Kerry's AIDS/LifeCycle Blog

The 2008 Senior Prom

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 15:31:00 PST

Okay....

So maybe this isn't EXACTLY what you were expecting to see here. But read on anyway...you WON'T be sorry!

This past Saturday I had the honor of attending The Centers annual Senior Prom. This gala honors Gay seniors with an evening of dining dancing and fun. I find myself in AWE of these brave pioneers who paved the way for us. Stonewall, The Mattachine Society and The Daughters of Bilitis are probably just words in a history text to most of us. To our elder brothers and sisters they were the times of their lives and stepping stones laid along a path more easily travelled by LGBT people today. They are OUR history....OUT history. Please enjoy these photos from our 2008 Senior Prom...and never forget...

If you have time, please donate your time to your local Gay Senior Program. History might might be around forever, the people who made it won't.

Ride More! Drive Less!!

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 12:55:00 PST

Spring is HERE! The days are longer and the weather is perfect! Next time you head out to do a few errands or even commute to work, consider riding instead of driving! It's good for YOU, it's good for the planet and it can even be good for your wallet!! How much did your last gas tank fill-up cost you. There are MANY bike friendly routes you can choose to get you where you need to go! Check out the metro and see how easy it is to take your bike on the busses and trains! Traffic is worse than EVER here in LA so get out of your car and into the saddle! You will will amazed how much fun commuting by bike can be!

Awww...Spring! Don't let that old Winter road dirt damage your chain!!

Fri, 07 Mar 2008 11:00:00 PST

Okay. Spring is upon us and many of us, myself included, are just now really beginning to get out and take advantage of the nice weather!! But after all the rains here in LA, the roads are full of debris....debris just waiting to take up residence in YOUR chain!! It's easy to prevent chain damage caused by road dirt and grime, though. Check out the video below for expert advice on how to clean and lube your own chain. A few minutes care can keep your bike running smooooooooth and cleeeeaaaannnn.

Not even the voice in my head...

Tue, 08 Jan 2008 19:23:00 PST

Sometimes we win.

It seems that oftentimes we find ourselves fighting an uphill battle....or should I say several uphill battles at once. Life is full of challenges. Some we create for ourselves; losing that holiday weight, getting in shape, paying off our debts. Some we encounter through no making of our own; the competition for that promotion, that somewhat eccentric new boyfriend of your rommate who seems to have taken up residence on your couch.

And then sometimes a challenge or battle comes along that puts everything in perspective.

For me that happened this past July and it was not even really MY battle to fight. As some of you may already know, my mother was admitted to the hospital last July for what should have been a very routine outpatient surgery. Well, without going into precise medical detail, a bungled surgery, poor follow up, and several months full misdiagnosis' later I sat on the phone listening to a doctor tell me that my previously incredibly healthy mother was experiencing widespread organ failure and that there was nothing more he, or medicine, could do for her. He assured me that her medical team would "make her comfortable" and make sure she didn't suffer. I hung up the phone that night and waited for the next call to come. I waited....1 day, then 2, then a week. Appearantly no on had bothered to tell my mom that she was supposed to die.

Hmmmmm.....and that was their mistake.

You see, my mom is one of those people....you know the ones. They don't take no for an answer. They don't bow to tradition, convention or anyone elses will. They will root for whoever is playing against your favorite team just to be contrary. No sir, dying was definitely not on her agenda and she wasn't going anywhere that wasn't her idea, by God. So every day she rallied. She fought. She healed. She NEVER ONCE listened to the dire predictions of the medical professionals. She NEVER ONCE even entertained the idea that she would leave this earth until she was "good and damn ready" My mom has inspired me many times in my life. She taught me by example NEVER to let ANYONE else tell you what you can or can't do ...and that goes for the voice in your head too!

During this past 6 months I have learned a lot about my family and how we face adversity. It has reminded me how special my relationship is with my good friend...my mom. But more than anything, watching my mom, the miracle, has once again reminded me....NEVER LET ANYONE TELL YOU THAT YOU CAN'T DO SOMETHING....NOT EVEN THAT VOICE IN YOUR HEAD.

I love you, mom and I dedicate MY AIDS/LifeCycle 7 to you and your amazing and inspirational recovery!

As for those challenges, I can tell you without a doubt that sometimes we DO win...