jeanne_d_arc

Update on Jen & Lexi in Maryland/DC

jen_chapin_harris@hotmail.com — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 19:44:57 GMT

The gang is getting together for lunch Sunday (tomorrow) at 1 pm at my parents' house. Call or email for directions or to be picked up at the Takoma Metro.

Jen and Lexi are in the DC area

jen_chapin_harris@hotmail.com — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 19:17:25 GMT

Let us know if you want to get together!
Call us at three 0 one, five six five, four six three six.

Quaker stuff

jen_chapin_harris@hotmail.com — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:26:23 GMT

I plan to attend the FLGBTQC MidWinter Gathering and FGC Summer Gathering in 2010.

Holiday Plans

jen_chapin_harris@hotmail.com — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:08:56 GMT

We're now visiting Lexi's parents in Ohio. Tomorrow we drive to my parents' home in the DC area. Let us know if you want to get together while we're in town.

Lynn- We'd like to come to the Boxing Day dinner. I'm a vegetarian. Lexi's a carnivore.

Quakers

jen_chapin_harris@hotmail.com — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 15:43:49 GMT

Today is International Hug a Quaker Day (and I didn't invent this one).

In honor of the occasion, I bring you a song about the Friends Testimonies

On the Fifth Day of the week my true Friend gave to me
Five simple things
Four thruthful statements
Three Friends for justice
Two genders equal
And a Peaceful Testimony.

(To the tune of "On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me." Words by Tom Wolfe of Adelphi Friends Meeting in Maryland).

Happy Hannukah!

jen_chapin_harris@hotmail.com — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 21:48:16 GMT

I sent my cousin's son Aidan a "Baby's First Hannukah" e-card yesterday.

Holiday cards

jen_chapin_harris@hotmail.com — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 21:43:19 GMT

If you would like a holiday card from Jen & Lexi this year, please email us with either your mailing address (for a snail mail card) or your email address (for an e-card).

AAFM

jen_chapin_harris@hotmail.com — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 21:53:14 GMT

The husband of Ann Arbor Friends Meeting's clerk died last night. It was very unexpected. The memorial is this Friday.

More thoughts on giving to Meeting (please comment)

jen_chapin_harris@hotmail.com — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:09:15 GMT

Ann Arbor Friends Meeting gives a sizable chunk of its budget to other organizations, including AFSC, FCNL, the local homeless shelter, etc. So, by giving to AAFM I'm indirectly contributing to these groups. I also feel good giving to AAFM because I know that none of it is going to FUM and their homophobic personnel policy. For awhile, at least, Adelphi was giving directly to FUM (I should check with my parents as to whether this is still the case). I'm now thinking of giving AAFM $200 or $300 for 2009. It would be in one check that I will write next week.

In my thought process is the fact that some of the things I insist on for the Meeting cost money. I'm on the Potluck & Refreshments Committee. I insist that we only guy Equal Exchange organic, fair-trade (no slave labor or child labor) coffee, tea and cocoa, even though the dollar store versions would be a lot cheaper. So, I feel as if it's only fair that I chip in to contribute towards this expense my conscience is somewhat creating. I also recently finished an accessibility (ADA) assessment of the Meeting's entrances and found that we are not actually compliant and will need to significantly fix one ramp and several doors.

I've been on Potluck Committee for nearly four years and I think it might be time to move on next time Nominating Committee calls. Before Potluck Committee I clerked Adelphi's Peace and Social Concerns Committee and before that I was just a member, then assistant clerk of PSCC. Lots of hard work! I call Potluck the slacker committee by comparison because I really only have to spend about a half hour most weeks helping with snack stuff and two hours of really-not-difficult work cleaning up after potluck once per month. Washing dishes may be dull but at least it's stress free! I really don't want to be on Finance Committee because that's just way too much work.

How much should I give my Meeting this year?

jen_chapin_harris@hotmail.com — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 17:31:43 GMT

This year my wife gave $800 to her church. I see that this is necessary as she is the head of the committee that raises money for the church. However, I have not given any money to either of my Quaker Meetings this year and AAFM is way behind budget on contributions.

I have given a lot of money (or rather, not been reimbursed for money I spent on behalf of) the organizations for which I work (AACIL) and volunteer (WIHAN, etc.) and I just sent $50 to the local women's shelter who've given me stuff to give my little sisters as well as good advice on how to help them.

So, the question now is, how big of a check should I write to the Meeting when I go to Worship this week?

Please leave your suggestion in the comments.

True Blood

jen_chapin_harris@hotmail.com — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 18:50:32 GMT

So the wife and I watched season one of "True Blood" on DVD this holiday weekend. We particularly liked the fake commercial and PSAs and fake documentary in the special features section.

The religious right anti-vampire crap is obviously a parallel to the real world religious right's anti-LGBT rants, although that's as far as I could see the vampire-queer metaphor going with this series. That metaphor is very common among vampire TV series, movies and literature but in this series it just doesn't show.

I am disappointed that the series does not portray any gay relationships in a positive light (on the other hand, the only relationship in the show that's not creepy is between Sookie and Bill and even that one has its creepy moments).

What do other viewers think?

Donation (please respond)

jen_chapin_harris@hotmail.com — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 18:35:50 GMT

This year my wife gave $800 to her church. I see that this is necessary as she is the head of the committee that raises money for the church. However, I have not given any money to eithr of my Quaker Meetings this year and AAFM is way behind budget on contributions.

I have given a lot of money (or rather, not been reimbursed for money I spent on behalf of) the organizations for which I work (AACIL) and volunteer (WIHAN, etc.) and I want to give money to the local women's shelter who've given me stuff to give my little sisters as well as good advice on how to help them.

So, the question now is, how big of a check should I write to the Meeting when I go to Worship this week?

Please leave your suggestion in the comments.

Tofurky

jen_chapin_harris@hotmail.com — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:22:50 GMT

I bought (or rather, my wife bought at the store because I was too sick to go shopping) a tofurky for me to bring to the Thanksgiving potluck at work tomorrow. It's not just a potluck party for staff but a chance for those of our clients/consumers who don't have anywhere to go for T-day to have the family feasting experience. I always bring the vegan alternative because no one else can/will.

So, I got a tofurky, despite the laughs of several colleagues. I asked one of the VISTAs here at the office if she could eat soy (thinking this would be a good option for her as well because she's vegan) but it turns out she's allergic to soy. Since she'll be at her parents' house on the other side of the state tomorrow, however, I suppose the fact that I got the wrong feasting alternative for her is a moot point then.

I know at least one other vegetarian will be there tomorrow. Between us we probably won't eat the whole thing so I'll take it home and have it Thursday.

My normal Thanksgiving treat/turkey alternative is not tofurky. Instead, I have an acorn squash stuffed with stuffing, raisins, fried onions and celery. It is delish! Because Lexi's parents and coming to our house for T-day and because her father refuses to eat vegetables--yes, that's right, he won't eat ANY vegetables except lettuce, I'm not even kidding--we have to have meat.

Lexi got some ham at the store. I'm not happy about this because it means that not only is there now a dead animal in the house it's not kosher. She said what does that matter since I'm only an eighth Jewish and the wrong eighth at that. Still, my dream of having a totally vegetarian household whose pots and dishes have never been soiled by the presence of flesh is gone.

This past Friday I was at work a LOT longer than anticipated, so my boss ordered me a delivery sandwich (I was supposed to have been home in time to eat lunch). I guess it made me sick because I threw up later that night. My co-worker Anna and I took the youth to the University of Michigan planetarium, which we all enjoyed, although I was nauseous for most of the time. I did manage to get Anna home and then drive myself home before I vomited, which is good. However, this meant that I basically hadn't eaten for 18 hours and the next day couldn't eat much and so was too weak to go to the grocery store. So, I didn't get much input into the Thanksgiving grocery shopping choices.

I think my body has decided that it no longer wants me to eat junk food or fast food or delivery food. The last time I had pizza I got a tummy ache.

On a happier note, we washed the dogs Sunday night, so they smell much better and are much softer, just in time for their grandparents to visit. Judy and Ross are bringing their dog Beau on Thursday.

Call Congress TODAY about ENDA

jen_chapin_harris@hotmail.com — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:38:07 GMT

The fate of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) will be decided by YOU!

TODAY & TOMORROW CALL YOUR REPRESENTATIVE!

The bill should be moving in the House shortly after Thanksgiving, but it’s critical that our elected officials hear from us TODAY to ensure that all LGBT people are protected from workplace discrimination once and for all.

Just follow these three steps:
1) Call the Capital Switchboard at 202.224.3121 and ask to speak to your representative. (If you’re not sure who your representative is, simply give the operator your zip code and they will connect you.)

2) Follow this script:

My name is _____ and I’m a proud FAITH VOICE in (your city, state). As a (your faith/spiritual identity) I am calling in support of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (H.R. 3017) to protect lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people from job discrimination. No one should have to fear losing their job simply because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Please pass ENDA THIS year. Thank you for your time.

3) Go back to step 1 and call your senators — we need to make our voice for equality as loud as possible.

Dr Horrible

jen_chapin_harris@hotmail.com — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 21:43:24 GMT

Yesterday, the wife and I watched Joss Wheden's* "Dr Horrible."**
Neil Patrick Harris stars as supervilan Dr Horrible who is trying to join the Evil League in this musical comedy that also features Nathan Fillion of "Firefly" fame as Dr Horrible's nemesis Captain Hammer.
Joss wrote this during the writer's strike while he was bored.
I highly recommend it: http://www.drhorrible.com/

*Joss Wheden also created "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" (movie and TV series), "Angel," "Firefly" (TV) and "Serenity" (movie), and "Dollhouse" (this last one was just canceled after 1.5 seasons).
** Not to be confused with the They Might Be Giants song "Mr. Horrible."

Birthday Karma

jen_chapin_harris@hotmail.com — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:31:07 GMT

Happy Birthday everyone!
Consider this your happy birthday wish for the entire year.
I have now completed by birthday karma. :)

10 years!

jen_chapin_harris@hotmail.com — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 20:29:41 GMT

Lexi and I have been together 10 years. November 7 was the anniversary of the day I asked her out. We've been married 3 1/2 years.

Let's pass ENDA!

jen_chapin_harris@hotmail.com — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:17:56 GMT

Contact your members of Congress TODAY and tell them to vote for the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) that will protect gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people in the workplace.
Use NGLTF's website: http://www.kintera.org/c.keJNIUOvEnH/b.5569887/k.90FE/Tell_Congress_Pass_ENDA_Now/siteapps/advocacy/ActionItem.aspx?msource=ENDA09hrheno&auid=5540469

My mum is on the radio!

jen_chapin_harris@hotmail.com — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 20:14:29 GMT

Hear my mum on the radio talking about my wedding! She's on at 42:53 in NPR's Kojo Nnamdi show. Click "listen" at http://thekojonnamdishow.org/shows/2009-10-29/chronicling-life-gay-washington

Free Pakistani Slaves

jen_chapin_harris@hotmail.com — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:43:12 GMT

ACTION ALERT:

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has begun a three-day visit to Pakistan as a hostage crisis is unfolding near the city of Hyderabad. Time Magazine reports this week that scores of bonded-labor slaves are being held at gunpoint after going to court to win their freedom. Slaveholders are threatening to kill the hostages unless they drop their court cases. Some of the hostages are children. One hostage has reportedly been killed.

Please urge Secretary Clinton to use her influence with Pakistani officials to secure the release of the hostages.

Call the U.S. State Department in Washington today: 202-647-6575, Extension 1.

Here's a link to the Time Magazine article: http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1932723,00.html

Call to Activism

jen_chapin_harris@hotmail.com — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:55:04 GMT

Four years ago, Jamie Leigh Jones was drugged and gang-raped, vaginally and anally, while working for defense contractor KBR (a subsidiary of Halliburton at the time) in Iraq. She then was locked in a shipping container without food, water or medical treatment in an attempt to keep the story quiet. She was unable to sue KBR for sex discrimination in open court because KBR was one of many companies with government contracts that require employees to sign individual contracts barring lawsuits and forcing mandatory binding arbitration, where the company almost always wins.

Sen. Al Franken's (D-Minn.) amendment to a defense appropriations bill pending in Congress restores women's rights to jury trials when employed by a company with a government contract. This amendment is in jeopardy, thanks to the lobbying of Appropriations Committee Chair Sen. Daniel Inouye (D -Hawaii) by deep-pocketed defense contractors.

Take action NOW!

Please take time now to call the Appropriations Committee office to demand that Sen. Inouye keep the Franken Amendment in the defense appropriations bill.

Your Message

Please call the office of the Defense Subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee NOW before it's too late. The staff member who is handling this issue is Nicole DiResta, and her direct line is 202-224-3506. Make sure to leave a message if you reach voice mail. If Ms. DiResta's voice mail fills up, the main number is 202-224-6688.

Please note: Sen. Inouye's name is pronounced "In-uh-way."

Sample talking points for your call:

I am calling because I am a supporter of equal rights for women, including the right to be free from violence and to seek justice through the courts.

I am concerned that Senator Al Franken's amendment to the defense appropriations bill may be taken out or watered down. Right now, government contractors are denying workers the right to sue in public court if they are sexually assaulted while on the job. This amendment restores that right.

Jamie Leigh Jones' story demonstrates what happens to women when they are denied worker's rights. Jones worked for defense contractor KBR in Iraq, where she reportedly was drugged and gang-raped by her male co-workers. In an attempt to cover up the activities of its employees, KBR had Jones locked in a shipping container without food, water or medical treatment. When Jones tried to sue KBR, she was told that due to a clause in her contract she was only allowed private arbitration, with no public transcript of the proceedings. Therefore, no judge or jury would ever hear her case.

I am shocked by media reports that claim Appropriations Chair Senator Inouye is planning to water down or eliminate this critically important amendment. Please tell Senator Inouye to stand up to big defense contractors who want to change this bill so that they can continue to avoid responsibility for the violation of women's rights.

Tell Sen. Inouye: You voted for this amendment because you know it's right. Please don't take it out of the bill. Women are counting on you. Thank you for your time.

Meme from BeckaandZac

jen_chapin_harris@hotmail.com — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 19:17:27 GMT

The problem with LJ: we all think we are so close, but really, we know nothing about each other. So I want you to ask me something you think you should know about me. Something that should be obvious, but you have no idea about. Ask away.

Then post this in your LJ and find out what people don't know about you.

International Talk Like a Quaker Day

jen_chapin_harris@hotmail.com — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:42:24 GMT

Friends, I am pleased to announce that Tenth Month 24 (10/24/09) will be the third annual International Talk Like a Quaker Day.

Basically, this is a day to use Plain Speech (thee/thy instead of you/your) and/or talk about Quaker principles, such as peace and equality.

I had no idea how popular this event would get when I first created it, so let's keep the Light shining!

Here are some examples:

ITLAQ Day is the 24th day of Tenth Month and it is Seventh Day (of the week).

Mind the Light.

Friend Obama, thy policy of increasing troop levels in Afghanistan is not in keeping with the Peace Testimony.

I have posed myself a query in the spirit of John Woolman and William Penn: where among my possessions and actions are the seeds of war and what I am doing to change that?

(PS- There is a Facebook page International Talk Like a Quaker Day!)

Very Busy Week

jen_chapin_harris@hotmail.com — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:30:08 GMT

Last night I went to the last CROP Walk volunteer meeting. This morning and later today I have/had doctor's visits. Saturday I'm going to the AFSC Together in Faith conference (which is a long drive away). Sunday/First Day is Business Meeting, which I think I will skip, but I'll probably go to Meeting for Worship. I have to learn immediatly after Meeting ends because I've volunteering at then walking in CROP Walk.

I've been doing a LOT of walking lately, with the AIDS Walk not too long ago and the National Equality March this past weekend.

March on DC

jen_chapin_harris@hotmail.com — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 15:38:20 GMT

The National Equality March for LGBT rights was a huge success! My parents said it got really good coverage in "The Washington Post." I heard estimates from 50,000 to 150,000 participants (although I think reality is most likely toward the lower end). The organizers' website http://equalityacrossamerica.org/blog/?page_id=19 is reporting 250,000.

Our group from Michigan brought 110 people in two charter buses. Folks came from all over the state, so we were really representative. Lexi and I became (unexpectedly) bus captains for the U of M bus. Then, we ended up with seven people, besides ourselves, staying at my parents' house. My parents' dogs loved it, of course.

We were also very happy to visit with my parents, sister, other relatives, Ro, Eri and Julie. Hi everyone!