| Sunday, January 4th, 2009 |
| 10:05 pm |
TSA and Baggage
Well - I cannot be the only one in the world to have this situation - but it seems like every time I fly somewhere - the TSA searches one of my checked bags. What is strange is this: When I go on vacation - I bring one or two of the "vibrating fun friends" and every time the TSA searches that bag and leaves the little pamphlet telling us that they searched the bag. That in itself is no big deal - after all - "it is what it is." I brought two "vibrating fun friends and that bag was searched as usual on the way to Phoenix. THIS TIME - TSA went above and beyond and I laughed so hard I cried: While in Phoenix, Jayme and I added to our collection of "vibrating fun friends" bringing the total in this checked bag up to three. TSA literally wrapped a pamphlet around each of the "vibrating fun friends" individually. BTW - not sure why I called them "vibrating fun friends" - just sounded like more fun to talk in code!!! ANYONE ELSE HAVE A SIMILAR STORY? Current Mood:  amused |
| Friday, January 2nd, 2009 |
| 12:25 pm |
Grandma's Chocolate Chip Cookies
When I was young and living on the farm in Southern Illinois - mom always baked the cookies, pies and bread for Christmas day. This year, Jayme came over after work and we did some major baking. I hunted for several hours and found my dear Grandma Beisman's recipe for Lemon Cake and Chocolate Chip Cookies. Naturally we tried both and even though grandma has been gone for over 10 years, it was exactly like her baked sweets. Question - does anyone have a good recipe for peanut butter cookies? Jamye likes peanut butter cookies but I don't have a GOOD recipe. I know this is such a GAY question - but my little man likes those!!  Current Mood:  hungry |
| Thursday, January 1st, 2009 |
| 11:30 pm |
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| Monday, October 20th, 2008 |
| 12:37 pm |
Sweetest Day October 18, 2008
TELL ME THIS ISN'T THE SWEETEST THING YOU HAVE EVER HEARD OF: Saturday, September 28th I had a party at the house. About 30 minutes before friends started arriving - I took a shower and got dressed. I pulled out a blue and white stripped polo out of the closet. I have had this polo for at least two or three years. It simply was my favorite polo. Unfortunately - time had caught up with it and it had two little holes in the back. Jayme tells me not to wear it since it had two little holes in it. I was sad and simply tossed it in the garbage upstairs in the bedroom. The party went on like planned. Saturday, October 18th was Sweetest Day (a Hallmark holiday). For sweetest day, my little Jayme got me three polos to replace the one that was died back in September on that fateful day. In addition - he got me a teddy bear with a heart on it. THE HEART ON THE TEDDY BEAR WAS MADE FROM THE MATERIAL FROM MY FAVORITE POLO. What a sweet heart I attached a photo of the teddy bear and of Jayme for those of you who have not met him yet!!!   Current Mood: chipper |
| Monday, June 30th, 2008 |
| 7:09 pm |
Gotta Love It
Today has been a most interesting day. Was scheduled to go to Great America (6 Flags) today but that didn't happen. I assumed as much by 1pm when I didn't hear from friends - but got confirmation around 4pm. Then - slightly grouchy at this point - I looked at the back yard and realized what a beautiful afternoon/evening it was going to be. I saw one of my Hisbiscus was blooming so decided to grab some take out and eat in the back yard - GREAT IDEA.  I order some take out from Famous Daves (Manhandler Sandwich and Chicken Rice Soup) and come home.  So I sit in the back yard and open the umbrella and OUT COME 10-12 wasps flying in every direction possible. I quickly march an offensive with a garden hose soaking them and smashing them with my size 10.5 shoe.  After what I think is my victory over the wasps - I discover there were four different nests inside my umbrella - which I knew this happened every year but forgot about today.  Then I decide to sit down and eat my dinner in peace and quiet - NOPE. My neighbor who normally mows his yard on Saturday morning bright and early once every three weeks - does it tonight.  This of course is noisy and irritates the two wasps I was unable to kill even more than before. They naturally now go on the attack twice as fast. (you may be able to make out an attacking wasp here - they are hard to photograph when they are mad and chasing you!!)  Then he come to the edge of the fence and talks for 20 minutes (great guy and a good friend). After 20 minutes he says " . . . am I interrupting your dinner?" I naturally say "no no" and hear all about his new grand-daughter. ( I took this picture of him and his grand-daughter Sophia two weeks ago - adorable isn't she?)  As I finally decide to sit down and eat now - the dog starts begging so I give him the sandwich. (notice the killer hose in the background.)  At this point I give up and lay down in the hammock and my neighbor comes through the gangway to tell me that my lily is beautiful and asks if she could take it into her house.  I naturally say sure why not. ONE STRANGE DAY. If I hadn't been taking pictures of this stuff along the way - NONE of it would be even close to believable. MORAL OF THE STORY - I will go to Great America by myself next time - better than being attacked by killer wasps!!! PS - I had more fun laughing and writing this than anything else- good therapy!!! I am a lucky man to have so much stuff to laugh and smile about!!!!! Current Mood:  aggravated |
| Monday, June 23rd, 2008 |
| 5:19 pm |
THESE ARE THE TIMES WE HAVE TO REMEMBER
As many of you know - I am a high school science teacher here in Chicago. Today was day #14 of my summer vacation. Many people will make jokes about having two months off and how easy a teacher's life is - but I will be the first to beg do differ. THAT IS NOT WHAT I WANTED TO POST ABOUT - maybe another time. Yesterday after softball - I was at Jackhammer (a local bar that was the host bar this week) for food and drink with friends. After about an hour - I started talking to another guy who was not from the area but just visiting for the weekend. We did the normal pleasantries and then just started talking. Being myself - I talked this poor guy's ear off - trading stories. He was friends with Douglas (dugie_style) my ex so knew a little about me already. After about 30 minutes of talking about friends, trading stories about those friends and having fun with the people at the bar- he stopped me and said ". . . . you are so lucky - if we all have 1/2 of what you have here - our lives would be rich." On my way home - I was whining on the phone to another good friend about some silly drama. He stopped me and told me what a good friend I was and offered to hang out or scoop me up if I ever needed anything (like maybe if I drank to much - -who me??) Then on my way home I stopped at Brian (briankchicago) and Chris (his partner) and went swimming in their pool. We hung out, chatted at the table, then the pool and watched a movie. It was fun because we were saying how much we enjoy just going out - hanging with friends and simply relaxing. We don't do the 4 and 5am in the morning thing any longer (well - rarely)!! This afternoon - I was watching my favorite TV show (Voyager - which is now in re-runs of course) and they used the phrase "These are the times we have to remember." I remembered all the gofey fun from this weekend and wanted to share some of my fun this summer. Thanks to all my friends - good people!!! Here are some of my pictures from Great America Gay Days Monday, June 9th. I went with a small group of friends and ran into several more at the park. It was a blast. http://gallery.mac.com/keithbeisman#100122username: bear password: pride I hope you enjoy them and I look forward to more simple fun this summer!!! Lets have some more fun this weekend at Gay Pride this weekend - June 27-29. I get to march in the parade with friends doing security for the Sidetrack float - FUN FUN. Say hello. . . . Ask for some beads!! Current Mood: indescribable |
| Tuesday, June 10th, 2008 |
| 6:52 pm |
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| Saturday, May 31st, 2008 |
| 9:15 am |
Great America - Gay Days
Hello boys, From what I have learned - Gay Days at Great America is June 9th. Who is all going? I would love to get a group together - would be alot of fun. Who all wants to go? Was thinking of doing breakfast somewhere then run up that morning!!!! HIT me back either way!!!! Current Mood: accomplished |
| Thursday, May 15th, 2008 |
| 11:26 pm |
Frustration
Everything is going really well overall. There are so many great things going on: A - The 2nd floor remodeling project is nearly complete. Costed far more than I expected - but looking far better than I ever dreamed it could look. The back bedroom is complete. The front bedroom (now an office/den) will be completed this weekend. B - School is wrapping up and the end is in site. Students only have 14 more days and teachers only 15 more days. IT IS OVER. C - I did a presentation to the science staff today and it went extremely well and kept their interest for literally 53 minutes and they were pleased. D - Gonzalo my best friend graduated from UIC this past Sunday. We celebrated on Sunday afternoon with FAR to many margaritas and I got blew his mind with a kick ass gift on Monday. I am so proud of him. E - My side business is rocking along big time. Gonzalo is doing the day to day operations this week and the next two weeks until he finds a full-time job. This alone is freeing up more time for me to work on projects at my house. F - Bear Pride is in a 8 days and I have several people coming into town I get to hang with. Some are even staying here at the pad for a couple days. G - Tim (Cleveland) moved in 2 weeks ago and is doing well. I was not looking forward to having a roommate after living alone since the break up in late January. It is really nice having Tim and Steve(his partner) around - it seems to be going fairly well and Tim keeps me on my toes - we have had some good conversations. H - Softball is going great although my play is struggling somewhat. In the Sunday league we won our last two games. In the Thursday league we only played one game and won. WHOOO HOOOOOO THAT IS A LIST OF EIGHT LARGE/IMPORTANT ITEMS THAT ARE GOING WELL. For some reason though - the little things are getting so far under my skin I could snap. Things like: A - Making plans for out of town friends and then they change their plans two or three times. B - Not having enough storage to put all my stuff - house becoming cluttered. C - Asking for help with little things from friends and getting blown off. D - Dust freaking everywhere from the remodeling - AUGHHHH!! E - Gas prices through the roof. F - New Hummer going in for the 2nd time for the AC. G - Contractors that are almost a week behind and charging more than expected. H - Friends who need things but then refuse to help themselves before asking for help. I know these are little things - but they seem to eating me alive lately - especially today. I feel like I could simply explode. But then I look at things and realize in my head that this is minor but my heart is about to explode with irritation. MAYBE I JUST NEED SOME DOWN TIME - THANK GOD SUMMER IS ALMOST HERE. Current Mood: annoyed |
| Tuesday, May 13th, 2008 |
| 10:17 am |
Great America - Gay Days
I am curious - Does anyone know for sure when Gay Days are at Great America (Gurnee 6 Flags)? I just heard it was on a Monday June 9th but that seems kinda strange. Anyone know for sure? Anyone going? I am off school and going to go up that day? Lets make an outing of it - but seems strange that it is on a weekday??    |
| 9:04 am |
Need a laugh?
This made me laugh this morning - wanted to share it with everyone.  Current Mood: busy |
| Thursday, May 8th, 2008 |
| 11:54 am |
Dolly Parton
I am so pumped - I get to see a Country Music Icon tonight in concert. The one and only DOLLY PARTON. Four or five months ago, Douglas bought tickets to see her Feb 9th. I think Dougie is even a bigger fan of hers than I am!!! Unfortunately that concert was postponed until tonight. I am so looking forward to seeing this icon of American Pop Culture. I know not everyone likes her - but we all know who she is. I am so pumped - going to bring a camera to get a few snap shots of her - I will tell everyone about it tomorrow morning!!  Current Mood: excited |
| 10:49 am |
SPRING IS HERE
I know that spring time is here finally. Time to let the parties begin!!! In my back yard is this super sweet Magnolia tree. Here is a picture of it - had to share!!! TIME FOR THE BACK YARD PARTIES TO BEGIN. WHO IS IN?  Current Mood: artistic |
| 10:14 am |
Remodeling Upstairs of the House
Anyone who knows about remodeling projects - knows that they are normally a nightmare. I hired the contractor that lives across the street and has done some work for me before (redoing the outside of my garage). That project dragged on for a while but did get completed. This time I had him do work for me inside the house - remodeling most of the upstairs. He started on Monday April 21st at 7am. The job was done 8 days later on Tuesday April 29th at 4pm in the afternoon. We knocked out a wall into the attic and doubled the size of one bedroom. Then we put new flooring in, windows, ac, light fixtures as well as doors. The following link will bring you to a photo journal of the work. I am pleased with how it ended up and it was on-time. http://gallery.mac.com/keithbeisman#100063  Current Mood: accomplished |
| Monday, April 21st, 2008 |
| 10:24 am |
Avenue Q
On May 21, 2008 Avenue Q will be playing at the Cadillac Palace at 7:30pm I have heard lots and lots about it so I picked up three tickets to celebrate my birthday. Who wants to go with? The tickets were only $83 with all fees and taxes (12th row) and I have two extra. Also - tell me what you think of them? I have heard so much already!! Current Mood:  curious |
| Saturday, April 19th, 2008 |
| 8:51 am |
UNWRITTEN RULES??
I have a question that I need clarification on concerning the "gay world" and "flirting." Last night at Spin in Chicago at the monthly Bear Shower - I ran into several different hot men and friends which was great - I really had a great time!! One of the people who was running for the Shower Contest Championship (Chris A - the winner from February) was in the competition and a good friend. Many people cheered for Chris and he won the competition!! (CONGRATS CHRIS) Five of us were standing in one area and tried our hardest to be the loudest and boldest!! After the competition was complete - an extremely attractive guy came up to me and complimented me and the people that were around us for being loud and bold for our friend. The conversation went on for about 20 minutes and I told him how we all knew each other and the names of the people involved. This guy was an adorable hot muscle cub - probably the hottest man in the bar. After a few more drinks - the group of my friends who we were talking to decided to leave and went to Charlies (another bar that was open later.) The two of us jumped in cab together and got to the bar and had a couple rounds of beverages. While there - both this gentlemen and I walked around and said hello to several of our friends. Toward the end of the evening we got back together near the entrance of the bar and there was a little making out/flurting between the two of us. Many of my friends were leaving giving me a hard time - they thought I had already left when I was actually flirting/rubbing up/massaging this gentlemen. THIS IS WHERE I NEED GUIDANCE. One of my good friends saw me making out with him and decided to do the same thing. He came up behind him, started talking to him, massaging him, talking dirty to him and rubbing up on him similar to what I had been doing with this guy all night. I simply walked away in disbelief. About 10 minutes later my friend left and this hot/adorable guy came back up to me and he even mentioned it to me and talked about it. We both left and went our separate ways. QUESTION: In my opinion there are "unwritten rules" that I try to observe. If my friend/someone I am hanging with is hitting on someone/flirting/whatever - I do NOT try to step in on him. To me - that is far out of line and not acceptable and I would NOT do that knowingly. AM I OLD FASHION OR OUT OF DATE? IS THIS NOW ACCEPTABLE IN THE GAY WORLD OF PICKING UP MEN? Interestingly enough, I had a friend in from out of town and he observed the entire thing and when I stepped away in disbelief - he came up to me. He said it looked like a weird competition thing and decided to leave at that point. We were both caught off guard but then again - we are both in our late 30's closing in on the big 40. PLEASE TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK? I am totally curious and if I am wrong - I want to know that!!!! Current Mood: aggravated |
| Tuesday, April 15th, 2008 |
| 8:56 am |
The Truth About Friendship!!
The past several months of my life have been filled with several ups and downs. It started off almost three months ago with a major slap in the face. Today though, things TRULY are looking up and finally have a great time once again. I am realizing that I am TRULY surrounded by FRIENDS from every walk of life and in places I forgot to even look for friends. I AM SO BLESSED and so value each and every one of you!!! You are the best!! During the past couple months – my friends sent some very sweet cards, emails, left voicemail messages and took me out. So many of them said things that were so sweet and made me feel better. I was reminded how fortunate I really am and a big THANK YOU goes out to each and every one of you. TODAY THOUGH – I got a card from a friend who I talk to regularly and has helped me through a lot. I have known Pat for over ten years and he is closing in on 60 years old. He always says what he thinks, never holds back and has never “candy coated” anything. I am sure this has been around before but made me smile today big time and wanted to share this with all of you today!!! Keith Here is a series of promises that actually speak of true friendship. You will see no cute little smiley faces on this card -- just the stone cold truth of our friendship. 1. When you are sad -- I will help you get drunk and plot revenge against the sorry bastard who made you sad. 2. When you are blue -- I will try to dislodge whatever is choking you. 3. When you smile -- I will know you are thinking of something that I would probably want to be involved in. 4. When you are scared -- I will rag you about it every chance I get until you're NOT. 5. When you are worried -- I will tell you horrible stories about how much worse it could be until you quit whining. 6. When you are confused -- I will try to use only little words. 7. When you are sick -- Stay the hell away from me until you are well again. I don't want whatever you have. 8. When you fall -- I will laugh at your clumsy ass, but I'll help you up. This is my oath.... I pledge it to the end. 'Why?' you may ask-because you are my friend. Friendship is like peeing in your pants, everyone can see it, but only you can feel the true warmth. JUST WANTED TO SHARE THIS - IT IS SO TRUE AND MADE ME LAUGH OUT LOUD - HOPEFULLY YOU GET AS MUCH ENJOYMENT OUT OF IT AS I DID THIS MORNING!!!  Current Mood: cheerful |
| Monday, April 14th, 2008 |
| 2:36 pm |
LET THE PARTIES BEGIN:
2008 PARTY CENTRAL I have made several summer goals this year - but one of my favorites is PARTIES. This year I am determined to have several little "gatherings" this summer in the back yard. Last weekend I prepared for the first one of the year - "Andy Folds Special." I spent about 3 hours setting up the back yard and getting the equipment ready. My question is this and I never understand why we all do it? WHY DO WE SAY "WE NEED TO GET TOGETHER" BUT RARELY FOLLOW THROUGH? I am bad at this as well but I am determined to follow through with it this year!! Am I the only one who says " . . . lets get together. . . " but then doesn't follow through? I took a couple pictures of the back yard - grill (all ready for cooking), hot tub (ready for some relaxation), garage with the party door (for those days it rains - move it inside) patio table (to set the beverages on) and the fireplace (for those cold nights). LET THE PARTIES BEGIN!!!! LETS HAVE A FUN SPRING/SUMMER and FALL!!!!!    Current Mood: hopeful |
| Wednesday, April 2nd, 2008 |
| 12:11 pm |
Black Hawks Game
Black Hawks Game On Sunday March 30, the Bear and Cub softball team sponsored by Sidetrack here in Chicago had a team outing. We saw the Chicago Black Hawks play Kansas City Blue Jackets. The game ended tied 4-4 and then went into overtime. After 5 minutes of overtime, the score was still 4-4. In a shoot out, the Black Hawks won the game. Was kinda disappointed that we didn’t get to see any good fights – the officials kept stepping in and preventing them!! Was a good time overall and had the chance to hang with the team. Not sure what happened to the rest of the team. . . . they missed Nelson dancing in the stands and Lou drinking his beer through a straw!!! Here is the link to the pictures I took at the game: http://gallery.mac.com/keithbeisman#100029username: bear password: pride   Current Mood:  energetic |
| Tuesday, April 1st, 2008 |
| 2:04 pm |
Skiing at Devil's Head in Wisconsin March 30, 2008
On Saturday I was invited to go skiing with Chris V.(mrsarcastic), Sean G. (builder) and Chris R.(pilotchris1977) up at Devil’s Head in Wisconsin. At first I was a little nervous, I had only went skiing one time back in 1994. In addition, I had the meniscus repaired in my right knee six weeks ago. Finally, I am scared of heights something fierce so the lift was going to be a challenge. I HAD AN ABSOLUTE BLAST. Chris V. and Sean had an extremely high level of patience and taught Chris R and me how to ski. The bunny hill is where we spent our first couple hours. Then came the beginner hill and that was a big challenge for me. The ski lift alone scared me big time. Once I made it up – skiing back down was just as big of a challenge. Sean and Chris helped me out the entire time so I worked up the courage to try it again. This time was about as bad as the first time and I realized I was done for the day!! Overall though – I had an absolute blast. The knee held up really well – just swollen a bit!! Here is the link to the pictures I took – they are fun: http://gallery.mac.com/keithbeisman/100021username: bear password: pride Thanks to Sean and Chris V. for organizing and inviting – I had an absolute blast.  Current Mood: accomplished |
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