Cowboy Turns 41 from Sam Page on Vimeo.

After the disastrous No on 8 campaign (which Robin Tyler and I talked about), I’m really glad to see cool new grassroots sites like this one launched by my buddy Rick Garman.

Here’s a little background about this important site and how you can help:

How did you come up with the idea for Citizens for Equality and the “We Are” Campaign?

RICK: I actually came up with the idea of an elected body of representatives for the gay community a long time ago when I got frustrated with what I saw as a lack of true leadership and leaders. But it was what I believe was a disorganized and poorly run campaign against Proposition 8 (along with my questions about whether gay marriage is the actual battle we should be putting all of our resources and energy behind) that made me finally do something about it.

The “We Are” campaign became the launching pad for Citizens For Equality as a way to get people involved and engaged.  I got that idea from the sorryeverybody.com website where people sent in pictures of themselves with sign apologizing to the works for the 2004 election of George bush.

I love that all the images use the words, “We Are” — why did you choose that language?

I wanted “We Are” for it’s positivity.  To show the world that we are just like everyone else.  We are doctors and lawyers, mothers and fathers, husbands, wives, strong, weak, young, old, worried about the economy, worried about the environment, bowlers, card players, Christian, Jewish… We are human and if people can see that, they may be a little less inclined to do things like vote yes on Prop 8.  Imagine hundreds, thousands…. More… of those photos saying We Are… What a statement that will make!

What are you asking folks to do?

People can get involved in a variety of ways.  They can send in a picture through the website and encourage others to do the same.  All of the instructions and guidelines plus a bunch of suggestions are on the site.  And remember, our straight friends can participate too. People can also join the organization by filling out a simple form.

We are also actively seeking people to be on the steering committee that will set up the elections for (hopefully) late 2009 and people will be able to register and vote for their representatives and on other issues.  We’ll be seeking candidates and advisors also of course.  But the best way to stay informed is to join on the website.

We had a great time last night (trying) to two-step and stayed up way past our bedtime at Oilcan Harry’s, a gay country western bar located in Studio City.  There were lots of hot cowboys in tight jeans, and our great friends Joseph Argazzi and Sonny Koerner were along for the ride. Sonny’s buddies, Bo and Lou, graciously gave us a crash course in country western two-stepping.

If you’re like me, it’s impossible to turn away rocky road, cobbler, and Toll House cookies, especially if they’re homemade and offered by a hunky spouse in a Santa hat. I wondered: could I be a holiday foodie while not sabotaging my fitness goals?  I here’s what I found:

Avoid alcohol. “The average alcoholic drink contains about 200 calories per glass,” says health writer Patricia Zelkovsky.  “Have enough of these and you will end up with the same amount of calories in a meal and you may still be hungry. Instead, save the calories on the alcoholic drink and have yourself a nice meal.”

Work out early—work out first. The holiday months are typically full of family gatherings, social commitments, and other parties which can sneak up on you. Don’t let them derail you—get up an hour early and make time for an extra hour of cardiovascular exercise.

If you don’t LOVE it, don’t eat it. When selecting food and beverage, follow the French Women Don’t Get Fat philosophy and choose only items of the highest quality. Don’t just drink “any” wine that’s offered, be a little bit more selective. The same is true of food. You have choices. Choose to eat only the best.

Parties are more than just eating and drinking. The whole point of holiday ‘get togethers’ is to see people, not food— so enjoy the social aspect. Forget about eating and drinking, and try “being in the moment” with the people in your life.

Book a long weekend getaway at a warm destination for January or February. Even if it’s somewhere within driving distance, it will force you to think about how you want your body to look in a swimsuit.

Eat (and drink) 25 percent less. This is a game I’m playing with myself, which is to eat only 75 percent of the food on my plate. That way you can eat your favorite dishes and drink what you want, but without the additional calories.

Fill half your plate with vegetables, and each remaining quarter with protein and carbs.

Eat a small snack before you head out to a holiday party—it might prevent you from overeating.

Plan your workouts, and work a new plan. The holidays are the perfect time to set new goals for yourself, and to start working toward those goals. By planning your workouts into your busy holiday schedule, you’ll ensure that you “get ‘er done,” as we say in the rodeo.  No excuses!

Remember the mistletoe. If you’re single, keep in mind that people are attracted to healthy, fit bodies. Keeping up your fitness demonstrates self-confidence and self-mastery—two traits that are trés attractive.

Happy anniversary, Bronson.  SM2

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This episode is part of the PEACE LOVE LUNGES podcast on iTunes.

This post is featured on Reuters

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I TURN 34 today, so we’re off to Vegas to compete in the Bighorn Rodeo. It’s our third rodeo this year in as many states. Here’s something to give you a taste of a day in the life. Be sure to check the photostream over the weekend.

Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy

Ride a Cowboy from Sam Page on Vimeo.

by SAM PAGE

EVERYONE’S BEEN REALLY INTERESTED IN MY EXIT STRATEGY FOR GETTING OFF ANTIDEPRESSANTS. Well, I promised back in June that I’d report back and let you know how it’s going.

For those of you just joining, I’ve taken Lexapro (generic: escitalopram) for the past few years. This past spring, with the help of my doctor and psychologist, I cut my daily dose from 20MG to 10MG, then to 5MG and finally: off completely.

The greatest surprise of the journey so far has been the return of my emotional feelings. The ride was unwieldy at first, but with a lot of patience from my husband and weekly visits with my therapist, I’ve gradually gotten my bearings and played with the toys inside my shiny new emotional toolbox.

Still, it’s a process. The first month sans-escitalopram was a little uphill as I began to understand—viscerally—how the drug had flattened me emotionally. With the return of road rage and financial stresses also came fleeting moments in flow: swimming in the Laguna Beach surf, sanding kitchen cabinets, or making these.

But I wanted more than just more emotional frequency—I wanted complete and utter bliss. (more…)

A little video log of our adventures at the 2008 LA Rodeo, where my husband Bronson, our buddy Sonny and I competed together for the first time.

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