Who ROD, please tell us more!!!!

[Rod]

Thanks for the support everyone. Steph, you asked what it means and if it will be the ballot in 4 years. The sad truth is it will not likely be on the ballot again. Since the people have spoken, the Florida Constitution will be amended and what''s sad is it already banned "gay marriage." So what was the real intent of this heinous, cleverly written little ditty? The real intent was to prevent the Florida Supreme Court from ever being able to override the constitution, by making it illegal for a marriage to ever be recognized unless it is between one man and one woman. As a wonderful side ''benefit'' of this lovely measure, domestic partnerships are in jeoparady and this lovely bill makes it legal for groups to challenge employers (private and state) from offering domestic partner benefits, such as health insurance to anyone not legally "married" according to the state constitution. It could also permit hospitals to discrimante against "unmarried" domestic partners from visiting them if they were terminally ill or from making life decisions for them, even if they have a living will. So this ignorant amendment that over 60% of our state so glady approved has some pretty darn far reaching ramifactions.

Sorry for the Rod Rant here folks. I can''t tell you all enough how much it means to me that you are my friends, you care about me, and you support the fact that Charlie and I have lived a very sane (and normal in my book) life together for more than a quarter century. Discrimination is an ugly ugly thing. I was more shocked that such a bill passed in California. My God, if it can be passed in the most liberal state in our country, what hope do couples like Charlie and I have to begin with?? Canada is looking like a nice place to live right now..........

 

[marcy]

Rod, I am so sorry to hear that proposition passed. Hugs to you and Charlie.

 

[Skippy123]

Rod, I am sending you a huge strong hug. Thinking of you and Charlie.

 

[Kaleigh]

Date: 11/5/2008 10:10:51 PM
Author: Skippy123
Rod, I am sending you a huge strong hug. Thinking of you and Charlie.

Me too. I am so sorry. HUGS, one for you, one for Charlie.

 

[WishfulThinking]

Hi Rod!

I hope you don''t mind my stopping in here. I wanted to tell you what an inspiration reading about your life has been. I''m so glad I found this thread! My wife and I are a same sex couple living in MA and planning to move to CA next year for graduate school. We got legally married in CA last week, but now that prop 8 has all but passed [short of a few legal challenges], our marriage is in jeopardy. I''m so sorry to hear about the Florida initiative. It''s *particularly* horrid and unnecessary, especially considering the extent to which same sex marriages were already banned. The constitutional amendment is beyond low in terms of attempting to solidify the issue. Ugh.

I wish you all of the best.
I can only hope that DW and I have as loving and fulfilling a life together as you have had thus far and continue to have with your Charlie. *hugs to you*

Hopefully we will get a chance to talk more in the future.

 

[KimberlyH]

What better than a thread about Rod (and Charlie!). Thank you for sharing so much about you...and I tihnk you should pick the clarinet back up!

 

[Irishgrrrl]

Rod, I just wanted to stop by to give you my support. Hopefully, it will soon be legal for ANYONE who wants to get married to do so. ((((HUGS)))) to you and Charlie! I''m so sorry for what you''re going through.

 

[Rod]

Sorry for turning my thread into a political forum, but the support and love means so much to us both!

To my dear dear Marcy, you know how special you are and your support means the world to me!!

And Skippy what can I say. We''ve been special buds since the first time you joined the HLT. Your friendship is so special!

And to you Lisa........I so appreciate your support and the hug made me feel warm all over!!

And hello to you WishfulThinking. I''m so glad you stopped by and read my story and offered your support and told us about yourself. Congratulations on your marriage to your wife and I''m sure you are both so disappointed about Proposition 8 passing in California. They showed a Lesbian couple trying to get a marriage license the day after the election in San Francisco and of course they were denied one. We are the last fully discriminated group of people in this country and the progress we had made over the last few years, seems to be eroding. Anyway, thanks for writing and please feel free to stop by often!

Thanks Kimberly! It''s not too likely I''ll pick up the clarinet at this stage of my life, but I''ve learned to never say never! LOL

Thank you Irishgrrl. I hope that in my lifetime our relationship can be legally validated. It''s not that I want a wedding. It''s that I want Charlie to be entitled to the same benefits all married couples are entitled to, like being entitled to my social security if I die before he does.........

 

[Linda W]

Hi Rod, just want you to know that I am thinking of you and Charlie. As always, I am sending you both a great big hug!!!

Love, Linda
xoxoxoxoxox

 

[Rod]

Oh thank you for the hug Linda and I hope you can feel the cyber hug I have sent right back to you!!

 

[LaurenThePartier]

Hi, Rod - I just wanted to stop by to tell you how inspiring it was to read your life story. It''s been so touching to follow your story, and because of you, I am going to start heading into the HLT.

Also, I''m so very sorry Prop 8, and other state constitutional amendments like it, passed. It just burns me, as I can''t understand how in this progressive society, we still have such irrational prejudices.

I have an 80-year-old great-uncle (Alberto) who has lived in San Francisco all of his life, and had a partner (Maurice) for the last 45 years. They were both incredibly involved in the movement for same-sex marriage, and days after it was legally recognized in CA, he married Maurice, his partner of nearly half a century. Not more than 2 years later, Maurice passed away. Of course, now his spousal rights are in jeopardy, but Maurice''s furneral was especially touching - Alberto speaking of how society had finally moved past their unfounded fears and were making progress he never thought he would see in his lifetime.

What I can''t figure out in CA, is how 70% of African-Americans voted to pass Prop 8. An entire group came out in droves to support the end of their inequality, only to ensure rights among another group are squashed.

You an Charlie are an inspirational story, and I''m so happy to read about your early years and how you''ve both managed to transform yourselves!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 11/5/2008 9:38:06 PM
Author: Rod
Thanks for the support everyone. Steph, you asked what it means and if it will be the ballot in 4 years. The sad truth is it will not likely be on the ballot again. Since the people have spoken, the Florida Constitution will be amended and what''s sad is it already banned ''gay marriage.'' So what was the real intent of this heinous, cleverly written little ditty? The real intent was to prevent the Florida Supreme Court from ever being able to override the constitution, by making it illegal for a marriage to ever be recognized unless it is between one man and one woman. As a wonderful side ''benefit'' of this lovely measure, domestic partnerships are in jeoparady and this lovely bill makes it legal for groups to challenge employers (private and state) from offering domestic partner benefits, such as health insurance to anyone not legally ''married'' according to the state constitution. It could also permit hospitals to discrimante against ''unmarried'' domestic partners from visiting them if they were terminally ill or from making life decisions for them, even if they have a living will. So this ignorant amendment that over 60% of our state so glady approved has some pretty darn far reaching ramifactions.

Sorry for the Rod Rant here folks. I can''t tell you all enough how much it means to me that you are my friends, you care about me, and you support the fact that Charlie and I have lived a very sane (and normal in my book) life together for more than a quarter century. Discrimination is an ugly ugly thing. I was more shocked that such a bill passed in California. My God, if it can be passed in the most liberal state in our country, what hope do couples like Charlie and I have to begin with?? Canada is looking like a nice place to live right now..........

Hugs and much love and support going out to you both from me too!

 

[bee*]

Date: 10/29/2008 9:50:34 PM
Author: Rod

Where have you been bee*???? Thanks for enjoying our story. I hope you''re doing well and staying healthy. We miss you on the HLT!!

Hey Rod

I''m still going to the gym but since college started in September I don''t have as much free time anymore!! I''ll start posting again on Monday!! I promise!!

How are you keeping? And say hi to Charlie for me!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 11/8/2008 2:56:31 PM
Author: bee*

Date: 10/29/2008 9:50:34 PM
Author: Rod

Where have you been bee*???? Thanks for enjoying our story. I hope you''re doing well and staying healthy. We miss you on the HLT!!

Hey Rod

I''m still going to the gym but since college started in September I don''t have as much free time anymore!! I''ll start posting again on Monday!! I promise!!

How are you keeping? And say hi to Charlie for me!

Miss Bee - you have been missing out on Rod''s delicious dinner descriptions too!

 

[bee*]

Date: 11/8/2008 3:00:28 PM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 11/8/2008 2:56:31 PM

Author: bee*

Date: 10/29/2008 9:50:34 PM

Author: Rod


Where have you been bee*???? Thanks for enjoying our story. I hope you''re doing well and staying healthy. We miss you on the HLT!!

Hey Rod

I''m still going to the gym but since college started in September I don''t have as much free time anymore!! I''ll start posting again on Monday!! I promise!!


How are you keeping? And say hi to Charlie for me!

Miss Bee - you have been missing out on Rod''s delicious dinner descriptions too!

Ok I can''t go back!!

Everytime I used to read those dinner descriptions it used to make me so hungry!! And whatever I had cooked paled in comparison!!

 

[Rod]

Hello Lauren and thank you so much for finding our story inspiring. I think we''re just two guys who have worked hard to build a good life together. I so appreciated reading about your unclie Alberto and his partner Maurice and how they finally were allowed to marry after 45 years. It''s simply unbelievable that his benefits are now in question and I can''t fathom why any race would turn out in higher numbers to defeat the ammendment, but particularly the African American population is more of a surprise than any. I''m glad you''re going to head into the HLT. It''s such a wonderful place for anyone who is looking to live a healthier lifestyle. Our healthy family has grown considerably over the last few months. It would be great to welcome you too! Thanks again for stopping in and introducing yourself!!

Oh thank you my very special friend Lorelei!! I just know we were separated at birth somehow!!!

Hey bee*, I''m sure school is keeping you busy, but it will be nice to see you back on the HLT. I''ll try to contain my dinner descriptions (so you might not want to read the HLT tonight as we did have a pretty super dinner), so please don''t stay away anymore, OK??!! And to answer your quesiton, we''ve been fine. We work, we eat, we have coffee, we workout at the gym and the cycle pretty much starts all over again. Not much excitement these days which is a good thing!

 

[KimberlyH]

Never say never is right! I once played the piano, my hands are too small to cover an octave so I didn''t last long, but I so wish I played now.

 

[KimberlyH]

Date: 11/5/2008 9:52:52 PM
Author: marcyc
Rod, I am so sorry to hear that proposition passed. Hugs to you and Charlie.

Ditto. You and Charlie were on my mind when I voted last Tuesday.

 

[Rod]

Thanks Kimberly. I wasn''t really surprised the amendment passed in Florida, but in California??? The land of liberalism? I just have to hope that one day, people will realize that couples like us are not immoral heathens and we are not tearing apart the moral fabric of society, and we really would make good parents and could provide a balanced and loving home for children. Some day......... I do think young people growing up today are way more open and liberal than their parents. And in generations to come, discrimination over something we have no choice over will be a thing of the past, but I''m not sure it will happen in my lifetime. Still, Charlie and I are lucky and have lived (and hopefully will continue to live) a good life for sure! Anyway, thank you for being my friend and for supporting us! Our best to John, OK?

 

[marcy]

Rod, you always have my support my friend!

 

[Linda W]

Mine too Rod, we think of you and Charlie all the time. I adore you both.


Linda

 

[KimberlyH]

Date: 11/9/2008 8:46:36 PM
Author: Rod
Thanks Kimberly. I wasn''t really surprised the amendment passed in Florida, but in California??? The land of liberalism? I just have to hope that one day, people will realize that couples like us are not immoral heathens and we are not tearing apart the moral fabric of society, and we really would make good parents and could provide a balanced and loving home for children. Some day......... I do think young people growing up today are way more open and liberal than their parents. And in generations to come, discrimination over something we have no choice over will be a thing of the past, but I''m not sure it will happen in my lifetime. Still, Charlie and I are lucky and have lived (and hopefully will continue to live) a good life for sure! Anyway, thank you for being my friend and for supporting us! Our best to John, OK?

I''m saddened, but not suprised, that any such amendment is able to pass anywhere in this country. One day, my friend, one day...

Being your friend is my pleasure, and an honor. J asked about you earlier when he walked by and saw me on the computer: "So, how''s Rod?"; I''ll pass on your regards.

 

[bee*]

Date: 11/8/2008 10:12:48 PM
Author: Rod

Hey bee*, I''m sure school is keeping you busy, but it will be nice to see you back on the HLT. I''ll try to contain my dinner descriptions (so you might not want to read the HLT tonight as we did have a pretty super dinner), so please don''t stay away anymore, OK??!! And to answer your quesiton, we''ve been fine. We work, we eat, we have coffee, we workout at the gym and the cycle pretty much starts all over again. Not much excitement these days which is a good thing!

Ok I went back to the thread in spite of your delicious food descriptions!!

Glad to hear that you and Charlie are doing ok!

 

[Rod]

Oh why can''t the world be more like PS? We are so lucky to be part of such a warm and loving community!!!

And I am ever so grateful to have your support Marcy!! Our friendship means a lot to me!!

And Linda, you too my dear are very special to me. Your support and friendship also means so much to me.

And I am always honored to be your friend Kimberly. Even though we''ve never met, it seems that you and John have been in my life for a long time and for that I''m grateful. Thank John for asking about me!!

Thansk bee*! I''m glad to hear you''re back on the HLT!!

 

[marcy]

Rod you are a sweetie and I feel both privileged and delighted to be your friend. I feel like I''ve know you for years. I hope you and Charlie and Marty and I can meet some day. That would be a blast!

 

[Rod]

I''m sure we''d have a great time Marcy!! And I feel like we''ve known each other for years too!

 

[Skippy123]

Rod, you have spoke of the flood gates in the past. I have been thinking of them; what keeps you on track? I notice that you have been eating pizza and I know you said that pizza was the flood gates for you. I feel there is a fine line and a bit worried about the holiday''s approaching, any tips? Thanks dear friend!!! I always love your advice. Hugs!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 11/16/2008 12:23:58 PM
Author: Skippy123
Rod, you have spoke of the flood gates in the past. I have been thinking of them; what keeps you on track? I notice that you have been eating pizza and I know you said that pizza was the flood gates for you. I feel there is a fine line and a bit worried about the holiday''s approaching, any tips? Thanks dear friend!!! I always love your advice. Hugs!

Yoo Hoo Skippers!

Rod does give such great advice!

 

[KimberlyH]

Date: 11/10/2008 9:03:26 PM
Author: Rod

And I am always honored to be your friend Kimberly. Even though we''ve never met, it seems that you and John have been in my life for a long time and for that I''m grateful. Thank John for asking about me!!

Rod, you know the feelings are mutual. And one day I''m sure we''ll meet. J asks about you often. Last night he and I were talking about his need for routine and he said "I''m just like Rod!" I thought you''d find that amusing.

We were in Hillcrest yesterday afternoon, an area of San Diego near downtown that has a large homosexual population, right after the march to downtown, it was so wonderful to see so many people relaxing over a late lunch after spending the morning serving as activists.

Have a wonderful Sunday.

 

[Rod]

Skippy, I do worry about the flood gates, but I also recognize that I can''t completely deprive myself of everything I every enjoyed. So, little by little over the last 6 months or so, I have permitted myself to indulge a little bit. The first 2.5 years of Rebuild Rod, I didn''t stray at all. Now, I know I can have a couple slices of pizza, or even split a small piece of dessert with Charlie. But, I can''t ever go back to eating the way I did. Ever. Never. What I will do during the holidays is continue to eat like I do everyday with the exception of Thanksgiving day and Christmas day. On Thanksgving, we''ll go for a nice long run to offset the dinner we''ll have. And we''ll have a pretty normal Thanksgiving dinner, but I will likely only have one plate full and then I''ll have one slice of pumkin pie. And on Christmas day, I''ll have pretty much what I want, including a large piece of chocolate fudge cake. Of course, I''ll continue my workout schedule schedule throughout the holidays. That''s one thing that I won''t ever stop doing.

I''m not sure I''m helping you. It''s taken me a long time to allow myself to have some of the things I enjoyed in my "fat" days, I just know I have to be good the rest of the time.

Oh Thank you Lorelei.....I''m not sure my advice was particularly helpful this time........

Kimberly, I wanted to go to the protest here in Tampa, but it was Charlies only day off this weekend, and he just wanted to have a nice quiet day. I''m sure it was really something to see so many people relaxing after the protest. According to the news here, it was a pretty small turnout, but it was on the news and I even saw people I knew.