SoundByte 60
Sixty episodes? Really?? This week’s show is an Early Monday Edition again – but there’s a good reason for it. Updates, music, thoughts, and all the stuff you come to expect from your favorite Boston podcaster are all in this show this week. Thanks for downloading and enjoy!
This Week’s Music:
- Shades of Love – Josh Gallahan
- Future Memories – ATB
- Wishlist – Pearl Jam
- To Love Somebody – Nina Simone
- Single – Natasha Beddingfield
- Proud Mary – Tina Turner
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SoundByte 58
So, this week’s show goes all over the place. I’ve got more news to share, all of it good, as far as I can tell, and I go into a little bit more detail about when Nate and I first met (Thanks to Julian from FoulMonkeys for the suggestion via Twitter). Thanks again for downloading, and be sure to check out the blog to make a donation to my mom’s massive bike ride for the American Lung Association!
This Week’s Music Pick’s:
- Music Sounds Better With You – Stardust
- Rose Rouge – St. Germaine
- Love Will Find You – ATB
- Clear Blue Water (Ferry Corsten Remix) - OceanLab
- I Love You (Cosmic Gate Remix) – Kyau and Albert
- Shades of Love – Josh Gallahan
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Support My Mom!
So, those of you who grew up in a very rural area of the country will have an appreciation for the bicycle. As a kid in a small town in rural Maine, my bike was my ticket out of the house, and the means to go exploring, visit friends, and simply get around without relying on anyone else but yourself, at least until you got your license. I have many, MANY fond memories of bike rides that would last from early in the morning until the sun went down. My mom shared this passion with us as kids, not only making sure we knew how to ride a bike at an early age, but also supplying my brother and I with new bikes as often as she and my dad could afford to do so. We learned how to maintain them, and would ride the hell out of them, especially on the trails and dirt roads that surrounded our house.
It’s in this spirit, and with this in mind, that my Mom has taken bike riding to a new level.
My mother has decided that she’s going to do something she’s never done before, and as a proud son, I wanted to do my part. In the sidebar on the right, you’ll see a little ad for the Trek Across Maine, a fundraising event for the American Lung Association. This event is best described from their website:
The Trek is a three-day bicycle ride held annually on Father’s Day weekend in June. The ride is approximately 180 miles across Maine, from the mountains of Sunday River Ski Resort in Bethel to the coastline in Belfast, Maine. We have overnight stops at the University of Maine in Farmington and Colby College in Waterville.
That’s right: 180 MILES of bike riding!
Though I’m not able to take part in the event myself, along side her, I wanted to do my bit to show her a little love. She’s trying to raise $500 as her pledge. I know we can all help her a little bit, so if you click on the button to the right, you will be taken directly to her pledge page, where you can give as much as you can to help her reach her goal.
I am so proud of her for doing this!
SoundByte 56
Hey all! It’s another Early Monday Morning show! We had an awesome weekend, which I recap, and reveal a little bit about where I’m at, both in my head, and looking forward. Thanks for downloading the show, and look for more posts on the blog – I don’t do it enough, I know.
XX
Thom
This Week’s Music:
- By Your Side: Melina
- My Feeling: Junior Jack
- Bliss (Alpha 9 Club Mix): Alpha 9
- My Saving Grace: ATB
- Feel Your Love: Kim Sozzi
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SoundByte 54 Mid Winter Vacation Show
Today’s show is a reflection on the vacation that Nate and I took to mark our 9th year of being a couple. I also talk about where I’m at in my head, and where I am with regards to school, politics, and being social. It’s a reflective show, and a little random, but I hope you enjoy! Thanks for downloading!
-Thom
Leave a voice mail: (617) 466-9740
Today’s Music (in no order):
- Feel Your Love: Kim Sozzi
- Begging You (Armin Van Buuren Remix): Cerf, Mitiska and Jaren)
- A New Day: ATB
- Mysterious Skys: ATB
- Walking on Clouds: Tiesto
- Death and All His Friends: Coldplay
- Riddles in the Sand: Ron Hagen & Pascal M
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A Week Beyond
So, I know, I know…I’m overdue for a podcast. I promise, there will be a show this weekend, and probably an extended one. I’ve got so much to catch you all up on. This morning, though, I wanted to just get some stuff out in writing, and see where it takes me.
A week ago, Nate and I were tucked away in our little room in a quaint little guest house in Provincetown. A week ago, I was struggling to unwind, struggling to let go of my anxieties and just relax on our little break from reality. Today, I find myself struggling to get up the gumption to get out of bed, let alone be productive and creative. It’s like my body is here, in Boston’s North End, but my mind (and potentially my heart) have found a home away from home at the end of Cape Cod and are refusing to catch the next bus home. I’m clinging to the feeling of relaxation, of not taking myself so damn seriously, and of simply smiling because I woke up to see the day before me. I know, eventually, this feeling of floating will subside, and I’ll be looking at the calendar, wondering when my next opportunity to get away with Nate will be coming. For now, I’m just getting through the week, and hoping the weekend comes quickly and painlessly.
I am pretty happy with the progress I made this week with regards to my school application. I decided to just give it up, and submit my writing pieces. When I mean submit, I mean I’ve added them to my school application, with the unwritten understanding that I won’t be editing them again until I’m actually in school. I’ve put that whole fear of failure with regards to the words I wrote behind me, and now am looking at gathering the info I need to plan out two years of studying. I have a general idea of the overarching focus of what it is I’m going to be doing, but it’s the finer details that I’m worried over. I also need to develop a bibliography of books I’ll be using in my studies. It’s going to take some time, and some research, but I think I’ll get there, hopefully by the end of next week. That, coupled with filling out my FAFSA, will put my application to rest, at least in terms of my end of it. There’s still the letters of recommendation to collect, and transcripts to request. Soon, though, it’ll be complete. Then, it’s a matter of waiting to hear from Goddard.
There are so many other things rolling around in my head right now that need to be attended to, and sorted through, but I’m hoping a little downtime this weekend will prove to have the soothing effect I need. Right now, I just need to get my life in order, and get through the tasks I feel have fallen behind, organize my schedule, and set some reasonable goals in terms of my writing. I also get to undertake filing my 2009 taxes (joyful time), and hopefully get a sizable refund. That would come in VERY handy right now – especially in terms of putting money in the bank, and saving for our next adventure out.
Anyway, I’ve got to get ready for work, but know I’ll be back on the air this weekend, with a mouthful to say, I’m sure. Thanks for standing by!
-Thom
Before We Go…
So, before we head off to Provincetown, MA for our anniversary celebration/mid-winter break from reality, I wanted to do a quick blog post, and just share a few of the thoughts rolling in my head.
As most of you know, the Prop 8 Trial has started in California. Though I’m very much on pins and needles to see how the trial turns out, honestly, I’ve tried my damnedest to not get too worked up over it. I know, I know…but, Thom, you’re a gay man who’s married, and this trial can have a direct impact on your life and the legal status of your marriage…believe me, I’ve been saying that to myself for days now. After the loss of gay marriage rights in Maine, though, I’ve recoiled, and in a way, turned my attention inward. I don’t agree that the right to marry should be on display, or even up for judgement. It should just be. That said, I appreciate the legal system we have in this country, and I appreciate the process of getting the laws written down in such a way as to protect current and future people from discrimination. I do hope for a positive result of the trial, and I desperately want my gay and lesbian brothers and sisters in California to be afforded the same rights that I currently share with Nate here in Massachusetts. I still don’t understand the ramifications of this case being tried on a federal level, but I have a feeling it’s going to be a precedent-setting result, one way or the other.
I’m also staring down the application for school that is a constant reminder on my desktop. The application essays need to be edited, the questions all answered to the best of my ability, and honestly, I haven’t had the courage to face them lately. It’s not that my passion for it has waned, as I know going back to school, and doing it the way I’m applying to, is the right direction for me. I just need a little more reassurance, from myself to myself, that I’m worth and capable of chasing down this goal and achieving it. I’m hoping that the recharge of my batteries this weekend will provide me with that assurance, and though I’m not going into this break in P’town with any real expectations or goals, it would be nice to come back with a clearer head, and a more focused drive to get this application off my desk. For that, I’m just going to need to dig deep.
I will be going “radio-silent” while we are away, though I have a feeling Nate isn’t going to be the same this time around. If you do need to reach me, you can send an e-mail, and if it’s urgent, I’ll respond, but until Tuesday morning, you won’t be hearing much from me. Unplugging worked wonders for me the last time we took a break like this, so I’m hoping to have a repeat performance.
Thank you to all of you who have wished us the best, and who continue to follow me, and us, online. We’re a funny couple of guys, but truly, we do appreciate the love and support you all have given us.
My thoughts are also with the people of Haiti, as they come to grips with the massive earthquake that has rocked that tiny, desperately poor country to its core. Please, keep them in mind, and do what you can to help. Even a good thought (or prayer, if that’s your thing) will do a small amount of good. Heaven knows, there’s not enough attention paid to the others who inhabit this planet, and taking a moment out of our days to send some cosmic good out there would be a refreshing change for most of us, myself included.
Till Tuesday!
XX
Thom
SoundByte 52
Hello and Happy New Years all! Today’s show is a nice reflect on the weekend past, a little on the present, and a little look into what I hope is in my future. The music is a bit mellow for all you post-party people. I hope you all had a safe and wonderful New Years, and I want to welcome you all to 2010! Thanks for downloading!
Music:
- Beach Vibes by ATB
- Give a Little Love by Bob Sinclair
- Say Hello Wave Goodbye by David Gray
- If I Could Fly by OceanLab
- Rainbow Connection by Sarah Maclachlan
- Breathe Me by Sia
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SoundByte 51 Inter-Holiday Show
Today’s show is all a reflection on our Christmas, with a little peek into New Year’s and the resolutions I have. I wanted to extend a warm thank you to everyone who follows me on here, listens to the show, and offers such amazing support and friendship. Thank you to all, and I hope you had a wonderful holiday!
Today’s Music:
- Song For a Winter’s Night – Sarah McLachlan
- My Favorite Things – Herp Albert and the Tijuana Brass
- Sleigh Ride – Herp Albert and the Tijuana Brass
- Christmas is Coming – Vince Guaraldi
- My Saving Grace – ATB
- I Remember – Deadmau5
- LA Nights – ATB
- Time After Time – Sarah McLachlan and Cindy Lauper
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SoundByte 37 For Nathaniel
This show is dedicated to my husband and life partner, Nathaniel. It’s a bit saccharin-sweet, so grab your insulin shots! Also, some updates, looking forward, and a whole lot of music!
Today’s Tracks:
- Kota: Bononbo
- Deepest Blue: Deepest Blue
- Melissa: Allman Brothers Band
- Stars Come Out: ATB
- Dooley’s World: ATB
- Sirens of the Sea: OceanLab
- Riddles in the Sand: Ron Hagen & Pascal M
- The Way (John Denis Remix): Divine Inspiration
- When Love Takes Over: David Guetta featuring Kelly Rowland
Enjoy!
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SoundByte 32
An extended show, mostly talking, but some music I’ve been listening to at the end. Comments always welcome! Enjoy!
Music on this show:
If I Could Fly: OceanLab
Here I Am
On A Good Day Remix: OceanLab
Love Generation: Bob Sinclair
Finally: Ce Ce Peniston
Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town: Pearl Jam
Reckoner: Radiohead
Sirens of the Sea Remix: Ocean Lab
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SoundByte 28 Monday Morning Quick Show
It’s a quick show this morning (under 10 minutes, I think) with a quick recap from the week (mostly the weekend). Enjoy!
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SoundByte 27 Saturday Show
Today’s show is a shift from last week, with a bit of a reflection on the week prior, including my thoughts about Pride, work, and the future. Have a listen, and enjoy! – Thom
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A Big Thank You
I will take the time to write to all of you who have extended your arms and given both Nate and I a huge cyber-hug as we sort through things right now. Truly, and deeply, I appreciate it.
Thank you so much for your kind words, and thoughts, and comments.
-Thom
Another Update with Program Note
Hey all,
It’s Sunday afternoon, my last full day up here in Maine before I return to work on Tuesday, and I wanted to drop an update, as well as a program note about the podcast.
My Auntie B. is now under Hospice care. What this means, basically, is that it’s end-stage treatment now, with the nurses and us family members tending to her comfort. We’ve given up on the cancer, which is a huge pill to swallow, but it’s just what’s best. Auntie B is just too weak, and it’s just too much, for her body to take. 9 years of battling has that effect on a person, so though she may be down, she didn’t do it without a fight.
I’ve been doing all-night watches with my dad the past few nights. My West Coast Aunt flew in last night, so she was around as well. I haven’t been sleeping as well as I should, and my stomach, legs, and back are all whining for a little reprieve from the coffee, the running around, and the lifting (though I haven’t been doing much of the latter). I know I can’t keep up this pace for too long, but one more night won’t hurt me too much, and I’ve got a 3 hr bus ride back to Boston tomorrow to sleep on.
As you might imagine, the podcast is delayed this week, and it might not be until next weekend that I put up another show. Please stay tuned, however, as I’m known to get the recording bug, and you might hear from me on other shows later this week. We’ll see.
Thank you once again to everyone who’s been following my tweets, updates on Facebook, and who’ve sent really thoughtful e-mails. Nate, that includes you too – and I know we spent yet another Valentine’s day apart, so I’ve got some making up to do in a BIG way.
Hugs to you all!
-Thom
SoundByte 18 – The Settling In Show
[podcast format="video"]http://teachingthomas.net/SoundBytes/SoundByte 18 Settling In Show.m4a[/podcast]
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Relaxing…finally
So, as many, if not all of you, know, this week was an amazing, crazy, fraught-with-emotion, week. Finally, though, we’ve made it to the other side, and now it’s some down-time at the house, alone, to relax. Well, when I say relax, as you all can guess, that just means Nate shifts gears, but you understand 
I will be doing a show tomorrow, but I wanted to do a pre-release again, and say a HUGE thank you to EVERYONE who was in touch with us on Facebook and Twitter, as well as for the lovely cards, and presents we’ve received. This “simple” wedding really made the unexpected little details all that more meaningful to us, and we really, really did have a good time.
Sure, most of the Northeast was pelted with ice and rain and wind on Thursday, but it wouldn’t be our wedding without a little shake up in the world!
I’ve got tons of pictures to sort through and get up on here for you all to see, so that’s one project for tomorrow. I’m also going to be making a SoundByte, and hopefully will be getting to the Thank You’s that we’ve got to write. I also want to catch up with my Gram, and possibly my aunt, who returned from quite the excursion to see my Aunt Out West and her grandkids and all that, so tomorrow’s going to be a “busy” down-day.
Talk to you soon!
-Thom
Thank you (with pictures)!
So yesterday turned out to be a fantastic day. I was able to shove all the grumbling and moaning aside, and really enjoy an evening’s festivities for my birthday. Dinner was provided by Bill and Geraldine Brown, where we ate at Byblos, an eastern Mediterranean restaurant. After dinner, we all returned to the house to have cake and prezzies. The cake Nate made (Carrot cake, my favorite!) was TO DIE FOR, and the presents I received were great. I’ve got a new, fancy umbrella, a new water bottle, a pair of cozy L.L. Bean slippers, and a gift card to Marshall’s, one of my favorite places to shop. I also got a jar of my favorite jam, Stonewall Kitchen’s Maine Blueberry Jam, which I’m itching to put on a piece of scrumptious bread this morning for breakfast. There was also a little bit of cash stuffed into a couple of cards, which always makes a nice birthday present (especially if one is not currently employed!). So, yeah…HURRAH FOR BIRTHDAYS!
To those of you who sent kind words in various forms, from comments on here, to comments on Facebook, to cards and hugs in person, THANK YOU. I really needed a day not to be full of worry and concern, and I got it.
Oh, and here’s some pictures of the festivities!
See? This just proves how special I really am!
