The Most Beautiful Place in America

This past weekend Paul and I went on a hike to the famous Lands End cliffs in San Francisco. We have lived here for 2 years now and we have not hiked down these trails yet and I am so glad we finally did this past Friday! We started off at Ocean Beach, which is an amazing place to visit and look at the grand Pacific Ocean. This particular area on Ocean Beach had huge deadly waves that only some of the surfers dared to brave. It really is an amazing place to just walk along and clear your head and enjoy it with someone you love. I plan on going there a lot more often - looking forward to taking Zach there too.

We then hiked along the rocky cliffs that dance along the Pacific Ocean and look out over the Golden Gate Bridge and some beautiful scenery, it is all so breathtaking. We were there for hours and got some amazing pictures of he coast in all it's glory. It's nice to be able to still do things outdoors in November and not have to worry about it being too cold or worry about the rain or snow. The temperature always seems to be just right here during the day and nice and cool at night making it wonderful for sleeping. It hardly rains and never snows - San Francisco is really the place to be!!

Happy Thanksgiving 2008!

Above: Zach giving thanks.

Happy Thanksgiving! This Thanksgiving was one of the best. We all shared a delicious feast at Carrie & Iggy's house. Zach's grandparents Nanny & Pops were in San Francisco with all of us from Boston to enjoy the day. It was great seeing Nanny & Pops and we look forward to seeing them in a few weeks in Boston for the Christmas holidays (Lois hide your cookies.) below are a bunch of pictures of our Thanksgiving. As you can see, we all have a lot to be thankful for.

Above: Ciara's beautifully decorated Thanksgiving table.

Above: Yummy cookies by Ciara.

Above: Paul and Zach.

Above: I love this picture of paul & Zach.

Above/Below: Carrie took these two photos of Zach & his dog Snoopy - very cute.

Above: Iggy carves the turkey.

Above: Zach shows off his plummer's crack while Snoppy is enjoying the smell of Thanksgiving.

Above: Carrie and Nanny dig in!

Above: Chef Ciara gets dessert ready.

Above: The two "dishwaser" clean the plates!

Above/Below: After the feast, we all took a walk on the beach.

Above: A beautiful shot of the boats on the bay.

Above: Golden Gate Bridge on Thanksgiving Day.

Above: Carrie, Zach & Paul walking along the beach.

Above: Carrie, Zach & Snoopy play football on the beach.

Above: Paul & Zach playing football.

Above: Zach really enjoying himself on the beach.

Above: Zach & Pops

Above: Snoopy trying to save the ball before it goes into the ocean.

Above: Carrie and Zach in a great sunset on the beach.

Above: Love this shot of the sunset.

Above: Everyone resting on the couch after great Thanksgiving Day.

Above: Me totally crashed out on the couch.

American Music Awards 2008 - Winners & Losers

The 2008 American Music Awards was filled with several performances from the biggest pop stars of this past year. Some of them fell flat, some soared and others were just all right. I won’t list all of the 19 performers that were on the show but just highlight the highs and lows.

(The best performance of the night - Annie Lennox is amazing!!!)

HIGHS:

Many of the young performers should learn from the living legends that have been performing on stage for years. Annie Lennox was given the Award of Merit for her amazing career of over 25 years. Annie sang one of my all time favorite songs called “Why.” She showed up everyone on the stage and sang the hell out of the song. It truly was a bone chilling performance of a classic song.

Beyonce never stops amazing me with her amazing dance performances on stage. Her new song Single Ladies will be the number one song on the Billboard charts this coming week. The song is a great dance song and terribly catchy but what is even more amazing is the music video she made The dancing in the video is awesome and she showed of those moves live on stage and sang. I loved every minute of it.



Ne-Yo was by far the best male performer on stage showing an old school classy rendition of his hits “Miss Independent” and “Closer.” I was truly impressed by his vocals, dancing and overall classy expression of his songs.

Alicia keys can do no wrong in my eyes. Her voice, talent and charisma just mesmerize me and she really appears so humble and not driven by wining awards or how many number ones she has like another female performer (Mariah Carey). Alicia sang her hit “Superwoman” and flashed images of powerful women in he limelight today focusing on Michelle Obama at the end. It was a very inspirational performance.


MIXED:

Christina Aguilera opened the show with a trip down memory lane showcasing her hits over the past 10 years in the music biz. She started off the medley with her hit Beautiful that was amazing but then she fell flat and appeared out of breath as she went into to her other hits over the years.

As much as Rihanna is my new favorite artist of the past couple years, she hit a flat note with me on her performance of her latest single, “Rehab.” I love he song and how she showed off her vocal range but the outfit was a bit much. Too much focus on the visuals – it was too over the top.



Pink is having an amazing year with her first solo number one hit “So What” and what is looking to be her biggest selling album to date. Her voice was amazing in her latest single “Sober” but overall the song fell flat and she really appeared uncomfortable on stage. I do have to say she redeemed herself singing with Sarah McLaughlin later in the show.

LOWS:

The lowest of low had to be Mariah Carey. She told the American Music Awards that if she were not given an award she would not perform on the show. I would have said ok, goodbye and hung up the phone, but the AMA’s felt the need to have her on the show singing a song that no one has ever heard about a whale farting. So they made up an honorary statue thingy for Mariah so she could perform. She had the stage presence of a wet fart! WEAK!

One of the many reasons why The Pussycat Dolls will never be taken seriously is because they always showcase themselves as cheap, tacky strippers and they didn’t disappoint that reputation. Put came the stripper poles and the trashy dancing. Terrible.



The more music award shows there are the more we have to listen to the ego-filled, whinny, righteous voice of Kanye West. Kanye here’s a little tip, shut your big fat mouth it really turns your fans off from buying your music. I love most of your music but I am at the point where I can’t stand you as an artist and your ego is overshadowing your music. SHUT UP already!

Bolt

Above: Rhino the Gerbal, Bolt and Mittens the Cat.

Zachary really enjoys seeing the latest kids movies at the theater and usually it's a snoozefest watching the films, especially the dreadful Clone Wars that we saw a few months ago. Today we took Zach to the new film Bolt. I did not have high hopes for the film and was already starting to nod off the first 5 minutes of the film. Once the film started to get going though I started to gain interest in it. I have to say that Bolt is a good kids movie but an even better film for adults. The humor in the film was excellent! The real standout of the film is the alley cat called Mittens. When Mittens came on the screen and started talking I could not place the hilarious voice - I asked Paul if he knew who the familiar voice was and after a few minutes I saw his eyes light up and said "It's Suzy from Curb Your Enthusiasm!" Yes, it was the comedic actress Susie Essman who plays the loud foul-mouthed wife of Jeff on one of my favorite shows Curb Your Enthusiasm. She really was hilarious as the voice of Mittens.

Above: Zach and Paul getting ready to watch Bolt.

I recommend the film for everyone who wants a good laugh. It's truly an enjoyable film Zach enjoyed it but I think Paul and I enjoyed it more.:-)

Above: Zach doing his impression of a plastic army guy at the theatre.

Above: Zach in front of the promo prop for the upcoming film Marley & Me.

Above: Zach and Paul in front of the Christmas tree inside the theatre.

Above: Zach about to be eaten by a dinosaur.

We March On!

Above: Great picture of the protest in the Castro.

Above: Andres, Ryan and me marching down Market Street.

Above: An amazing photo taken by PJ.

Above: Powerful protester.

Above: Paul shielding himself from the hot sun.

Today was the nationwide protest against hate and discrimination on gays right to marry! If you're not out there protesting and speaking your mind, then get off your ass and do so! There were hundreds of people from all walks of life protesting and speaking their minds. We walked from City Hall where the main protest was right down Market street into the heart of the Castro. It's a great time to be living in the heart of the protest, San Francisco, and being a part of history. I took several pictures of the march and many of the interesting signs people had made. Check out the photos!

Above: Me listening to the protest.

Above: Andres, Ryan and me marching on.

Above: Puppy Love.

Above: Got rights?

Above: That sign is priceless!

Above: Don't know if I agree with this sign, it would be interesting to see what would have happened if my parents couldn't get a divorce...

Above: The huge march in the Castro.

Above: Love thy Gaybor - hell yes!

Above: What the Cluck!

Above: Great picture PJ took of the Coppers.

Above: Me in the march with Ryan and Andres.

Above: God Bless America.

Above: Love this sign!

Above: Good question!

Above: Ryan and Andres listening to the rally.

Above: Great sign Ryan!

Above: Another great sign!

Above: Maybe gays will have to start living in cages. Cluck!

Above: United We Stand!

Above: City Hall in San Francisco.

A hiking we will go, a hiking we will go...

Above: Zach found a great walking stick.

We all went for a hike today on a brisk 60 degree day in San Francisco. Check out the unbelievable beautiful scenery below. San Francisco always amazes me how no matter how many time you see something in SF it always appears different and more beautiful.

Above: Look at how amazing the view is from where we hiked - unreal!

Above: A great shot!

Above: Zach took this picture of Paul and me!

Above: Running up the stairs trying to get away from the brisk cold wind.

Above: Zeebs actin' a fool.

Above: Zach and me being silly.

Above: Zach shielding himself from the wind.

Above: Zach took this picture as well.

Zach Barack Obama Johnson

Zach celebrating the victory of our new president-elect, Barack Obama! It's amazing that Zach's first memory of a US President will be Barack Obama! I love it.

H8

As we are all aware, Proposition 8 in California has been voted on and the outcome was not what the gay community was looking for. The majority voted that gays should not have the right to marry. Discrimination is still alive and well even though we elected an African American President this week.

San Francisco is known for it's rich history in gay politics and Proposition 8 will go down as one of those historic events. It's an interesting time to be living in San Francisco and going through this whole fight. It's interesting to be a part of the fight - I strongly feel that gays are being wrongfully discriminating against and we should not be quiet about it. And we are not...

Above: iPhone photo of the protest march, more below.

There was a huge march in the city tonight with thousands of people gay AND straight. Paul, Zach and I stood on the side of the march and watched people march - we all stood holding hands - one family - and many people were waving and smiling at us. It was another powerful moment in an emotional week of highs and lows.


On an ironic note - a car tried to run though the people walking in the march and the police had to restrain the vehicle - guess what...the driver of the black truck was an African American man. Sigh.... I am not prejudice towards any group of people especially African Americans, hell I even dated a black man for a short period of time. Everyone knows the history of African Americans how wrongfully they've been treated through the years and how they were made to feel inhuman and the lowest of class. Things have changed drastically for their race and Barack Obama becoming President breaks down even more walls. I do feel that SOME (and I stress some) African Americans feel the need to be superior over another group - and that group is homosexuals. It's a bold statement but it's true.

I have had some heated debates about this with a few people and many African Americans feel that the kind of discrimination that gays are going through is not the same as what the African Americans have gone through and are still going through. Huh? Really? In my eyes discrimination IS discrimination. Period.


EVERYONE needs to come together right now - CHANGE needs to happen for EVERYONE not just one race.

Here’s the breakdown on how different races voted on Prop 8:

Whites voted 51 to 49 for no
Asians voted 51 to 49 for no
Latins voted 53 to 47 for yes
Blacks 70 to 30 for yes

Click here to read: Gays, blacks divided on Prop 8!

Can We?

Above: People celebrating the Obama victory.

This is the first election I have ever voted in and I have no problem stating that. No one has ever inspired me enough to want to vote for him or her. No person has ever made me believe in them enough to want to vote for him or her. I have never connected with a candidate before to make me want to be a part in electing them as President of the United States. Until now. I will admit, that when Barack Obama started his campaign I said, "No way is this country ready to elect an African American President."

Above: Here I am waiting in line to vote.

Above: Zach keeping me warm on the chilly morning waiting over an hour in line to vote.

Above: Long voting line on Jersey Street in Noe Valley.

I was very doubtful that he would become the democratic nominee. Once he proved me wrong, I started to really get interested in this ambitious man that I admired just for his drive. After listening to Obama speak, I realized not only did I want this man to be the next President, but also I really liked the guy. I actually liked a person in politics, I believe him, I am inspired by him, I listen to him - so I voted for the first time because I believe Barack Obama will not only make a difference in my life, Paul’s life, Zach’s life but the entire future of this world.

Above: Symbolic Obama poster.

Above: Click on this picture - it's really cool if you look a larger view of it.

Above: The crowd celebrating.

Celebrating the election was unlike anything I have ever been a part of or witnessed. Being in crowds that were hugging strangers standing next to them, smiling at each other, crying with one another and holding hands was a highly emotional moment. All of us stood in silence as Obama accepting his future position and we listened to his inspirational words. At that moment, I felt the country was at one with each other, even the McCain supporters that listened to McCain’s gracious speech couldn’t help but be inspired at what they we witnessing.

Above: Seeing it live - Barack Obama elected President.

Above: The Castro goes wild with people.

As the night started coming to a close, I started to realize that we have come so far in this country but took a look at the results of Prop 8, which could ban same-sex marriage. It looks like this ban will come into effect. Five steps forward with Obama but two steps back for discrimination against gays. I have mixed feeling about this victory. I am high on the fact that Obama is in charge of this country and we have broken down those walls against race but we are closing doors against people still. I don’t have the right to marry another man because I am told it's wrong and against the law. It's against the law for me to entire into something sacred because people feel marriage should only be between a man and a woman.

Above: Me and Jay.

Mind you, I would probably never get married, I may feel different down the road, but it's my choice, my right that is being taken away from me. I will never understand why people are threatened by the notion of a man marrying another man or a woman marrying another women. What do you fear? How is my love for another human being so wrong that you have to put laws into effect?

Above: The boys celebrating Obama.

Above: A sea of people in the Castro embrace the Obama victory.

There is hope in my eyes. Gays have come a long LONG way, even when I was in high school - I was beaten for being gay which was only 15 years ago and I was kicked out of my home for speaking my mind and saying I was gay at 16 years old but this country and the poeple have grown in so many ways. I have seen groups and organizations formed in schools to support gay youth I have seen civil union rights come into effect, I have witnessed hundreds of people get the courage to stand up and be who they are and speak there mind to their families, I have witnessed bravery and courage not only from other gay men and women but from myself. I am hopeful that with the progression of where this country is headed that I will see more doors open up for gays as they have opened up for African Americans.




Someday, we will all look back on this and I will tell stories as an old man that I saw the first African American President and I saw gay’s achieved the equality other citizens have and who knows, I might even be sitting next to my husband, Paul, telling Zach’s children the journey we went through and explaining them what discrimination means and how it no longer exists.

Can we? Yes we can!

Sticky & Sweet

Above: Will, Ryan, Me & Paul at the Madonna pre-party.

Last night Ryan, Will, Paul and I headed to Madonna's Hard Candy: Sticky & Sweet Tour! Very appropriate title for he day after Halloween. We headed there early since we had VIP passes to a pre-dinner and a Madonna goody bag. The buffet dinner was great and the entire event had huge Madonna posters, her music videos playing, music was blaring - it was a Madonna fans dream!

Above: Paul, Madonna and Me.

After the little shindig, we headed into the arena dodging the pouring rain - it has not rained in over 6 months in San Francisco but it was pouring rain when Madonna came to visit!

Above: Everyone that attended the pre-part got a trendy shoulder bag, a tour book, a cool pen, a tour lollipop and a kiss from Madonna (I am lying about the kiss part.)

The show did not disappoint. She never does. I have seen every one of her concerts since 1990s Blonde Ambition Tour. She really amazes me each show for different reasons. The tour was not my favorite of hers at all, there were a few songs I was not crazy about and the whole Spanish section of the concert I could have lived without. A few things really floored me watching this 50-year-old woman that I have followed for the past 25 years. I have watched this woman evolve from flash in the pain to living legend.

Above: Oh the joy in super Madonna fan Ryan's face looking through he tour book.

Another thing that amazed me was how the stadium was sold out and everyone was screaming and on their feet. The age range was 10 years old to 70 years old, it really showed that people still come out to see Madonna of all ages after all these years. Even the new songs that people were not that familiar with, everyone was still out of their seats jamming to the show.



Her political views in the middle of the show were quite impressive. She shows videos of all the "evils" of the world right now including McCain and then she went on to endorse Obama and show images of people doing good in the world like Bono and Oprah. It was a pretty powerful montage.



The show was a blast and it was my second time seeing Madonna with Paul and my first time with mega fan Ryan and Will. It was really cool seeing it with Ryan because he is juts as much a fan as I am even though he was born the year Madonna started, 1983. Sigh, I did feel old talking about how I remember Madonna first coming out, BUT we both were screaming our heads off when she first took the stage.

Check out the video I took of Madonna performing "Vogue" - notice when I pan over to Ryan's face mid-way through. I thought the vein in his forehead was going to explode! :-)

Halloween Part II

Paul and I have been gearing Zach up for the big night when he would go house to house and collect candy in his Police outfit. Paul carved a pumpkin with Zach a few days before Halloween - it came out pretty good! We placed the pumpkin outside our window and light it up at night! Spooky. We also did an arts and crafts night and we made a little Halloween collage of sorts.

Above: Paul & Zach getting ready to carve the pumpkin.

Above: Zach's Halloween collage!

Halloween night came and went - sadly I had to work late so I missed going trick or treating with Zach, Paul and Carrie. Thankfully, I can experience it all through the pictures Paul took!

Above: Officer Zach Johnson giving the thumbs up that he is ready to start trick or treating!

Above: Zach making sure he doesn't get a rock.

Above: Zach and Carrie checking out the loot!

Above: Making the rounds.

Above: I am sure Zach was wondering why Santa was out on Halloween.

Zach looks very happy! He was thrilled with all his candy, but over did it a bit and got the famous Halloween candy stomach ache from eating too much candy! I remember I used to get so much candy on Halloween that is would last until Christmas!