Memory Monday:

It's the short version...
And without a whole lot of pictures....


When I got my first job, all I cared about was the paycheck…
And what did I do with my first paycheck?
I bought a pair of Doc Martens boots!



So what was my first job? (And by ‘first job’ I mean anything that wasn’t babysitting… - and in which I got an actual paper telling me that I was hired, and how many hours I'd worked...)
I worked as a maid at the local hotel… Meeting a lot of..uhm..interesting people.
But it was fun. And educating. And most of all I earned some money. Not a lot really.

Actually I spend my entire first paycheck on that pair of Doc Martens. But they were so worth it!

(I still have them…)


But that was also when I wore braided bracelets.




And the leather necklace with the peace sign.




It's weird how many memories that come to mind when you find a pair of old boots...
I might actually still have some of those bracelets somewhere... Hmmm...

Not that keen on throwing anything out - as you might be able to tell...

Enjoy your Monday :o)

Sapphic Sunday:

Today it’s all about food porn.

I’m sure you’ve already heard of the ad. (If not – please go watch in HQ!).

And that made me wonder:

Nigella Lawson (the Queen of food porn - allegedly):
Official website, wikipedia.

Might not be an ad - but it's an interview






or

Padma Lakshmi:
Official website, wikipedia and Top Chef







Uhm...yeah...?
Who would you choose? (If you had to...)

And just for the record... Insomnia sucks! (Unless you have great pictures and YouTube videos to watch...)

The Italian Dream:

It’s not that I dream of Italy (although I would love to go someday – I’ve travelled in Europe but never to Italy).
What I’m referring to is a television show that’s currently airing in Denmark. And since it’s kind of a reality show I didn’t pay much attention to it at first. But then the couples [looking for the Italian Dream] were to study Italian (when in Rome… - and all that).

I have to say. With a teacher like that I would either:

A: Study my a** off to impress her or

B: Not learn a single word of Italian just because I would be too busy looking at her.

Or possibly

C: Study as hell when I was alone and then not being able to impress her at all because I wouldn’t be able to form a sentence (even in Danish) in her presence…

It'll probably be the latter... I'm such or dork ;o)

She’s just…well… HOT!

This picture does not do her justice. At all! And if there were any way that I could posibly show you a video of here I so would. She's just gorgeous, funny, charming... oh my.

If you speak any Dutch or German (or similar) you'll be able to read about her here. (If not there’s always Google translate - although it’s not quite accurate at times).

But here are the basics (I won't promise I did better than Google translate, though):

She’s 28 and is a major in Italian language and literature. She lives with her parents and she’s 'got a friend’ (or at least that’s what I make of it – don’t dare asking Google translate…). She’s currently teaching a 12 year-old girl with autism (1 on 1 lessons) but hopes to teach a ‘real’(?) class some day. (And apparently she’s known to be a strict teacher [OMG. Is it hot in here...?]). And at night she teaches aerobic and dancing.

I am so going to Italy! ;o)

Excuse me while I'll track down my passport....

This is the one where I answer the questions from my last post myself:

I realize that my question in my last post could offend people, but that was not my intention.

I'm a plus size myself.

So why do we need to discuss weight? Or dating women who are overweight?
[Why do we have to apologize for being attracted to anything 'not normal'?]*

It's all about the attraction. Why should it matter if you are attracted to skinny, overweight, black, white, red, yellow, tall, short, femme, butch, androgyne, etc?
And you can't control who you are attracted to (you can however control whether or not to act on the attraction - but that's different story).

Being overweight it's all about confidence I guess. And being comfortable with who you are. If you don't like yourself, how can you expect others to like you?

In my case my overweight has something to do with 3 (main) things:
- Laziness
- Love of food
- Being insecure about who I was.

The first two things is something that's easily fixed, but the last one took quite some time. [I think I had this idea, that if no one was attracted to me, then I wouldn't have to worry about dating - and in my case which gender to date. Stupid, right? You can't put your life on hold. Sometimes it would be relly nice to have a remote like in Click, though.]

So I'm dealing with my weight right now. I'll never be a size zero. Probably never a size 4 either, but that's fine by me. I'm not going for 'a size'. I just want to be happy with who I am. (And it's not that I'm unhappy right now. I'm just not happy. Apparently I'm not making any sense either.)
But that doesn't mean I don't have to eat healthy or live healthy (this April it's been a year since my last cigarette and I'm quite proud of that one!) and get my lazy a** into the gym - or at least exercising.

As for the obsession af the perfect body...
Perfect is actually Latin for "finished"

Aristotle said “That is perfect:
1. which is complete — which contains all the requisite parts;
2. which is so good that nothing of the kind could be better;
3. which has attained its purpose”

Defining perfection isn't that easy. What's perfect for me is - most likely - not perfect for you. And isn’t that the way it’s supposed to be? Would we really want the same ideal?
But in a world where we are encouraged to ‘fit in’ at an early age, it sometimes can be difficult to stand out and dare to be different.





* In this case I'm talking about weight. And by 'not normal', I refer to society's standards set by models, designers and/or actors/actresses (which basically doesn't mean that it's normal - it's just how the trend is right now). And I'm not saying it's the right standard. Just the current.

Beaver Bunch: This weeks topics.

So I've been skipping the topics lately - which by the way doesn't mean I've been skipping the videos ;o)

This weeks topics:

We get a handful of questions regarding body image in the LGBTQ community, so this week the Beavs are going to tackle the one topic no one likes to talk about...weight!

1) I am plus size and that makes it harder for me to find a woman. I was wondering if any of you have any advice for me on how to meet woman who are willing to look past what is on the outside and see the inner beauty?

2) Would you ever date a bigger woman?

3) Why the obsession with weight and the perfect body in the LGBTQ community?

Can you honestly say, that you've never thought about it?

Memory Monday:

Today is a special edition ;o) It’s a bit short, but that’s because I have tons of things to do before dinner. And my weekend was kinda swamped too…

We have to go back to 1977… (Thats the year Elvis died - but this has nothing to do with that). Loooong ago I know, but this is where it all began (actually it probably began around June 23 1976, but let’s not get into all the details… Please?).

I’ll give you a hint:



No? That didn’t help?

Here’s another ;o)



All right….



Have a great day!

I know I will!

Saphhic Sunday:

This Sunday I dedicate to:

Lina Rafn



She may not be famous around the world – and maybe you don’t even know her at all – but there’s a small chance that you might have heard of a band called Infernal. Lina is the lead singer in this band.
And she’s gorgeous.


Self-Control:

This is a music video I would have liked to participate in (especially around 2.38 and forward)

From Paris To Berlin:


If you want to know more about the music, go to Infernal’s official website or their MySpace.




Lina is also one of the judges in the Danish version af X Factor. She does a pretty good job (at least she did last year - I haven't watched much television lately...)


(Left to Right: Thomas Blachman, Remee and Lina. Remee has written and produced a large number of songs (among others songs for Ice Age 2, Bridget Jones Diary 2, Dr. Dolittle etc.). What Thomas Blachman's role is (besides giving really weird comments no one can understand - and thinking he ought to be Simon Cowell) I haven't got a clue.

Indigo Girls: Poseidon and the Bitter Bug

I’ve listened. And I’ve learned.
Much like Natazzz I have Second Time Around among my favorites. (For reasons why, go check out her blog post about it). And it really reminded me of another song. I just couldn’t figure out which one. Obviously I didn’t consider it to be one of Indigo Girls’ own songs but I sort of realized that it was Closer To Fine*.
This – by the way – is one of the only songs I know by Indigo Girls. The other isn’t really a song by them. It’s Pink’s Dear Mr. President**.

I guess it’s not entirely true. I’m sure I know more songs by Indigo Girls but I never thought about it. (And this is a totally different issue I’ll address in another post…).


Back to the new album.
Actually I think you have a few different choices to make if you want to buy a copy of Poseidon and the Bitter Bug:

- There’s the album with the band version.

Or

- There’s the 2 disc special edition which includes: A band version and an acoustic version of the songs + a bonus track on the acoustic version.

I like both the acoustic and the full band version.
If you –like I – think there’s something poetic about the way some people can tell a story just by playing the guitar (or the banjo), or if you really want to hear the bonus track Salty South, then I would recommend that you go for the 2 disc edition.

I like all of the songs (and I have to say. It’s not often I come across a CD where I don’t want to fast forward most of the songs when I heard the intro), but there are a few I like more than the others.
Besides Second Time Around it’s Love of Our Lives and I’ll Change. And Salty South.

I just have to point out a few lines:

I’ll Change:
One day I’ll change, you’ll be the first one that I call
I owe you an apology, too many things and that’s not all
I’ve been running long before I learned to crawl

Second Time Around:
(Besides the lyrics pointed out by Natazzz – link above)
Sister if you ain’t got nothing good to say
Don’t say nothing at all.

Love of Our Lives:
Is there no mastermind of modern day,
who can blueprint a plan to make love stay,
sturdy and weatherproof ushering in a new revolution

The album(s) will be released March 24 (which is this Tuesday).

In the meantime you could always check out the Indigo Girls Official Website.

Or download your very own free song.

* Don't ask me why. And I didn't even remember the music to Closer To Fine - the lyrics just popped into my head while listening to Second Time Around. Right around 01.01-01.07 and 03.38-03.45 (the acoustic version). It's a guitar thing I guess. And - in total envy - I'd like to add, that I wish I could play like that. I'm pretty sure it's got something to do with my guitar - couldn't possibly be me ;o)

** This is a really great acoustic version!

Reconsidering.

I've always wanted to go to America. But recently I've been reconsidering....
I feel like they're not really interested in visitors... ;o)

Oh, yeah?


(I realize the sign is modified - but it's still funny)


They are pretty consistent ;o)


No wonder I don't go to church ;o)

Have a great Wednesday!

Feeling a bit blue today?

That’s probably because it’s St. Patricks Day or as the Irish say: Lá ’le Pádraig or Lá Fhéile Pádraig.

And I do mean blue, however green is probably the colour you connect with St. Patricks Day nowadays. It’s a shamrock thing.


And if you feel like celebrating, but don’t know where to go….
Click here – it’s worldwide - just find your country somewhere on the list

I'm not really celebrating St. Patricks Day, but I'm somewhat intrigued by the Irish. (I think it must be a past life experience or something, because I've never actually been to Ireland).

But if I were celebrating I might wanna buy me one of these:




Get one of these:


And add:


(Maybe I'll do that anyway...)


And finally I'll be:

Happy

ST. PATRICKS DAY

Indigo Girls.

A while ago (when I was away) I was asked if I wanted to do a coverage of the new Indigo Girls album. I didn't answer before I got home, so I actually didn't expect to get a copy of the album, however it arrived today. Thank you Kurt.

So now I'm off to listen to the music.

Memory Monday:

Remembering does not mean you always remember the good stuff.
I'd like to forget most of the fashion-trends during the 80's.

Like shoulder-pads:





Or leg warmers:





Or the hair-cuts:







But I loved the music :o)

In some cases I do prefer the newer versions, though (which basically means I still listen to the music. Yeah....):
Your're my heart, you're my soul
Brother Louie

Sapphic Sunday:

Thanks to Natazzz, One More Lesbian and - eventually YouTuber Pepsienglish I'm addicted to "Los Hombres De Paco" (Paco's men). (So addicted that I actually began watching the clips from the series in Spanish without the English subtitles (don't ask why....I had a 'duh' moment later on). I didn't understand much (from the words - not the acting...) but I couldn't stop watching.

Here's why (with English subs):

Pepa and Silvia are preparing for an undercover job at a club called "Flashdance". (If you don't care much for the dialog or the story, go to 3.45)


Silvia's talking to her sister Lola about flirting


The first kiss

Paco is Pepa's brother and Don Lorenzo is Silvia's father. Paco is also married to Silvias sister Lola. And Sara is Paco's (and Lola's) daughter. Confused? Just wait till you find out who Sara's boyfriend is.

"I don't know how to do this"


I haven't watch all the videos yet, but I'm getting there.

Are you still reading this? Go watch the videos instead ;o)

And have a great Sunday.

Duh!

Memory Monday:

Songs/Music Videos That Made An Impression:

This is truely a classic:
a-ha - Take On Me

And if someone could just tell the Jonas Brothers to stop performing it... Please! They ruin it.

Belinda Carlisle - Heaven Is A Place On Earth

And i case you want to watch the official music video.

Eurythmics - Sweet Dreams


Nena - 99 Luft Ballons

Yes I know it's the German version (it's 99 Red Balloons in English). But that's the one I listened to growing up.

Roxette - The Look


Bonnie Tyler - Total Eclipse of the Heart


Ace of Base - The Sign


Wilson Phillips - Release Me



I know. I know. I get a little carried away.

Sapphic Sunday:

Demi Moore:

So she's married to what's-his-name Ashton Kutcher who's a lucky S.O.B younger than her. Envy anyone? Uhm...Yes?


Short hair or long hair?

I actually like the really short hair cut (on the right)

Or no hair - Like in G.I. Jane

Clothes?





Tattoos?


With a fur coat?



Or without?




And with Cameron Diaz in Charlie's Angels Full Throttle





She's not unfamiliar with being practically naked in movies - but I'm not one to complain.
Demi Moore in Striptease dancing to Little Bird by Annie Lennox

Enjoy your Sunday.

You know when you get this song stuck in your head...?

It's actually quite catchy...


Performed by: Aura Dione

New Friday on the Beaver Bunch...

Lu's last Friday video for the Beaver Bunch:


As you all might know I've been a bit obsessed with these girls and Kade. In a good way that is. All because of me stumbling upon a video called My Big Fat Jewish Lesbian Wedding on a Thursday. (During my 'Bi-the-way, I really do like girls'-days). And I couldn't stop watching their videos...

I just hope Lu'll keep making videos for her personal channel. I've always found her Friday videos a great way to start the weekend.
She'll be missed!

Look me up when you're legal....

That's a phrase I've heard a few times at YouTube.
No. Not in a dirty way - it had to do with going out for a drink - and it was not said to me (I'm old enough...)

But it got me thinking: Legal?
To do what?

Where I live we have very different standards for legality.
For instance:

- You can legally drive a car when you are 18.







- You can legally buy/have a drink in a pub or a disco when you are 16 (or at least that's where the age limit will be in a few months. Right now it's actually 15)






- You can legally get married when you are 18 (sometimes you can get married at an earlier age, but then you need government approval - and yes same sex couples can get wed as well (since 1989) - at the city counsel)






- You can legally smoke (cigarettes/cigars/etc.) when you are 18 (this is a fairly new one as well - earlier there was no age limit.)











- You can vote when you're 18.












- You will be convicted as an adult, if you commit any crime after you turned 15 (not that you should commit crime at any given age)






And finally


- You can legally have sex when you are 15 (although this might change to 16 as well) - but hey, what can you expect from the first country in the world to legalize pornography...





So basically you can have sex and get drunk when you are 15/16, but you cannot vote, drive a car or smoke legally until you are 18.

So. Are we more liberal than the Americans?
In America you can drive when you're 16, have sex when you are 16/17/18 (it varies from state to state), vote when you are 18 and drink when you are 21. Or at least that's what I think it is. Please enlighten me if I got it all wrong. :o)

And should the age limits be the same?
Like, "When you are 18 you can vote/drive/drink/have sex/get married/smoke - but not sooner..."?

Sometimes I wonder....

...where the hell I've been living for the past - I don't know - 30-some years?

I went over to eurOut to take the HMDYKAELE quiz - but I didn’t know any of the answers.....except for No. 1, 12 and 13. So I'm not entering that contest...

3 (THREE!!!) answers out of 15!?!?
Really???!?

I mean...REALLY?!?!?!?

Are you even gay???
Erhm...that would be pretty safe to assume, yes, but apparently I've been living in my own world. Like Fantasia (or Randomania)...? At least my info on the LGBTQ community has been rather random - up till I discovered AfterEllen (and now eurOut).
[the fact that I only recently(?) re-discovered my 'gay-ness' could also have something to do with my ignorence....]

So I wait patiently for the rest of the answers to the quiz (the deadline is midnight March 4th - standard European time +1 GMT).

You should give it a try.
The chances of you doing worse than me is non-existent ;o)

Memory Monday.

Growing up I listened to a lot of different music. In the early years it was mostly ABBA, The Mamas & the Papas or The Carpenters (and I still know their songs by heart...).

I was a very - moody is probably not the best word to describe myself, but for now it has to do - teenager. All the music I listened to reflected my mood. And for some reason I was never quite happy in my teens...

The Cranberries
"Zombie" and "Linger" were my favorites


4 Non Blondes
"What's Up?"


Laura Branigan
I still listen to "Self-Control".

The Danish band Infernal made a cover of the song (a pretty good one).

Limahl
"Never Ending Story" is one of my all time favorite songs - but I'm sure that's connected with the movie....


Queen
"Bohemian Rhapsody" is to me one of the most beautiful songs in the world, but I like most of Queen's songs.


Wham
I know they made a lot of great songs, but the one people always seem to remember is "Last Christmas".


Sinead O’Connor
"Nothing Compares 2 U" is a given, but "Sacrifies" is brilliant as well (Elton John wrote it)