Hey there boys and girls (and undecideds)!
It's another scorcher up in here. The mercury in my fish thermometer is topping the 100 degree mark today. They had the water misters on in front of the Trader Joe's this morning and there was a big ol' golden lab pupster parked right under neath. He had a look on his face like "shop all day, mama... I'm fine right here".
It has been a roller coaster of a week already. The leg is getting better every day and I'm starting to get around without the frankenboot, all of which is good. The other day I got a great phone call from Miss Debra Wilson (she of Mad TV fame) that was like laugh therapy for my soul. She always puts things in perspective for me and every time I speak with her I walk away feeling great about life and myself. Unfortunately, 5 minutes after our phone conversation I found myself being chased down the street by some schmuck with a gun (and a small penis, no doubt) who jumped out of his Jaguar (see: small penis) all pissed off because I wouldn't charge oncoming traffic to make a left turn. I'm not sure how getting out of his car to chase and or shoot me was going to hurry his progress but Guido the killer pimp apparently thought it would make him feel good. It did not make me feel good, though. I find it difficult to drive with adrenaline shooting out of my orifices. I lost him in traffic and all ends well. But geez!
But, then I got home to find a really lovely note from an old friend from high school reminding me of a time I helped her through a tough time back in the day. It immediately brought me back to a good place and put a smile on my face. Thanks Shari! In with the good...out with the bad. Inhale... Exhale... So simple in theory. Sometimes more difficult in practice, but getting easier.

Random Thought #1: Thomas Edison was afraid of the dark.
Talk about turning a negative in to a positive. Damn. Food for thought.

Sadly, I also found out this week that a friend passed away at far too young an age, leaving behind his wife and 2 kids. It wasn't sudden or very surprising but devastating none the less. At least he is finally at peace. Be well Mike.
One more bit of sad news. My awesome Aunt Peg, who, incidentally, is also my godmother, was diagnosed with lymphoma and begins her chemo treatment today. Light a candle, say a prayer, shoot her some rock star mojo, dance naked under the moon or whatever it is that you do to send good thoughts to those in need. I know that she would appreciate it. And speaking of appreciation, the Board of Education back in Maryland showed theirs by honoring her on Wednesday for 45 years of service in the Howard County school system. She rocks like that. Here's a picture of her and me at my grandmother's birthday a few years ago:
Random Thought #2: Most Americans would vote against the Bill of Rights if it were presented to them in a referendum. I can only assume these are the same voters that gave us 4 more years of Bush and kept Jason Castro on American Idol for so many weeks.

Speaking of politics, though, and moving on to some good news, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the fact that California is now the second state to finally crawl out of the dark ages and officially legalize gay marriage. The religious and political right (no offense to my republican friends, I love you all) are already circling the wagons to get enough signatures to place a ballot on the November elections to amend the state constitution to make it illegal for same sex couples to marry and strip millions of their equality. They are also building quite a war chest ($10 million) to fund the initiative through TV ads, newspapers, etc. Oy! What's the big deal? Gays and lesbians deserve to be just as miserable as straight married folks. And hey, if you really want to stop gay sex let 'em get married. That's usually when sex stops for the straight folks. Now there is a bad side to this ruling. Unlike Massachusetts, California has no residency requirement for obtaining a marriage license, meaning gays from around the country are likely to flock to the state to be wed. Great. Like traffic isn't bad enough already...
I just want to give a shout out to the justices who voted in favor of the decision 4-3.
In the decision, drafted by Chief Justice Ronald George, the court ruled: "In light of the fundamental nature of the substantive rights embodied in the right to marry — and their central importance to an individual's opportunity to live a happy, meaningful, and satisfying life as a full member of society — the California Constitution properly must be interpreted to guarantee this basic civil right to all individuals and couples, without regard to their sexual orientation."
OK, enough politics!

Random Thought #3: You're more likely to be killed by a champagne cork than a poisonous spider.

I'm gonna sign off and get ready to go to Molly Malone's for a night of hot music from three great singer/songwriters: Travis Howard, Austin Hanks, and Levi Kreis. Before I go, though, I want to wish a Happy Birthday to funny man Scott Ryan and my local music hero, Rob Giles. HAPPY B-DAY guys.
That's all folks! Be well... be happy... be anything you want to be.
Peace!