New Year's Eve with great friends and the man I love...the perfect way to end 2008

Dale and I are home from a very nice New Year's Eve. We always like to get home before midnight to avoid the craziness. Tonight we once again joined dear friends Toby & Nicole Krout for a movie and dinner.

For our movie we chose Valkyrie. Although I am not a Tom Cruise fan, I thoroughly enjoyed the movie. For those unfamiliar with the movie, Tom Cruise stars as Claus von Stauffenberg, a German military colonel intent on killing Adolf Hitler. Even though you know how the movie will end, you find yourself caught up in the story, which is always the sign of a good movie. I recommend everyone who likes a good mix of history, drama and action check out this film For those of you wondering Dale, Nicole and Toby enjoyed the movie too.

After dinner we all headed to Bloom Restaurant at Flatirons for dinner, which has become our New Year's Eve tradition. This is the 5th year running for Dale and I and our 4th year with Toby and Nicole. Bloom is perfect for a good dinner with friends on New Year's Eve (and really any night of the year) as they offer a special three-course menu, not to mention wonderful wine (which I enjoyed several glasses) and champagne (again a few glasses). We all had a splendid dinner.

The best part of the evening for me is the fact that I get to spend it not with just dear friends, but also with Dale, the man I love and adore. I am blessed to have such a special man to spend all my holidays and all my days. So here we are now sitting on the couch (still dressed up) with our dogs watching Ryan Seacrest on TV ringing in the New Year in NYC. I am very happy! We unfortunately will probably not make it to midnight to officially ring in the New Year, but as a East Coast native New Year's will always be midnight in NYC.

Happy New Year everyone!!!

Happy New Year from Tom & Dale

Here is to a wonderful 2009 - may it be filled with friends, family and lots of love. Take a few minutes today between parties and cheering in the new year to count you blessings from 2008.

MTV's Bromance - The gayest straight show on television

Last night Dale and I watched the most embarrassing show on MTV - Bromance. Yes, I am a little embarrassed to even admit it. We went to bed, were not tired yet, flipped through the channels on our bedroom TV and there it was.

It features Brody Jenner of The Hills fame (I use fame very loosely). Don't know what a bromance is? It describes the complicated love and affection shared by two straight males. So basically this show is similar to Paris Hilton's New BFF, but in this version it is Brody who is looking for a new best bud or a bromance as they call it.

The show is strange. Honestly, if you turned in 1/2 way through, you would probably think the show is a gay reality show. It actually featured Brody in a hot tub with 8 other guys as he eliminated one, who will not be part of his bromance. Creepy. The only remote positive of the show it that Brody is pretty to look at.

Did you know you can actually buy uranium on Amazon.com?

I am not kidding. It is no joke, you can actually buy uranium on Amazon.com. Yes, uranium as in the fuel for nuclear reactors.

Check it out. Amazon really does have everything!

I came across a site that showed the Five Christmas Gifts You Shouldn't Be Able To Buy On Amazon (But Can), but did not believe it. I went to www.amazon.com, typed uranium in the search box and there you have it, uranium for $29.95.

Here are the image and product description.

Product Description

Radioactive sample of uranium ore. Useful for testing Geiger Counters. License exempt. Uranium ore sample sizes vary. Shipped in labeled glass bottle container as shown. Shipping Information: We are always in compliance with Section 13 from part 40 of the NRC Nuclear Regulatory Commission rules and regulations and Postal Service regulations specified in 49 CFR 173.421 for activity limits of low level radioactive materials. Item will be shipped in accordance with Postal Service activity limits specified in Publication 52. Radioactive minerals are for educational and scientific use only.

Okay, we took off our clothes, I got on top of you...

This comic is hilarious.

The Year That Was - A Look Back at 2008

I figure every newspaper, magazine, web site and TV show does a Year In Review edition, so why should my blog be any different. Well, here it is: The Year That Was -A Look Back at 2008.

I hope you enjoy and comment what was your favorite post of 2008.

January

• Dale and I started 2008 with Whooping Cough.
  
• Dale and I joined our co-workers for a trip to see Blossoms of Light at the Botanic Gardens.
  
• Dale and I went to two Mammoth Lacrosse games with our friend Sara at the Pepsi Center.
  
• One of the smartest things I did in 2008 was make a trip to our local Library. I now read more, utilize a local resource and save money on books.
  
• Dale and I learned we are Bad Gays when we went to Floyd's Barbershop where my gay hair stylist basically told me he did not understand how Dale and I were gay when we did not go on gay vacations or to gay bars.
  
• Our Koi Pond Was Attacked by some raccoons and we lost several fish.
  

February

• I shifted my support from Hillary Clinton to Barack Obama.
  
• Millie and Zoe moved to a New Doggie Day-Care and Veterinarian.
  
• My offline world merged with my online world, when I Met Blog Reader - Kath.
  
• Local news took a turn for the desperate and the biggest topic was the Sink-Hole on I-25.
  
• Valentine's Day was fun when my best friends Rob and Scott Came to Visit us for a few days.
  
• I started saying my new favorite catch phrase - It's On Like Donkey Kong.
  
• Dale and I went to see Billy Joel in Concert.
  

March

• March 1st started off amazing - sunny and 75 degrees, but The Weather Changes Every 15 Minutes, so March 2nd was 35 degrees with 6 inches of snow.
  
• David Archuleta Mania Started on American Idol, including Dale, who would spend the next few months cheering him on, while I would pray for his elimination.
  
• On St. Patrick's Day all the TV meteorologists were forecasting the Blizzard to End All Blizzards, but we all woke up to no blizzard. In fact, we barely got a dusting of snow.
  
• That same day, I did Fall on a Patch of Ice on the way to lunch.
  
• we took a Trip to Las Vegas to celebrate Dale's 35th birthday (again) with our friends Barb and Sara.
  
• Oddly enough the month ended just like it started. It was sunny and 65 degrees on March 29th and dropped to 35 degrees and snowed on March 30th, proving Mother Nature is a Bitch.

April

• Throughout April, Dale and I were in full blown American Idol Mania, as were many Americans.
• iPod Turned 7 Years Old. Can you believe it?
• Dale and I went to a Rockies Game with our co-workers and although the Rockies Lost, we still had a great time.
  
• I was actually doing well with My Diet & Had Lost 7 Pounds (which I later gained right back).
• Dale and I used one of the early Spring days to see the Urban Nature Exhibit at the Denver Botanic Gardens.
• Dale and I went to see the Laramie Project at the Buell Theatre and remember Matthew Shepard's death 10 years later.
• I officially became Addicted to Facebook and reconnected with friends from the past.

May

• Dale and I did the MS Walk with Co-Workers and helped raise money for a great cause.
• Car shopping brought Dale and I a New Pickup Truck and the same night we saw comedian, Margaret Cho at the Paramount.
• Iron Man the Movie proved to be a great movie to kick off summer.
• Tragedy struck and Blueberry Died, which many of you know as my Blackberry. She was replaced by Blueberry II.
• The latest Indiana Jones Flick proved to be no Iron Man.

June

• On June 1st, Dale and I attended our friends, Diane & Marty's Wedding Reception.
• The month of June was officially declared a full holiday as My Birthmonth!
• I proved even to myself that I am far too Addicted to Blogging.
• Dale spent yet another day watching a Marathon of MTV's Super Sweet 16.
• Dale did the most wonderful thing ever done for me and surprised me with a birthday Trip to Europe, where I blogged our adventures through all of France and Italy. It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life.
• I spent my actual Birthday in Venice, where I fell in love with the sights and sounds of the magical city.

July

• July kicked off with a Gelato Man Flirting with Dale in Rome (Twice).
• July 4th was a celebration with a Neighborhood BBQ and a visit from our friend John Hill.
• I feel in love with the Pixar Movie Wall-E as did most kids or kids at heart.
• Dale and I Celebrated Our 5-Year Anniversary with new rings we purchased in Venice, Italy.
• Dale and I joined co-workers and rocked out to Marc Cohn in Concert at the Botanic Gardens.
• In an early indication that the economy was going bad, Starbucks Announced Store Closings.
• I ended up with gall stones, severe back pain and this resulted in Far Too Many Trips to the Doctor.
• The New Batman Movie Rocked and proved to be the best damn movie of the summer.

August

• The month started out extremely hot with Temperatures Hitting 107 Degrees.
• America was in Full Blown Olympic Fever and in love with Michael Phelps.
• Dale and I joined neighbors Sam and Anjanette and Hiked a Glacier...it was actually only a mountain, but it seemed that way.
  
• Denver was taken over by the Democratic National Convention.
  
• I got New Glasses that I actually wear in public - first time since I was 16 years old.
  
• Dale and I made a Pilgrimage to Estes Park for a cookie and a calendar.
  
• We ended the month with a trip to Wondervu, CO for Breakfast with our neighbors the Krouts.
  

September

• America and many Americans watch in horror as the Republic National Convention started Sarah Palin Mania.
• I blogged a whopping 200 Things About Me and proved I am really not that interesting to the world.
• I went to Gunther Toody's for the First Time and it quickly became a favorite spot of mine.
• There was Lots and Lots of Blogging About Sara Palin throughout the month, as I took part of the mania.
• Dale and I joined the Krouts for the Juvenile Diabetes Walk at Elitches and saw The Musical Avenue Q all in the same day (busy day).
  
• I reconnected with my Childhood Friend, Mike on Facebook.
• America was stunned when the butchest man since John Wayne, Clay Aiken Came Out of the Closet.
• Yes, there was even more Sarah Palin Mania.
• Our friend John Hill Moved In to our basement for a two month stint.

October

• My little girl, Elvira Turned One (she is my Mini Cooper Convertible).
• Dale and I joined the Krouts for our Annual Fall Pumpkin Picking Trip.
• Tina Fey continued to please America with Impersonations of Sarah Palin on SNL that were damn funny.
• Dale and I headed to Las Vegas (again) for a short trip and a chance to see Bette Midler in Concert.
• I caught a Bad Flu and did my best impersonation of the Nyquil commercial.
• In the biggest news of the year, I Redesigned My Blog (several times) and finally settled on a new look in time for the 1 Year Anniversary of My Blog.
• Heather, Anjanette and Sam joined Dale and I for a trip to our Favorite Haunted House.
• America got to watch as the McCain/Palin Ticket Started to Decline.
• The month ended with a Wonderful & Warm Halloween of Trick-Or-Treaters.
  

November

• The month kicked off with the best holiday of the year - Daylight Savings Day.
• America got it right and Obama Was Elected Our Next President!!!!!!!
• However, America took a giant step back when California Passed Prop 8 and banned gay marriage.
• In the biggest shock of the year, Dale and I saw Madonna in Concert & She Disappointed by starting 90 minutes late and putting on a lame show.
• Dale and I joined our friend Barb for a Carribbean Cruise and Fun in the Sun.
• We Celebrated Thanksgiving and ate 20 pounds of turkey each and watched the Macy's Day Parade.

December

• Dale and I found ourselves too far behind from a busy November and canceled our Annual Holiday Ornament Exchange & Holiday Party.
• Dale and I celebrated our friend Sam's Birthday we a great brunch (we even included Sam).
• My Office Holiday Party was less ho, ho, ho and more no, no, no.
• Dale and I joined our friend John to see one of the Best Movies of the Year - Frost/Nixon.
• Winter visited us with -19 Degree Temperatures lots of cold and even some snow. Ugh.
• I was almost involved in a Gang Fight while taking the bus home.
• The Hanley's joined the Gl-ittakers for Some Christmas Eve Fun that including good food and funny board games.
• Christmas was Delightful at the Gl-ittakers featuring gifts, a great dinner at the Krouts and 2-days at home with mindless TV and leftovers.
  

So that was the year that was. It was a great 2008 and let's hope for an even greater 2009.

What fashion trend drives you crazy?

The one I hate most is guys wearing pants so baggy, they are past their asses. It just annoys the hell out of me. I personally do not understand how that can be remotely comfortable. You must feel like your pants are constantly going to fall right off of you, plus walking must be difficult.

The other one I hate is sandals with socks. I think this is so ugly and really, if you feet are cold, wear shoes!

So what fashion trend drives you crazy? In case you are wondering, Dale's would be men wearing Crocs.

I am thinking if I ask real nice...

...I may be able to convince Dale to grow these in our front yard. Aren't they adorable? I think the neighbors will love them.

I have made our New Year's Eve plans...

...but unfortunately I have to keep the details on the D.L. (that is what the kids say for "down low") as I do not want the paparazzi finding out where I will be. I just want a nice night out with Dale and friends without all those cameras taking my picture. It is not easy being me. The price of fame I guess.


But since I love my blog readers, I will give you a hint. We'll see if you can figure it out.

Doubt & Haircuts

Today, the fates finally got Dale and I out of the house. And by fates, I mean, we flipped a coin. Heads came up 2 out of 3 times, so that meant we got to go out. We went to the movies and then got haircuts.

We had debated about Seven Pounds and Marley & Me, but went with Doubt. Overall, I was very impressed with Doubt. For those of you not familiar with the movie, here is the plot:

It’s 1964, St. Nicholas in the Bronx. A vibrant, charismatic priest, Father Flynn (Philip Seymour Hoffman), is trying to upend the schools’ strict customs, which have long been fiercely guarded by Sister Aloysius Beauvier (Meryl Streep), the iron-gloved Principal who believes in the power of fear and discipline. The winds of political change are sweeping through the community, and indeed, the school has just accepted its first black student, Donald Miller. But when Sister James (Amy Adams), a hopeful innocent, shares with Sister Aloysius her guilt-inducing suspicion that Father Flynn is paying too much personal attention to Donald, Sister Aloysius sets off on a personal crusade to unearth the truth and to expunge Flynn from the school. Now, without a shard of proof besides her moral certainty, Sister Aloysius locks into a battle of wills with Father Flynn which threatens to tear apart the community with irrevocable consequence.

The cast was truly amazing. Hoffman, Streep and Adams were stellar, as always. However for me the most amazing performance in the film came from Viola Davis as the Donald's severely conflicted mother. She is only on screen for 15 minutes but it is truly those 15 minutes of the movie that moved the film from good to great. The outcome of her scene and her ability to show such anguish was a complete surprise for me. It was at this point that the film moved beyond a glimpse into the Catholic priest child-molestation scandal and to a movie truly about doubt versus certainty. I recommend this film if you want to see an intelligent drama and great acting.

After the movie, we headed to Floyd's for haircuts (it has been three weeks, so it was time). I was happy that Heather was working and she was available to cut my hair, as she if my favorite. Dale of course waited for Lisa. My pal Kirk sent me a message on Facebook suggesting a mohawk. I hate to disappoint, so I of course, got...my usual haircut. Sorry Kirk. But if I did get the mohawk, I think it would look something like this (see left).

Confessional Joke - Something Funny for the Catholics

"Bless me Father, for I have sinned. I have been with a loose girl".

The priest asks, "Is that you, little Johnny Parisi?"

"Yes, Father, it is."

"And who was the girl you were with?"

"I can't tell you, Father, I don't want to ruin her reputation."

"Well, Johnny, I'm sure to find out her name sooner or later, so you may as well tell me now."

"Was it Tina Minetti?"

"I cannot say."

"Was it Teresa Volpe?"

"I'll never tell."

"Was it Nina Capelli?"

"I'm sorry, but I cannot name her."

"Was it Cathy Piriano?"

"My lips are sealed."

"Was it Rosa Di Angelo, then?"

"Please, Father, I cannot tell you."

The priest sighs in frustration. "You're very tight lipped, Johnny Parisi, and I admire that."

"But you've sinned and have to atone. You cannot be an altar boy now for 4 months. Now you go and behave yourself."

Johnny walks back to his pew, and his friend, Nino, slides over and whispers, "What'd you get?"

"4 months vacation and five good leads."

We may be becoming shut-ins

Yes, it is true. Dale and I may becoming shut-ins. It is not that we can't leave the house...we just do not seem to want to.

• Wednesday, December 24th - we never left the house.
• Thursday, December 25th - we only left the house to go to walk to the Krouts for dinner and a 90 minute trip to see Dale's sister at 5:00 PM.
• Friday, December 26th - we never left the house.
• Saturday, December 27th - we never left the house. We tried, but we could not seem to even leave the couch.
• Sunday, December 28th - we'll see. We are still debating whether to get haircuts and see a movie or just stay home.

Snowman Nightmares

Our computers are down...

7 Random Things About Tom

This post is brought to you by the #7.

As happens on the internet, meme's get circulated all over the blogosphere. My friend Kath tagged me with this meme.

7 Random Things About Tom

1. I experience a strong sense of déjà vu far too often.
2. I think most people take things far too seriously.
3. I feel the number 4 is lucky, not the number 7.
   
4. I have a very compulsive type personality and it even scares me sometimes.
5. I think a lot about the past.
6. I like the Zuppa Toscana soup from the Olive Garden and I am craving it right now.
   
7. I find comfort in cartoons.
   

However, 7 things is nothing, as I have 200 things about me posted on my blog. So who should I tag with this meme of seven? How about Ryan, Jason, Erin, Nini, Sam and John. Have fun & share.

Hurt

Sometimes the people you expect to hurt you the least, can hurt you the most. I do not think it is what they say or do, but rather the element of surprise. It is hard when we let people get so close, only to have them do something that hurts so much. Maybe we are all just too sensitive. As I am sure I have hurt others just as much. Maybe. No matter who or what, it is never good to feel hurt.

Look no further.

One year ago tonight I wrote a blog post...

...about my final Christmas memory with my Mom back in 2002. Tonight I went back to read it again, so I could feel a little closer to my Mom. I always miss her a lot around the holidays.

She Is Still In Our Heart - written on 12/26/2007 11:55:00 PM by Tom Whittaker

I was reading some blogs tonight (Dale already headed to bed) and came across a post about Christmas lights. It got me thinking about my Mom. January 4, 2008 will be the 5 year anniversary of her passing. I miss her every day. She loved Christmas. She loved all holidays. She loved her family and she loved life. So this time of year always reminds me of her.

In August 2003, after a five year battle with ovarian cancer my Mom found out there was nothing else the doctors could do for her. Basically, the cancer had spread throughout her body. The cancer had become too aggressive. I think in many ways she was tired of fighting too. I think that after five years, she could not mentally take on the cancer anymore. She was physically and mentally exhausted from being sick. She was tired and wanted some peace (I pray she has found it).

The doctors gave her about a month to live, but my Mom lived five more months. I think part of it was her will to not pass away during the holidays. Even at her weakest point, I believe she was always thinking of her family. The holidays were so special to her and I think she refused for her family to associate Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Years with her death. She was an amazing woman. Her family was what she lived for, so I think that never stopped even at the end, she was so selfless. The final few months were tough as my Mom was bed ridden, very weak and would often find it hard to remember things.

A week or so before Christmas in 2002, my Mom asked if we could all take her for a car ride, so she could see the Christmas lights...

Read More >>

'O' as in oh my God, it's Robert Loggia!

My nieces kept quoting this bit from family Guy on Christmas Eve. Actually, every bit from Family Guy. Funny.

Are you like 2% or 98% of the population?

Just follow these instructions, and answer the questions one at a time and as quickly as you can! Again, as quickly as you can but don't advance until you've done each of them .... really. Now, scroll down (but not too fast, you might miss something).

THINK of a number from 1 to 10

MULTIPLY that number by 9

If the number is a 2-digit number, ADD the digits together

Now SUBTRACT 5

DETERMINE which letter in the alphabet corresponds to the number you ended up with (example: 1=a, 2=b, 3=c,etc.)

THINK of a country that starts with that letter

REMEMBER the last letter of the name of that country

THINK of the name of an animal that starts with that letter

REMEMBER the last letter in the name of that animal

THINK of the name of a fruit that starts with that letter


Are you thinking of a Kangaroo in Denmark eating an Orange?

Isn't that FREAKY!! If not for you, you're among the 2% of the population whose minds are different enough to think of something else. However, 98% of people will answer with kangaroos in Denmark eating oranges when given this exercise.

The Hanley 5

On Christmas Eve I took some photos of my nieces and nephew, who I fondly refer to as the Hanley 5. They are sort of like the Jackson 5, except the do not sing and hopefully none of them grow up like Michael.

The Hanley Five

Kristin Hanley

Lauren Hanley

Jillian Hanley

Camryn Hanley

Ryan Hanley

Always follow your heart

It's a Jerry Springer Christmas

Eartha Kitt, sultry 'Santa Baby' singer, dies

I am sad that Eartha Kitt has died. She was an amazing singer, dancer and actress (a triple threat as they call it). She truly exemplified the phrase 'sex kitten' if you ask me.

We were just talking about her yesterday. I played Christmas music for Christmas Eve and my niece, Jillian asked if I had Santa Baby, which of course I did. Santa Baby is a holiday classic, so in many ways, I guess Eartha Kitt will live on in an eternal fashion.

In her honor, please take a listen to Santa Baby:

Santa Baby - Eartha Kitt;Henri René

Interesting Earth Kitt fact:

For years, Kitt was unsure of her birthplace or birth date. In 1997, a group of students at historically black Benedict College in Columbia, S.C., located her birth certificate, which verified her birth date as Jan. 17, 1927. Kitt had previously celebrated on Jan. 26. The research into her background also showed Kitt was the daughter of a white man, a poor cotton farmer. "I'm an orphan. But the public has adopted me and that has been my only family," she told the Post online. "The biggest family in the world is my fans."

Lost Love

I snapped this picture outside of Dale's sister, Donna's house. I found it a bit ironic to see a discarded, headless doll lying in the road on Christmas Day. So many children are focused on new toys today and one day this doll was probably loved too.

I am in cookie heaven thanks to Dale's sister

After dinner, Dale and I headed to Dale's sister, Donna for a little more holiday cheer. Since we spend last night with my side of the family, it was nice we got to share part of today with Dale's side of the family. Plus, Donna made me my favorite - pizzele cookies. Yum. She gave me a box with at least 100, so I am in cookie heaven right now. Thanks Donna!

Donna, Mikayla, Amanda and Dale (left to right).

Christmas Dinner

As I mentioned in an earlier post, Dale and I went to your friends, the Krouts for Christmas dinner. We were very excited to share in their family dinner and had a great time. It was nice to spend Christmas with such a warm, loving family. I even took a group photo of everyone at the dinner, which I thought I would share, along with a snapshot or two of the Krout girls.

Our thanks to Nicole and Toby for including us in their family dinner. We were honored.

Memories of Christmas Past

Yes, that is me. This is actually one of my oldest memories. I can actually remember this very Christmas. I was probably 4 or 5. I remember my sister and I getting the red TV for our room and I got the basketball hoop. It was a wonderful Christmas. The ones that are truly magical.

And I love the footie pajamas. I always loved them. Dale actually bought me an adult sized pair last year.

Most of all, this picture reminds me of my Mom. She always made Christmas so special. I miss her dearly. Even more around the holidays. I am fortunate I have Dale in my life, as he now makes Christmas special for me.

I love and miss you Mom. Merry Christmas.