Monthly Archives: March 2010

My Love

It’s Thursday once more. It’s been an out of the ordinary day for me and Bill. Today was the day Bill and I decided to get a civil union from the city of Hoboken.

The whole idea started a few weeks ago when Joe Jervis of Joe My God posted on Facebook that a friend of his was looking to interview same sex couples who happened to be interracial. Seeing that Bill and I fit the bill I volunteered us.

It was for an article in a national magazine. Joe asked if we were married, domestically partnered or what. Living in New Jersey, civil unions were the only was to go. We discussed getting a civil union a few years ago but I guess both of us were distracted by whatever and so we never got around to it.

Now the subject matter came up again and since I am unemployed and fighting off troglodytes online it seemed like a good idea. I did the research and found out what we needed, photo ID, proof of residency, Social Security card, $28.00 and a witness.

I asked Stine the other day and she said she would be able to after she and Alexander came back from the Romper Room. So after a weird dream involving an occult warehouse and some demon looking for a pair of orange footwear I woke up and started the day.

Bill was awake soon after me and we both started donning suits and ties. Stine phoned that she and Alexander were on their way so I went downstairs to meet them. Bill soon came out and joined us and the four of us were soon headed to the Multi Services center of Hoboken on Grand Street.

I wisely mentioned not going through the park so Alexander wouldn’t insist on playing there. Stine was impressed by that. We walked over to the center and walked into the wrong room.

When we asked about civil unions the older woman behind the counter didn’t know what we were talking about, but a young woman behind us overheard and pointed us in the right direction and offered us congratulations.

We made it to the correct room a few doors down and spoke with a woman behind 2 inches of bulletproof glass. They asked what my father’s name was, my mother’s name, where were they from, were Bill and I related.

They also asked if I had my birth certificate (which they didn’t mention so I didn’t bring it) since my passport only has my middle initial. She asked if my birth certificate had my full middle name and it did. She decided to bend the rules and let it slide.

The same questions for Bill. Stine seemed to like the fact that Bill’s middle name is Julian. The woman behind the bulletproof glass asked Stine if to the best of her knowledge, what we said was true. Stine doesn’t do well with authority figures and immediately got flustered. I had to intervene and tell Stine that she was asking if we were lying.

We all then raised our right hands and swore an oath that we were all telling the truth and not communists despite the room seeming like it was designed by a Soviet bloc interior decorator. We walked Stine and Alexander back to the building where they got into their car and drove off to a play date with Julio’s sister’s twins.

Bill and I walked up to Stacks, a new pancake restaurant on Washington Street for a civil union breakfast. Quite nice. We went home and changed out of our suits, then Bill was off to Harlem to continue working on the play.

I walked over to the Guitar Bar where I informed Jim Mastro that I gave the city of Hoboken his name as the officiator for our ceremony. He was up for it. At the center when they asked when the ceremony would be and I said July, for when Annemarie will be around. But that’s too far off so I told them the date would be April 1.

I also had a great talk with my dear friend Connie on the phone for about 90 minutes. She may be getting a computer since its the only way she can watch Star Trek. I’m glad she’s doing better.

Here are some pictures from today’s lovely happening.

Bill and Me

Bill and Me


Cori and Magazines and NYC 006
That's my Bill.

That's my Bill.


We're almost legit!

We're almost legit!

Peppermint Pig

Well it’s been a roller coaster day for me today. Woke up feeling OK basically. Woke up earlier than usual even. But as the minutes passed I noticed I was getting a headache. Not just any headache, but a sinus headache.

Was it allergies? Was it the virus that’s been bouncing around?

After the Shakespeare reading at McSwells Lois wound up being bedridden for about a week. Last Saturday after the parade Rand mentioned that he was going home since he was sick most of the week and going out for the parade might have been a little too much.

Alexander had been quite ill as well a week or so ago. Could it have been my turn?

Let’s face it, I can be quite crabby when I start feeling unwell. Bill was understanding and comforting and I was grouchy. The phone rang and it was my brother Brian.

Now about a month ago he mentioned that his son was in a play and his school and his son asked if Bill and I could make it. I duly ran it by Bill but he’s been involved with the play which starts on Friday and opens next Wednesday.

I told Brian that and never heard anything about it again. I figured that it was an ‘Oh well’ situation, that Brian was hoping that Bill would drive and that would be that. But having heard nothing I just assumed that Brian and his family would simply go on without me.

So I was surprised to hear from Brian asking about when I would be going up to their neck of the woods. Taken aback with a stuffed and achy head I told him that I hadn’t heard anything about it since he brought it up.

And keep in mind I was not feeling too well and snapped at Brian as I said it. Or at least I thought I did. I felt bad for Brian but I was feeling bad overall. I did call back later in the afternoon and left an apology.

The day progressed. Bill had a call back for something he auditioned for and then he was of to Harlem for the play. I had to go to the post office and while I was out I felt a lot better. I had taken 2 Advil and the fresh air seemed to do me good.

A bit groggy though which made me worry that it wasn’t merely a sinus headache but the bug that’s been hopping around. I went to the supermarket, bought some juice and some food.

I had a pot of water on the stove, making things humid and also put a few drops of peppermint oil which really opened up the clogged airways. All the walking around tired me out somewhat so I had a nap which lasted about 30 minutes.

I’m feeling a little better right now, not 100% but better than this morning. Took my temperature a few times today. It was 97.7 earlier, just took it again it was 97.9.

I wasn’t going to write today, but it seems I am compelled to write no matter what. So there you have it.