Monday, October 19, 2009
Interview for profile assignment
Three
2. do you believe you chose to be gay or that you were born this way?
No one would ever make it a choice even in todays socieity, I believe that I was born being attracted to both sexes
3. Would you consider your past relationships/marrriages healthy? Why did they not work out?
My first marriage I was very young, I was 21 when I got married, he was 7 years older than myself, and we had been together off and on from 15 to 22. We had a child together, but our relationship was filled with drug/domestic abuse. My mother had pretty much fell off the face of the earth I was 17 and we reconnected and were together from that day forward until he died when I was 22. In no way did I consider this relationship healthy, it was one of the most horrific relationships I was ever in. I loved him very, very much but had no idea that domestic abuse was wrong, nor was I aware of the extent of his drug use, this could go on and on, so I will leave it at that unless you want more info on this, one really beautiful thing that we did produce however, is my daughter Nicole.
My second marriage when I was 23 and I met him in prison, its not like you think, he sent me money and helped care for my daughter and myself. To this day we are still the best of friends (he is still in prison), I could not be faithful even though I truly loved him, I just could not be married to someone behind bars and he divorced me. I believe I did it because it was safe and I knew he could not hurt me.
My third marriage was at 33 years old, I had known him most of my life. He had been clean and sober for 4 years when we got together and it was really great at first, but in the end, he was fake, he did not have the ability to love someone but himself. He was emotionally abusive, he would not talk to me for days, pure emotional torture he was good at. I decided that I did not want to live like this in my 30’s I wanted something more than just enough. Financially, we were really well off, I had never experienced it before, but I left with the shirt on my back, I was unhappy and so was he.
4. how long have you known Robin?
36 years
5. What do you consider yourself? (bisexual, lesbian, other)
I hate labeling myself and don’t really want to, so lets go for “other”
6. when did you first realize you werent only attracted to men? Probably around 10
7. what was your first bisexual/lesbian/gay encounter? how old were you?
Well I kissed a girl at 7 but my first “expericnece” was around 15
8. how long have you and Robin been in a commited relationship?
7 years
9. What was your fear in being in an open same sex relationship?
My daughters reaction, how my friends would react
10. when did you both realize you and Robin had a connection as more then just friends?
I actually did, robin had said to me (while we were still just friends) that she wished she could find someone just like me. Once she came back from Florida (8 years ago around there) I began to have feelings for her but did not act on them for a while
11. What conversation took place?
We were at a pizza parlor (she says its our “Chinese conversation but because her head was spinning and she did not understand a word I said, she made me repeat it) I basically told her that I had been in a few lesbian relationships and that I was really attraced to her, but did not want just an encounter but I wanted to give it a go at a relationship, she was one of my bestfriends and I totally got the whole, you have to have a best friend before you can have a relation ship thing. She was shocked but open to the idea of an us. I told her that I had not felt that strongly for someone in a long time, she was really for it.
12. what do you feel is different (emotionally) between your past straight relationships and your current gay relationship?
If you asked me this question 6 years ago, my answer might be different. Our relationship has evolved just like any relationship does, it has grown more mature, so I will just talk about the differences of where we are at now. I am able to express to her, what, how and why I feel the way I do, without the fear of what the reprecusisons will be, so lets say without fear at all. I know that we are committed to each other in every way, this surrounds our family and our relationship. I feel connected to her emotionally, I know in my soul of souls that she loves me, undconidally. I have NEVER had that before.
13. Are you still attracted to men?
Of course, but the word attraced might be misleading. I still have an appreciatiton for men but attraction, I don’t thinks so. I still admire a really good looking guy, but im not drawn to him.
14. in your opinion, why do you feel same sex marriages should be legal?
Yes, we are not asking men to marry men that don’t want to, if it does not affect you directly why should you care? I don’t care if you want to marry someone I don’t like, that is your choice, so why should anyone care who I marry?
15. are you religious at all?
Yes
16. what are your thoughts in religions not accepting the gay community?
I am a Christian. I was saved at 6 years old and have carried my relationship with god throughout my entire life. I think that people are entitled to their own opinion and I respect that and would never try to force my belief on to someone else. Luclily there are relgions or spiritual centers that do accept us and give us some where to go without feeling persecuted or judged.
17. since being in an open gay relationship,what do you feel has changed the most about you?
My tolerance of things that I do not understand. I think that I used to be judgemental about people and I have found that I am much more open to “try it on” before I make a judgment based on how they look, or act. I believe now in getting to know someone before I make a judgement call.
18. what were your thoughts and feelings when you and Robin went to Sf to get married?
We were excited to be in something that might change history. We were emotional, we met some really amazing people who had been together for 30 years and this was their first chance at marriage, it was really eye opening.
19. what were your thoughts when the marriages werent considered legit?
We figured that this would happen so we were prepared and did not take it too hard. We got remarried again last October in San Jose and it is still legal in the state of California.
20. how were your family members initial reactions when you we're open about your gay relationship?
The nice thing is that most of my family just wanted to see me happy so everyone was happy with it except for my daughter. She was really distraught about it and it caused some very tough times in our relastionship, but they were short lived. We just had to talk about it a lot. I had to disclose to her the fact I had had previous relationships that she was unaware of, that was a little rough. Robin really had to earn Nicoles respect for her to accept her. It took some time but it eventually worked out.
21. How are your family members thoughts now?
We really are a happy family. Joey and Robin get along really well. We have ups and downs just like any family, we are truly no different. Even with our children getting married, we really get along well with everyone. Nicole had Robin even speak at her wedding, that was important to her, Robin earned it, she earned Nicole’s respect as my partner and and to be a part of Nicole’s life. Nicole is supportive of me, stood up as my maid of honor at Robin and I’s second marriage.
Friday, September 25, 2009
How not to be that person in the airport security check line
Journalism 132
Magazine Writing
How to not be that person in the security check
Pulling a balancing act with your purse and carry on, your license and plane ticket separate, is an all too familiar scene for anyone who flies. As you approach the security check line, the slithering line seems to be getting progressively longer. You look ahead to see what the holdup is and single out the person in the front of the line. Whether it’s a water bottle that has more than 3 ounces, scissors that are more than 4 inches, or a laptop bag that has a pocket or zipper on it, this small regulation violation postpones everyone from getting to their specific gate.
September 11th 2001 made a big impact on the airport security. A fee now goes on every airplane ticket to ensure that the quality of security has increased and the rules have changed dramatically. In a time when people could have their ski’s poles or golf clubs as their carry on, this has now been limited to only check in. Women need to recheck their purse to make sure they don’t have lotions or any makeup exceeding the limit of 3 ounces. Water bottles and other drinks need to be bought in the airport or drank before going through security. Following these simple rules can keep the line moving and save you time overall in your venture through the airport, giving you less hassle from the front of the airport to the gate.
It’s important to make sure you know the newest and most regulations that are available easily online or just a phone call away. September 11th brought on more strict rules but they have eased a little since then but how would you know this unless you were to look them up? No one wants to be singled out as the person who made the line go from 2 minutes to 15 all over a simple thing that you just didn’t know. The frequent flyers are aware of this because of the constant pattern of going from one airport security check to another. One rule that has been modified is the laptop rule. Once, this rule was that the laptops going through the machine had to be outside of the case, in a separate bin. However, now, in order to make the line go faster and a smoother transition, people with laptops are allowed to keep it in its case. Although this is a minuscule rule and hardly noticed by a sporadic flyer, it can save you the embarrassment
To avoid the glares of the line behind you, the hassle of having to return and check in your bag, and the time wasted, or if you are unsure about a particular item, make sure you check online to see the updates on the security line at www.tsa.gov. Also, prepare your outfit the night before including sandals instead of tennis shoes, and if possible, an outfit for limited pockets. By having fewer pockets, they’ll be fewer things you’ll store in them that could potentially hold you up. Checking in at least an hour before can make all the difference because you never know when there is a random busy weekend and you happened to be traveling on it. Don’t allow a few lines to have you miss your flight. Take responsibility for making your flight by being prompt and prepared. These simple habits of flying will ensure that you are not that person in the security checkpoint.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Query for Travel Magazine
Budget Travel
530 Seventh Ave., 2nd floor
New York, NY
10018
Dear Erik Torkell,
Due to the tragedy of September 11th, 2001 airport security has rapidly changed their rules and guidelines to be more strict. Those who travel often understand these rules while others seem to be the one holding up the line for everyone else. There are specific regulations I feel are important in letting your readers know about, some steps that can help get them to their destination faster without the hassle of being delayed in airport security.
Flying alone since I was six years old, back and forth from San Francisco to Los Angeles has made me a frequent flyer at a young age. I feel I am always prepared for my flights starting with the night before. This information is important for your readers to hear because those who want to get away need to know how to get away faster. I am currently at Sacramento State University taking a course on Journalism in order to better my writing and set forth in the right direction. I feel the informative piece that I’ve sent to you will fit well in your magazine. Ideas on how to prepare better for traveling will include:
• Non-flammable liquid, gel, or aerosol paint can go on board as long as they are 3 ounces or less
• Tools are allowed as long as they are 7 inches or less in length
• Laptops are now allowed to go through the machine covered for the safety of the electronic and to make the security line go faster
These simple guidelines make all the difference. I feel that travelers will be happier going through security if they are more knowledgeable about the rules and are aware of what to check in before arriving to the airport.
Thank you for your time, I look forward to hearing from you.
Respectively,
Sarah Eaton
Monday, September 21, 2009
Possible second how to article
How to know if you could be a waitress?
Being a waitress teaches you a lot of things you either pick up or didn’t know about yourself
People skills
There are different kinds of people and you will see all sorts
Are you near a mall?
They are likely hungry and tired now that they’ve been shopping all day
Is it a family with small kids?
They are likely to be here for the convenience, make it fast! Is it a business lunch/meeting?
They want to be left alone for the most part but still notice if something is needed such as a refill or if they’re looking around
In this situation, it may be ok to drop off the check early for their convenience
Multitasking
Condiments
Just because you offered ranch with their fries and they said no doesn’t mean
They won’t change their mind once they get their burger
Refills
Think of the glass as half empty, get a refill!
If someone is slurping down their drink, get two at a time
Putting in orders
Absolutely put in an order first over anything else
Write down everything about the order, people have allergies
Yourself
Forgetting an order
It happens to everyone, rookie or lifer. It’s how you handle the situation
People not tipping at all or small amount
Don’t take it personal and absolutely don’t discuss it with the customer
It could have been worse; be glad they paid the bill!
Being yelled at by a customer
You’re not going to be everyone’s fav person; there are too many personalities to
Impress
There upset, be professional and handle the situation as if you were the
Customer, involve a manager if needed
Too many tables, not enough of you
Try to greet all tables at once, get all drinks at once
This will give you a step up when you start taking orders
how to article outline
How to get through the airport faster:
This how to article could be published in the magazine found on airplanes, any business magazine
Check in
Make sure your ride is dependable and shows up at the time you need them to be
Arrive an hour early (at least)
Make sure you have your license out already to show the representative
Make sure you have a decision on if you are checking
in your bags as well as how many bags
Make sure you have your laptop out of your suitcase so you can have it as a carryon
Make sure any liquids that may be too many ounces are in your bag to be checked in Security
Wear flip flops
Wear something without pockets if applicable
Make sure you keep your license out with your flight info until you’ve passed security
While waiting in line, think of anything in your carryon that could possibly sound the alarm
Make sure everything is in its own bin-rather be safe than sorry
Boarding
Make sure you look at your gate number on the television to make sure it’s still right
Make sure you know the direction of your gate and follow the signs toward it
Wait as near as you can to the gate in order to avoid being at the end of the line
While on board
It’s always good to note the people and remember what they look like for baggage claim
The night before
Make sure everything is packed including toothbrush and deodorant the night before
Make sure you get enough sleep
Call and confirm the person taking you to the airport is aware of the date
Make sure the person taking you is aware of the time they need to be at your house
Have your outfit out so it’s faster in the morning
Eat before you go to the airport to avoid eating unhealthy or expensive food
Know the rules of security so there aren’t any last minute delays
Ounces allowed on board
No hazardous or items that could be considered weapons
Etc
