tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64685071825384263962024-03-12T22:30:09.073-07:00The Hemo HomoA-Ro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09657157079295080502noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6468507182538426396.post-74783569847122498972013-04-24T22:44:00.002-07:002013-04-24T22:44:22.680-07:00I've Moved!!!!!!<h2>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">My blog has moved! Please update any bookmarks! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">The new address is:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.hemohomo.com/">http://www.hemohomo.com</a></span></div>
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THANKS!</div>
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Till we meet again...</div>
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The Hemo Homohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07153863694153110575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6468507182538426396.post-38535208731487845442012-06-06T09:32:00.001-07:002012-06-06T09:34:55.403-07:00A-Ro. The Dancing HemoHey guys. So during a Tittersation (is that a real word?) I was asked by Affinity Biotech how hemophilia affects my dancing after commenting on a link to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqccE0lVKtg&sns=em">this video</a>, and I thought, "PERFECT BLOG POST!" But before I write my story I want to let you know that I do not consider myself a "dancer dancer." I consider myself an Actor/Singer/Dancer. There are people out there who make a living out there dancing, and I am not one of them. What I am is a performer who can also dance and that movement ability has helped me book jobs, but is not my main focus. Okay. That being said....<br />My mother is a dance teacher, so I have grown up around dancing since I was a wee tyke, and much like the shoemaker's kids who go with holes in their soles, I may have "danced," but never really trained heavily.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110639919348250653521/TheHemoHomo?authkey=Gv1sRgCMKe_KuOzsuz9AE#5750962437915906194'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEvNY1455HpOmW_OWEowAZGAYastj7ax8Kf99Mnb9VYbR_SqLS1eHpiaxSvLd1QVI0pI-dwLTH-wIOPDTCfcJOb3TvASTbL79yU8D_ReDt4x5sanPFU0AZdL-S2qtlNQpHQJRi0YdxZpxH/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='141' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><i><font color="gray" size="1">Age 2 at my very first dance recital. I had the whole world in my hands!</font></i><br />I would sometimes take class as I got older, but since I was the only boy at the studio for a while I would usually just learn choreography for certain performances. I have to say I love(d) to dance and still do today. <br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110639919348250653521/TheHemoHomo?authkey=Gv1sRgCMKe_KuOzsuz9AE#5750962531153528338'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRInS0tO2enqaqwzaiyVbLECgEE9YJja-kuy94eGvnIHakGmo_izwbW3u8rEG0qHPq889mf3SFiHyTA-QzqQoHnwqN55RWo8sGfHwp_53aPLU3heQROfp3aVUkoFScVBDKrjKMv2Qs77Ng/s288/1.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='244' style='margin:5px'></a><br />When I ended up going to Penn State, I really started to realize how intense dance training could affect my bleeding disorder. I distinctly remember my first day of beginner ballet. There I am, looking so Ballet-Chic in my black tights and white t-shirt, my dance belt riding up like no other, and I went to my dance instructor to inform her of my "situation." She very politely told me that I should just be as careful as possible and that until she looked into this further I should be aware that my status of staying in the program was in jeopardy. (Side note: Once Spence and my other professors understood Hemophilia more thoroughly I was told everything was fine). But it was at this moment that I was like, oh. Maybe I CAN'T do this. I had always believed that I could. <br />Throughout college, taking hours of dance a day which consisted of ballet, tap, jazz, and musical theatre styles, I would find that I would have random bleeds, especially in my target joints, my hips and ankles. <br />Even though I was told my status was safe, I didn't believe them, so off I would go to class, instant ice pack in tow, and wince my way through class without saying a word. <br />Now, I have to say I do use the excuse of my bleeding disorder as a reason for not being a better dancer. And if I was a LITTLE less<br />lazy I could be doing Yoga and Pilates to help my flexibility (Hey! My past readers know I will call myself out when I am in the wrong), but it is really discouraging when you've been working really hard and gaining some progress, and then get injured, pretty badly. <br />It was my junior year of college and I was in my musical theatre styles class, and for the first time I really felt like I could compete with the "dancers" in my class, and we were working on the opening combination to A Chorus Line. I wish I had a video to show you, but I'm sure you can find SOMEONE doing original choreo for A Chorus Line SOMEWHERE on YouTube (just don't watch the movie choreo. It was different and horrible). Anyway, I was dancing my little heart out and I kicked my right leg up, and I just felt it. Searing pain run through my right hip. But, as I had been doing for about 3 years by this point, I grinned and pressed on. I actually took the bus back to my dorm that day, I remember. Anywho, when I got to my room I could barely move my hip. It had gotten that bad, so I called my hematologists and of course they said treat RIGHT away. So I did (this is when I was infusing more often so I DID feel comfortable self-infusing), but ended up in bed for about two weeks, and when I started dancing again, it was like I had never danced before and I was so disheartened. <br />Of course I kept dancing, continued to take class, and have been fortunate enough to book performing work, and yes, some that requires dancing. And you better believe that when I had twisted my ankle during a show of Naked Boys, that I kept going, wrapped it, infused, and was ready for my next show! But in the back of my mind I always wonder how GREAT I could have become if bleeding episodes hadn't gotten in my way. But I am not complaining. I am active. I am performing, and I am loving my life right now.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110639919348250653521/TheHemoHomo?authkey=Gv1sRgCMKe_KuOzsuz9AE#5750962580245456578'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYILdGVRNPokHyXPsZkoiNcYS8bUs9rbrUeeAShmfQ1slo8Ip2FZAlgK97tcEU-pt2mpp9mCuDCl42ltkArc-Q-g4tooFbbszfXsfVT4d-HA72G7kFfwKB5LhSwOvp5OI7jm6Xkt2k-4rq/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='187' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><i><font color="gray" size="1">Photo Credit: Wire Images. A photo taken during the 3,000 performance of <b>Naked Boys Singing!</b></font></i><br />So this post was not meant to be a sad story, or an uplifting story. Just a story; a small part of my story. What I get out of my past as a dancer is that it has made me a better performer and a more well rounded person. I enjoy teaching the art of dance, because although I may not be able to kick my face, I know how to explain to other people how THEY should. Any physical activity is risky. You can hurt yourself swimming, or running, or even playing golf, but why put yourself at MORE risk by doing a more contact heavy sport? I'm not saying don't try it, or quit, I'm just saying that I think it is wise to make smart decisions when choosing what physical activity to undertake. <br />Yes. We strive to let every individual with a bleeding disorder live a normal life, but I cannot stress enough that even while treating prophylacticly (is that a word) breakthrough bleeds occur. Smart choices are just that. Smart. And hope everyone out there is making them. I know sometimes I haven't...<br />Till we meet again...<br /><br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Bowling%20Center%20Ln,Hawley,United%20States%4041.488183%2C-75.187765&z=10'>Bowling Center Ln,Hawley,United States</a></p>The Hemo Homohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07153863694153110575noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6468507182538426396.post-78979349354598176672012-06-04T09:44:00.001-07:002012-06-04T09:44:15.219-07:00Walk it out...So here I am. Sitting on a bus heading back to PA after attending the NYC Hemophilia Walk for the second year, and already I'm looking forward to 2013! <br /><br />This story goes back a long, long time ago........ to February. Glenn Mones asked me if I would be interested in talking about my first walk experience (which was just the previous year) at a Kick-Ofd Brunch that was taking place at Barebuger (which btw [shameless plug], if you have never eaten at you should because it is AMAZING). <br /><br />Anywho... Of course I said yes, because, in all reality, when would I NOT want to talk in front of people, and my journey for the 2012 walk began. <br /><br />This was my first year as a team captain and I had big dreams for how I was going to do this! I was gonna have like 30 people on my team (never happened), we were going to have a huge cabaret with original songs written by composing teams to raise money (never happened), and I was going to have these awesome Hemo Homo t-shirts made that were going to rock everyone's socks! (Never happened). <br /><br />But what did happen is I ended up with an amazing team of 5 people where we raised $365. I know it wasn't the most raised, barely 1% of what the team with the most money raised, but we did it. Our small but mighty team helped to contribute, and I do believe that every dollar helps. <br /><br />When we arrived at the walk it was, as it was last year, overwhelming to see the amount of people supporting the Bleeding Disorders community. The main difference, personally, between last year and this year, is that attending the walk last year was one of my first events with the community. I met a lot of amazing people and new friends. Whereas THIS YEAR, I got to reconnect with people I hadn't seen in months, and get to hang out, talk, and chit-chat (yes. Talking and chit-chatting is different. I use WAY more "hey girl"s when chit-chatting). <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110639919348250653521/TheHemoHomo?authkey=Gv1sRgCMKe_KuOzsuz9AE#5750223378406696786'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj2p34QGwqEkNievcMM8onseVuanUKWZ0xtiYg98cEJZrGvwPfDpnJbqnnW_5UBfn-WqsHS04Lz9wVtggWLs2bbxis-NNFq5ypUZ3LsgpntjBtXNQGA8qqMvid1nh6YVqwjFNVlWbqiRG_/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><center><font color="gray" size="2"><i>Photo Credit: <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/simplyouiser/status/209413245235232770">Ryan Seeley</a></font></I></center><br /><br /><i>It was really wonderful to get to see my dear friend Ryan again after not seeing him since Albany Days. The little trouper walked the ENTIRE 5K and is really an inspiration. </I><br /><br />My team consisted of Tyler (the bf), my good friends Matt and Chris (who is also a Hemo), and my dear, dear friend Melissa (who has been mentioned previously in the blog before). <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110639919348250653521/TheHemoHomo?authkey=Gv1sRgCMKe_KuOzsuz9AE#5750223555473340658'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiijdjWJzE8DuExPrNjZyVzakqV8QnWe5L0dJ1D4xj9mC6b7TiGQrTlArR0XaKHUIOqH0ihxvY89_BjqBbCeB9gWPJTADcpmqsbKcw1n4OgMjbvzy5lf_JHsheLyidiRJgQ8PYlntu97Zhp/s288/1.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><center><font color="gray" size="2"><I>Melissa and I posing during the walk. Apparently this section was used in You've Got Mail? I almost lost my gay card over not knowing that one...</font></I></center><br /><br />The Walk raised over 237,000 dollars total and really is an inspiration. I learned that I really need to plan ahead for next year so that Team Hemo Homo can really add a significant chunk o' change to the pot next year. <br /><br />There are other walks still going on across the country all summer long, so I am asking my readers to make a donation to your local chapter's walk. Every penny helps, and pretty soon, we will walk all the way to a cure!<br /><br />Till we meet again...<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Harriman%20State%20Park,Southfields,United%20States%4041.441087%2C-74.416572&z=10'>Harriman State Park,Southfields,United States</a></p>The Hemo Homohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07153863694153110575noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6468507182538426396.post-79715027114518211682012-05-18T12:03:00.001-07:002012-05-18T12:03:53.375-07:00Hemophilia Walk 2012Hey y'all! Follow the link below to join my team in the 2012 NYC Hemophilia Walk in Riverside Park! More details to follow!<br />
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http://my.e2rm.com/personalPage.aspx?registrationID=1363040&langPref=en-CAThe Hemo Homohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07153863694153110575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6468507182538426396.post-61822408382258134022012-02-29T10:02:00.001-08:002012-02-29T10:07:31.061-08:00Guess Who's Back?!No. Not Tony Danza, he's the boss remember? Anywho, IT'S ME! Your good ol' bleeder buddy. SO much has happened over the past couple of months and unfortunately the blog has fallen a bit behind, but it's time for me to put it at the top of my priority list again, so here I am!
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I don't wanna tell you EVERYTHING that's been happening because then I won't have anything to write for the next couple weeks, but my life has taken a huge flip-flop.
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Topics you will be hearing more about... A-chem (I'm clearing my throat, I'm sick)...
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1) Naked Boys Singing has closed... and reopened with a new cast (shady). <br>
2) I am traveling back and forth between NYC and Pennsylvania to help my mother out in PA. <br>
3) Tyler and I have officially moved in together. Yeah!<br>
4) I don't have health insurance...<br>
5) I had a bad bleed in my shoulder and have a whole blog planned (with pics, of course). <br>
6) I choreographed a high school production of Seussical the Musical in PA. <br><br>
So lots has been going on. Like, lots. And I can't wait to tell you all about it. Again, PLEASE send me some ideas for posts, bleeder related or not, because I love new ideas. <br><br>
When I am in PA I don't have Internet so some of these posts may be formatted weird as I am using my iPhone. Just saying. <br><br>
It feels good to be back, I've missed you all! I hope you missed me... :-)<br>
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Till we meet again...
<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Old%20Gravity%20Rd,Hawley,United%20States%4041.482085%2C-75.186493&z=10'>Old Gravity Rd,Hawley,United States</a></p>The Hemo Homohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07153863694153110575noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6468507182538426396.post-83131330403769522452011-11-12T11:13:00.001-08:002011-11-18T13:47:07.420-08:00NHF11 - The RestSo, Life grabbed me by the ba... I mean my bootstraps and spun me around for about a week so I apologize for the EXTREME lateness in this post. I am going to separate it into two posts, this one finalizing the actual meeting and than another explain my CRAZY trip home followed by this week of craziness consisting of a casino trip, meeting Tyler's Cousin, and a trip to see my sis in Conn to see my bestie Melissa in CABARET! (She's fierce y'all!)<br />
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Okay. So lets start with Day 2 of the meeting. I don't even know where to begin on this amazing day! I was originally planning on waking up extra early and attending the Pfizer Symposium on Champions in Hemophilia, but I over slept... Me?!?!? Oversleep?!?!? Never...
So after a delicious breakfast of coffee and a bagel, I attended the seminar on The Legacy of Ryan White led by his mother Jeanne White-Ginder. For those of you who don't know who Ryan White is, I highly recommend reading about him online. Just search Ryan White on Wikipedia. You'll find a lot. Anywho, it has been a long time since Mrs. White-Ginder has been involved in the Hemophilia Community, and I know that I am happy she she is back... Plus she's besties with Elton John so that makes her awesome!
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<b><i>Sorry for the awful pic.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>I was far back :-(</i></b></div>
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It was really inspirational to hear her talk about the trials that not only her son went through, but that she went through as well. It was a no holds barred look at not only the way her own community in Illinois looked at her, but also the way the Hemophilia community looked at her. Jeanne stated that when she spoke for the first time in public with Senator Kennedy that "for the first time (she) had a voice too." This dark time in hemophilia history is awful, and it was amazing to get some insight from the woman whose son became the unlikely face of a disease that has effected so many people worldwide.</div>
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Okay, so after I stood under one of those bathroom blowers to dry my eyes off from all the crying (What. Me? Cry?!?!), I headed over to an advocacy meeting. Now, here's the funny part. I thought it was going to be about advocating for ourselves. WRONG. It's about advocating on a national level. So heathcare reform and government things that flew so far over my head I think they made it back to NY before I did. I wish I had something to write, but I didn't understand any of it. Hopefully Washington Days will help me with that. HAHA</div>
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Then after lunch, there was a really interesting session called Lessons Learned From the Decades. We heard from an older hemophiliac, a middle aged hemophiliac, and then one around my age... It was interesting hearing from these three gentlemen (Robert Edrington, Ken Hitcher, and Matt Brei) and about how differently they all grew up. From Robert having an appendectomy at age 10 in 1951 to hearing the 5 rules that Ken set up for himself after a harsh battle with Hep C, and hearing Matt discussing his caution on disclosing Hemophilia and hitting his insurance cap. It makes me lucking that I grew up when I did, but at the same time, these little whipper-snappers younger than I am have it EASY with all their prophylactic treatments. ;-) </div>
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I then walked around and saw a bunch of the exhibits.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baxter had a cool exhibit.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Biogen Idec has an AWESOME exhibit with virtual reality games and awesome water bottles ;-)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WOOT! Affinity Biotech!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who is that sexy beast at the Pfizer booth?</td></tr>
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I got a lot of cool trinkets and had a blast checking out all the new technologies. I'm even thinking of switching medications! (Thanks Pfizer...) I'll let you know how that goes in a later post...<br />
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But the COOOOOOLEST part of the whole exhibit was getting to meet....</div>
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<b><i>ALEX BORSTEIN!</i></b></div>
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No. That's her on the RIGHT! Duh... Anywho, she's an awesome chick and I think she's uber talented. And I can now die happy because I have hugged Ms. Swan and she has assured me that I "look a like aman." I've been stressing about looking like a man for years so.... thank God for that. ( I SAID I'M ON THE LEFT! Ugh...)</div>
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So, that evening I was invited to another dinner with Biogen Idec, which although a lot of fun, is kinda boring to write about because it was just getting to know a bunch of cool peeps and talking about PSU. (Still not blogging about it... nope.)</div>
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But BEFORE dinner, we went to SPARK. This awesome event hosted by Michael Shultz and Affinity Biotech. It was kind of like sketch comedy at its finest and I wish I could have stayed longer so I had more to talk about. They were all just awesome.</div>
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We then went back to the hotel bar where I drank a beer that was, literally, larger than my head and passed out in a chair in the lobby and Lee had to bring me to bed... Another typical Friday night....</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">DAY 3</span></div>
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So I actually woke up relatively refreshed and embarked on another day of learning and loving. Yeah, the two most important L's. Except maybe Lindt. As in Lindt chocolate. That shit is GOOOOD. Anywho, day three consisted of an awesome event about Aging and Hemophilia. It was fascinating hearing about all of the new information that doctors have discovered about Hemophilia later in life now that life expectancy has gone up... Medical professionals are speculating that by 2050 over 20% of hemophiliacs will be over age 60, compared to 2% of today's hemophiliacs being over 65. A STAGGERING statistic. Dr. Anne Greist also discussed the misdiagnosis of things such as kidney and liver disease since hematuria (blood in the urine) can happen normally as a hemophiliac and we sometimes just push it under the carpet. This session made me realize that it is never to young to start working about your aging health.</div>
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After that I attended the advocacy meeting I WANTED to attend with Ryan and Sara. It was the last session I attended in the conference so I think we all were a little punchy and giggly. It was fun. So this meeting was awesome because we learned how to really speak to our doctors and what our rights are and aren't. Danna Merritt, MSW was probably my favorite speaking of the entire meeting.</div>
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After the conferences it was time for martinis with Matt, Sara, and Ryan and then off to get sexy for the final dance. It was a BLAST. There was a DJ, the Blues Brothers, and we could even get a flipbook made! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Still Shot from the FlipBook. I love my hat ;-)</td></tr>
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The rest of the night was a big blur. I drank a lot, went to the BEAUTIFUL hotel where my boyfriend's best friend from high school is a mixologist and had an AMAZING Vesper (shaken.... not stirred). I then met up with my dear friend Wesley from High School (he was class president), and a bar called Epic? Maybe? And then back to the hotel where we raided a mini bar and passed out.<br />
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So that was NHF11! WOO-HOO! I made some amazing friends and some lasting connections. I also got to reconnect with some people that I haven't seen in a while. This meeting really gave me a new outlook on embracing my illness in a way I never thought was possible. I can't wait until next year! And keep your eyes peeled for my next post where I discuss how it took my almost 2 days to get home from Chicago. Yes... it's a doozy!<br />
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Till we meet again...<br />
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</div>The Hemo Homohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07153863694153110575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6468507182538426396.post-30456612349775413442011-11-11T10:42:00.001-08:002011-11-18T07:08:18.006-08:00NHF11 - Day 1<div id="dE_H" style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-image: none; background-size: auto auto; height: 100%; left: 0; min-height: 900px; position: relative; top: 0; width: 100%;">
Okay. So this is take two. I had a really hard time with my blog this morning so let's hope this works better. (It's a new iPad app). <br />
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Yesterday was such a fun day for NHF11! I woke up in the morning, after a beautiful nights sleep, to bluebirds pulling back my sheets and bunny rabbits bringing me my slippers. okay. So I didn't wake up like an animated princess, but it was still a great sleep.</div>
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After getting dressed, and I looked fabulous might I add, I headed down to the Biogen Idec Advisory Board and ate some delicious watermelon. Anywho, since it was a confidential meeting, there isn't too much that I can tell you, but I feel like I can discuss thongs that have been mentioned in the literature. Biogen Idec is working on a fantastic new factor product for both Hemophilia A and B that is longer lasting. Although data is still being collected, it really appears to be working. For information on the really smart important parts of the science, check out the <a href="http://www.biogenidechemophilia.com/" target="new">Biogen Idec Website.</a></div>
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Since it was a super secret meeting and if I talk about it too much birds will come down and attack my jugular, I will now move on with my post...</div>
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Okay. So, after my fantastic meeting, I met up with some friends I haven't seen in a while, and I met some new friends as well as seeing Matt Stinger and meeting Ryan Rotenberry were huge highlights yesterday. </div>
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I then went to the Opening Meeting which was truly inspirational. Val D. Bias spoke with such eloquence and passion it was hard not to be moved by his words. He also brought up on stage Jeanne White-Ginder, the mother of Ryan White, and that brought tears to my eyes. <br />
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After Val left the stage, Alex Borstein, of Family Guy fame, spoke, or should I say performed. Not only does she have a history of Hemophilia in her family (who knew), but she also sang some selections from<i> HEMOPHILIA! The Musical</i>, which consisted of her changing lyrics to famous musical theatre pieces. Needless to say, I was rolling on the floor.<br />
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After the meeting I checked out the exhibits, but I will post pictures on next blog post so stay tuned.</div>
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After that came SOCIAL INFUSION! It was amazing to go to a random bar in Chicago (English) and finally meet face to face some of you that have been reading my blog and following me on twitter. We tossed back a couple beers and all talked and had a blast Search #SocialInfusion on Twitter for pics since I didn't take any. haha.</div>
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So much fun, I can't wait for Day 2!!!</div>
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Till we meet again...</div>
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</div>The Hemo Homohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07153863694153110575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6468507182538426396.post-43727082696910302832011-11-10T15:01:00.001-08:002011-11-10T15:01:59.735-08:00NHF11 Pre-Day 1So here we are. I feel like I have been waiting for this week forever... MY FIRST NHF!<br /><br />I remember being a little boy and wanting to go to a meeting and it just never happened. And now I'm here, reconnecting with old friends and meeting some new ones! <br /><br />If you followed any of my Hemo Field Trip posts you know I write about the previous day, but please feel free to follow my twitter page @TheHemoHomo for live updates.<br /><br />Yesterday was kind of boring. I got up early to take a flight here, and then got to the BEAUTIFUL hotel, the Hyatt Regency. Just look at this view! <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110639919348250653521/TheHemoHomo?authkey=Gv1sRgCMKe_KuOzsuz9AE#5673506283580448754'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheOs94shyphenhyphenUT2_HbX6y07iltuCJubV2FCSTcAkSM_YsZ-l2kC4i_SoxGG9fnhyerhak68dzdQd8pBcS5mYup2P4aGI8PQRlgAHBXOiDUjdEjcfaKqvpBaYFoW4oVNxxN4tfvpjHK0yK_iAm/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />After getting to the hotel I had a couple hours to nap and cry about everything happening at PSU. (I'm refusing to talk about it).<br /><br />I called up my dear friend Vanessa Jones and we had cocktails at a bar that I never should have walked because the weather here in Chicago was FREEZING! (I dunno how Roxy did all those dances in so little clothes).<br /><br />Anywho, after that I went to the welcome dinner for the Biogen Idec Advisory Board meeting which was really a lot of fun. Lee was there and I always love getting to chitchat with that boy. <br /><br />I then went back to the hotel and went to bed.... Okay... So lots more tomorrow! Keep checking back in!<br /><br /><br />Till we meet again...<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=E%20Wacker%20Dr,Chicago,United%20States%4041.887758%2C-87.623245&z=10'>E Wacker Dr,Chicago,United States</a></p>The Hemo Homohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07153863694153110575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6468507182538426396.post-12762131008103654332011-11-07T12:03:00.000-08:002011-11-07T12:03:43.173-08:00Why the hate on Kim?Okay. So the Hemo comes out a lot on this blog and it's time for a little Homo.<br />
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Why the hate on Kim? I understand that as a 'mo I'm supposed to be angry that she's getting divorced and that her getting a divorce is a prime example of "the sanctity of marriage" being a ridiculous reason for the fight against marriage equality, but come on. KIM KARDASHIAN?!?! That's the best new argument you have?<br />
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I saw another article, now a couple of days old, on <a href="http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2011/11/03/Queers_Tweet_Kardashian_Apologizes_Sort_Of/" target="_blank">Advocate.com</a> explaining about how Kim kind of apologized to the LGBT community, but my question is, why should she? Whether Kim Kardashian married for love, money, or publicity really doesn't matter. I have a hard time believing that the televised circus that was her wedding was just a slap in the face to the LGBT community; a "let's show them what they can't have" moment.<br />
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I think that by showing outrage in a negative manner to a marriage gone wrong is extremely catty and just paints the LGBT community in an extremely negative light. Instead of putting the straight community down for misusing the rights that we so desperately crave, we should just keep stating how it is our RIGHT to be able to get married and that we already have a working marital model so why not be able to get married?<br />
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I would like nothing more than to be able to marry my partner so that when I am having a bleeding episode in the hospital, I know that he can sit with me. Or so that we can join under the same insurance plan, or get a tax break on income when we finally move in together, but putting down a celebrity's private marital struggle doesn't help us get the rights that we deserve!<br />
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I guess I just don't understand how putting other people down is going to help us get what we want. Bullying has become a major issue for LGBT youth and what example are we, as a community, showing by putting down a person for a private situation, although it has been made public by her own accord.<br />
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I just think we should kill people with kindness, but that's just my opinion.<br />
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Till we meet again...<br />
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<br />The Hemo Homohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07153863694153110575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6468507182538426396.post-47803469942809907112011-11-04T17:03:00.000-07:002011-11-11T10:51:43.998-08:00BOSTON... Well.. Almost.So I never realized how dumb I really was until I landed in the world of the super smart. O. M. G. Staying at a hotel sandwiched between Harvard and MIT really made me realize how little I contribute to the world.... And then I spoke.<br />
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Okay. You're confused. Good. That was the point. I should probably start at the very beginning. (A very good place to start. The hiiiiiillllls..... Okay. I'm done). <br />
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So last night, after the show, I hopped in a Towncar and was driven to Cambridge, Massachusetts to speak at a corporate meeting for Biogen Idec, who is the oldest continuously running Biotech company in the world. Cool huh? Needless to say, my 2 am arrival at the hotel followed by a 6:15 am wakeup call was not at the top of my priority list, but I know people have to do it a lot more often than I do so I dealt with it. <br />
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But why me? Why would Biogen Idec go through this trouble to get me up to Cambridge to speak in front of them? Honestly, I have no idea. I would like to think it's my charming good looks and impeccable sense of style, but it was probably just because I'm loud.<br />
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Anyway, Biogen Idec is on the forefront of a new factor technology that I could NEVER understand, but their <a href="http://www.biogenidechemophilia.com/" target="new">website</a> does it really well. The things that they are working on are all extremely exciting.<br />
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So all I had to do was get up in front of, like, 100 executives at this company and talk about myself. Sounds easy because, let's be real, I like talking about myself (btw, I need a HemoHomo theme song to underscore moments like these). <br />
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And here I am, in front of some of the brightest minds in science today, and I'm talking about Naked Boys Singing and waiting tables. I felt so dumb, not in an overtly negative way, just in a "what they do is more important" way. And then came the feedback. <br />
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I had so much fun, and so did they. I met too many people today to even count, and I cannot wait to see some of them again on Chi-Town next week... I know... So many people... MY FIRST NHF!!!! Anywho. Everyone was so sweet to me and kept thanking me. <br />
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And then I got to see the lab. It was so cool. I wish I had taken pictures! (Bad Blogger! Bad!) But to watch where these scientists sit and do their work. It was mind-blowing. <br />
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And here I am. At my hotel, eating a lobster roll in Cambridge and not taking the 5 minute trip into Boston because I am exhausted. <br />
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<b><i>Leaning on my corner window at the Marriott Cambridge</i></b></div>
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But I had a blast. And a bit of a confidence boost. It's easy to live our lives in our own world, not realizing the effect we have on other people, especially when we sing and dance naked and serve people food, but to hear the feedback from these people today was amazing. <br />
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And so I turn around and extend their thank you's to all of you. I am just one member of a community that is, well, small... but mighty (that's what she said). <br />
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I am probably going to be really busy and may not blog again until NHF '11, but I am so excited to meet so many of my readers and new friends, as well as check in with some old ones. <br />
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Here is to an amazing NHF '11, and, thanks to a bunch of people working very hard at Biogen Idec, I feel a huge change in the air? Breeze off the River? I See a River Flowing For Freedom? Okay. Enough musical theatre references. I'm out. <br />
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Till we meet again...<br />
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Location:<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Broadway,Cambridge,United%20States%4042.362771%2C-71.085965&z=10">Broadway,Cambridge,United States</a></div>The Hemo Homohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07153863694153110575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6468507182538426396.post-66841399278943219112011-11-03T16:58:00.001-07:002011-11-03T16:58:28.522-07:00Happy (Belated) HalloweeeeenSo here we are. Another All Hallow's Eve has passed us by. It has been a while since I have written a true Hemo Homo blog post, where it talks about BOTH h's in one post, but this one is defiantly a little bi-polar! (Where's my Lexipro...) <br /><br />So last night I cater/waitered an even co-hosted by Mount Gay Rum and Swish. Now for those of you who haven't read my previous posts, <a target="_blank" href="www.swishpride.org">Swish</a> is a Gay-Straight Alliance that fights "for equal rights using talent, smarts, and a sense of style." One of the Co-Founders is my fabulous cousin Sue, and I always try to participate in events whenever I can. <br /><br />Now even though I did a little eye makeup and wore fierce leather pants, we weren't allowed to dress in costume because I was working the event. Just black, so needless to say, at least the dress code was slimming. I had such a blast at this event. It was slammed with people and we debuted a new cocktail called the Boystown which was Mount Gay Rum, Elderflower Liquor (St. Germaine), Tonic, and Lime Juice. Muy delicioso. It was a fantastic beginning to a (hopefully) long lasting partnership between Mount Gay and Swish!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110639919348250653521/TheHemoHomo?authkey=Gv1sRgCMKe_KuOzsuz9AE#5670923238457090082'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ1dAy8AeatkfpbAJBywsZoMiURv4xePqVnEd4M1DM5TQ0ICHuDKVLnRt7a5uIdYnj5ffe4vxvyL4Z1JkGP82ILEOr3o8sEFP2maDux03Zjylnj2YPYavjYDak4_LISqzra4vUYCyYJf3u/s288/5.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='182' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />But not being about to wear a costume got me a little sad. I love dressing up for Halloween and it made me think about some of my favorite costumes from years past, and one jumps out.<br /><br />I don't remember how old I was, I'm gonna say 5 or 6, and I had a knee bleed. I think I was going to be Donatello that Halloween, but how can you be a ninja turtle in a wheel chair?! So after much thinking between myself and my mother, I decided to be an Indian Chief(or should I say Native-American Leader? The 80's were SUCH a different time!) We decorated my helmet with feathers and I wore a sweat suit in which we attached fringe and drew designs in Sharpie. And, of course, the pièce de résistance were horse heads mounted on my wheelchair. <br /><br />It's that silver lining thing that people talk about. It made me excited to be in a wheelchair for Halloween. And I got to be pushed around for Trick or Treating which was like a HUGE double bonus (that's what she said). <br /><br />So here I am, 20 years older and still looking back on that one Halloween which could have easily been one of my worst Halloweens ever, but instead, turned into one of my favorites!<br /><br />Moral of Story? Two Horse Heads are better than One ;-)<br /><br /><br />Till we meet again...<br />The Hemo Homohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07153863694153110575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6468507182538426396.post-16830992202711828982011-10-29T13:45:00.000-07:002011-10-29T13:45:41.074-07:00Helmet: The Prince of Hemophilia<br />
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To wear or not to wear. That is the Question.<br />
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I've had a couple of conversations with other hemophiliacs my own age about wearing a helmet while growing up. Some said that they rarely ever did, and then there are people like me who wore one my entire childhood. So what do you think? Helmet? Or no?<br />
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According to a Hemaware article from February of 2011 entitled <a href="http://www.hemaware.org/story/head-bleeds-and-hemophilia">Head Bleeds and Hemophilia</a>, Guy Young, MD, director of the Hemostasis and Thrombosis Center at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles stated, <br />
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"If a child is on prophylaxis three times a week and the risk of intracranial hemorrhage is very small, then there’s no need to wear a helmet,” says Young. “It stigmatizes him.” But Young makes exceptions. “For a toddler with an inhibitor engaging in an activity that may lead to trauma, like going to the playground, I would suggest a helmet.” (Entirely borrowed from the above mentioned article. No plagerism here.)</blockquote>
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Okay. That's great. But to me, something is rotten in the state of California. I, personally, do NOT agree with wearing a helmet "stigmatizing" a child who has a bleeding disorder. I mean, being alive with a helmet or having major bleeding episodes or damage with not wearing a helmet, I know which one I would choose. I may have felt isolated at times because of my helmet, but guess what, I was different. This idea of treating hemophiliacs like they are normal is just a bunch of bull in my head. We are different, we are not normal. And if there are things such as molded plastic that can cause me to live a longer, healthier lifestyle, than why not?<br />
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Now granted, I don't think the bubble boy aspect is the way to go either, and when I was growing up, infusing with factor was a death sentence with the threat of AIDS, so wearing a helmet was also a different thing for me than for parents today. And maybe I didn't need it until I was 13, but when I was sitting in the lunch room at age 11 and got hit in the head with a lunch tray which caused me to be hospitalized for 3 days, I don't blame my mother for making me keep it on.<br />
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Now I know I can get a little harsh, but pretty much all the research I have found has stated that wearing a helmet isn't necessary for children, and I think it is. You would never tell a "normal" child not not wear a helmet while riding a bike, so why would you not put a helmet on your child while on a playground, or even if roughhousing with a sibling if head trauma could happen.<br />
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I think Laureen A. Kelley said it best in her book <i>Raising a Child with Hemophilia</i><sup>1</sup>. <br />
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"Ultimately, your decision about gear and when to wear it will be personal: a function of your family beliefs, your concerns, and your child's activity level. Do what's best for your child so he can explore his environment safely and have fun!" (Page 114)</blockquote>
I just wanted to throw out a different idea about helmets. I wore one 24/7 and grew up fine. Parent's and peers all understood the situation and it bothers me that medical professionals don't give children the benefit of the doubt that they will not only accept the child wearing protective gear, but understand and help their peer as well.<br />
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Cause look at me! I grew up just fine!<br />
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Till we meet again...<br />
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<sup>1</sup>Kelley, Laureen, A. (2007). Raising a Child with Hemophilia. USA: CSL Behring.The Hemo Homohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07153863694153110575noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6468507182538426396.post-64115704017642605852011-10-27T21:35:00.001-07:002011-10-27T21:35:47.047-07:00No, Thank YOU HemophiliaSo I have started writing about 6 blog posts and abandoned them all. I just feel like if I am going to say something it should mean something... I mean, I love my ridiculous stories about random things, but I feel like they always have some kind of meaning. <br /><br />So why this post? Why write about not writing? <br /><br />Well, for one thing I find irony funny... Come on, HemoHomo? And two, it sometimes takes something major happening in your life to make you realize that the random, pointless, useless things in life really make things seem better.<br /><br />This has been a harsh week for me. Not only did I completely alienate myself from Tyler's roommates, but my Grandpa Romeo passed. I'm surprised I didn't end up with a bleed with how bad this week is going.<br /><br />Don't feel too bad; my Pop was 97. He led a long, full life and it was his time. But the idea of death hitting you so close to home can really help you put things in perspective and make you realize what is important and special in your life. <br /><br />My relationships and family are right at the top of that list. So is my hemophilia.<br /><br />Wait a minute. My hemophilia is important and special? Absolutely. It's easy to sit here and complain about the burdens that make us different, and that means it's hard to thank those unique imperfections for forming who we are.<br /><br />I know that I would not be who I am today without embracing my bleeding disorder (or my homosexuality for that matter). Growing up I usually saw it as this overwhelming burden that I would never be able to shake. And so you begin to base your life around it. Music camp instead of sports. Running instead of football. Movies instead of skating. And I don't think I would have ever become a truly fulfilled individual today, being happy with my career, love life, and family all at the same time, if I wasn't ablest truly embrace my disorder while still keeping it at bay.<br /><br />So Thank You Hemophilia. Thank you for helping to shape me into this person, and hopefully this is a person my Pop will be proud of as he looks down on me. <br /><br />I know. Weird post, but it'll make you think a little. My advice? Instead of complaining about the things we hate about ourselves, let's all try to embrace them and make that a positive trait. Just because we may not like something about ourselves, doesn't mean that others feel that way. So be you. All of you. All the time. <br /><br />Till we meet again...<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=New%20Jersey%2010,,United%20States%4040.833850%2C-74.443704&z=10'>New Jersey 10,,United States</a></p>The Hemo Homohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07153863694153110575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6468507182538426396.post-4604065036633032822011-10-03T07:45:00.001-07:002011-10-03T07:45:50.774-07:00A Lost Boy...So these past 365 days have been rough on me, but it sparked a flame into starting this blog so I guess some good things have come out of it.<br /><br />Before November, I can't remember the last time I had to be infused (except for a show injury, but that doesn't count. That's expected. Hahaha). Since then, I have had a head injury, an ankle injury, and a shoulder/neck injury that all had to be infused (or at least a Stimate regimen). And since all this has happened, I cannot help but feel the looming cloud of depression hovering over me as it did in my dark past. It has me wondering... What is the connection between Hemophilia and Depression.<br /><br />From personal experience, I always get depressed when I am injured. It's hard having to rely on the ones you love for extra help, from big things like getting out of bed or trying to take a shower, to the little things like not being able to open a Tylenol bottle without someone doing it for you. I have always assumed that it is just conditional... While dealing with the cultural aspects of being injured, depression sets in. I get better; it goes away. <br /><br />But with so many injuries lately I'm beginning to wonder if they feed off of each other. If being injured keeps me depressed, and the depression puts my body in a place to be injured. <br /><br />Now, I don't want this to sound like a "oh, woe is me" type post. There are MANY people worse off than me and I thank my lucky stars on a daily basis to have been so blessed with the life that I have right now, but with everything that has been happening, I can't help but wonder...<br /><br />So off starts the hunt for clinical studies. Seretonin and endorphin levels while bleeding internally. How are they effected, if at all? Let's find out...<br /><br />There was a study done through the University of Arizona involving patients of the Arizona Hemophilia Treatment Center in Tucson comparing patients with Hemophilia to patients without bleeding disorders at the same hospital.<br /><br /> "About 37% of patients treated at the Arizona Hemophilia Treatment Center, in Tucson, were diagnosed with a history of depression, compared with 4% of the general population of adult males, said Alison Stopeck, MD, director of the center." (Susman)<br /><br />The article continues to discuss that depression in Hemophiliacs with Hepatitis C and/or HIV don't have a higher ratio of depressed patients than those without these diseases. (Susman)<br /><br /> And that was pretty much the only article I could find. The link follows. http://www.medpagetoday.com/Psychiatry/Depression/21167<br /><br />So my question now becomes, why aren't there more studies in this? Doesn't anyone else find it interesting that there are these connections? For someone who has been battling with depression for years, I know I do.<br /><br />So "What's Up, Docs?!" Let's get this show on the road! And now that I have passed a brief battle with lethargy, I will be back to blogging and tweeting in full swing!!!<br /><br /><br />Till we meet again...<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=8th%20Ave,New%20York,United%20States%4040.755626%2C-73.990898&z=10'>8th Ave,New York,United States</a></p>The Hemo Homohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07153863694153110575noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6468507182538426396.post-30349307095538932172011-08-18T07:52:00.001-07:002011-08-18T07:58:57.095-07:00Try to RememberWow. So does anyone remember this blog about an actor in NYC who was a hemophiliac and gay?! I feel like I do, but it was such a long time ago that I have now decided to take up the reigns and start a new blog in his honor...<br /><br />Just kidding! So sorry guys. My life has been CRAZY and I want to let you all in on it, just gotta talk to some family members about some stuff before I post it all over the blogosphere. <br /><br />What's the same? Well... I'm still living at my apartment, I'm still working at Belcourt, and I'm still in Naked Boys Singing. Oh, and Michelle Bachman hasn't gotten to me yet, so I'm still gay. <br /><br />Pretty much I'm exactly the same, but I have even more stories to talk about so get ready for some fun ones including a trip from my best friend from Europe, a neck bleed, and crazy cat stories... OH and I got a fish. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110639919348250653521/TheHemoHomo?authkey=Gv1sRgCMKe_KuOzsuz9AE#5642209094881744610'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOjFSeKk6_jD05qGthBGyoIOobBTDsRgMoPdGAA3Z_vrJ-CxUVkFlBvYljQW5F2NNNnly9DG8iarlx61TaJ68FRIwfyezpxYMn0j4Cn4pQxQsoK6_aJRpIOjNbBfvJ47A2DZVLBQXFlDWx/s288/3.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='251' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><i>Luna discovers Olivia for the first time!</i></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110639919348250653521/TheHemoHomo?authkey=Gv1sRgCMKe_KuOzsuz9AE#5642210642146302194'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGN2b8h-6Niubu7NCWWFMvs30so3mwb0oT9i-CwQkchnh-_1PGqNtnf69GSuq2XmZxMKBVwFbWmJP4UTzIkmSBlGdX9SjMybnRPfWxaMj34osddf7NVnOJDiI7_I_oA4R9PUo2YMIrCEXB/s288/3.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='130' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><center><I>Artistic Olivia!</i></center><br /><br />AND!! Read this! <br /><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hemaware.org/story/digital-connections">Digital Connections</a><br /><br />I hope you read to the end! How cool, right? Anywho, get ready for some fun new blog posts! It's about time, right?!<br /><br />Till we meet again...<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=27th%20St,,United%20States%4040.774404%2C-73.916995&z=10'>27th St,,United States</a></p>The Hemo Homohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07153863694153110575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6468507182538426396.post-10759981406006751042011-07-20T09:22:00.001-07:002011-07-20T09:37:46.188-07:0010 years of Harry PotterI'm about to be super cliche right now. And I know a lot of my blog posts are... But get ready. <br /><br />I cried so hard the other night. Why you may ask? Because I saw the final film in the Harry Potter series, <i>Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2</i>. I know I know. Stupid. But over the course of 10 years I can remember all the people and all the places where these movies became much more than a movie, but an EVENT. Here are some highlights. <br /><br />Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone:<br />I had never really read the books. One of my friends actually used one of the books to discuss the innocence of children verses the corruption of adults in my AP English class... (I used <i>The Turn of the Screw</i>. Read it). I said, why not. So I decided to read the book. In the meantime, the first movie came out and I did NOT wanna see the movie until I read the book. So I waited until my birthday, which was in December. So on my 18th Birthday, December 2, 2001, my mother and I went to Honesdale, Pa to go see the first Harry Potter film, and I became hooked.<br /><br />Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban:<br />While attending Penn State University, the third movie came out. I was dating a sweet boy at the time, but it came out during the summer. So I drove all the way from NEPA to Bellefonte, Pa to see the Midnight showing at the Garman Opera House, an old opera house built in 1857 which was converted into a movie theatre with stadium seating and digital sound.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110639919348250653521/TheHemoHomo?authkey=Gv1sRgCMKe_KuOzsuz9AE#5631470796554066450'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiu3oJHr76pnSQXV9yTPIYg0QjsBKZE2cmHqdoYErKUtNWoSwY_LoTZnaZy1oFS_iRPh-gdEMvWHNA5i4DYxHeAEz4a2wFsCKz4QZRM7j_RSBi9jKF8_MKncgHaSjkOPoS_h4ZkVGk6R92/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='160' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />I actually saw movies Two through Four at this beautiful theatre, and rumor has it, it has now closed... So many memories at this historic theatre...<br /><br />Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince:<br />Not every Harry experience can be a happy one. I saw this film when I was with my ex who wasn't my boyfriend at the time (and if you ask him he will probably say he never was). His sister was kind enough to get us tickets for the midnight showing in Times Square. I remember drinking, a lot, as I always did when I was with him. We even made "travelers" to bring with us into the theater. At some point, while waiting for the movie to begin, he has a random hissy fit for some reason or another, and for the first (and probably only time with him) it wasn't my fault. He started screaming at me and his sister about something and stormed out of the theatre. I waited like 15 minutes to go after him and then found him just inside the door of the theater waiting for someone to come after him. We finally got to see the movie, although he bitched about Emma Watson the whole time and I had to go see it again by myself to actually enjoy it... Ugh...<br /><br />Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2:<br />So the other night, Tyler, Meghan, Dane, and myself all went to the IMAX 3D showing at Lincoln Square in NYC. I had such a blast. It was such a surreal experience to be sitting in this huge theatre in NYC with my boyfriend, best friend, and her boyfriend seeing a conclusion 10 years in the making. <br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/112620787047625414077/TheHemoHomoAlbum#5631474642665633906'><img src='http://lh5.ggpht.com/-A_tMJrT3XoI/TicEWcW0eHI/AAAAAAAAAKA/QTN3uDif1E8/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><center><bold><i>Meghan and Dane showing off their 3D glasses.</center></bold></i><br /><br />We have all grown up. It's amazing to think that during my senior year of high school I started this journey and now I'm 27, a working actor in New York City, and in an amazing relationship that will probably last a lifetime.<br /><br />So here is your assignment all those Potterheads out there: Compare who you were when you saw the first movie compared to who you are now seeing the last.<br /><br />I was straight, and now I'm out.<br />I was in high school and now I'm living in New York.<br />I listened to Britney Spears, and now I listen to... Well.. Britney Spears. Okay. So some things don't change. Hahaha. But how much have you grown? Let me know. Tweet at @TheHemoHomo or message me here.. I'm interested to hear your responses. <br /><br /><br /><br />Till we meet again...<br />The Hemo Homohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07153863694153110575noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6468507182538426396.post-81311950150616500862011-07-16T16:28:00.001-07:002011-07-16T16:28:06.903-07:00The Fast LaneI hopped on the train today to head into the show and when I got on, they said it was running express. I got super excited because I was running late to begin with. But that aside, I always get excited because I know I'm going to get where I wanna go faster, but why is that?<br /><br />Be it an express train, a non-stop flight, or never taking a summer break in college so you can graduate in three years instead of four, (which we all know I never did) why is it that we always want to get everywhere so fast. What about the journey?<br /><br /><I>*Just a small town girl.... Livin' in a lonely world...* Come on, you knew I was going there... </I><br /><br />Now don't get me wrong, I love a good express train, but I'm trying to use a metaphor here. (ME?!? Use a metaphor? Never...) I look back on growing up and how when I was little, I just couldn't wait to get to double digits. Then, at 10, all I wanted was to be 13, then 16, then 18, 21, 25 (to rent a car, duh), and now, in some weird way, I cannot wait to be 30. I just want it to get there already. <br /><br />But as I look back, I wish I had spent more time really living the life I was in, rather than wishing it was over and on to something else. The relationships I had with friends, lovers, and the few that fell somewhere in between, were all over before they should have been, but I couldn't wait to get on to something new...<br /><br />Even now, in the wake of a big decision I am facing at the moment (don't worry, you'll know soon enough), I just wanna fly through these next couple months so it can get here...<br /><br />I don't know about anyone else, but I feel like I keep hoping that everything will be better at the next milestone. I keep waiting for fate to swoop in and make everything fabulous, but it doesn't. And so I keep trying to flag down that express train to get me to my next stop faster, and I lose out on all the other great stuff in between.<br /><br />So this is what I'm going to do. I'm going to try and enjoy life again. All of it, not just the good parts, but the not so good ones too. I need to laugh at myself when I overdraw my bank account because my Amazon Prime annual fee went through without me realizing. Or smile when I see an ex across the street who doesn't even acknowledge my existence anymore. Or just take a deep breath when I feel that green eyed monster trying to rear it's ugly head when amazing things are happening to people who I love more than life itself. But most importantly, I am going to stand tall when I have done something wrong, or bad, or forgetful, and make amends for the issues in front of me. <br /><br />Just because I hop on the express train doesn't mean that the other stops aren't there, I've just gone by them, and yes, some may be bad, but most are good. And I wanna experience them all...<br /><br /><br />Till we meet again...<br />The Hemo Homohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07153863694153110575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6468507182538426396.post-83221595185508074572011-07-16T08:59:00.001-07:002011-07-16T08:59:29.604-07:00Call Me Irresponsible...So wow. I mention it on here a lot about how I'm a bad hemophiliac. I am never prepared. Never ready for when an episode actually hits. And here we are. Sitting in a waiting room waiting to get infused because I dropped the ball... Or the soap... And got royally, well, you know what happens when you drop the soap...<br /><br />So the other day I woke up and my right ankle felt so tight. Like... Super tight. And hurt. Meh! That happens. So I stretched it out and got on my way to work. It felt better.<br /><br />I should explain where the pain is. If you could get a bleed in your tendon, I would assume my Achilles was bleeding, but I know that's silly, so I assume it is the muscle surrounding/controlling the tendon that is having the issue... Okay... Back to the story...<br /><br />So I'm at Belcourt, setting up the bar, and it starts bothering me again... And it only gets worse. And worse. And worse. By the time 6pm rolls around I'm taking breaks just to go downstairs and cry a little because it hurt so bad. Everyone was really nice and let me go home as soon as I could, so I went home and started icing, and wrapping, and icing, and wrapping... Over and over. <br /><br />I slept a total of 3 hours. <br /><br />So then I wake up the next morning and try to stretch it out, and it's still bothering me... I have mobility back, but still bothering me. So this is the moment of truth where I decide to Stimate (a nasal spray used in mild Hemophiliacs to boost the existing factor level to a higher, but still semi-low, amount), or infuse with Factor VIII. Only one problem. I don't have either.<br /><br />There are times in our lives when we need to be prepared, to not drop the ball (or whatever you drop) when it comes to the important factors of our lives. Be it making sure you have your EpiPen, inhaler, or, in my case, factor, you have to have the things that keep you healthy on hand. And I did not. My factor was not on me due to a mishap involving phone calls between my pharmacy and HTC (which, in theory, is still my fault because I should have been more on top of it), and because I never brought my prescription to the pharmacy because the excuse was... I'll have more money next week for the co-pay. <br /><br />So here, on a random Thursday afternoon, I had 2 nurses scrambling during a normal work day with other patients just to try and find a way to get me my medication, and a clinical pharmacist at Affinity, scrambling to try and get medication together for an overnight delivery so I could have more if needed the following day. And it was all because I was irresponsible. <br /><br />I don't know what I would have done if it wasn't for Donna and Maria and NY-Pres and for Jean (and Matt and Michael) at Affinity Biotech. <br /><br />I have to say it is feeling better, but I do have it wrapped and still don't have full flexing motion in my ankle, but I now know that from this point on I'll be ready...<br /><br />So... As the evilicious Scar states so beautifully in <i>The Lion King</i>, Be Prepared! Because this time, I was lucky.... And all we as know, Luck is a Lady (Tonight), but I've never been too suave with the lady folk so I'm gonna try this responsibility angle. Ugh... <br /><br />Till we meet again...<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=New%20York%20-%20Presbyterian%4040.758165%2C-73.969566&z=10'>New York - Presbyterian</a></p>The Hemo Homohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07153863694153110575noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6468507182538426396.post-20033783139376358772011-07-13T18:54:00.001-07:002011-07-13T18:54:01.212-07:00A difference of opinion...I'm sorry I disappeared for a while. Things have been crazy since the road trip and I just haven't had a chance to write. So Oh my God, I'm back again. Party people everybody sing. Okay... Enough Backstreet Boys. <br /><br />So I could sit here and tell you about another funny story from my past, which is always a good time, or tell you about all of the ridiculous things taking place in my present, which is also pretty entertaining, but I feel like this is a good time to comment on current events, because I dunno how I missed it, but a mouse was cured of Hemophilia... What?!?<br /><br />I may have a different interpretation of hemophilia than some others out there, especially because I am mild-moderate, but I have a hard time believing that I am going to see a cure for Hemophilia become available to the public before I turn 50, even if then. <br /><br />I know. I sound pessimistic, but I'm not a negative person... Normally. I just feel like I have a tendency to be real. Pharmaceutical companies make too much money off of hemophilia treatment to allow a cure to come out soon. <br /><br />Now, I know I am talking in generalizations, not ALL pharmaceutical companies feel that way, I guarantee, just like not all 'mo's think Britney deserves her recent success (come on Brit, you can dance better live). But here in lies the rub, when for years these companies have been funding new and better treatments to REGULATE bleeding, why would they then just turn around and not lobby that gene therapy research is too dangerous for consumers, or the Darwin theory, or whatever reasons they think will relate to government officials to keep customers using their products that, thankfully, they have poured millions of dollars into just so that they could lose all of it.<br /><br />The medical industry is a big business. Business. And to make money people need to stay, somewhat, sick. More comfortable, but sick. It's tough to think about, but I know that some of you feel that way out there as well. <br /><br />And I hope I am wrong. This is why I love living in America. Because I can start a blog about my life and have my own opinion, and know that other people feel differently, and that's okay. Maybe one day I will be able to live my life without the fear of bleeding. But I think that day is a little far off. For now, I am thankful that there are treatments that can keep me healthy and have helped to make this illness livable. <br /><br />So don't hate. I'm just speaking my mind. And I'm interested in knowing what you think. So tweet me (@TheHemoHomo) or comment here. I will respond. Hope everyone reading is having a good day, because I am on my way to work... Yuck...<br /><br />Till we meet again...<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=E%2072nd%20St,New%20York,United%20States%4040.769067%2C-73.957267&z=10'>E 72nd St,New York,United States</a></p>The Hemo Homohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07153863694153110575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6468507182538426396.post-87698393581398497412011-06-23T10:08:00.001-07:002011-06-23T10:08:34.814-07:00Be ProudLook. As of late I've been writing about current things happening to me as an individual, but there is something bigger going on right now with the Equality Vote looming over our heads at the NYC Senate, and with the beginning of NYC Pride officially starting tonight, I find myself wanting to discuss "coming out."<br /><br />Now for all my bleeder folk out there, don't turn away just yet. This isn't only about being a Homo, it's actually more about being a Hemo. I had a harder time coming out as a Hemophiliac than I did as a Homosexual. I'm sure your face is doing some weird scrunched up "huh?" thing right now, so read on my friends, and see what I mean...<br /><br />Throughout past blog posts I have discussed growing up with Hemophilia. Wearing a helmet, covered in pads, and although most people were accepting, some were not. It's hard not to tease the kid who looks like he just stepped out of some weird science fiction movie where helmets are used to access parts of the brain so I can communicate telepathically! (or most people just thought I had a mental disability, but I'm trying to keep it light).<br /><br />So going to Penn State was like a breath of fresh air! I didn't have a cell phone, there was no The Facebook, and I had never jumped into the myspace or livejournal craze, so there was nothing linking me to my old life. I mean, come on, my nickname in high school was Bleeder. I decided I wasn't going to tell anyone that I had hemophilia. It's my business and nobody else's. Of course, I told my dance professor, but other than that... No one.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110639919348250653521/TheHemoHomo?authkey=Gv1sRgCMKe_KuOzsuz9AE#5621463271584928866'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg18QuNQIY0d5gbF9AST4ee3Wp3w27nvbf2r1YUf7xmrr685PCrHpoUUENsYryj4GBn7gAJWDSwj9O2HAYljiwm1ykX04zV2lKsRoa1vmEj-V1lj95SkJoER8tCdra9jlznlhDcEXvikY14/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='189' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><b><i><center>Freshman Year of College!<br />With the fabulous Carol Angeli Dillard</center></i></b><br /><br />At some point I let Melissa know, and a couple other of my classmates, but I wanted to keep it hush-hush. Not the smartest thing in the world going out at PSU with no Medic Alert, nobody knowing, just plain old me, but it was a liberating experience, to be in the closet about my disability.<br /><br />And then Theatre 100 happened. So I can save my face professionally, I am not mentioning any names here, but I am going to tell this story. Theatre 100 was a general arts credit that ALL theatre majors at PSU are required to take, but is open to anyone at the university. So needless to say, that was one of the 200+ people lecture classes. The premise was that we learned the background of the time period a play was written in, read the play, grad students performed scenes, and then we took a test. One of those plays was <i>Angels in America</i>. <br /><br />For those of you not familiar with <i>Angels in America</i>, aka the hemos, it is a story about the AIDS epidemic in the 80's, mostly following the homosexual life style, but makes references to hemophilia and drug use.<br /><br />So it's the section of the class where we are learning about the time period and we start off discussing the GMHC and drug use, and then my professor begins to discuss Ryan White.<br /><br />For those of you not familiar with Ryan White, aka the homos, Ryan White was a hemophiliac who received Factor VIII infusions and received AIDS from this. He was diagnosed in 1984, and when schools forbade him to come back, they started a campaign, and Ryan White became the new face of AIDS...<br /><br />Well in class, the professor started talking about how horrible and crippling Hemophilia is. How Ryan White, as an active child, was the anomaly. How most Hemophiliacs sit at home and do nothing because their disease has crippled them so... <br /><br />Now my blood is starting to boil, and I look around at the few people I have actually told, and they are just staring at me with this look of "seriously?" so I had a choice. To come out or not. To go back to being Bleeder, or Helmet Head, or any other fine choice of words, or I could just let everyone think these lies about a disease that I have lived with my entire life... It really wasn't a choice, I only had one true option... I raised my hand...<br /><br />My professor stopped in mid-sentence and tried to chastise me by saying, "I'm sorry, is there something you have the say that is so important that you will interrupt me while I'm giving a lecture?" and then she sips ever-so-nastily on her Diet Coke...<br /><br />I stood up. "Yes," I replied. "I do." And began to talk about what it was like growing up in the 80's with Hemophilia. I know I was right at the cusp of when all this happened, but my brother was in the thick of it. And NEITHER of us were inactive couch potatoes. My brother played Little League and was a cheerleader in HS. I was a dancer and ran X-C. This was not some illness that caused us to be invalids. As hemophiliacs, we live. We are active, and we do the same things other kids do, just with a little extra cushioning...<br /><br />I looked around and saw everyone in this 200 seat lecture hall staring at me, my fellow MT's grinning from ear to ear. My professor, after a moment to collect her thoughts, went through her overhead transparencies and with nothing more than a "thank you for that," she moved on to discussing Rock Hudson.<br /><br />I know that the argument of the LGBT community getting married is extremely politically charged and steeped in religious battles that don't really need to be there, but what I ask for is for everyone to just come out. Be proud of who you are!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110639919348250653521/TheHemoHomo?authkey=Gv1sRgCMKe_KuOzsuz9AE#5621463278601326466'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHzczpP9-ec42-chlDov2cJ_qvMmptlxSwGhqZ6Y0fBbrctyWNOkb5li37SARdgRbWG8XjEBbhrhDwImLdJxy7U7_jkLL2PAD4gem04I_JJQHPrjBJKafDo7u7BCam6e8mJ24_ipoS08I3/s288/3.jpg' border='0' width='151' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><b><i><center>NYC Pride March - 2009</center></i></b><br /><br />Whether you have HIV, or diabetes. Whether you're gay or you had that one experience at Boy Scout Camp (come on... You know you did). Or even if you have been dying your hair blonde because you don't want the world to know you're a ginger (which I wouldn't understand cause gingers are hot), just come out of the closet! Be you! And be proud. Pride Week isn't just for gay people anymore... It's for all of us.<br /><br /><br />Till we meet again...<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=E%2073rd%20St,,United%20States%4040.768980%2C-73.957212&z=10'>E 73rd St,,United States</a></p>The Hemo Homohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07153863694153110575noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6468507182538426396.post-3367352584450607632011-06-22T10:46:00.001-07:002011-06-22T10:46:39.138-07:00Bleeding Across the Country - Day 8I made it home! After 14 hours in a Sprinter van, we arrived in New York City at around 2am. <br /><br />So the start of the day...<br /><br />We wake up and like 9:30 and I go downstairs to get some free hotel breakfast when I find out it ended at 9. Great. So THIS is how my day is going to go. <br /><br />FINALLY we get a call from the garage that the new seat belts have been installed. Jeff and I get our stuff packed and head to the Dodge dealership to get the van so we can drive home....<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110639919348250653521/TheHemoHomo?authkey=Gv1sRgCMKe_KuOzsuz9AE#5621101992418780594'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDnX6q4E84_4H2dSRR4oP798I9J-plIFMjamqTNkSZvCRfJbboB__zZdAxhPK-Rw-zlvWyUsbbEnqL1cqo5p500MFsxbdqms9dE4Agh-9FTp7PqOhCZkQyAi8lJTlf2Lu_GcB3fI2qFbwA/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We see our van and get so excited... But not too excited. We don't want to jinx ourselves again. So after a lengthly test drive we drop off the rental car and get on the road. <br /><br />I wish I could regale you with fabulous tales, but there aren't any. We drove straight to NYC in 14 hours and then went to sleep. Pretty boring, but I had to complete this monstrosity of a road trip. Pride is coming up. Expect a pretentious post soon... :-)<br /><br /><br />Till we meet again...<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=E%2073rd%20St,New%20York,United%20States%4040.769096%2C-73.957167&z=10'>E 73rd St,New York,United States</a></p>The Hemo Homohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07153863694153110575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6468507182538426396.post-40192649146886293592011-06-20T20:21:00.001-07:002011-06-21T06:27:47.033-07:00Bleeding Across the Country - Day 7<b><i>When the skies are brighter canary yellow<br />I forget ev'ry cloud I've ever seen,<br />So they called me a cockeyed optimist<br />Immature and incurably green....</i></b><br /><br />Yeah. I felt like quoting South Pacific was exactly what I needed after this day. This terrible, horrible, no good, very bad, day... (Where is Alexander when you need him)... Although it started off AWESOME.<br /><br />So after passing out at like 4am after chit-chatting with Mel, I woke up at like 7 and walked back to the hotel to get ready for breakfast with Michael Schultz (@michaelschultz). Not only is he the creator of Hemalog, but he is also just a straight up cool dude. He picked me up and we went to this awesome restaurant aptly titled <i>The Cafe</i>. I had this amazing Hash and Eggs and he had Twice Baked French Toast. The food was amazing, and the conversation was even better. We discussed everything from the new iPhone OS to the way we were raised involving protective head gear (that lucky duck didn't wear a helmet. I'm totes jeals). <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110639919348250653521/TheHemoHomo?authkey=Gv1sRgCMKe_KuOzsuz9AE#5620508071973617794'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbFUxSl_QPvtOm_SmK0doayaZrnnRhhy1LIDRR8tpxIysd2r3-6TnKun8RM4UgnhGyugy18LBFnVENBsIzIbHhR_XWKBhHkriVkU3HCOgKJCOt5qdoe4g7D2t9WrES5quJMUEU4dkvzrMM/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />He's heading to TX, so let's wish him a much better #HemoRoadTrip than I've been having... Segue to...<br /><br />THE GARAGE. <br /><br />OMG. So we were told that the van would be ready today by 10, 11 at the latest. By 12 we still have not heard from the garage, so... We decided to just drive to the garage and wait there. We hop in our adorable Chevy HHR rental, and drive into downtown Louisville.<br /><br />When we get there, we discover that they have JUST started to run the diagnostic. AT 12:30!!!!!!! They have had this van for over 2 months. We are pissed. So we now know we probably aren't getting home now until Tuesday afternoon... At least there was a Purple Pegasus...<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110639919348250653521/TheHemoHomo?authkey=Gv1sRgCMKe_KuOzsuz9AE#5620513451440714450'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWGdWyw_GZLYWvz74NozFWnSAJ_N3vNU2GUwQJuyx2RJnIphUqjiCwHHs7_8aoePEyjWbF2XXc3Jb0mvlcaFEubzJ1aQnozkPewNbhOpnkABNNfN3BaRCUDj5Y5BI4OzQLz6ur5BZGqbsR/s288/3.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Turns out, we needed new seat belts. And guess what. None in stock. So Patrick decided to fly home while Jeff and I stayed behind, again, to hope that the van will actually be fixed Tuesday morning. So please... PLEASE keep me in your thoughts because I would really like to get back to NYC and some point before I turn 30... Fingers crossed...<br /><br />Side note? Um... Louisville has Mello Yellow Zero. Yes, please...<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110639919348250653521/TheHemoHomo?authkey=Gv1sRgCMKe_KuOzsuz9AE#5620513481050833554'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Yz5rCghx6EMQqSiT_3GJJZ2NxB3_ibUGFFy3Z-7E03SqAeE4h9IS5cAdYpxV6pQuKYv_1pnxyyzQcajJXbufuHQFGNMCp_6lzh7VcgtXYTD4851aLhhHsg2LjiiT2GjGTMAIpRd0hUNl/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Till we meet again...<br /><br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Alliant%20Ave,Jeffersontown,United%20States%4038.220994%2C-85.535789&z=10'>Alliant Ave,Jeffersontown,United States</a></p>The Hemo Homohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07153863694153110575noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6468507182538426396.post-34625554439039376232011-06-20T11:21:00.001-07:002011-06-20T12:24:56.215-07:00Bleeding Across the Country - Night 5 & Day 6Wow. I'm actually going to have a positive blog post for once! Who knew?! <br /><br />So my friend Melissa was super tired when we arrived, and we were HUNGRY, so we left Melissa at Derby Dinner and went to the Smokin' on the River Festival. It was this AMAZING BBQ festival with Blues music. It was awesome. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/112620787047625414077/TheHemoHomoAlbum#5620368681400614754'><img src='http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iGKPKrzLPuM/Tf-PiamdP2I/AAAAAAAAAIo/PEuq0uglYas/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /> <br />I had some amazing BBQ, and a beer and some FUNNEL CAKE... I totally forgot how much I LOVE funnel cake. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/112620787047625414077/TheHemoHomoAlbum#5620368691106738706'><img src='http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZOHIzL5v9B8/Tf-Pi-wk8hI/AAAAAAAAAIs/IbMG_R2ZbHQ/s288/1.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br />After the festival (the festival? The KING'S festival?!?!) we went back to the hotel and I grabbed some clothes and then went to the actor's house where Melissa lives. <br /><br />And then, I met Schmatthew. Amazingly fabulous in every sense of the word. And then i met Schmlexi, who was equally as fabulous... And then we went to bed. <br /><br />*cue birds chirping*<br /><br />As I awaken refreshed and renewed with baby birds tying ribbons in my hair, we head to Toast in downtown Louisville. It was an amazing brunch. Not as good as Belcourt (of course), but still DELICIOUS! <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/112620787047625414077/TheHemoHomoAlbum#5620368696169186514'><img src='http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wvwPQaw0W-c/Tf-PjRnjxNI/AAAAAAAAAIw/qQIzDJ6UzlM/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />After brunch we all just shot the breeze and went for a Target run, before I returned to the hotel for a refreshing shower and got all dolled up to go see a play at Derby called "Life After Dad." We shared a couple bottles of wine and had some delicious food, and then we returned home for a bit. I caught up with another old friend, Schmelly (Not smelly. She actually smells quite nice), which was much needed. :-)<br /><br />We then decided to go to The Connection so Melissa decides to be the DD and Schmatthew and I are going to be the passengers. After we park the car, we head into Tryangles, which is a cool, low key gay bar where a kinda creepy "straight" guy decided to latch onto us and follow us to The Connection, which is the top Drag Club in the country.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/112620787047625414077/TheHemoHomoAlbum#5620384671152611218'><img src='http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KNPiHaT4uq4/Tf-eFJEaH5I/AAAAAAAAAI4/3Xg-TAlpv64/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We paid our cover, grabbed some beers, (and by beer I mean Maker's) and grabbed a table. What followed was one of the greatest drag shows I have ever seen (Sorry Lauren Ordeir... Love you!). After the fierce show, we danced for a while and then headed home, after some White Castle, of course...<br /><p align='center'><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/yEQ6JU_PCoo" width="400" height="300"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/yEQ6JU_PCoo" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><!-- Fallback content --><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEQ6JU_PCoo"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/yEQ6JU_PCoo/0.jpg" width="400" height="300" />YouTube Video</a></object></p>It was amazing to get to see Melissa and meet her dear friends that I have heard so many amazing things about. Here is that silver lining. Keep posted for some amazing revelations, because it goes back down hill after this... Ugh..... <br /><br /><br />Till we meet again...<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Forest%20Dr,Louisville,United%20States%4038.161401%2C-85.697979&z=10'>Forest Dr,Louisville,United States</a></p>A-Ro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09657157079295080502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6468507182538426396.post-54426888745837034262011-06-19T15:30:00.001-07:002011-06-19T15:30:16.605-07:00Bleeding Across the Country - Day 5So, I always try to keep a positive mindset when it comes to tragedy. So this entire trip I have been cracking jokes and trying to keep things light, and yesterday, I snapped. Well, got really upset...<br /><br />So we get up at the crack of dawn and get some coffee. We then take the surprisingly clean shuttle to the LAS airport where we start our trip to Louisville, KY, where the second van has been repaired.<br /><br />In case you haven't been reading the past posts, here is a very brief summary:<br /><br /><i>I was asked by my old theatre company to fly to LA to pick up a van that had broken down and was left because the tour needed to continue. On the way home we were to swing by Louisville, KY and pick up ANOTHER van that had broken down and drive them both back to their destination in NYC. The LA van broke down in Vegas and after three days of trying to get it fixed, we ultimately gave up and are now on our way to Louisville to pick up the second van.</i><br /><br />Okay. So the flight went well. I took a bit of a nap anodyne enjoyed a delicious Quiznos breakfast sandwich that was amazing (Who knew?). <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110639919348250653521/TheHemoHomo?authkey=Gv1sRgCMKe_KuOzsuz9AE#5620061399939691794'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjos6rI55-x5DVTwzYTDh2T_HAo9vJv4tUyQE6D65-XhX_rYP9-NIawLTIpY864O2maNa6qVd7U9BeBIFOTuCpXjRBwG4Y_HcskV8cJymw0dJQQPSoRTOENCGM2qu6udWgeRRCRtKc5uwmk/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We land in Memphis during a layover, and head to Popeye's for some lunch. Yes, I dunno how I'm going to get naked this thursday, but I'm going to have to. Anywho, Jeff called the garage in Louisville where the van is being repaired to let them know when we are arriving because they are sending someone to pick us up. <br /><br />The van isn't ready and won't be until Monday. <br /><br />I lose it. I start laughing and crying all at the same time. So here we are about to board this ghetto little plane and head to Louisville, KY to pick up a van that has not yet been fixed, but has been sitting at this garage for 2 months, and we are going to be stuck in Louisville for 2 days. I lost it...<br /><br /><br /><p align='center'><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/MTlKls8cqyc" width="400" height="300"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/MTlKls8cqyc" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><!-- Fallback content --><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTlKls8cqyc"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/MTlKls8cqyc/0.jpg" width="400" height="300" />YouTube Video</a></object></p>So we get to Louisville in one piece and start looking for hotels and stuff. Jeff books one in Clarksville, IN which happens to be next door to the Derby Dinner Playhouse where my best friend of all time, We shall call her Schmelissa, is working on The Sound of Music... Hey... Every cloud has a silver lining.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110639919348250653521/TheHemoHomo?authkey=Gv1sRgCMKe_KuOzsuz9AE#5620061836736225954'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKnI72MgykSL33Ujgp7GZbG2QIho-gIKubsrKtuC-Km3jPxumx6-kLjMmWz933KYeOg7Swy8cTtdEABNHlWX1xVTHLDKToUZulXSTn_b3f_h_ZAZz5G2Ks5EYETIa5dVIyC-K7rJ3uy75b/s288/3.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><i><b><center>Schmelissa and I in 2006.<br />See how close we are?!?! ;-)</center></b></i><br /><br />So hold on tight... Tomorrow I will post about the rest of the evening and the fun day off in Louisville... At least I get to see a friend huh?<br /><br />Till we meet again...<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Marriott%20Dr,Clarksville,United%20States%4038.282197%2C-85.756738&z=10'>Marriott Dr,Clarksville,United States</a></p>The Hemo Homohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07153863694153110575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6468507182538426396.post-82337767289043440922011-06-18T09:12:00.001-07:002011-06-18T09:12:55.758-07:00Bleeding Across the Country - Day 4So guess where I am... VEGAS... UGGGGHHHHH. <br /><br />So Vegas is a lot of fun, but not when you spend most of your day chilling at a Freightliner hoping you're gonna get on the road... And then you don't.. I'm bleeding across Nevada at this point, not the county. Let me fill you in..<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110639919348250653521/TheHemoHomo?authkey=Gv1sRgCMKe_KuOzsuz9AE#5619593508686275522'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW4rUpTbEcqSjIRVBvGNKXaCWyN9fuF0_F8M24lnQOZsCbbqrJOQZa_ATcYmwTKlkQAuxl9wjxeK0w_Z3unNckx7EGt1F9Jjub2HtQg1MIJpy_ptBStkwEsVQUSRxwBHeS_siiA8gqh3tL/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />So we wake up early to go back to the Freightliner place and break out the Phase 10 cards again... 8am... 9am.... 10am... When 11am rolls around we realize something must be up, then one of the technicians comes in and asks, "Who is in charge of the Sprinter?" Jeff responds. And the technician then says, "Come with me and I'll show you what's wrong..." Uh-oh. That's never good.<br /><br />After a little bit, Jeff comes back, with this look on his face that just breathes negative things. Yes. The van is broken. Its some turbo something or other that my little "gactor" (not to be confused with factor. Ha! The gactor needs factor. Might be my new tagline...) mind just cant understand, but it has something to do with a flap or valve that gets stuck... (That's what she said...) And we cannot get the part until Monday. It is Friday. You have got to be kidding me. We were supposed to be back in NY by Monday. Okay. Breathe deep. We will figure it out.<br /><br />Jeff gets on the phone with Theatreworks and talks to them for a while. Here is the resolution. We will now be flying to Louisville where we are going to pick up the other van we were supposed to pick up, then drive to Dayton, OH. After staying overnight in Dayton, we are then driving straight back to NYC, and after the van gets fixed, someone is going to go back out and get it...<br /><br />So we got a hotel near the airport and just kinda chilled out. I went to bed super early because our flight is at 8:25am. Keep checking back to see how the rest of these adventures play out!<br /><br />Till we meet again...<br /><br />*PS- My elbow is fine :-) In case you were worried...<br /><br />Also, tell me your bad road trip/travel stories! Mention me on twitter and add the hashtag #hemoroadtrip<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Who%20knows...%4036.071999%2C-115.081733&z=10'>Who knows...</a></p>The Hemo Homohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07153863694153110575noreply@blogger.com0