MY LIFE AS SPINNER DUDE

Posted by admin at January 2nd, 2010

OK…let’s get it out of the way, shall we?  Yes, world…I turn 50 in June.  Get it? Got it? Good!

I’m all for ringing in the new year, but that realization hasn’t quite settled in yet.  Give me time everyone and when the AARP card arrives, make sure you send over kleenex and your shoulder. I’m sure LD’s and The Blur will be totally soaked by my tears by that point.  I’m welcoming this milestone like a hole in the head.

So..onto bigger and better things. 

1.  New Year’s Eve day was spent at my friend’s Dean and Kris’ home welcoming their new granddaughter to California.  Anna Marie Hickman made her grand debut and with style and flair as well.  It was great seeing old SRHS friends and seeing Kip and Jeana (the ‘rents). 

2.  My niece Nikki gets big props for turning my sister’s backyard into a pretty swanky little party for NYE 2010.  Tables, centerpieces, a full bar, lighting, party favors, a great spread and friends I haven’t seen in years.  We were all in our “black and white” attire so that was very cool. 

3.  Lots of high 5’s to my colleagues Scott, Linda, Robert, Eric, and Corkie for leading their groups in the 2010 Rose Parade.  Raising all that money, giving up your holiday vacation to rehearse, and 5 miles of parade route is a big undertaking and their respective groups did So Cal Marching Band proud.

4. 11 am on the first day of 2010 = Penguin Plunge!  Yes we did it again and took a dip in the Pacific with about 500 of our closest friends. ‘Twas fun!

So, 2010…I’m going to give you the benefit of the doubt.  2009 was as fun as I hoped.  So step up wouldja?

Posted by admin at December 31st, 2009

The last few hours of the 2009 are ticking by and some great new things will emerge in 2010. 

At the stroke of midnight tonight we officially say goodbye to the San Diego Men’s Chorus and the Gay Men’s Chorus of San Diego.  The two organizations will form the San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus shortly after the ball drops. 

I would be remiss if I didn’t take time to reflect on what this organization has meant to me.  Back in the late 80’s and early 90’s when gay men were dying from AIDS and ACT UP was demanding rights to health care and respect, I came zipping out of the closet.  I tried looking for my identity in bars and clubs but it just didn’t work for me.  Instead, an ad in “The Update” directed me to call a number for an audition with the San Diego Men’s Chorus.  I even remember their tag line….”We need tops, we need bottoms”.    I have been in love ever since.

Since that January in 1990, the SDMC has been my musical family.  They have seen me through self-discovery, the joy of performance, the loss and grief of friends, community involvement, and just plain making good music with a bunch of committed musicians.  Heck, they even sang at our wedding reception.    Here’s a bit of fun as well.  Gary Holt (conductor of the current SDMC and GMCSD) audtioned me and conducted me in my first concert with the SDMC.  Gary Holt conducted me in my last concert with the SDMC.  Sheer karmic poetry.

So, here’s to you SDMC.  Thank you for twenty years of activism, friendship and great music.  San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus?  You’ve got some big shoes to fill!

Posted by admin at December 23rd, 2009

LD is asleep and the Blur is sprawled out in his usual asymmetrical form nearby.  I look at all this that has been afforded me and yes, for this beautiful man and splendid creature I am thankful. 

I look around me, listen to the news, hear stories from friends, family, colleagues and students and find that I am quite lucky to be where I am right now.  LD and I make a good effort to keep the finances under control.  We both have good jobs that afford us a sizeable amount of personal satisfaction and our little family continues to trundle along nicely. 

This isn’t the case for many of my students, friends and colleagues.  They are struggling with lost homes, lost jobs, difficult financial situations and poor health.   I try to lend a hand where I can but the situations people are in are so desperate right now.  I have parents telling me horror stories of losing their homes and having to live in a rented house with 2 other families.    I have students coming to school ill prepared for the cold and the rain because parents can’t afford to buy a good coat.  I have students who come to school hungry, their parents too proud to apply for reduced lunch.  I have friends who are struggling with finding jobs and are losing hope because they have always worked and this time around it’s tough getting steady employment. 

And yet through all this, LD and The Blur afford me that solace and that safe haven I need to ease my mind  from the rigors of bearing the weight of the world on my shoulders.  Diego can look at me and wag his tail and all those cares and worries go away.  LD can still make me laugh with hysterical quips and quotes.  On our family walks around the neighborhood, I take great pride and am in awe when they make me smile. 

Tomorrow we head down to CV for the annual Arnarnsley (Arnayro-Karns-Hartley) Christmas Eve Food Fest and Secret Santa Gift Exchange.  Then on Friday we head up to LD’s family celebration.  I am especially looking forward to all the busy-ness just because I couldn’t think of any other place to be other than with these folks.  This is where I’m supposed to be and I relish and treasure the time we will spend together.

In some way, it helps ease the burden of the day albeit for a fleeting moment.  These days, I’ll take “fleeting” in a heartbeat.  And so….for all you kids from 1 to 92…and yes its been said many times and in many ways…Froehliche Weinachten, Joyeux Noel, Feliz Navidad, Maligayang Pasko and Merry Christmas to you.

Posted by admin at December 6th, 2009

LD and I had the good fortune to get a pair of comp tickets to Cygnet Theater’s holiday show, “It’s A Wonderful Life”.  The premise was very clever.  Instead of the movie, it was a recreation of a 1940’s radio show broadcast of the movie script complete with period costumes, old fashioned microphones, hair styles and the gals even had the stockings with the seam up the back back of the leg.  It was a great production and well done.  I enjoyed the intimate space the theater offers.

At the end of the show, the cast had us all stand up and sing “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”.  When it got to the line “Through the years we all will be together if the fates allow…”, I just lost it.  The waterworks started and Chuck was in quandry over my blubbering. 

It was a rough year for me this year.  In the summer, my teaching colleague lost her son in Afghanistan.    Another teaching friend and colleague lost her son in September.   In October, I lost my friend and colleague Rick L., and then one week later, one of  my kids’ parents lost her battle to cancer. 

In  “Meet Me In St. Louis”, the MGM classic movie from which the song originates, Judy Garland’s character, Esther,  sings “Have yourself…” to her little sister Tootie, played by  Margaret O’Brien.   Judy sang, “Someday soon, we all will be together,   if the fates allow.  Until then, we’ll have to muddle through somehow.  So have yourself a merry little Christmas now.”  “Hang a shinning star upon the highest bough” was a newer line replaced in the lyrics years after the movie release  just to make it a little less sad. 

This leads me to figuring out why I was such a mess in the theater.   

We aren’t guaranteed that our friends and family will always be together and during the holidays that reality hits very hard.  Sometimes after a terrible loss, the holidays feel like we’re muddling through them just to get by.  I thought about those faces I know so well and just teared up because I miss them.  In my own way, I’m muddling through,  feeling a little lost and very sad for all of us that are still here longing to see those we’ve come to love and cherish. 

LD is very patient however and of course, I do have him and the Blur.  My Arnayro/Karns family and the newer Hartley family will all gather for our yearly celebration in some way, shape or form.   I am looking forward to that. 

And we all will be together because the fates allow.   And for this group of people that I’ve come to know and love, I hang a shinning star on our family’s highest Christmas tree bough. 

Judy was, and is,  right.    Thank you Miss Garland.

Posted by admin at November 29th, 2009

A Chronicle of the Arnayro/Hartley Turkey Day Extravaganza

• Wednesday:  Left for Vegas with puppy in tow.  New Toyota Corolla is a dream to travel in with the pup.  All the hat boxes and steamer trunks fit in the boot.  Reclining seats actually reclined.  IPod’s were hooked in nicely and all the digital information on the front panel was displayed for the driver to see.  Arrived at 5:30 pm in Sin City.  It took Diego a little while to settle in.  Met Chuck’s brother Dave for the first time.  Very cool.  Dinner at Gordon Biersch was a little unsettling.    Gambled at Terribles.  There’s a reason why they call it Terribles.  Clientele was a little on the “eeek! run away!” side.  Up $50 in blackjack then up $7.50 in black jack.   That’s just the way the double down crumbles.
• Thursday:  “The Families Meet” — The Hartley Boys and I met mom, Chris, Greg and the Kids along with Nikki’s friend Baldi for breakfast.  The kids were just getting in from the road and headed up to bed.  Mom, Dave, Chuck, Chris and Greg had breakfast at  Treasure Island Cafe.  Chuck and I then took Dave for a tour of Ceasar’s Palace and The Venetian.  BTW…buy one and get one free cashmere sweaters at The Banana was very tempting.  Rested up for the evening and then back to TI for the Thanksgiving Buffet.  All the trimmings but also pizza and ribs and pork chops and stir fry and…., well you get the picture.   I had creme brulee and pumpkin pie for dessert and topped it all off with cotton candy.    I hope Dave had a good time.  Anyone see “My Big Fat Greek Wedding”?    Change the Greek to Pilipino and you get the picture.  I appears we made him laugh.  It was nice to see everyone around the table, everyone together.  That made me feel good.  Oh, and btw to the short Britney Spears wannabe Asian Blonde Chick who tossed her cookies at the table over…diet pills and Thanksgiving Dinner don’t mix. 
• Friday:  Off to Lake Mead for a day of adventure with the Diego.  Quiet, peaceful, serene, beautiful and the dog was off leash on Lake Mead’s almost empty shoreline.  Oh, Diego knows our car.  Dinner was at our old neighbor’s new house in Del Webbs-ville.   Then the watershows at the Bellagio with friends and more gambling.   BTW..there is a difference between a blackjack table that’s $10 and Casino War that’s $10.  Yikes.  Always read the little signs on the tables!
• Early Saturday morning was spent with Nichole and Baldi at TI learning craps.  There’s a reason why they call it craps because that’s what I was cursing everytime I lost.  I now understand the game a little better.  Nice that we were the only one’s at the table, but Mr. Pitboss needed to be a little more patient with the rookies. 
• Saturday morning was spent with friends and an outstanding omelet house (”locals only” I believe).  Nice catching up the P and Ph.  They are good people.  We packed,  were on the road and encountered traffic and some weather on the drive home.  Safe and sound at Casacitracado by 6 pm. 

…For hubby, puppy, the Arnayro/Hartley/Karns family, and good times — I am thankful.

Posted by admin at November 6th, 2009

Sorry for my silence.  Like I said, my new mistress known as FB has all but replaced my frequency posting here.  I’ve linked this to my FB now so things should match up nicely. 

The kids are taking their reading comprehension end of trimester exam.  They are dutifully bubbling in and I know I’ve prepped them well for this part of the mayhem. 

School continues on and I’m still in love with being a teacher.  This job, although sometimes quite tragic in its expectations and scope, still is one of the most personally rewarding jobs I’ve ever had. 

Hope all is well on your end.

SD

Posted by admin at July 14th, 2009

Just what have I been doing to keep myself occupied this fine summer?  Well…let me make a small list.  Enjoy.

1.  M.Ed. with Lesley University:  I’ve have been doing quite a bit of writing for the program and find that it will definitely enhance my teaching “bag of tricks” this year.  I especially liked the poetry section I took in May and June.  Mimi Herman, my instructor, was a gem.  I am especially blessed to be in the company of some very talented cohort members.  They inspire me.

2.  SDMC Pride Concert:  This is our last concert as the San Diego Men’s Chorus as we are in the final stages of having the two chourses (Gay Men’s Chorus of SD and SD Men’s Chorus) bond together as one united chorus in San Diego.  Having said that, the SDMC produced our last concert on July 12th, Politics, Prejudice:  Stonewall plus 40.  It had to be the most fulfilling musical experience of my life.  We had to say goodbye to Jerry Foust, our artistic director, as he has taken a job with The Berkely Theater in the Bay Area.    There was great music made, some tears shed, very emotional subtext and I got a speaking role. 

3.  SDMC Poetry Project:  I came up with an idea to tie in our stories through poetry.  I seized the moment to talk to Jerry about having some of the members tell their stories through rhyme and verse.  I busied myself coordinating the look, the feel and the display of the poetry in the lobby of the concert hall.    It turned out great.

4.  Chuck and Randy Join A Gym:  We’re officially members of LA Fitness now.  Yippy.  Fat…begone!

5.  Been to the beach a couple of time and have liked it immensely.

6.  The Del Mar Fair was awesome.  Our eating for the day was incredible….fried zuccini spears…Australian Beer Battered Potatos….corn on the cob….and a huge hot dog on a stick.  We had a great experience on the huge ferris wheel.  Just as the lights of the midway were coming and the sun was going down, we were at the top of the ferris wheel just hanging there.  The beach on one side and the lights of the midway on the other side. 

7.  And now….it’s off to Harry Potter!

I LOVE SUMMERTIME!

Posted by admin at June 20th, 2009

Returned last night from 5 days of California’s Central Coast. 

The exceptional staff and the room upgrade from The Cliff’s Resort was sweet.  We had  our own jacuzzi (albeit a little small) but it was nice to have it there  waiting.  The fantastic views from the grounds as always were…hmmm… fantastic. 

California’s Central Coast is a gem in and of itself.  Miles of beautiful beaches for The Blur to explore and conquer…..easy gentle surf….and the best part…NOT CROWDED!  The morning walks were especially relaxing on the first day.  I would sit and breath in the fresh ocean air and release all that stuff from the previous school year.  Salt Air Therapy?  Absolutely.

Top it all off with great food at The Big Sky Cafe and The Black Sheep Squadron Cafe in SLO, Giovanni’s Fish and Chips in Morro Bay,  and Mo’s BBQ in Pismo Beach and you have yourself a winner! 

The Thursday Night Farmer’s Market in downtown SLO once again proved that pizza by the slice and chicken kabobs while enjoying a Dave Matthews wanna be Band can be a five star anniversary dinning experience.  I couldn’t think of any other way to celebrate.  Chuck and me….planted on the sidewalk in downtown SLO.  Romatical.

Our little junket also commemorated our one year of married, forced to divorce and again married life.  Who can plan the complete formal china set when the State of California won’t let you near the china cabinet?  Sigh…

Refreshed?  yes…   Relaxed?  check.    Mission Accomplished.   I’m ready for 200 more years with my love,  Chuck.

Posted by admin at June 13th, 2009

The end of a school year always has me in a nostalgic mood.  However, this year…not so much and I feel guilty about it.  I know, I know.  I can hear all of you saying, “Just accept it and move on Randy.  You get a new batch in August.”

This was a really hard year  for me.  I had a very rag tag group of  8 particular boys that just couldn’t get their proverbial “shit” together.  And yes, they are 10, 11 and 12 years old and yes, they are young and yes they are kids.  I will give each of you that.    And, of course, there were my stalwarts from 0708  that were a delight.  Too bad I couldn’t spend more time with them and the ones that wanted to learn.  Most of the year was spent in crisis management mode. 

But man, I have never met a group of kids that just weren’t into school.  They didn’t try.  They settled for just getting by (which, by the way, was a sentiment echoed by their parents).  And to top it all off, this group was very unenthusiastic and they made fun of the kids that were into the lessons.  School was nothing but a chore and all they wanted to do was to go out and play.    A good handul of the Elite 8 were retained from previous years.    That may have colored their impression of school.  I did do a good job of pulling a lot of things out of my bag of teaching “tricks” but it just didn’t help this year for some reason. 

OK, we are officially moving on now.  Randy is done.  20008-2009 has left the building.

For now, LD and The Blur of Fur and I are heading points north on Monday to our post-school hideaway.  CYA!

Posted by admin at June 4th, 2009

My how things have changed since last year. 

One class to deal with…

I’m staying in the same room….

Just gotta pack up and go….

Pismo here we come.