Sherry's Lounge

Do you like to have fun things to do in the outdoors when we have wonderful weather?  Do you like to eat foods from different cultures?  Do you LOVE BBQ?  Well, then check out some of the fun things you can do this weekend…and next weekend right here in the Big Apple.  Who knew Madison Square Park had so many fun things to offer us…and it’s not just the Shake Shack!  Since our fabulous Mike Woods has forecasted a great weather weekend…here is one suggestion for this weekend.

If you like a little ethnic fare…this Sunday, June 1st is the Filipino Independence Day Parade/Street Fair/Cultural Festival.  The parade starts at 12pm on 41st St & Madison Ave heading downtown…where it meets up with the Street Fair which is from 10am-6pm on Madison Ave between 24th & 26th Streets where you can have many tasty Filipino delights, such as Lumpiang Shanghai, Pancit, Tapsilog ~ oh, just try as much as you can!!!…and also the Cultural Festival which is from 2:30pm-5:30pm on Madison Ave & 23rd St.

Here is the link to the site: http://www.aratilis.org/pidci/

For planning ahead…next weekend we have the 6th Annual Big Apple BBQ right here again in Madison Square Park.  It’s on Saturday, June 7th and Sunday, June 8th from 12pm-6pm.  Big Bob Gibson from Alabama will be here again…his pulled pork is outrageous!  There are many other fantastic BBQ Pittmasters in attendance…so you should check it out!!!  Make sure to check with the Fox Weather Authorities to find out which will be the better day to check out the BBQ.  But hey…even if it rains ~ the food will still knock your socks off!!!

Here is a link to the site: http://bigapplebbq.org/2008/

Happy eating everyone!  I’ll also be posting some great Happy Hours places you can go for a drink or five after a long day at work.  Or drop a line with some of your favorite spots…and weekend adventures!

~*Smooches*~

On Sunday, May 18, 45,000 caring individuals raised an incredible $7.06 million at AIDS Walk New York. This record-breaking total will help the more than 15,000 men, women, and children living with HIV/AIDS who are clients of GMHC and the thousands of people served by the nearly 50 other AIDS service organizations in the Tri-State area.

If you were one of over 45,000 walkers in Central Park you know you were part of a wonderful day!  The weather held up for the majority of the walk.  It was so wonderful and heartwarming to see all the proud banners, t-shirts, balloons, etc. from all the teams walking to honor or memorialize someone they care about.  Just because the day is over does not mean our fundraising is over.

There is still time to donate.  The deadline to get your online donation in is Friday, June 13th.  Please help me in this venture by visiting my website and giving what you can.

Whether you give $5 or $500 these unrestricted funds are what allows GMHC to:

• Serve over 100,000 meals a year 
• Secure housing for over 250 clients a year
• Reach out to the 1 in 4 HIV+ New Yorkers who don’t know their status
• Field over 100,000 calls and e-mails to our Hotline
• Expand our outreach to the highest risk individuals and under served communities through programs like:  
  • Mobile testing facilities
  • Youth campaigning
  • Eldersexual, which recognizes the HIV+ community with people over 50

To learn more about GMHC you can visit our website at: www.gmhc.org or just give me a call at work at 212-367-1281.  Help make a difference for those living with and affected by HIV/AIDS.  You can also see pictures from the event at: www.gmhc.org

Help make a difference for those living with and affected by HIV/AIDS.

I am lucky enough to be able to see every day how to GMHC makes a difference, but I am hoping my own passion will inspire you to understand the effect anyone can have.  Please follow the link below and help me continue the fight to help those living with and affected by HIV/AIDS.

Our website can only accept donations of $25 and above, but don’t let that stop you!  You still have time to print out a donation form and send it in.  Just make sure you click on the link on the bottom of the page so you can print out your donation form.

 http://aidswalknewyork2008.kintera.org/sherry719>

Spring is FINALLY here!  As with every spring, Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) holds their annual AIDS Walk NY.

AIDS Walk is GMHC’s biggest fundraiser and ensures that we are able to continue our much needed support to over 15,000 clients!  Last year we came just shy of our $7,000,000 goal.

I WANT to make sure we reach this goal and make AWNY08 the most successful AIDS Walk ever.  That being said, I have set myself an ambitious goal to personally raise $1,000.

Please help me in this venture by visiting my website and giving what you can.

Whether you give $5 or $500 these unrestricted funds are what allows GMHC to:

• Serve over 100,000 meals a year 
• Secure housing for over 250 clients a year
• Reach out to the 1 in 4 HIV+ New Yorkers who don’t know their status
• Field over 100,000 calls and e-mails to our Hotline
• Expand our outreach to the highest risk individuals and under served communities through programs like:  
  • Mobile testing facilities
  • Youth campaigning
  • Eldersexual, which recognizes the HIV+ community with people over 50

To learn more about GMHC you can visit our website at www.gmhc.org or just give me a call at work at 212-367-1281.  Help make a difference for those living with and affected by HIV/AIDS.

Now I want to express my own personal reasoning behind why I joined the staff of GMHC.  This July will mark my 1 year anniversary working here and I’m not sure I have ever felt more rewarded or accomplished with my job.

Each day I get to understand and relate to those that this organization helps.  I pass clients in the hall, ride with them in the elevators and engage in conversation every day.  More and more I am coming to realize the great work that GMHC does and how they create an open, friendly and positive environment for individuals who deal with so much. 

This disease began with a group of people that struggled with stigma and prejudice spawned from ignorance and hate, much of which still remains today.  This same group fortunately rarely had to deal with issues like housing, citizenship and/or financial difficulty; while this disease changes so do those who are most affected by it.  Over the past decade we have seen HIV/AIDS grow in communities that have the least.  These individuals tend to have lives where HIV/AIDS does not take the forefront and because of this their disease is heightened.

Last year, the Ryan White Care Act, which funds most every AIDS service organization in America, saw drastic cuts and re-allocations.  New York State alone lost over 21 MILLION DOLLARS and GMHC lost 2 MILLION of that.  In addition ALL FUNDING for non-medical services was cut completely.  This means that every program like GMHC’s workforce development, legal department, and financial assistance to those with HIV/AIDS were in danger of being lost.  It was only through the efforts of unrestricted funds, like those received from the AIDS Walk that we were able to keep the services that our clients need.

I am lucky enough to be able to see every day how to GMHC makes a difference, but I am hoping my own passion will inspire you to understand the effect anyone can have. Please follow the link below and help me continue the fight to help those living with and affected by HIV/AIDS.

http://aidswalknewyork2008.kintera.org/sherry719<
/a>

With life spinning almost seemingly out of control at times, it is so wonderful to make time to spend time with good friends.  As I have been going thru many different issues of late, and wondering what life has in store for me and where I am headed…I realized I had stopped myself from taking time to enjoy the little things in life.  It was when I had dinner this week with two good friends that I remembered that making time to have a meal with a good friend will always bring you a good time.  Even if during the conversation sad things are discussed – it still puts everything into a different light.  We all work hard to provide the necessities for our families…or even just for ourselves.  And with the prices of EVERYTHING going up – from gas to tolls…transportation in general, to groceries it is really hard not to get caught up in work, work, work mode.  So for me it was a very good reminder to stop and take some time for myself…smell the roses if you will.

I am going to do my best from now on…no matter how crazy and hectic things get ~ I am going to make time to practice what I preach.  Good Friends + Good Food = Good Times.  And thank you fantabulous ladies for your always wonderful company…and reminding me to make time for fun things too!!!

I may have missed some of the section this morning...but I found a list of the top 100 songs of 1968...the fabulous year Mike Woods was brought into the world.  I think we have more than some Sinatra!  And even though it may not be listed...we ALL know who sang #94.

1. Hey Jude, The Beatles
2. Honey, Bobby Goldsboro
3. Love Is Blue, Paul Mauriat
4. (Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay, Otis Redding
5. People Got To Be Free, Rascals
6. Sunshine Of Your Love, Cream
7. This Guy's In Love With You, Herb Alpert
8. Stoned Soul Picnic, Fifth Dimension
9. Mrs. Robinson, Simon and Garfunkel
10. Tighten Up, Archie Bell and The Drells
11. The Good, The Bad And The Ugly, Hugo Montenegro
12. Little Green Apples, O.C. Smith
13. Mony, Mony, Tommy James and The Shondells
14. Hello, I Love You, The Doors
15. Young Girl, Gary Puckett and The Union Gap
16. Cry Like A Baby, Box Tops
17. Harper Valley P.T.A., Jeannie C. Riley
18. Grazing In The Grass, Hugh Masekela
19. Midnight Confessions, The Grass Roots
20. Dance To The Music, Sly and The Family Stone
21. The Horse, Cliff Nobles and Co.
22. I Wish It Would Rain, Temptations
23. La-La Means I Love You, Delfonics
24. Turn Around, Look At Me, Vogues
25. Judy In Disguise (With Glasses), John Fred and His Playboy Band
26. Spooky, Classics IV
27. Love Child, Diana Ross and The Supremes
28. Angel Of The Morning, Merrilee Rush
29. The Ballad Of Bonnie And Clyde, Georgie Fame
30. Those Were The Days, Mary Hopkin
31. Born To Be Wild, Steppenwolf
32. Cowboys To Girls, Intruders
33. Simon Says, 1910 Fruitgum Company
34. Lady Willpower, Gary Puckett and The Union Gap
35. A Beautiful Morning, Rascals
36. The Look Of Love, Sergio Mendes and Brasil '66
37. Hold Me Tight, Johnny Nash
38. Yummy, Yummy, Yummy, Ohio Express
39. Fire , Crazy World Of Arthur Brown
40. Love Is All Around, Troggs
41. Playboy, Gene and Debbe
42. (Theme From) Valley Of The Dolls, Dionne Warwick
43. Classical Gas, Mason Williams
44. Slip Away, Clarence Carter
45. Girl Watcher, O'Kaysions
46. (Sweet Sweet Baby) Since You've Been Gone, Aretha Franklin
47. Green Tambourine, Lemon Pipers
48. 1, 2, 3, Red Light, 1910 Fruitgum Company
49. Reach Out Of The Darkness, Friend and Lover
50. Jumpin' Jack Flash, The Rolling Stones
51. MacArthur Park, Richard Harris
52. Light My Fire, Jose Feliciano
53. I Love You, People
54. Take Time To Know Her, Percy Sledge
55. Pictures Of Matchstick Men, Status Quo
56. Summertime Blues, Blue Cheer
57. Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing, Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
58. I Got The Feelin', James Brown and The Famous Flames
59. I've Gotta Get A Message To You, Bee Gees
60. Lady Madonna, The Beatles
61. Hurdy Gurdy Man, Donovan
62. Magic Carpet Ride, Steppenwolf
63. Bottle Of Wine, Fireballs
64. Stay In My Corner, Dells
65. Soul Serenade, Willie Mitchell
66. Delilah, Tom Jones
67. Nobody But Me, Human Beinz
68. I Thank You, Sam and Dave
69. The Fool On The Hill, Sergio Mendes and Brasil '66
70. Sky Pilot, Eric Burdon and The Animals
71. Indian Lake, The Cowsills
72. I Wonder What She's Doing Tonight, Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart
73. Over You, Gary Puckett and The Union Gap
74. Goin' Out Of My Head/Can't Take My Eyes Off You, The Lettermen
75. Shoo-Bee-Doo-Be-Doo-Da-Day, Stevie Wonder
76. The Unicorn, The Irish Rovers
77. (You Keep Me) Hangin' On, Vanilla Fudge
78. Revolution, The Beatles
79. Woman, Woman, Gary Puckett and The Union Gap
80. Elenore, Turtles
81. Sweet Inspiration, Sweet Inspirations
82. The Mighty Quinn, Manfred Mann
83. Baby, Now That I've Found You, Foundations
84. White Room, Cream
85. If You Can Want, Smokey Robinson and The Miracles
86. Cab Driver, The Mills Brothers
87. Time Has Come Today, The Chambers Brothers
88. Do You Know The Way To San Jose, Dionne Warwick
89. Scarborough Fair/Canticle, Simon and Garfunkel
90. Think, Aretha Franklin
91. You're All I Need To Get By, Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
92. Here Comes The Judge, Shorty Long
93. I Say A Little Prayer, Aretha Franklin
94. Say It Loud, I'm Black And I'm Proud
95. Sealed With A Kiss, Gary Lewis and The Playboys
96. Piece Of My Heart, Big Brother and The Holding Company
97. Suzie Q., Creedence Clearwater Revival
98. Bend Me Shape, American Breed
99. Hey, Western Union Man, Jerry Butler
100. Never Give You Up, Jerry Butler

The thought of time being temporary has been floating in my mind for many years.  Its cold hard truth has hit me many times in the loss of loved ones.  While in my heart I know and believe that my loved ones are in a better place, free from all the suffering…surviving them is still quite hard.  The phrase of, ‘It will get better in time’ only glosses over the fact that it doesn’t actually ‘get better’ we just learn with each passing day to live with the loss.  I don’t wonder anymore why people must pass on…I know it is a part of life.  Each of us will one day pass on, leaving behind people who love us.  It’s not a very comforting thought but one more of harsh reality.

As I am facing my newest loss of a dear and wonderful friend, I am still finding it very hard to swallow.  My dear Joshua was a man who would truly give you the shirt off his back, the last dollar in his wallet, always with the mindset that all he gives out will be returned.  It has always been the case, as I have even witnessed on several occasions spending time with him.  Joshua gave me hope that the human race will survive…and maybe with more people like him in the world we would have a chance of truly living full and rewarding lives.  I am still swallowing the large lump in my throat when I realize that his life was cut so very short and how so many people will miss him.  I guess I am still learning not to question why someone so young and full of life should be taken from a world where he was teaching everyone he came in contact with…but I think I am failing.  I know there are many more people, such as his partner, his family, best friends, and his patients who he’s helped who are struggling with his loss much more than I am.  I am at least comforted and relieved that I have many memories of Joshua to help me learn to live with his loss…watching a movie together, eating dinner, sharing a joke.  I can see his smiling face and hear his comforting voice and though it does soothe me a little…it makes me long to be with him again.  ‘Shome is where the heart is’ and you will always be in my heart Joshua.  I am so very honored to have known you.

Our time here on earth is so very temporary…we are not promised tomorrow.  This is something we should always keep in the back of our mind to help us live our lives to the fullest.  When my day comes to pass on, I hope those I leave behind will not mourn me but remember all our times together and know that I will take my love for them with me.  I’m not saying that I wish my life were coming close to an end…but I do count the days when I will once again be reunited with my parents, grandmother, and cherished friends.  Remember to live each day as if it were your last…never be afraid to tell someone you love them…and always give of yourself.

Can you remember feeling these natural highs?

1. Falling in love.
 2. Laughing so hard your face hurts.
 3. A hot shower.
 4. No lines at the supermarket.
 5. A special glance.
 6. Getting mail, real mail not bills or spam.
 7. Taking a drive on a pretty road.
 8. Hearing your favorite song on the radio.
 9. Lying in bed listening to the rain outside.
10. Hot towels fresh out of the dryer.
11. Chocolate milkshake (vanilla or strawberry ).
12. A bubble bath.
13. Giggling.
14. A good conversation.
15. The beach.
16. Finding a 20 dollar bill in your coat from last winter.
17. Laughing at yourself.
18. Looking into their eyes and knowing they Love you.
19. Midnight phone calls that last for hours.
20. Running through sprinklers.
21. Laughing for absolutely no reason at all.
22. Having someone tell you that you're beautiful.
23. Laughing at an inside joke with FRIENDS
24. Accidentally overhearing someone say something nice about you.
25. Waking up and realizing you still have a few hours left to sleep.
26. Your first kiss (the very first).
27. Making new friends or spending time with old ones.
28. Playing with a new puppy (or kitten).
29. Having someone play with your hair.
30. Sweet dreams.
31. Hot chocolate.
32. Road trips with friends.
33. Swinging on swings.
34. Making eye contact with a cute stranger.
35. Making chocolate chip cookies.
36. Having your friends send you homemade cookies.
37. Holding hands with someone you care about.
38. Running into an old friend and realizing that some things (good or bad) never change.
39. Watching the expression on someone's face as they open a much desired present from you.
40. Watching the sunrise or sunset.
41. Getting out of bed every morning and being grateful for another beautiful day.
42. Knowing that somebody misses you.
43. Getting a hug from someone you care about deeply.
44. Knowing you've done the right thing, no matter what other people think.

Can you think of other natural highs that make you smile, feel happy or just content?

As winter finally reared it's head and dropped much snow on us today...my mind has just been wandering and thinking ahead to Spring and warmer weather.  I usually have a few road trips during the year starting in Spring...though last year I did venture to Vermont and New Hampshire in February.  Crazy I know...it was bitterly cold, but I was luck enough to miss the snow which was truly a blessing!  So in thinking ahead to some warmer weather sans snow and slush...I've been wondering of new places to jump in a rental car and drive off to see.  Eventually I would love to visit all of our wonderful states but I will start with baby steps and travel a little more close to home this year.

Does anyone have any suggestions?  Has anyone ever taken a road trip across America?  What places are wonderful and you would love to visit over and over??  Can anyone inspire me to seek out new adventures?

**Smooches**

After reading BigBadBob’s blog, ‘The Little Dab That Did Me'…I started thinking of many events in my life, or those close to me that always makes me smile no matter how foul a mood I happen to be in.  I know we all have those moments in our lives where some wild and crazy thing happens while all we can do at the moment is wonder ‘WHY DID THIS HAPPEN??’  It’s only after some time has passed that you can look back and laugh at the memory.

My first ‘Hilarious Happening’ was actually when I was very young.  I was about 7 years old, when my class had went on a trip to the Aquarium.  Of course we were all so excited to be out of a hot and humid classroom.  Somehow on that very hot June day while watching the penguins play, the class bully came over to me and put his arm around my shoulders.  Not being one to be bullied by him, I went to shove him away ~ but he stopped me by telling me that he wanted me to be his girlfriend.  I was thinking this had to be one of his jokes, but I agreed just to see how things played out.  He bought me a stuffed dolphin with all the money his little pockets could hold.  He held my hand most of the day as we walked through all the exhibits.  As we were finally getting ready to board the bus to bring us back to school, I dropped my adorable stuffed dolphin.  Sadly, we both bent down to pick it up ~ only I was a split second faster and on my way back to standing position…the back of my head slammed into his face.  Shock and dismay clouded both of our faces…but then the horror came.  Blood started gushing from his mouth.  My skull had knocked one of his loose front teeth clear out.  He started crying…very loudly.  Needless to say, he did not want me to be his girlfriend anymore.

Ahhh…memories.  So do tell ~ what Hilarious Happenings are you willing to share?  Trust me…I have lots and lots more to tell.  Do you dare to share?

First, let me wish everyone a very Happy Valentine’s Day.  But my real question to all of you really is ~ What Does Valentine’s Day Mean To You??  As this day is upon us, you see hearts and cupids displayed all over…a plethora of roses everywhere you look.  Yet, I hear people all the time say that today is just a ‘Hallmark Holiday’ created just to be able to raise the price of flowers, chocolate, dinner reservations, etc.  Others who may not have that ‘someone special’ {whether it be spouse, boyfriend/girlfriend, life partner} in their life feel very sad and left out on this day for ‘lovers’ somehow feeling inadequate for being single.  Then you see so many bars/clubs holding Valentine’s Day parties…making lonely souls feel compelled to run out to find the love of their life.

For those that know me, ya’ll know I am very mixed on this subject.  I love Valentine’s Day for a very different reason than others do.  I don’t look to be showered with flowers, candy or a candlelit dinner.  In my opinion, everyone should have all of those things on any given day.  I don’t think we need a holiday to show the ‘someone special’ in our life how much we love and appreciate them.  It does come in handy though for those with extremely busy lives who often forget to stop and smell the roses…a day like today reminds us all to slow down and remember to show the love we have.    

Now…what are your feelings?  I'll share what my real love for Valentine’s Day is a little later.