remembering

10 years ago I was at work when I heard of the terrible tragedies. I was working a half day, because I was supposed to pick my dad up at the airport that afternoon for his fall visit. Needless to say, his flight didn’t leave Tampa that day.

The emotional toll of that day solidified plans that Greg and I would move our relationship forward from a long distance relationship to sharing a home together. It was a reminder that life is so short and unpredictable. Two months after that September day, Greg and I began our life together as a family.

The photograph is from the 5th year anniversary of September 11th in 2006 at Goodyear Metropark in Akron.

five senses friday #6

If it’s Friday, it’s time for me to take a look back on the previous week. Here’s what tickled my senses.

seeing:

blue skies. finally.

tasting:

another spectacular seasonal jeni’s flavor, meyer lemon blueberry frozen yogurt.

hearing:

you are the best thing by Ray LaMontagne. simply one of the most romantic songs.

smelling:

coffee cake baking.

feeling:

loved. everyday. thank you Greg.

Speaking of lovey-dovey stuff.  I recently saw this video again and realized how much I enjoy it. Sometimes I think we get caught up in all of the bad news and tragedy in the world.  Take a few minutes and watch this music video by Bright Eyes. I guarantee you’ll be in a better mood.  What’s your favorite “happy place” song?

i’m still here…

It’s been a crazy couple of weeks.  Things are settling down in to a new groove. I’m still here and plan to post a proper blog entry soon. Thanks for checking in.

slight thaw

It’s warmed into the low 40′s the last couple of days. Some of the snow is melting, there’s still a lot to go.

I haven’t had much to say recently.

The tragedy in Haiti is awful. It’s good see the generosity of people who are donating to the relief effort. On the other hand, it’s disheartening to hear the remarks of Rush Limbaugh and Pat Robertson.

There’s an important federal case going on in California. The results could set the stage for a show down in the Supreme Court on the issue of Marriage Equality.

I know the bra color of a great deal of my female friends. Thanks for that facebook.

Downloaded the new Vampire Weekend cd. It’s a really great sophomore effort. Catchy as hell.

The long weekend ahead looks to be a great deal of fun. I need a weekend of fun and frivolity.

the new me

So I’ve decided to change all of my “about me” and profile pages on-line to reflect how I really feel right now. They will now include the following statement:

My name is Michael Derr and time and time again, the majority of voters in my country and in my state have decided that I am a second-class citizen. Unworthy of the equal rights and protections granted to me by our Constitution.

thank you Senator Kennedy

A fierce advocate for equality was lost on Tuesday. Here’s hoping that his legislative legacy lives on.

“It is wrong for our civil laws to deny any American the basic right to be part of a family, to have loved ones with whom to build a secure future and share life’s joys and tears, and to be free from the stain of bigotry and discrimination.” – Senator Ted Kennedy (Statement on the Federal Marriage Amendment, 2006)

lemonade

Please Help Save Ohio Libraries – Time is Running Out

A message from the Akron-Summit County Public Library

This is an urgent message to all of our customers, friends and supporters. The Akron-Summit County Public Library (ASCPL) and the other 250 public libraries across the state are facing further funding cuts that will have serious consequences to Ohio libraries.

Ohio Governor Ted Strickland has proposed a balanced budget framework for 2009-2011 that amounts to a 50 percent cut to the Public Library Fund (PLF).  This proposal is devastating for 70 percent of all Ohio public libraries that depend on the PLF as their only significant funding. Approximately half of all Akron-Summit County Public Library’s funding is generated from the state.

The Conference Committee is considering the proposal this week and then will send it back to the state legislators.

The Governor’s budget will cut $227.3 million from the PLF. This figure is IN ADDITION to the reductions that libraries have already experienced as a result of declining revenue.

We know that Ohio’s public libraries are the community’s lifeline to a better life. The Governor’s proposed funding cuts come at a time when ASCPL and all of Ohio’s public libraries are experiencing unprecedented increases in demands for services due to the economic downturn facing us all. At ASCPL alone, the number of items borrowed has increased by 56% percent in a 10-year period. Program and meeting attendance figures are at a record high. Demand for FREE computer Internet access is at an all-time high as patrons seek information on employment opportunities, and submit resumes for potential new jobs. Children and teens maintain their reading skills by participating in summer reading programs. Senior citizens receive many services from the library including delivery of books to their homes.

ASCPL and public libraries throughout the state are standing up to STOP this budget proposal by the Governor, and we’re asking our customers, friends and supporters to act today to help us SAVE OUR LIBRARIES! With Gov. Strickland’s budget proposal, libraries across the state would have to reduce hours or close branches, reduce children’s reading programs and the delivery of books to seniors, close on Sundays, have fewer new books and DVDS, and provide fewer services to small businesses and to job-seekers.

We are urging the community to email or call the Governor TODAY (Governor’s office: 614-466-3555)! A complete list of contact e-mail addresses and phone numbers for the Governor, and state legislators is available.

Your action is critical for the future of the Akron-Summit County Public Library, and our neighboring Summit County libraries including Barberton, Peninsula, Cuyahoga Falls, Stow, Twinsburg, Hudson, and all public libraries in the great state of Ohio.

We will do EVERYTHING in our power to SAVE OUR LIBRARIES and we’re asking your assistance at this critical time in our history. Our future and especially the future of our children and grandchildren depend on our swift action TODAY! Call or e-mail the Governor, Conference Committee and state legislators by Thursday, June 25.

what the heckles, mr. speckles?

I haven’t really had much to say lately. Not much has been going on. Lots of work. On my day off Thursday, I ran to the garden center and picked up a couple flats of annuals. Came home and got them in the ground. Yea, for getting something accomplished.

Loving the new washing machine. Besides not leaking, it has a larger capacity. It feels like we’re doing laundry less often. And it’s incredibly quiet compared to its predecessor. Unfortunately, the old washer is still hanging out in the garage waiting for someone from State Farm Insurance to pick it up.

Headed to Jimmy John’s for the first time last night for dinner with David and Marc. It was pretty good. It’s like a step up from Subway. After dinner we headed to the cinema to catch the new Pixar flick, Up. What a wonderful movie. Had me choked up in the first ten minutes. Also, I don’t think it would be a great movie for real little kids. The story-line is a little more sophisticated.

Working an event today, then off tomorrow. I’m looking forward to next weekend’s two-day break from work.  And the trip to the beach with nearly all of my father’s side of the family is fast approaching.

Finally, congrats to the fine state of New Hampshire, who’s state legislature and Governor approved same-sex marriage. That’s six states. I’m even more sure today, that I’ll see full marriage equality across our country in my lifetime.

quote of the night…oscar edition

”I think it is a good time for those who voted for the ban against gay marriage to sit and reflect and anticipate their great shame…if they continue that way of support. We’ve got to have equal rights for everyone.”

-Best Actor Winner, Sean Penn