It came just the same!

He HADN'T stopped Christmas from coming!
IT CAME!
Somehow or other, it came just the same!
And the Grinch, with his grinch-feet ice-cold in the snow,
Stood puzzling and puzzling: "How could it be so?
It came without ribbons! It came without tags!
"It came without packages, boxes or bags!"
And he puzzled three hours, `till his puzzler was sore.
Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before!
"Maybe Christmas," he thought, "doesn't come from a store.
"Maybe Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more!"

These are the words that started going through my head a few weeks ago when I read an article about gay couples. In a nutshell, it talks about how census data shows that gay couples are very similar to straight couples in income, home ownership, and even in raising children. The article mentioned how surprising it is that in Wyoming and Utah, where gay marriage (or even civil unions) are far from legal, there are a higher percentage of gay couples that live as though they are married that in other states.

Huh. So, gay marriage comes without a legal piece of paper, with churches and individuals fighting them on every side. Somehow or other it comes just the same. Maybe it means just a bit more than the tax benefits and such that come from marriage. Maybe it means more than just sex and selfishness. Maybe, perhaps, it means love and commitment and family.And maybe, just maybe, that could be a good thing for society.

Meanwhile, while organizations argue that we need to "save the children" from viewing this alternative type of family, wouldn't it be better for children to learn that families are different, and that Bobby who has two dads or two moms still has a family that is part of the community and deserves respect? Because regardless of whether or not gay marriage is ever legal here in Utah, the fact is that these "marriage-like" situations with families and children continue to exist, and will continue to do so. They are not going away.

Is He Gay?

When I was at the pride center last week, I checked out a book that caught my eye at the library there.

"Is He Gay? For every woman who's met the Ideal Man and is wondering...why hasn't he tried to kiss me?" (by Ed Baker and Chris Busick).

Noah and I enjoyed reading it together one night, and here are the thoughts I enjoyed the most! It is comprised of a bunch of comics and scenarios that should scream to the girl, "Hello, he's gay." A page following each comic lists "hints" and a "superhint".


Here's the intro page...

"You've finally met a guy who makes every moment feel like a Kodak commercial. Your inner voice cries, "I DO!" but your sex drive screams, "WE DON'T!" As your relationship reaches new heights of intimacy, the snapshots seem clearly platonic. You ask yourself, "Why didn't I see this coming?" We answer, "Because you haven't read this book."

There is a comic of him holding back her hair while she throws up. What a saint! So much like my gay husband. The superhint: "HE TAKES CARE OF YOU". Yes, he always has. :)

Comic of them cuddling in bed. Hints: "You spoon him...he goes to sleep..." Story of my life!

Other hints: "he cooks", "he can shop till you drop"; superhint: "SHOW TUNES" LOL!

Favorite Store: "The Pottery Shed"; hints: "candles, sconces, throw rug" (Mine loves to shop, especially in kitchen stores or stores with decor.)

Goodbye: "brotherly hugs, passionless pecks"

He doesn't call for days. Then finally...

"Last minute invitation, he's making pasta, video's containing questionable subject matter." (Comic says, "I rented Gods and Monsters")

Getting to know him, "He has great taste and he's neat, drapes are billowy and tied back, subscribes to International Male, Architectural Digest, People, TV Guide, Wallpaper, Exercise for Men Only, Detour, W, Vanity Fair, & Martha Stewart Living." For mine, it is Men's Vogue and Better Homes and Gardens.

"Erratic calling patterns...He's not jealous..."

Comic, girl talking to friend..."I just don't get it." She says, "He's gay."

Comic, on a date: "I have a question to ask you..." He interrupts, "You look so HOT tonight." "I do?"

Hints: "flattery". Superhint: "Strawberry Margaritas"

"He is so not gay. My friend is stupid...I think she's gay."

Hints: "You're in denial" (Footnote: "Possibly, so is he.") ISN'T THAT THE TRUTH! 30-something years of denial for both of us.

Comic: "Let's get out of here!"

But instead of sex, he ends up giving her a facial.

Verdict: GAY!

Disclaimer at the end of the book:

"The authors of this book recognize that the content is one MASSIVE generalization. There are bound to be exceptions. Neither author, in fact, owns a sconce. With that in mind, if you have any complaints, questions, or are single and too pretty, feel free to contact us."

Funny book. :)