“Wii Fit as Long as I Live” music video
December 31, 2008
Got this on a Comment, and it couldn’t have come at a more critical time. Enjoy, it’s “Wii Fit as Long as I Live” by the Wicked Celtics.
Wii karma caught up with me. Tonight I bumbled on a balance exercise (Walk in place, but walk normally- what?!), and almost walked sideways off the board since I don’t normally walk in place. Well, the Wii Gods punished me good: my Wii Fit Age is 49!
I doubted my Mii. But this song reminded me what it’s all about.
Positively Yours,
Shawn
Wii is the World
December 30, 2008
After Christmas, I retired the holiday sweater until next season. It’s always a bittersweet moment, but this year I feel like that thing spread so much joy, that I’d be going into 2009 weakened if I continued to wear it any longer.
A couple of weeks before Christmas, me and Gwenn were watching TV, and we discovered that Santa had given us a present: “Oh my God! It’s VH1 Classic!” We proceeded to watch two hours of good/bad music videos on my favorite MTV show of all-time, 120 Minutes.
During regular hours, you’ll see everything from David Lee Roth’s “Goin’ Crazy” (horribly awesome!) to Prince’s “Let’s Go Crazy” (awesome, but Prince is hardass about his stuff being enjoyed online so now YouTube link there). It’s awe-inspiring. The worst video I’ve seen to date is this one from Simple Minds. I read an article a few years ago, where the lead singer wondered why they never got as big as U2. I didn’t know the answer then, but now I do.
Check this out. I dare you to look away.
But the biggest wrapped joy came in the form of a Wii Fit. Once again, Gwenn tracked down Nintendo’s holiday jewel, but this year it was a few clicks instead of a two-hour long wait in the rain at Target. That’s me Wii Bowling, by the way.
I gotta say, I am loving the Wii Fit. The balance board is highly addictive, and right from the beginning you’re hooked when they lay your Wii Age on you. It’s based on your real age, weight and how you handle an initial balance test.
Andy Deane, the whirling dervish frontman of Bella Morte and good friend, was over giving the Wii Fit a test run with us. After Gwenn posted a gasp (from her) inducing Wii Fit Age of 46, I stepped up and got a 34, a mere seven months older than I am. Then I laughed at Andy when he posted a Wii Fit Age of 53.
For once, I was the healthiest person in the room!
Of course, two days later and after a binge on Chick-Fil-A nuggets, I’d Wii-aged five years. But that was nothing a little Wii Yoga couldn’t take care of. Now I’m down to 32 Wii Years of Age, and I hold the downhill Wii-Skiing record for the fastest time.
I’m thinking about taking this data to Dr. Greg for my next appointment. I’m also going to ask him to call Cold’s Gym, to see if he can play the A-card and get me out of my year-long membership contract. After this sickened winter, and my love affair with the Wii Fit blossoming, I know it will be mighty hard to walk back into Cold’s..
Let’s just hope, if Dr. Greg backs me up, that the Gym doesn’t ask him for my Wii Fit Age.
Positively Yours,
Shawn
When Babies Save Christmas
December 26, 2008
Hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas today. I got to spend the Eve and day with my parents, brother and sis-in-law, and my two nieces, as well as some dear friends.
This Christmas happened to be the first for my niece, Helayna, who is ten months old. Back when her big sis, Katie, was a couple of years old, I made a video for a PBS trailer called When Babies Have Babies. I figured it’s never too early for Helayna to step up- or, more accurately, crawl up to the plate- for her first starring role.
This one is a holiday-themed movie trailer. Here’s the description…
When Babies Save Christmas
The movie (trailer) event of the holiday season! Can a baby save Santa Claus from isolation and self-destructive tendencies in an economy that has forced children to not ask for toys?
Only Flakey the Snowman and Kiss-Up the Brown-nosed Reindeer are up to the task of finding out. And along they way, they too are reminded just how cool getting toys can be.
Positively Yours,
Shawn
Happy Holidays from the Family
December 24, 2008
The White Christmas Russian
December 22, 2008
This week families from around the world will reunite to settle decades-long scores in honor of Christmas. I’m fortunate in that I don’t have any real family drama to speak or write of.
At least not yet. See, I’ve been happily aloof in Christmas present purchasing, opting for a low-key attitude towards the holidays (forgive me my one weakness- the holiday sweater). In terms of my immediate family, I’m just holding true to a promise made back in September. “We’re cutting back this year…” This same speech happened last year, and me and Gwenn went along with it.
Then on Christmas morning we felt like major douches when we were surrounded by presents and we’d only gotten my family one or two things. Oh well. If the Benedict Arnolds want to lavish gifts upon me, I won’t complain.
Still, this year I am watching my gift-giving back. And even though I haven’t been buying stuff, I have been working away like a little elf, making things. I’ll post pics later this week- and another video that could rival the holiday sweater/jingle cats one.
If you’re unfortunate and really have some family drama ahead of you this week, I do apologize for making you think about what’s ahead. The best I can do to make ammends is offer up a holiday drink recipe. So get a pen and a piece of paper, this thing could come in handy…
The White Christmas Russian
2 oz vodka
1 oz coffee liqueur
light cream
snowflakes
How To: Pour vodka and coffee liqueur (over ice cubes if you prefer) in an old-fashioned glass. Fill with light cream and step outside to let the family drama and bullshit calm down. Hold glass into air, let snowflakes dissolve into drink as quickly as your expectations did the moment you walked through the door. Get plastered under a tree alone. Oh, and don’t forget your coat, especially if you’re having your White Christmas Russian on the rocks.
I know what you’re thinking: I Cindy McCain’d a recipe and just added some little twist. Or maybe you’re wondering what to do if you live in a warm climate, yet you still feel like you’re going to need a White Christmas Russian… Well, this drink is all about the spirit. And the smooth, cold flavor of the White Christmas Russian is made to order for chilling out for those who are forced to be around family.
Me? I might have a white russian. Sans the emotional snowflakes.
Cheers,
Shawn
Clifton Inn
December 19, 2008
Last night was great- Gwenn and I finally went to what has been described as the best place to eat in Charlottesville: The Clifton Inn. Here are some pics of our big night out.
I’m far from a restaurant critic. I eat cereal twice a day and make a mean grilled cheese sandwich. But I have been to some good places, and know the difference between good and great food. And the reputation of the Clifton Inn is totally warranted. Aside from the incredible delectables that satisfied carnavour (Me) and herbavour (Gwenn) alike for four scrumptuous courses, what made the outing extra special was the opportunity to see two of my buddies who work there.
Dean, the head chef, moved to Waynesboro when he was in elementary school and grew up on the same street as I did, Crompton Road. He is a year older, which was a huge difference back in the 5th and 6th grade. I remember him trying to tolerate me and my friends, an obnoxious crew hellbent on destruction. “Of all the streets to move to,” he must have thought.
If you read my book, Dean was there the day my brother beat up one of his friends for tackling me too hard. We were just a couple of scraggly-haired kids then. Now we’re a couple of scraggly-haired men.
It’s funny to think back to those times, and part of the fun tonight was sitting back to admire the incredible accomplishments of a fellow Crompton Road alumni.
The other guy I know there is chef extraordinaire, Karma. He’s one of the cool guys I’ve gotten to know through shooting pool at Rapture on the downtown mall over the last several years. We call him “Karma the Chameleon”. Right now, we’re on the #1 ranked 8-ball team in Charlottesville. Karma must strut around town, not only does he cook for the best restaurant, he also plays for the best 8-ball team, the Overlords of Kesmai. (Yes, that’s our team name.)
Tonight was great. From the food to the folks I got to be with. Gwenn and I promised to make Clifton a holiday tradition, and it’s the most fun we’ve had since we’ve been home, just a really relaxed night and some good eats. We celebrated a great semester of travelling and educating together, and gave thanks for everything we have, including our health and happiness.
And speaking of happiness, I’m glad to have retained the youthful spirit that allows me to don a holiday sweater, even on pool league nights. Yet I am beyond grateful for the opportunity I’ve had to grow older. To have a night like this, to get dressed up and go out on the town for a nice meal with the love of my life.
What could be better than that?
Positively Yours,
Shawn
Looking for a Stocking Stuffer?
Nothing says holiday cheer like a humorous memoir about AIDS. Show the ones you love that you care, and get them a copy of My Pet Virus.
As a holiday treat, please feel free to download this song (co-written with Kyle Wiggins), Synthetic Division’s “The Line of Fire”, for free! (Synthetic Division is my synth duo.)
Be sure to visit ShawnandGwenn.com to learn about my educational work at colleges and universities.
Haven’t seen a real blog in a day or so? Follow Shawn’s cellphone micro-blogging at Twitter.com.
Holiday Sweater 2008 Unveiled
December 17, 2008
Every or every other Christmas, I search the Earth high and low for a holiday sweater that captures the essence of the spirited season.
In the past, I’ve gone with the traditionally gaudy sweater vest, but this year, I took a risk and opted to go with sleeves. Hope you approve of this year’s selection, and that you are having a safe and happy holiday season!
Positively Yours,
Shawn
Hosted a Pageant
December 16, 2008
Well, I co-co-hosted a pageant. With Kristi Lauren Glakas (Miss Virginia 2005/badass) and Hannah Kiefer (Miss Virginia 2007/badass). You can see pictures here.
Both of my esteemed colleagues did well at Miss America as state title holders, finishing at 3rd runner-up; so they know their pageants. My main job last Saturday night was to utilize my dorky charm to set the audience at ease. Should be easy for someone who sets people at ease over the topic of AIDS, right?Well…
Usually I’m confronted with an audience that asks questions about my personal life. That’s easy, because I know all the answers to those. And if I don’t, Gwenn’s got my back.
Well, on Saturday night at Miss Williamsburg, the only question the big sweaty blob of nervous supporters wanted answered was: who is going to win? And I, nor my co-hosts, had the answer to that one.
Still, I had a great time. There’s a line that is read at every local pageant. It is delivered before the Talent competition, and goes something like this. “Remember, these are not professional performers… at least, not YET.”
Well, at the dramatic pause, I did an impromptu tap dance, and let Kristi and Hannah say, “Not YET!” I thought it was gold, pure showbiz gold that was a risk of causing that stage in the auditorium of Bruton High School to come crashing down to Earth.
The tap got a lukewarm response, but we got a laugh about it backstage. “We’re dropping a charisma bomb on those people whether they like it or not,” I said to my co-hosts as we huddled. Later, while Kristi and Hannah were out there, I heard a crackling noise, and looked out to see them doing a goofy tap dance together. Gimmick infringement!
It was a pretty awesome night, and I really had a great time not speaking about AIDS for a change.
Positively Yours,
Shawn
Heart Feldt: A Tribute to David
December 12, 2008
Gwenn and I are finally home, having swept in and out of “The Little Apple”, Manhattan, Kansas this week, our last talk of World AIDS Week 2008.
We just made it to K-State, too. Wisely we’d taken the first flight out from Richmond, which meant we landed in Kansas City before a snowstorm hit. When we woke up from a very long nap, the ground was white. Drivable for us (the school was two hours away), but enough to cause flight delays. On the way back home the next day, we heard someone saying that a few of the later flights had been cancelled.
But travel turmoil- averted or otherwise- is not what you want to read about. You’re in the holiday spirit, and you’d probably prefer the heart-warming, hot cocoa, warm-fuzzies stuff.
Well, a lot of that happened in the last few weeks. And I’d be remiss if I didn’t give a big shout out to all the places that invited me and Gwenn to speak: Buena Vista University, Southeast Community College in Lincoln, NE, the AIDS Task Force of Great Cleveland, Baldwin-Wallace College (Berea, OH), The University of Toledo and Kansas State University. We can’t thank you enough for letting us share our story, and help educate some folks along the way.
One story I want to share at this moment occurred in Cleveland, over the course of the last two years.
In December of 2006, I shared a story about being recognized by a bookstore manager named Jonathan. “Your book is in my bathroom right now!” He was so happy to see me that he called his partner, David, who was in the hospital recovering from a heart attack.
“We’re like the gay version of you guys,” Jonathan said with a smile. “I’m the negatoid, David’s the positoid.” He so connected with the story, that he ran off to get his cell phone to call David, exclaiming, “You won’t believe who is the bookstore right now!”
My ego and spirit were soaring. The book had just come out, and it was selling modestly. My expectations, given the magnitude of the work of genius, were unrealistically high, and by this point reality was setting in that I wasn’t going to reach my goal of selling 100,000 copies in a year.
After Jonathan’s greeting, I’d forgotten all about my poo-poo attitude about the goal. When I asked to talk to David, my mind raced for something good. Something witty; it’s a lot of pressure being someone’s bathroom read. “David? I heard my book made your heart stop beating.” We laughed, and I gave the phone back to Jonathan and we exchanged hugs before leaving. On the way out, Gwenn said. “See? Your book is reaching people.”
I knew it was, and that moment reminded me of what was important- the real goal before I got stupid about thinking of numbers. My original goal was to tell my story in a way that people enjoyed and could connect with. After meeting Jonathan and David, I never again felt like my book was anything less than a success.
In August of 2007, I was back in Cleveland for a conference called Staying Alive. After I spoke, a guy came up to me and introduced himself as David, the person I’d spoken to from his hospital bed eight months before. We shared a big positoid hug, and I told him to tell Jonathan I said hello. In my heart, I felt really fortunate that our paths had crossed once again, and was happy to see that David was out of the hospital and looking healthy as a horse.
This past August, I got an incredibly sad email from Jonathan. He informed me that in February of this year, David started to have trouble breathing, that complications from an open heart surgery were starting to reveal themselves. David’s t-cell count remained high, and his viral load remained low as it became clearer that the ravages of Ideopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis were going to be tough to overcome.
Even so, Jonathan stated, David’s spirit remained strong as he repeatedly said: “New definition of irony – the AIDS didn’t get me.”
A past president of the AIDS Taskforce of Cleveland, the group immediately honored David Feldt by naming their continuing education program after him. I make a lot out of my horoscope sign being Cancer- a disease- and having the initials “S.T.D.” Maybe David bonded with my story because he was born on April Fool’s Day?
(He passed on, of all days, the 4th of July.)
On the day after World AIDS Day this year, Gwenn and I spoke for the AIDS Taskforce that David Feldt once led. We spoke to his best friends, his sister, his colleagues. We spoke to clients of the group and got to catch up with his partner, Jonathan.
When he introduced us, Jonathan shared the story of how, when he met David, it was David who was worried about the complications of dating someone who didn’t have HIV. By the time he got to our meeting in his bookstore- I already had tears in my eyes, the tribute to his partner was beautiful. And I once again felt so very lucky to stumble into that bookstore that day.
During our talk, I was describing one of the more serious aspects of my history with HIV, my AIDS diagnosis in 1999. “I’d lost close to thirty pounds, my t-cells had dropped to below 50…” As I was going on, an ambulance outside the hotel kept getting louder and louder. It sounded like the ambulance was going to burst through the wall, so I stopped speaking for a second. Then promised everyone that this wasn’t an audio trick to ramp up the drama.
Everyone laughed.
Somehow, I believe David was laughing, too. His spirit was in that room, and I felt it the rest of the week as Gwenn and I travelled and spoke about our reality with HIV, and what people need to know to protect themselves.
So now I’m home, making the yearly transition from red ribbons to gaudy holiday sweater vests. As I do so, I am thinking about how honored I am to have had the opportunity to meet David Feldt, ever-so-briefly, on this plain we are all currently inhabiting.
Positively Yours,
Shawn
The friends and family of David Feldt. (That’s Jonathan in the white-striped shirt.)
Looking for a Stocking Stuffer?
Nothing says holiday cheer like a humorous memoir about AIDS. Show the ones you love that you care, and get them a copy of My Pet Virus.
As a holiday treat, please feel free to download this song (co-written with Kyle Wiggins), Synthetic Division’s “The Line of Fire”, for free! (Synthetic Division is my synth duo.)
Be sure to visit ShawnandGwenn.com to learn about my educational work at colleges and universities.
Haven’t seen a real blog in a day or so? Follow Shawn’s cellphone micro-blogging at Twitter.com.
World AIDS Week Photos
December 7, 2008
You can check out photos from last week’s World AIDS Day travels by going here. Thanks again to Southeast Community College (Lincoln, NE), the AIDS Task Force of Greater Cleveland, Baldwin-Wallace College (Berea, OH) and the University of Toledo for having us! I’ll be posting a proper blog soon!
Positively Yours,
Shawn
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