12 posts tagged “qotd”

What's your favorite thing about being sick?

Since my cold - aka Brenda Vaccaro - won't go away and this weekend was very trying with "her" as a pesky "house guest" in my nose, sinuses, and throat, I feel compelled to answer this question!

My favorite thing about being sick is Stefan's love and patience with me when I am crabby and depressed. Everyone should have a Stefan!

I love you bubala! *cough*

Do you have a particular "catch phrase" for which you are known?
Submitted by Emu with a Clue.

Stefan said that Sean's would be "Oh my Lord!"

Sean said that Stefan's would be "Oy veys mir!"

What would you name your first, or next child? (Girl or boy.)

Sean says...

Stefan and I have been thinking about this surprisingly since we were both 12 or so. We sadly were nerds and kept our own ongoing list of names. I had my original list to use as a source when we first discussed having kids!  And, of course, Stefan did, too...weird huh?   So here we go... (drum roll, please)...

Sean says... Girl: Jocelyn Ruth  Boy: Max Edwin

Stefan says...Girl: Corinne Rose  Boy: Troy or Corey

Stefan says...

It is quite true that I have thought about this for the past 30 + years, and have, in fact, kept lists of names for many, many years.  All thru my preteen and teen years, my favorite names remained the same: Lauren Michele (daughter #1); Jamie Nicole (daughter #2); Brandon David (son #1); & Randy Patrick (son #2).  Funny how you grow up and your taste changes (although Lauren, Jamie, and Randy still show up on my favorites lists, but much farther down). 

I have always felt a kinship with the name Sean/Shaun/Shawn (no kidding, I swear!), but of course now that is out of the running for obvious reasons.  So, today I would go with either Troy or Corey.  The name I would choose for a daughter (if I had my druthers, and didn't have to consider Sean's feelings on the subject): Melanie Rose (Rose is the name of both of my grandmothers, and I'd like to honor them both by passing it down to the next generation). A very close second, that I could live with extremely happily, would be Corinne Rose. 

Other names that made my Top Six Lists:

Girls: Veronica, Jocelyn, Randi, Caroline (or Carolyn), Lauren, Larissa

Boys: Trevor, Adam, Jeremy, Brady, Cameron, Randy

I can only hope that sometime, in the not too distant future, Sean and I will have the opportunity and privilege to have this "awful" dilemma: what to name our child.   

How did you celebrate Valentine's Day?
Submitted by Stephen.

The McFreeds celebrated Valentine's Day with a small dinner of pork chops and veggies combined with a viewing of the film Big Eden. Stefan received a lovely bouquet of multi-colored roses. Sean was given an electronic movie reference guide, a book on St Valentine, and a TY Beanie Baby that was a monkey covered in hearts called "Bliss." (Shhh Sean is all about monkeys btw but don't spread it around!)

Big Eden is a gay romance that is particularly notable because it uses actors who are normal in appearance (not gym rats) and focuses on the nature of the attraction and realization of emotions instead of the usual situation of immediate sexual pouncing and nudity. Granted the film takes place in Montana with a whole town of people being accepting, which in Sean's experience (since he lived in Montana once) is not usually the case and is not realistic. But in the end its a warm-hearted film about family and new love for characters you wouldn't necessarily see in gay cinema.  

It might have been a casual day but it was a snuggly one!

Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day.  What's your strongest memory or impression of King's contributions?

Sean and Stefan say...

Rather than talk about MLK Jr.'s many specific accomplishments, we want to talk about what MLK Jr. stood for in terms of eliminating prejudice. With that, here is a story that Stefan's own mother relayed to us. It proves that when exposed, prejudice can be killed by a sharp wit and a quick mind.

In the early 1970s, Carolyn was attending a bowling league event, when one of the women from another team approached her and said, "Carolyn, you never told me you were Jewish! I thought all Jews had horns."  Carolyn looked at her, waited a beat, smiled, and quietly said, "Oh, I had those removed years ago.  That's why I wear my hair long now to cover the scars."  Through humor and sarcasm, Carolyn exposed this neighbor's prejudice and killed it in the light of day. The woman blushed and never commented about it again.

This comment reminds us of our own situation.  Many a time people have asked one of us about something and we have turned it back with a quick comment that only embarrasses the questioner with their own silliness.  One thing that is always asked is "Is he gay?" which is usually met with "I didn't see his name mentioned in the last newsletter, but I'll keep checking for you."  In the end, those people either became better friends or at least respected us more because they realize that when you get down to it, we are all just individuals who live life in a multitude of ways. 

MLK Jr. stood not only for the fight against racism against African-Americans, but dedicated his life to eradicating all prejudice - gender, anti-Semitism, homophobia, xenophobia, and against all races (including white/caucasian).  Because, regardless of background, we are all guilty of prejudice, and we must fight it together to live in peace in the nation and on this Earth. That is what we celebrate today.

 

Carolyn as she looked in the early 1970s.  This shot was taken on a canal ride in Amsterdam.  Note the Marlo Thomas "That Girl" flip 'do - it certainly hid her "scars" well!

Here is what we (Sean and Stefan) both think!

Sean says...

Well the Iowa Caucuses are over and Democrat Barack Obama and Republican Mike Huckabee won.  It's now on to the New Hampshire Primary. 

Huckabee is the intimate candidate (who I usually say when talking to Stef) has the "crazy" (although some might say unconventional) ideas.  He gave a great victory speech tonight that truly drew you in and made you like him. I am impressed by his delivery and his ability to communicate without seeming like the loon he truly is.  

Obama gave the speech of a leader.  Surrounded by adoring crowds he gave the speech from a pulpit that talked about hope, history, and change. Why did it still leave me unimpressed?  I feel like I am missing something about Obama (despite MANY emails from my friend Keith as to why I should be on the Obama train). Now I won't be voting for Huckabee of course because well he believes being gay is a choice, that being homosexual is ok as long as we don't practice it, and that creationsim is a valid theory. But Obama has a shot at my vote and I am not running to jump on his band wagon for some reason. My earlier post which really dismissed his impact is proven wrong of course and that is ok because this is one contest. But with Chris Dodd and Joe Biden dropping out now and the field winnowing, what do I do to get excited about someone I am just not getting into?

I am excited that in the Democratic race alone there are viable female, African-American, and Hispanic/Latino candidates!  And I think this is where a lot of people are getting excitement because truly race is being conquered as a barrier in our time in an arena where there truly was a barrier based on personal choice. However, is because the potential of historic significance a reason to vote for someone? I remember being in 7th grade and being excited about Jesse Jackson (yes I was in 7th grade now so it makes good sense since I didn't understand what was wrong with Jesse at the time) in 1984. Jesse I believe finished 3rd in Iowa that year which was truly a break through. Hillary Clinton finishing third is a break through as well since she basically has finished better than any female presidential candidate has done ever as well. 

But in the end I just don't have Obama fever.  I really haven't caught any one candidates fever actually. So what can anyone do, say, or argue to sway me toward the light of political hysteria for any of the Dems still standing? Is it just me? As I age am I becoming harder to impress and excite? Do I need political viagra?

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Stefan says...

Romney scares me because his beady-eyed stare is too Ted Bundyesque.

Huckabee frightens me because he is an eloquent, dynamic speaker, who conveys authority...whose ideas and messages are dangerous. 

Richardson blew it for me during his performance at the debate on Logo a few months ago.

Obama concerns me because of his youth and inexperience, despite his charimsa and likeability.

Edwards looks the part (he is certainly shiny and handsome), but I'm still not convinced...yet.

Clinton has the intellect and the experience, but I worry about her electability (of course, that's a little bit like a run on a bank, isn't it?)

Who is left?  Well, as long as they are left, and not right...  :-)  381 more days until Dubya is outta there!  http://www.backwardsbush.com/

Dear Santa

Well another year has passed and Christmas has come around again!  This year has found me, Sean, in such happiness. If we flash back to last season, job woes had me down. But now love, life, family, and work is truly going well... knock on wood of course!  Please make note of my new address since I have moved in with Stefan. I believe I gave it to you last year so you could throw some gifts his way.  If you still need it just give me a jingle!  (tee hee) 

Stefan and I have selected a white Xmas tree this year to emphasize our mid-century obsessions and because it would look cool next to the purple-tone paint in the main room of our home!  So please ensure the presents have a wrapping paper, bow, and/or bag that shows off this new addition!  (cue raised right eyebrow) We don't want anything clashing now do we? New ornaments that look great on a white background would be fun too!

As I do every year, I am writing you an overly sweet and greedy letter asking for presents in a vague attempt to avoid actually directly asking/telling family what I would seriously enjoy for Xmas!  Being that Stefan and I started a blog this year, I thought what appropriate way to broadcast then through it!  And Santa, after all, I know you keep up with the latest technologies up at the North Pole. So here goes... (smirk)

...items are highlighted in blue so it will be easier to find through my prattle...

Ok, so I won't be AS greedy as I am usually this year.  Now don't shake your head now, Santa! I saw you!  I really mean it this year.  Stefan and I made some financial goals that I really want to stick to and so the only true thing I would want is for those to stay on track this year.  Yes, this is pretty much a prayer that nothing screw up our path toward a home and embracing a child to our hearts over the course of the next year and half.  Living together has been a wonderful, albeit crowded, time - but space is space and these legs gotta stretch!  So please grant me strength as the new work contract gets processed so money is secure with our household. And may we both stay healthy so God can truly bless us with our true desire, to love a child someone cared most about to entrust them to someone else. Xmas won't be Xmas I think until Stefan and I have that little hand to write Santa letters with in the future. 

Ok, so security to buy a new home, health, and a child of our very own... check!

Now for the avarice! 

What does this "boy" want on Xmas morning? Well I know that a High-def TV with 1080p resolution might be too big for the sleigh along with the accompanying Bose sound system and Toshiba HD DVD player... so best leave that for our first day in the new house's souped up media room (said with a dwindling mumble).  But Papa (the name I chose in leiu of Dad for when we get our bundle of joy) still collects the DVDs so bring them on! 

Here are the Top Ten DVDs (a good site to look for them on) on my goodie list (in no particular order):

1. Band of Brothers

2. Aliens - Collector's Edition 2 disc set

3. The Complete Thin Man Collection

4. The Lady Vanishes (Criterion Collection)

5. Once & Again: The Complete First Season

6. Seinfeld - Seasons 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and/or 9

7. The Tarzan Collection

8. Walt Disney Legacy Collection (Worlds of Wonder, Creatures of the Wild, & Nature's Mysteries [I already have Lands of Exploration])

9. Walt Disney Treasures Disney Rarities Celebrated Shorts 1920s - 1960s and/or Walt Disney Treasures More Silly Symphonies Volume 2

10. 2007 World Series Collection

I had to pare it down since you know how gluttoniness I can be about DVDs!  But someone has to have a hobby!  If you could squeeze in the new release of Flash Gordon (1980) that would be welcome too. I saw the film at my 10th birthday party and have loved the camp ever since!  I know Dad is proud that he took me to that. (hee hee) 

Now music wise, instead of compact discs (CDs) this year - an iTunes gift card is more than welcome! What a great way to find music - one song at a time!  I use my iPod almost every day on the MARC train to work and lord knows I need walking and room entrance music in my own head! Some Bose over the ear head phones would be nice...but not expected... Even an inventive medley on a self-made cd would be fun! A copy of Paul Robson in Showboat would be a fun twist though.

This Thanksgiving, Stefan and I did a lot of cooking as our part of a huge event with his family. It would be nice to have a small and large food processor so we could make it faster next year. A few Calphalon pots would be a nice addition as well. But otherwise, our kitchen is full so waiting until the new house kitchen or some other special event requiring gifts of kitchen items is probably a great idea!

Reading is fundemental as you know Santa, but sometimes I don't have a lot of time for it. It helps that Stefan is a librarian, but sometimes you just want to own a book. The Russell Quant gay detective mysteries would be fun to kick around in paperback. I already have Amuse Bouche (which I love to say as "Bushea" not "Boosh" as the French do because it makes me sound pretentious), so that leaves Flight of Aquavit, Tapas on The Ramblas, Stain of the Berry, and Sundowner Ubuntu.  Other ideas would be the books on Spanish Colonial design. A Bartlett's Quotations would be great since I love quoting things all the time... just ask my friends!

Lately, I have become obessesed with Robert Sabuda and Matthew Reinhart pop up books and Marvel Comics Civil War series. Any of those would be nice additions to my ecclectic collection!  Books on the history of Fenway Park would be nice too.

Clothes as usual are always nice. Never bring me pants though! Santa, I know you don't have a return policy, but in this house noone asks someone's pants size!  However, extra large turtleneck sweaters, long sleeve henleys, light jackets, socks, and amusing underwear is always welcome. Please keep in mind that a Mike Lowell (Number 25) Boston Red Sox Replica jersey would be even more welcome!

In the end I already have my Xmas gift in Stefan of course. But a few more trinkets never hurt anyone right?

Thanks Santa!

And have a Merry Xmas!!!

Your pal,

Sean

 

 

What are some things that are worth (and not worth) spending money on? 
Submitted by pinejar.

The one thing worth spending money on is a vacation. No matter how much it costs, the return on memories and having experienced it yourself is priceless.

How old were you when you had your very first boyfriend/girlfriend? Do you still know them now? 
Submitted by KIM. 

Sean says...

Her name was Leslie. She was a girl who I knew either in the neighborhood or at pre-school who I apparantly "showered affection" on for the time I was living with my family in Fort Ord, CA. My Dad was stationed there with the Navy. We moved after about 2 or so years and I only saw her again when we learned her family had moved to Baltimore and we lived in Reston, VA.  Funny thing is her memory came up again because I found that Stefan's parents live just near the old Enchanted Forest (Some recent photos of the place now) near Ellicott City, MD (not to be confused with Story Book Land which was near where my sisters and I went to school in Woodbridge, VA) where I saw Leslie for the last time. All I have is an audio tape of me saying "I love Leslie!"  If she only knew it was never to be... wink!

What would you consider to be your 15 minutes of fame so far in life?

Sean says...

My four appearances on the local Washington DC show It's Academic! of course.  A hint: if a math problem comes up the answer is always 2!

Or was it me winning the poster contest in 3rd grade that got me a personal meeting with Jacques Cousteau and a tour of the Calypso?

Hmmm???