday Party is formal." So, I had to think of how I'd do that. Thank goodness I'm devious.

Ring Shopping with Kelly...

Kelly holding Rob's Ring
Originally uploaded by ChristopherSolis.

Well, I had to first ask Kelly, Rob's best friend if she'd be willing to help me surprise Rob and be his Best Person. She said yes of course, that's why we love her. Among her many (and I mean many) duties was to help me find a ring. Rob's a slab-o-metal kind of guy. I am NOT. Therefor I gave up immediately from the beginning on the idea of us having matching rings. He hates diamonds.. i well.. you know. He likes platinum. I'm a glittery gold person. So we spent an afternoon walking through the stores trying on different rings everywhere we went. And, everywhere we went we were greeted with.. CONGRATULATIONS to the two of you. Well. We got tired of explaining - so I think at one point, we just started saying 'thank you'.

Besides, it always turned into a long and lengthy discertation when we tried to explain it was a surprise wedding and why the person for whom the ring was for was not present to pick out his own jewelry.

In the end we found a nice simple band of platinum. Something he would love.

Our good friend, Art, helped us in this area by securing his size. He told Rob he wanted to buy a ring for his boyfriend Mikey. Rob, of course, the ever-gullible said "I'll go with you!" Art got him to try on a ring and immediately reported to me his size and confirmed that his taste leaned towards exactly the ring I had in mind..

But there were many more details to work out.

Before There Were Decorations - There Was A Plan

Before the Decorations.. I had to find a place to hold the surprise.
Originally uploaded by ChristopherSolis.

So i decided to check out about a dozen places. There were some over the top locations, but they had over the top prices too. We had a budget to adhere to (although that got blown away, just after selection the location!) Here is a picture of the Tsokopoulos Galleria. It's a 3 story atrium like building in downtown across from Caesar Chavez Park. It's beautiful, and I knew right away that this is where we needed to have it. But.. ah. They are a difficult bunch down there, and charge for EVERYTHING - inlcluding using the FRONT DOOR! Wow. Those folks aren't kidding. But all was well.. and now to get a ring...

Monday: April 23, 2006 @ 100p - Where the *$@! is Christopher?

Well. I have some catching up to do, don't I? I have had to put some of reporting on hiatus because there was much secretive going on in my life and I didn't want certain prying noses to peak on here and find out what I was really up to. In retrospect, that might have made the perfect ruse to cover my tracks.. but I hadn't the time nor did I think that far ahead.

Let me start by telling you what I'm even talking about! On April 2nd, Sunday Rob and I had a wedding. It was fantastic, but in true Christopher form - I had to do something with a twist, over the top and with some spontenaity. So, it was a 'surprise' wedding. I know, I know. I've already heard it from my family, from the florist, from the caterer, from the tuxedo place... 'I've never heard of a surprise wedding'.

The idea came to me back in November when Rob and I discussed his 40th Birthday Party. He said he wanted something where all his friends.. recovery, co-workers, family, longtime friends could come together. The best way I could think of to make that happen AND provide some level of embarassment to Rob was to dream up a day where I could propose to him in front of all his friends and family and then have a ceremony. It took some doing!!

Firstly I had to bring the family onboard and swear everyone to secrecy. To the credit of my wonderful family - they were invovled from the very beginning and offered to do whatever was necessary to help out. Rob's family too was pleased to be part of the affair and were planning on coming from Ohio and Michigan...

But - before I tell the whole story.. I'll leave some for the next installment! Thanks for your patience - if you've been checking my site wondering what happened to me and my postings! I look forward to hearing from you.

Wednesday, March 22, 2006 @ 10a: DOS' HELP

Dos Helping with Home Improvement
Originally uploaded by ChristopherSolis.

Still in the middle of home improvement. But the bathroom looks WAY better than it used to. It's almost done. Here's a tile box, that Dos, our cat, adopted as his.

Everything is going well. Still planning for Rob's big 40th B Day celebration on April 2nd and Family visiting from Michigan during that week.

Hope to hear from you soon.

Tuesday, March 14, 2006 @ 910a; They Are At It Again

The American Family Association has renewed their boycott of Ford Motor Company products, including the subsidiarys owned by Ford such as Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover and Austin Martin.

This has been an on again, off again saga for sometime with the AFA announcing last year that they had secured an agreement with Ford to discontinue advertising in Gay and Lesbian publications. Ford, along with many other advertisers, such as Subaru, Chrysler and others recognize that the LGBT community contains... consumers. And, ultimately, like any business set about to send their message to consumers.

The AFA contends this provides money and support to the Gays and helps them in the culture war. Good gracious Jesus, Maria and Jose. If there's a war, it's because actions such as this try to elevate it to one. I just want a car that is dependable, gets good gas mileage, is comfortable for my american-size butt and has a reasonable resale value. Since when did that become Gay?

Taking this action during a period in our country's automotive history - when the domestic manufacturing of these products is in decline serves as an interesting backdrop. One might argue to target a domestic producer when Ford is in a position of laying off tens of thousands of workers is unpatriotic or unamerican. I suppose, one could also look at it though as an opportune time to launch an attack against a perceived adversary - when they are on the ropes. Ahh... opportunistic. Now. That might just BE American. And, isn't that sadder than who Ford sells cars to?

Monday, March 13, 2006 @ 1020a; Dave P Departs

Christopher and Scarlett
Originally uploaded by ChristopherSolis.

Well, I've been neglectful! And, for that I'm truly sorry. I've been busy! No excuse I know, so I'll try and catch you up. This is Dave. He left our fun fellowship for Houston. We're so happy for him - so sad for us. But we had a great time while he was here. Now he's off having fun and we miss him!! This was his going away at Kevin and Ricks.

February 9, 2006, Friday; Told Ya There Were Girls There

QueenonaCamry
Originally uploaded by ChristopherSolis.

Check out the nelly one posing on a new Camry. I'm not too sure about the new nose of the Toyotas. These little button logos on the grille may supposed to be puppy-dog-cute, but I don't think they're all that. At least this Camry had a chin spoiler that made it look at least a little more passable as a decent-looking car.

Back in Sac now. Caught a bug on the way home, probably on the plane. So I was feeling a little under the weather, but I'm doing better now. In the process of remodling the bathroom which is a process that.. SUCKS.

But, all the hard work is at least being done by two gentlemen I hired to move the heavy stuff.. like the sledge hammer.

I'm hoping it's done by this weekend.. We have family coming from Michigan to visit in April, and we needed this redo! Unfortunately the kitchen is under the knife too and so the house is feeling very very scattered.. and it's contagious - so now I do to! I hope you're well.. I'll be better once the bathroom is 'usable' :)

February 7, 2006 @ 6:30p; Queers, Beers and Trucks

BeersandTrucks
Originally uploaded by ChristopherSolis.

Howdy.
I just returned from Texas and had the most awesome time. Look for more pics in the coming days, or you can always go to my Flickr site.

One of the things I did was go to the Houston Auto Show. What was strange about this one over a California Auto show was the amount of trucks (they do like they trucks in Texas) and people walking around with beer.

I thought that was stange because we don't even have alcohol I think at the autoshow. I'm not sure, I never looked. There were also lots of queens there. Strange combination seeing cowboys and.. well.. swishy cowboys all walking round lots of trucks.

But, I had a great time in Texas - like I did last time! This time I got to see Austin and attend the Austin Round Up. My good friend Rich S. did a terrific job and Edie C. from my homegroup in California did an awesome job too!

I took a few days to visit San Antonio. Loved it too!

Take care and talk with you soon.

Sunday, January 29th 2006 @ 1:32a In Austin Texas

All Hail.
Originally uploaded by ChristopherSolis.

We've had a great time so far! I'm in Austin with my friend Rich S. from St. Louis and Edie C. from Sacramento. I've bumped into folks from Houston and it's been terrific fun.

Here's a pic of Ann Richards former Governer and always fabulous. We visited the State Capitol on Friday before the Conference started. We walked down Congress and it was a nice stroll. It's nice here.

Wednesday, January 18 2006 @ 11a; Birthday for Rob

Ok, so I know it's still a couple of months away (April 11th he turns 40) but I've been working on his Birthday Party and that can take up some time! Who knew?

I still have not received my first unemployment check.. can you believe it? And she's going through the money like a sailor goes through rum. (Wait, I was once that sailor going through that rum). So, I'll have to scale back my budget.

I am looking forward to going to Austin however next week to attend the Austin Round Up. I'll be hanging out with my good friend Rich S. from St. Louis. And we'll be getting into all kinds of trouble, I'm sure. My friend Edie C. from Sacramento will also be there, and I'm supposed to chaperone her to make sure she doesn't get into trouble. But who's watching me?!

The pic above is Rob as a little tyke. He's even cuter now I suppose and just as much trouble. Rob's family is coming from Michigan so it should be a good time. I'm on my way to a noon meeting now so I must run. I'll try and post some pictures from Lake Tahoe this weekend, which should be great fun.

Ciao!