Tick, Tick, Tick.

10. February 2009 by admin.

How is your week going?  I guess mine is going well. 

This Friday is the ad deadline for the March issue of Out.  Advertise your business or place a classified.  Did you see the February issue?  www.outonline.com

The week started peacefully, but will end very busy because of the ad deadline.

I enjoy this time of the month.  This is when I have the best opportunity to chat with my customers about what is happening in their lives and around their establishments without many interruptions.  I think it is important to get to know your customers and because of this, many of them have become good friends.  You meet many colorful and very interesting people when running a lgbt newspaper.  All are unique and I am proud of the many friendships developed.

We spend so much of our time at work.  Why not enjoy it.  I do!

Ed and I did the typical weekend chores last weekend.  He was busy putting in three faucets on Saturday while I did some cleaning around the house.  Afterwards, we kind of hung out for the evening.  I welcomed this after a busy week. 

Saturday adventures, kind of… 
Ever been to C&B Birds for their monthly bird socials?  www.cbbirds.net.  Interesting and very crowded event.  C&B is located in the East Oakmont neighborhood of Plum Boro in a warehouse.  They sell bird and other pet supplies.  Once a month, they turn their space into a social for bird lovers with seminars and vendors from all over the region.  I must admit, the first couple of times, Ed had to take me kicking and screaming, but after a while I learned to enjoy the socials.  These events are not for the faint of heart.  If you do not like crowded warehouses filled with people and their birds, stay home or visit the mall instead.  Mark and Dennis, two friends we have known for many years, are at every social selling their birds.  Some of you may know Mark from his past connection with the newspaper.   It is nice seeing him and Dennis at the events.  Even more so recently as Mark has overcome some unfortunate circumstances. Keep up the good work, Mark. 

After the social, we cut through the hills and back roads of Plum and Oakmont looking for a shortcut to Pittsburgh Mills www.pittsburghmills.com.  We ended up in Springdale.  I had to swallow my pride and ask for directions.  That was a hard blow and very degrading to my manhood.  I felt really stupid when I remembered the navigation system in my SUV that could have been utilized to eliminated my embarrassment.  This must be how straight guys feel. 

The Alle-Kiski Home Show was going on at PM.   B-O-R-I-N-G!  This ain’t the convention center or Monroeville’s home show.  I admit, it was not that bad, but we are spoiled with the Monroeville and Pittsburgh home shows.  The vendors are located throughout the mall and there is no entrance fee.   It’s Free and very informative.   PM is a really nice mall.  Try walking around that place.  It’s huge!  <<<<  I love saying and hearing that!   Love hearing it more.

All malled out and hungry, we headed to Chili’s located next to mall.  We were finally seated in the crowded restaurant.  I am always amazed how long of a wait we have at any of PM’s restaurants.  One thing that annoys me when we dine out is when it is time for the check or when the waitperson asks if it is men’s night out.  With the latter, we politely mention that every night is men’s night in our family as our family consists of all guys.  But, when the waitperson asks if it will be one or two checks, I get annoyed.  Haven’t you people ever seen a non-traditional family?  This does not happen often around Pittsburgh, but occasionally it comes up.  Years ago, the look on their faces said it all, but we do not usually get that enjoyment any longer as times have changed.  My advice.  If you want that big tip, respect and acknowledge my family.

One of my happiest memories of when the younger boys first came to us… I was grocery shopping at Shop-n-Save with Matt and Altin.  It was finally our turn to check out and the cashier turns toward Altin.  She said “It is wonderful to see you guys shopping.  Where’s your mommy?”  Altin’s answer…  “We don’t have a mommy, but we have two dads.”  He said it as if he was bragging.  The expression on her face said it all.  I turned to the lady behind me and witnessed a warm and glowing smile.  Life is wonderful!  Hopefully, the next time the cashier is in that same situation, she will remember that in America, all families are not traditional.  Thank God, we are not all the same.  I hope her definition of what makes a family changed that day. 

You and I know…LOVE MAKES A FAMILY.

Times are changing…

Keep Reading…

Tony
tony@outonline.com

Check me out on Talk It Out tomorrow at 11am.  Go to www.outonline.com and watch.  It is that simple!    Can’t make the live show?  Tune in by going to our Podcasts on www.outonline.com.
This weeks guest is Tom Wyse from GLSEN Pittsburgh; http://www.glsen.org/pittsburgh.

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