Another decade almost over ...

We are nearing the end of 2009.
I do get nostalgic and excited around this time of year. I remember family, friends and people I have met and cherished and those who are no longer with us. I get excited with the hopes of new windows opening up and the unknown. I wish all of you a New Year full of hope, joy, friendships, prosperity in it's different incarnations and many blessings.

Twist Chirstmas Party 2009

No stamps?!!!

Went to the post office on the corner of Washington Ave and 13th Street on Miami Beach and there was a notice on the door: "No Cash transactions" and that they will not be selling stamps or money orders. They will honor debit cards and credit cards. "Sorry for the inconvenience" and it gave the address to another post office. The were trying to fix the problem?

I'm glad I sent the bulk of the family gifts already.

This is not the first time. Last summer I had to buy stamps for Twist to mail out cards and had to wait for a manger to arrive to open the safe because they did not have stamps.

I like snail mail. It's personal and people like receiving something that is not a bill, statement or advertisement......

21 more shopping days 'til Chirstmas

This post finds me upset that my home computer is on the fritz. I still think is a plot by Microsoft edging people to by Windows 7. My sis bought her laptop at the same time and it was on the outs last week. 2 other friends find themselves in similar situations. I knew I should have backed up info last week.... I do have some of my important info on a flash drive and printed out.

On to the week. Mr. S and I have a holiday party on Saturday with the Dive Club in Ft. Lauderdale. I have to figure out all the outfits we need between now and the holidays so I can get things dry cleaned and ready.

I have been able to do some shopping already and our list has been trimmed down. The family will be the more elaborate gifts. The way things have been, I have been looking for gifts people can use and enjoy at home. Many have been saving their pennies by doing things at home.

I have the idea of getting friends together and have a beach or a park picnic ... everybody bring something to share ... and after, hit the local watering hole. It's the same cast of characters, but in a different setting. It would also be fun to do something outdoors. Maybe Mrs. Astor will have some ideas? (Hint, hint, wink).

Well...will catch up with you later. I am presently with Nicholas helping him study for 2 tests and we just finished his reading project. Have a good weekend ...

The Herald Hunt Holiday: A Bizarre Bazar

It's the Most Fun Way to Kick Off the Holidays!

Sunday, November 29th, 2009

12 Noon

Downtown Miami at the Adrienne Arsht Center

www.heraldhunt.com

Dave Barry and Tom Shroder have made their list, and checked it twice - and they're designing Herald Hunt 2009 to be....fantastic!

Sunday, November 29, the Herald Hunt returns to the Adrienne Arsht Center because, come on....can anything top the Flying Sheep? (Answer yes...just wait till this year.) You could win a 7 Day Costa Caribbean Cruise for 4..... which is way better than any Shopportunity you'll find at the mall. So, get your friends out of the stores....and onto your team. Kick off your Holiday Season with us. Mark your calendar, get your shopping done early - and be a part of the zany fun that is The Herald Hunt.

THE HUNT IS ON!

FIRST PRIZE:Experience “Italy in the Tropics” on a 7-night Caribbean cruise for four departing from Ft. Lauderdale with Costa, Europe’s Number One Cruise Line. Beautiful tropical destinations close to home combined with Costa’s unique and authentic onboard flair brings Italy to you without having to cross the Atlantic. “Cruising Italian Style…That’s Amore!”

**Subject to availability and blackout dates. Prize is cruise-only. Winner is responsible for other fees including, taxes, onboard purchases, ground transportation, etc.

Getting ready for "season"...

Twist is doing a quick spruce up before the holidays. Mr. S and I took down the crystal chandelier from the lobby and cleaned it last week. You have to take it down one strand at a time, and clean it by hand. There are many pieces to it, so the strands are placed in individual, numbered bags so we know how to put it back together. Oh ... and all of it is in the middle of Mr. S's living room...

I will be going in and out doing some quick touch up patching and painting. It all needs to be done by Wednesday. They will be decorating for the White Party people that will be coming in to town and the After party Twist will be having.

All this and it is almost Thanksgiving...

I have already purchased the major things we need for Thanksgiving Lunch ... the 15lb turkey is in the fridge (I'm making one and the O'neill's another), the Honey Baked ham will be delivered on Wednesday, cleaning is mostly done ... so far we have 22 people feasting with us ... I'm sure something will come up before then. We still have to pick a film to see on Thanksgiving day.

The holiday parties have started!

Tonight, I am going with my Mom, sis, Nilda and Nick, old family friends (Carmen Velez, The Vargas, The Veras) and my Dad's cousins (in town today before they go to Santo Domingo to holiday for Thanksgiving) to the first Holiday Party ....

We are going to "Parran-dena" (a combination of the words "Parranda" and "Puertorriquena"). Simplified it is going to be a big party full of Puertorican food, traditional music, dancing,etc. Mr. S is being spared because he will be with me and my family for Thanksgiving this week and then Christmas soon after .... I can only subject him to so much.

I'm sure it will be a good evening.

Have a good Saturday!

Fetish the 13th - update

It is adequate to say that all had a great evening and Saturday was used as a day of recovery.

I can say that I had to quickly go home and change because some infidel cut the leather stap that holds the chaps together inthe back.....

Though, saturday I was able to take Bill to the airport, go to Burger King, Pollo Tropical, Einstin Brothers and CVS ....

Holiday Countdown

The holiday countdown and preparations have begun at my mom's house. This week we have already been shopping for family,friends and church family gifts, table cloths, candles, wreaths, etc. Thinking about dumping the old outdoor light display and buy everything new. We thought it was going to be a small Thanksgiving and Christmas this year, but the wind seems to be blowing another way.

My cousin and his wife will be coming from Puerto Rico to visit with his two daughters and grandchildren in Tampa for Thanksgiving. One of the daughters will be having her second child in January, so my cuz will be in the area until the birth. The logical idea in their minds, of course, is "Let's go to Titi Irma's! (My mom). Let's see how that goes. I have put the idea in their heads to have Thanksgiving up there and to come visit during the week when classes are out and we can sit and visit with them.

We thought we were going to have the holidays at Nilda and Nicholas's new home, but they still have unpacked boxes. They are also stressed out between 5th grade power point projects and homework and regular work. I think it will be better at mom's for now ... we have the system down ... Luis cleans and preps, sets up the night before and my sis and cousin come in later and ....blah, blah, blah....

The Thanksgiving menu and shopping list is done. We just have to figure out how many turkeys we will need this year. Mr. S and I were planning on making a deep fried turkey and we will have one traditional turkey ... plus a honey ham. MMM! The guest list always changes and it may sound like I might be bitching and moaning a bit, but I do love that everyone feels comfortable and everyone is always welcome.

Have a good weekend. I hope I survive the "Fetish the 13th" Party. Mr. S is promising the masses that I will be wearing (or not wearing) certain items and I don't think I want those pics spread around..... We'll compromise ... It will be fun...

Insert your own title here

So, last weekend was Scotty's birthday and the Sleepless Night event. My first bad omen was that I left my camera at my Mom's house and therefore have no photographic evidence from the weekend. (At least not taken by me). I think this is a good thing.

Our friend, Raul, made a great buffet ... Grilled Chicken Skewers with peanut sauce, Churrasco steak with chimichurri on French bread tips, pasta salad with balsamic vinaigrette, Jalapeno stuffed with bacon and cheese, beef sliders with a mayo/basil sauce and a thick chocolate bundt cake .... all made with the assisting and serving hands of Mr. S, Larry and myself. I also helped Mr. S blow up many, many green and white balloons to fill the ceiling of the bar.

First. I love my friends and I am always offering to help, but I was "reeled" in this time. I did have a great night with Scotty, but ended up missing all the Sleepless Night events I had marked on my schedule to attend. (Note: I closed Twist at Yves bar at 7:30 AM and spent all day Sunday indoors with the shades drawn.)

Now to Monday:

Mr. S. worked and I cleaned the apartment and ran errands in the morning and early afternoon. I then met him at Twist before we went home. Scotty came in and asked Mr. S if I could help him and he said "yes". (Note: always find out what you are agreeing to before answering for someone else.)

SOOOOOO. I was to help Scotty move all his stuff out of one apartment and move to another (not that many things). We enlisted Raul to help for the main part of loading the car and off we went.

Upon arriving at the new apartment. Scott told me his roommate had I cat. I asked "What kind is it?". He said "I think its a black one". We looked and did not see it. When we were bringing up the second load, I saw a cat by the side of the building ... thought nothing of it for a bit. (We still did not see the cat inside the apartment.) After bringing in the last load into the apartment, we again searched for the missing pussy ... did not locate. We must find the cat!!! Outside by the steps was the pretty smokey black cat. It was caught and we took it in and let it loose and closed the doors.

I went home and about an hour later I get a call from Scott saying he had just picked up his roommate and told him the story. The roommate said "I don't have a black cat, I have a calico!"

(The calico was hiding in the apartment and the smokey black one ran out and all of us had a good laugh.)

Next up this week: Fetish the 13th Party at Twist. (I have already lent some gear out to Yves and Mr S and I will choose what we will wear during the week .... and this time there will be photographic evidence!)

Sleepless Night 2009

After a year absence, Sleepless Night is back. It begins Saturday, Nov. 7 at 6 PM and ends Sunday, Nov. 8 at 6 AM. Mr. S and I will attempt to gather a group to go to some of the events. There are more offerings this year. We are also celebrating Scotty's 40th birthday. It is a night of cultural events that is free and open to the public.

I will be attempting to enter the photo contest they are sponsoring this year. It will depend on what the group is doing and how long a nap I take in the afternoon.

More info at: http://www.sleeplessnight.org/

Hope you have a good weekend.

WARNING: Friday, November 13, 2009. "Fetish the 13th" Party at Twist.

Halloween 2009 - Picture update.

Halloween was fun. Mr. S, Trish and I were in Western Gear (bandit, Annie Oakley, Sheriff), Mr and Mrs Astor reprised their ER costumes with a twist. There were many cocktailed people out and about and by the time we left Twist, the line was down the sidewalk to the corner of the museum. The party was a weekend affair and I think there are still some Latin boys hidden away in a closet somewhere (with smiles on their faces) ..... Enjoy

Nick - Halloween 2009

This is the tame version of the costume. For Saturday, he is adding Freddy Kruger hands, fake blood and glow in the dark stuff. There is also a large plastic ax.

They are closing off the streets on Miracle Mile and in South Miami for a few hours for kids only. They can go trick-o-treat at the stores and there will be music and some entertainment. It is probably the safest. I don't recommend parents to leave their kids on Lincoln Road after 6:00 pm ... it's going to be packed.

Tick Tock to Halloween....

Have been bad at downloading my pics. I still have some that I would like to share.

Just finished Happening # 52 Weekend. We had 75 participants and team and we had 161 people at the closing service. I am very proud of the youth team and the young adults who "stepped up" and have started taking responsibility for the planning and staffing of programs. That is my goal ... to empower the youth.

I have the kid on Thursday. It's going to be our "guys day out" ... no mom, no aunts, no women. We'll hit the movie theater, Cinnabon, Game Stop, find some gross stuff for his Halloween costume ... whatever we decide ... There aren't any classes on Friday, so he will spend the night.

Friday, is full on Halloween preparedness. I will help Mr. S at Twist if they haven't finished decorating. I have all the gear I need for Saturday. Mr. S., Trish and I will do the "Western" thing. It's easy and we can be comfortable .... though I do plan to wear chaps and a vest. Hmm? or maybe the fringe jacket? or maybe multiple costume changes...

I was offered VIP tickets to the Save Dade party (theme: Asylum), but we decided we wanted to stay close. We'll go see Tommy, do the rounds and end up a Twist for the night. I'm sure it is going to be packed.

Sunday is the anniversary service for my parish, but I thing I will miss it this year. Nov. 1 is All Saint's Day. I did help in getting the baby stuff together. The women's group gives a whole nursery full of stuff to a needing mother whose child is born on Nov. 1.

I'm gonna meet up with Derrick on Sunday. He has gotten me some items for baskets that Mrs. Astor is putting together for the Winter Party Festival. We have a full committee meeting on Tuesday. Thursday, we have a party for the volunteers of the Recognition Dinner at the Townhouse Rooftop and they will be serving Sushi and free drinks.

The week is gonna be full ... again

Don't forget to change your clocks an hour back this weekend. (Fall back)

Have a fun and safe weekend!

MRD 2009 - The "Dream Team" did it!!

The Gay and Lesbian Task Force 13th Annual Miami Recognition Dinner was a big success. There were 720 people in attendance and put together with attendance, silent auction, donations and sponsors we superceded our goal!

Gay, strait, transgender and questioning Politicians, community sponsors, VIP's, local celebreties all attended and had a great night of food, fun, celebration that led to a brilliantly spectacular evening.

I will post pics and more info later....

An evening with Madame Clicquot...

Tonight was the last full committee meeting for the Miami Recognition Dinner. We are close to reaching our goal and the evening started fully on focus and task oriented ...... until Madame Clicquot appeared ....

One of the members brought several bottles of Veuve Clicquot which was served with fresh strawberries and a cream and raspberry cake. We then became more "creative" and actually accomplished a lot more. We got through our agenda, assigned last minute tasks and have the impetus to steam ahead to the the event this Saturday.

It's going to be a beautiful eventing in the "Glimmer Ballroom" of the Fountainebleau Miami Beach. There will be live music, the presentation of the awards, a silent auction, full bar provided by Grey Goose and dancing.

Note: There were enough champagne bottles consumed at the meeting that one person was able to make a crown out of the used cork bottles. (FYI: The top of the cork cover has a picture of Madame Clicquot.)

If you know anyone who would like to attend the event, sponsor or donate an item to the silent auction .... time is running out go to: http://www.miamirecognitiondinner.org/

Thanks!

So much to do and so little sleep to do it with....

We are in the middle of October and the next few months are going to be active....

Tonight, Mr. S, Mrs Astor and I are meeting the Ladies from the Across the Border .... Vickie and Penny. They are going to the theater and we will meet them for some afternoon beverages and Shenanigans at Twist. Vickie is bringing me a chicken knick-knack from the Keys and I will try to find the initial pendants she liked.

Our friends, Larry and David, purchased a house on Alton Road ... it needs work, so Mr. S. will be busy. I am happy for them.

Wednesday is Bill's birthday ... Big Diehl will be 60. One of the gifts he has from me is that I will be his designated driver and take him wherever he wants for as late as he wants. (Mr. S gave me the thumbs up.) He just wants to be with friends so I think on the actual day we'll do some stuff together and then meet the regulars plus at Twist.

Saturday 10/17 is the Miami Recognition Dinner and we have our last meeting on Monday. The rest of the week will be scrambling to sell more tickets and ask for and pick up silent auction items. What I had failed to notice is that the Komen Race for the Cure is the same day as the event .... I guess I'll "Sleep in for the Cure" this year (yes, that is an option!)

The day after the event will be a brunch for the committee members and their spouses/partners/lovers/significant other...

Then I will really be in hectic mode for the youth Happening #25. It is at a camp near Homestead this time around and I have to pick up a Cargo Van to get supplies and run around town to get things we couldn't order in advance online. The kids have worked hard and I have been able to get some of my old kids (now in their 20's and 30's) to help out ..... I need to "pass the torch" for some things.

Halloween, preparing for Thanksgiving ... and in the slush, planning for Winter Party 2010. (Mrs Astor has agreed to help .... this is a fabulous thing!)

Oh ... and did I mention ... the kid and my sister have the flu in the middle of all of this? And mom has a luncheon and a birthday party to go to?

Oh well.....be safe and have a blessed week!

www.miamirecognitiondinner.org

Miami, FL, September 29 – The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force will honor Steve Adkins, Lt. Dan Choi and Rev. James Trapp at its 13th Annual Miami Recognition Dinner on Saturday, October 17, at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach. This major fundraising event recognizes individuals for their outstanding contributions to the social, cultural, political and humanitarian needs of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.

Launched in 1997, the Recognition Dinner quickly cemented its place as the premier event for uniting the community and honoring individuals and organizations for their achievements and efforts in fostering equal rights for LGBT people. Over the past decade, it has become a vital source of funding for organizations serving the LGBT community. To date, the Miami Recognition Dinner and its sister event, Winter Party Festival, have raised over $2 million.

“Despite the fact that this has been the worst year the U.S. economy has experienced in the history of the Recognition Dinner, we are actually ahead of where we were last year in terms of revenue,” said David Price, who co-chairs the event with Liebe Gadinsky. “We have more corporate sponsors than ever. I think people support this dinner because it doesn’t just benefit one organization, it benefits the entire community.”

The Recognition Dinner features two pre-dinner cocktail receptions (one exclusively for VIP ticket-holders), a silent auction, an awards ceremony during dinner and dancing following the program. Grey Goose is donating the spirits for a full bar, and Barefoot Wine & Bubbly is providing the wine.

The 13th Annual Miami Recognition Dinner will take place on Saturday, October 17, beginning at 6:30 p.m., at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach, located at 4441 Collins Avenue. Tickets are available for a donation of $200. VIP tickets are $300 and include admission to the VIP cocktail reception and preferred seating during the dinner. Because the Task Force is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, donations are tax deductible as permissible under law.

All proceeds from the Miami Recognition Dinner benefit organizations serving the LGBT community. The Task Force donates two-thirds of the net proceeds to the Miami-Dade LGBT community through a granting program administered by the Dade Community Foundation. The remaining one-third of the proceeds helps fund the Task Force’s efforts to achieve equality for all LGBT people.

The Honorees
2009 Eddy McIntyre Community Service Award: Steve Adkins
The name Steve Adkins is practically synonymous with "community service." Since moving to South Florida a decade ago, he has contributed his time and talents to many local organizations, bridging the business, non-profit and LGBT communities. As president of the Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, the largest not-for-profit corporation in Miami-Dade County for gay and lesbian businesses, Adkins has more than quadrupled the organization's membership. He has played a significant role in educating business owners and elected officials about the need for and value of domestic partner benefits and non-discrimination policies. He has also served as a major force for uniting the diverse segments of the community, reviving and serving as chair of the Executive Directors' Round Table. In short, Adkins belongs to many communities and serves them all.

2009 National Leadership Award: Lt. Dan Choi
West Point graduate Dan Choi changed his life forever by appearing on The Rachel Maddow Show this past March and uttering three words: "I am gay." Despite his extreme value to the military as an Arabic speaker, he was notified one month later that the Army had begun discharge proceedings against him under its "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. Lt. Choi has helped form Knights Out, an organization of West Point alumni advocating for the rights of gays and lesbians to serve openly in the military. He has become a fulltime activist for the LGBT community and has emerged as the face of the campaign to overturn DADT.

2009 Humanitarian Award: Rev. James Trapp
When Rev. James Trapp announced to his congregation at Unity on the Bay in Miami that he would be leaving them to take on the role of President and CEO of the Association of Unity Churches International, there was a prolonged and total silence followed by resounding applause. This beloved pastor is responsible for transforming the 125 member congregation into a fully inclusive, diverse family of over 1,300. He has carried his mission of outreach and his passion for peace to his new post in Missouri and as far away as Spain. A dynamic speaker and powerful voice for justice, he not only inspires us to reach our full potential, but also motivates the broader community to stand up for LGBT rights.

Sponsors to Date

Platinum Sponsors: Burger King Corporation, Dade Community Foundation, James G. Pepper, Wachovia/Wells Fargo

Gold Sponsors: AT&T, Akerman Senterfitt, Best Buy, Bradley Carlson & Aurelio Tiné, Liebe & Seth Gadinsky, Greenberg Traurig, The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, JP Morgan Chase & Co., Kraft Foodservice, Mario Magcalas, M.D., P.A., Merrill Lynch, Shore Club

Silver Sponsors: Alberto Arias & Wood Kinnard, Anonymous, Stephen E. Herbits, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Sally Heyman, Mark Kirby & Jerry Chasen

Bronze Sponsors: Alan Behmoiras, Karen Costello & Rosemary Wilder, Lawrence R. Hyer, Christopher Russell & Mario Acosta, Jr., Elizabeth F. Schwartz, Barton G. Weiss, Judge David Young, Paula Redd Zeman

Underwriters: Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, Berger Singerman, Bonnelly Productions, Brinker International, Cargill, Credelis, Grey Goose Vodka, William Neubauer/Comprehensive Money Management, Shore Club

Media Sponsors: Atlantic Broadband, Mack Multimedia, Mark’s List, Passport Magazine, She Magazine, SoBe Social Club, South Florida Blade, Wire Magazine


About the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force:
The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force was the first national lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights organization and remains the community’s uncompromising progressive voice. We fight for equality and justice by building grassroots power through training, advocacy, organizing and forward-thinking research and expertise. We challenge not only the status quo in mainstream America, but politics as usual within the LGBT community, and we refuse to make political compromises that would leave anyone behind. The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Foundation is a 501(c)(3) corporation. More information is available at
http://www.theTaskForce.org

Let the moving commence ....

Today is the day that 1,250 boxes arrive by truck from Wisconsin along with five moving men. It is all the stuff my cousin has had in storage ... 3 bedrooms, living room, dining room, kitchen, office, changing room, day room, out door play set (that includes a trampoline), garage and basement.

The moving men will be here today and tomorrow while they assemble all the furniture and unload all the boxes. My cousin found a nice house across the street from Salvador Park and near St. Philip's in Coral Gables. It is a rental, but it will be more economical to be there with all her stuff than to pay for rent and storage. She has been looking for the "right" house to buy for the last 9 months ...

This afternoon I will be there for the initial "counting" of the boxes, cable, internet hook up and some light cleaning ... tomorrow will be the "unpacking" of the boxes. Mr. S. will be coming by to look at the house and we will be making a trip to IKEA to get some closet storage devices and set ups.

I know that not all the stuff will be used and we will be putting things to the side to give away and also to use for a yard sale. We are excited because it is close to Mom's house, there is space to do things (there is a swimming pool) and now Nicholas will be able to have friends from school over and we are planning to have Thanksgiving there this year.

That's it for now ... Have a good day!

Today, the University of South Florida - USF (my Alma Mater) will be playing football against Florida State University - FSU for the first time EVER! It is exciting because USF is a fairly new team ... it did not exist while I was there. My younger sis went to FSU, so today is a bit of an in-home rivalry (well...maybe a little more than usual...) Update: USF beat FSU with the score of 17 to 7 ..... BOOOYA! (My sis wasn't too happy ...)

Mr. S., mom, sis, the kid and my cuz will be going to a family BBQ at the Ruiz family home ... It is becoming a new tradition. They have had one about every 3 months with my family and their family. Lots of food and chatter....

Sunday, the Grand Dame of South Beach, Henrietta, will be celebrating her 51st year of being on the Beach. She is full of life, great stories and tid bits of history. The party begins at midnight at Twist in Bar 5. She will be catering it herself (she spent the week prepping and cooking). Mr and Mrs Astor are sure to be called out as official escorts. I hope everyone gets a power nap in the afternoon ... Henrietta can outlast almost anyone.

Enjoy the weekend!