Matt Sweet’s Web Log

Matt Sweet

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December 2003

December 31, 2003

OK, so allow me to look back on 2003 on New Year’s Eve. I know, it’s overdone.

Career wise, this year saw me graduating with my master’s degree, getting a job as a therapist with AIDS Partnership Michigan, and opening a private practice. Not too shabby. One highlight was when I was called by one of the researchers for the TV show The Guardian to help them flesh out one of their characters by providing a psychological profile. It’s amazing that they found me, of all the therapists between here and California. I am not going to question this, because it’s the coolest thing that’s happened to me all year.

Personally, Jason and I celebrated 5 years together in August with a trip to Toronto. I usually hate to travel (I’m a Taurus through and through), and do so only to humor others. This trip was loads of fun for the whole family. We visited gay bars, gay stores, gay strip clubs… basically we got the whole “gay scene” out of our system for another year. Seriously, one of the highpoints was visiting Woody’s in Toronto, which has been a backdrop for the show Queer as Folk.

This was also the first year since I was 14 that I’m not a criminal, thanks to the Supreme Court’s decision in Lawrence v. Texas. Newspaper headline: “The U.S. Leaps into the 19^th Century.” Seriously, this has been a mixed year to be queer. Massachusetts will allow us to marry, my home state of Michigan protects gay and lesbian state employees now… On the other hand, the backlash from all this positive attention could portent doom for the nation-wide legalization of same-sex marriages. On the one hand, we should party for our victories. On the other hand, we need to fight harder in the years to come.

2004 is going to be an election year. Is anyone else wondering why the Democrats have yet to offer us a candidate that can beat George W. Bush? Do Al Gore and Hillary Clinton really have better things to do this year? And do the Dems really think that a man named Howard has a chance? I personally believe that Dean is the Walter Mondale of our times… a sacrificial lamb offered up to a popular, neigh-undefeatable incumbent President in lieu of just “sitting this one out.” Maybe it’s just because I’m bitter about Michigan State’s complete routing at the Alamo Bowl that makes me think this, but maybe the Democratic National Committee is looking at 2004 as a “building year.”

And speaking of sports, well… actually I’d rather not. With the Redwings, the Pistons, the Lions, and MSU’s football and basketball teams all circling the drain, it looks like our state’s last best chance at some sports pride is the University of Michigan in the Rose Bowl. And as much as I try to remind myself that U of M‘s success is not a reflection on me whatsoever, I still find that I cannot muster any enthusiasm for the blue and gold. So I’m getting my sports jollies off by watching professional wrestling.

I didn’t want to end this on a bitter note. So I’m going to go polish my Christmas gifts… two new serving pieces by Nambé. Life is OK by me as long as there are shiny things in it.

December 30, 2003

So… Here I sit in my living room with NPR playing ambient music, my cat sleeping in my lap, a glass of port, and my pajamas. Seriously… This is the most comfortable I’ve been in a long time.

Tomorrow is New Year’s Eve, which has been, as a rule, my favorite holiday. There are no obligations to see relatives, no excuses to overeat and get indigestion, and no one pushing a political message down my throat. Just a simple, pagan celebration that the Earth is still turning and time is still passing. Which is, when I think about it, a very humbling thought. War, famine, floods, earthquakes, and the planet did not even pause in her perpetual tour of space.

We (meaning Jason and I) will have a party. Everyone and their brother throws a New Year’s Eve party—as you probably can tell, I am undaunted by prospect of stealing someone’s idea. Our party will be different however… Jay and I are inviting our closest friends over for a night of binging on Trailer Park Cuisine… Twinkie pie, beer floats, low-rent pecan pudding… it’s all good really. It’s amazing the influence the selection of cuisine can have on the quality of the party.

“They eat, they drink, and in communion sweet
Quaff immortality and joy.”

--John Milton

Consumption

I read:

I finished Seduced by Moonlight by Laurel K. Hamilton. This is the Hamilton’s newest book, which is on sale February 3, 2003. I had an advanced copy because I have a friend in the book business. Be jealous.

I heard:

Pink Floyd’s Wish You Were Here

Schubert’s Trout Quintet

Alfred Brendel playing Beethoven’s Piano Sonata opus 2, number 2.

Also, John Mayer’s new album Heavier Things.

I visited: