Category: happenings

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omigod, omigod you guys…

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This weekend, we were lucky enough to get the chance to see one of the currently playing Broadway shows; Legally Blonde: The Musical… and we didn’t even have to go to New York to see it! MTV aired the entire show on Saturday, and I have to say, it was awesome.

Not only was the musical totally cheesy, campy, silly, and fun, but it was awesome to have the opportunity to see a show that one might not otherwise be able to see (i.e., lack of access to NYC, lack of funds to pay for expensive tickets, etc). I am a big fan of musicals (of the ones that I have seen, that is), and having seen a couple on Broadway, trust me, I get the importance of the quality and presence of the show. However, I always leave the show wishing that it were a movie, or wishing that there was a recording of the show (not just the cast recording), because, of the ones I’ve seen, I enjoyed them so much that I would like to be able to see them again. I have never understood how a show that has such a high budget for production, and rakes in so much money ($100 a seat per night for most new shows), wouldn’t want to to capitalize even more, and bring the show to the masses… especially considering that some Broadway shows barely make back the upfront costs of production!

Sure, they do tours, and have touring casts for certain shows, but those just aren’t the same (trust me, I saw Wicked on Broadway, and I saw it again when it came to Atlanta… TOTALLY different show). Also, you have to be in one of those select cities to get to see the show, which again, plays into that whole concept of access. I just wish that some of the great shows could be recorded like Legally Blonde was this weekend; I can bet that it would make the show way more popular in the long run. I am, however, really glad that a lot of musicals have been adapted into feature length films recently; and super happy that the trend doesn’t seem to be slowing. There have been some EXCELLENT films come out over the past few years, and I hope upon hope that some of my favorites (ahem, Wicked), will follow the same path.

Overall, I loved the concept that MTV had, and I really enjoyed the show. James and I are talking about going to NYC over Christmas (James has family in NJ), and I know that I would REALLY like to see Legally Blonde now that I know what to expect. I personally hope that MTV decides to put the show that they aired on DVD, because I would totally be in line to buy my copy (hint hint, MTV!!).

Other than watching the show with friends, the weekend was pretty relaxing and nice. As I mentioned yesterday, James and I celebrated four years and one month last night, by ordering in some pizza, and just enjoying each other’s company. I am not big on flashy plans and expensive restaurants, personally… I am all about the simple things. (Like musicals on DVD!) I hope that everyone is at least adjusting to the start of a new week… I am personally avoiding the fact that I have an anatomy test this week… grrrr.

all about me, funnies, happenings, near and dear

four years… and one month

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James and I were talking this week about what we wanted to do today, to celebrate our four year anniversary.

It dawned on my just yesterday (!), that in actuality, our four year anniversary was LAST MONTH. So, here’s to four years and one month, since we both somehow forgot that our four year anniversary was actually last month.

I guess we have both been a little busy/distracted, eh? No matter… so long as we have each other. Here’s to many, many more!

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today’s national coming out day…

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A day that represents something important that most gay people will go through; the process of putting everything on the line for the purpose of acceptance and belonging. A day where we that are out can appreciate everything that we went through on that faithful day we when first uttered the words “I’m gay” to another person. A day where we stand proud, and realize how strong we are for coming out of the closet in the first place, and understanding how it is so difficult for those that have not and even more for those that cannot. Today is a day that we get to celebrate being “out”, and relish what it means to truly be who you are for the first time, and for every time.

I have written my “first” coming out story before, but I thought I would include it here, with some edits, since it has been a few years since I first blogged it. While my story of coming out is focused on the first person that I came out to, it doesn’t truly highlight the journey that coming out has been for me, as it is for most. Being out to one quickly became being out to many, and eventually, I was out to everyone, including my family. Even though I have been far, to this day, there are people that have not come out to officially. There are still people from my past whom I have not had the opportunity to tell, who I hope will accept me for who I am, if and when they discover the fact that I am gay. Many people struggle to come out, and I was no different. I sometimes wonder what it would be like if I could go back and tell my younger self how much better I would feel once I had finally “taken the plunge”. I think that given the opportunity, I would, but I honestly don’t know what good that would do; I came out when it was time for me to do so, and all I can be thankful for today, is that I had the courage to do it in the first place.

Without too much more sappy-ness, here’s my first (of many) coming out experience. In this story, I was almost “forced” to come out to one of my best friends, all thanks to my urge to catch the debut of a little show called Queer as Folk. I hope that it is a story that is both enjoyable, and inspiring, because sometimes, those little curve balls that life throws us are big signs of change; and as with this case, change for the better.

(note: the story is rather long, so I have cut the entry here to keep the mere sight of the entry manageable; I know that some people freak out when they see an extra long entry.)

Read more →

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weekend in Helen

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candied apples, originally uploaded by duanemoodydotcom.

This weekend, James and I joined some friends for a weekend getaway to Helen, GA. We stayed at a great cabin in the woods, and had a fantastic time.

It was nice to get away for the weekend, as well as having the time to spend with friends.

Here’s hoping that we can do something like that again soon!

I do wish it were still weekend though, because getting back to work is never fun! Hope everyone is dealing well with their Monday.

Also, James is going out of town this weekend, so if anyone is up for doing something, make sure you let me know!

all about me, happenings, the catch-all-egory

checking in….

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It has been a few days since I have posted; and not without good reason. I am BUSY!! School is continuing to flex its muscles; seriously, this statistics course is acting like a grad level course. I wonder if the professor knows it is supposed to be intro? Either way, I just hope I can make it out of the class with a good grade. Also, my first anatomy test is this week, and I am studying like mad to make the best grade possible… here’s hoping for an A on the first test.

Other than that, I got more tattoo on my ankle yesterday, and it looks so much better. While I liked just the flowers, I thought it was rather plan, and Malia agreed, so she added some waves and rocks to make it more of a “piece”. I think it looks amazing, even though it hurts like crazy, and I will try to get some pictures up soon… as soon as I am finished with my anatomy test!

Wish me luck!

Hope everyone is having a great week… I know that I have been enjoying this much cooler weather; I have even been kind of cold riding into work these past few days, as I have been riding with all of the windows down and the sunroof open. MAN, I love fall!!! Bring on the fleece!!!

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britney, 9/11, and kathy griffin – thoughts

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So apparently, I wasn’t the only one who thought calling Britney fat was going too far; but isn’t it interesting that it came from the same source? Perhaps they realized they struck a cord with the fat comments, especially considering she couldn’t be farther from it. Who knows. Either way, it is in the past now, and we can focus on more important things, now can’t we? (Like waiting for her CD release! LOL)

Or, Like today. 9/11. I don’t need to say anything about what happened on this day, and I don’t think that I will. What I will say, is that I hope that the memory is enough to stir passion in people to end the war in Iraq. I hope the passion extends pity and remorse into a call for change, and a call for action; a call for us to get out of Iraq, a call to stop the destruction, and a call to stop the loss of lives.

I, for one, hope that this day can symbolize something more for America, something more than a memorial; I hope it can symbolize a day that we come together, and understand why peace and freedom are so important. I hope it can be a day that we realize that we are all on this planet together, and somehow, we have to make it work together. In fact, that’s exactly what I want this day to be about, HOPE.

Unrelated side note: First of all, a huge congrats to the well-deserved Emmy for Kathy Griffin! Secondly, I can’t believe that an obvious joke about Jesus is getting so much press and the threat of censorship. Seriously, it was clear she was making a joke (especially so if you have seen her stand up or the show), and obviously the Emmy committee (hee, a rhyme!) totally got that joke. Let it go already… not everyone takes Jesus and religion so seriously, and some even have the ability to make something funny out of something that people clearly take far too seriously. I think even Jesus would laugh at the joke for crying out loud! Most of all, I am appalled that an organization that has a history of violence, molestation, and condemnation could call this joke a form of “hate speech”. Seriously, Catholic church, if you want to talk about “hate speech”, I think that you should listen to some of the things that your organization is saying. Gee whiz.

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so… britney’s performance on the VMA’s

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… it happened moments ago. Live. For the first time, she has been in the MAJOR spotlight, doing her thing, live… and how did she do?

Well, I think, considering what she has done for the past 4 years in regards to her music career (which was basically nothing), I think she did fine. In fact, considering the pressure that was on her, I think she did better than fine. However, I was kind of surprised to see how nervous she seemed, considering that she has pretty much been a superstar since she was 16.

While I think she could have pulled out a little “more” (ha!), I honestly think that Britney is back. I have been listening to the song she performed tonight, “Gimme More”, ever since it leaked on the net, and I have to say, that I was glad to see that Britney was not only prepared to “bring it”, but she totally nailed it with this song. The song is great, and it is pop at its best. Exactly what we want from Britney… a pop princess; albeit a redneck one, is back to claim her throne.

Gimme More is a great first single. The performance is evidence of a potential great comeback. I, for one, believe It’s gonna happen. It was great to see Britney tonight, and even though she was a bit timid, I think that she totally showed us that there is a reason to continue to watch Ms. Spears…

I can’t wait to see what the record has in store for us. I, for one, have always been a Britney fan, and I don’t give a shit what anyone else says… the girl is pop, and there is a reason people focus on her; she’s got something… what is it? I don’t know, but I know that I have always liked her music, and I am glad to see that she’s still got some more in her. I was also pleased to see the positive words and support that she was getting from all the celebrities on the red carpet; people really want to see her make the comeback that she is totally capable of making… and I think that she will.

I am sure that there will be plenty of haters, based on anything she has done, or did tonight, but everyone should know, that there is not a single hater here at duanemoody.com… and just for for the record, Britney, we have always, and continue to LOVE YOU!

And a message to the haters, she’s right you know… it IS Britney, BITCH. So yeah.

UPDATE: Now, say what you want about the performance, I don’t really care if you thought it was flawless or whether you thought it sucked, but this is just completely low brow, and down right shameful: in this “article”, they describe everything “wrong” with Britney’s performance, throwing in the gem, “The paunch in place of Spears’ once-taut belly.”, as another indicator of the performance gone bad. I’m sorry, but, there is one thing that DEFINITELY WASN’T wrong with Britney, and that was her body; she has given birth to two children, and gotten back to a body that many women could only dream of, and the press has the nerve to insult her figure? Fuck you. Fuck you big time. THIS is WHY so many women (and men) have issues with their bodies, and why so many have eating disorders in this country. Statements like this are completely despicable and do so much harm to the self esteem of so many, and for what? All in the name of insult? SHAME, shame, shame.

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so shiny, and so wanted!

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So today, Mr. Jobs did it again; introducing the ipod touch… and yes, I want it!!!!!!!

But I think that I might wait… I want more than 16gb, after all. However… an ipod with internet?! Sweet! Also, does it take pictures? That would make it perhaps the most perfect piece of technology ever!!! Seriously though, how many of you are going to bite at this? How many of you are going to wait like me??

The only thing I could see getting me to give in is a moment of weakness… hopefully, I won’t have one of those! (because I KNOW that if I were to cave in and get this one, a better one would come out like 2 months later… that always happens to me!)

Also, I found out today that the glorious Pipettes are coming to ATL!!!! The concert is on October 16, at Vinyl, and I am SOOO there! Is anyone else interested in going? The tickets go on sale Friday, so let me know if you are in! I can’t wait to go and “pull shapes” with these lovely ladies! This is going to be an awesome show!

Hope everyone is having a great hump day!

all about me, happenings, near and dear

twenty-nine

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So yeah… Today, I am 29.

29 years is a long time… and interestingly enough, most of it was spent in one form or another of school. Most of it was spent under the care of others, which led to confusion and frustration at this point in my life. Little of my life has been spent “on my own”, but at this point, I am really starting to have a real grasp for that concept… and it is starting to get better, with each step I take.

All of that aside, I see this as a step towards something better… I have heard that your thirties are the years when you really come in to your own, and I am certainly looking forward to them. I am looking forward to getting more school, another degree, and perhaps, a new career. I am doing just that, looking forward.

I am going to try and spend this year preparing for the next steps, all the while, trying to enjoy the moment. After all, enjoying the moment is something I have never been very good at, and is something that I am working on.

Here’s hoping that 29 is a good year for me.