Romance Awareness Month

How did I NOT know that August was R.A.M?

Seriously. Someone who adores romance, like me, should be keenly aware of these things.

Instead, I'm keenly aware of the LACK of romance in my life. Especially now - when the summer is almost over and the grand tradition known as the C.N.E. is on right now.


See my whole life, I've been a sucker for romance. But very few of the guys I've ever been involved with are hard-wired for romance. It seems to be too much work for them.

And my whole life, all I've wanted, every summer, is to ride the ferris wheel at the Canadian National Exhibition, at night, with someone I love - his arms around me, cuddled tight, and when we stop at the top, to be softly, sweetly kissed in a way that makes it feel like it goes on forever.

It's never happened. And it's incredibly frustrating.


I might be a city girl, but there's still some small town inside me. And the CNE, as big as it is, always feels like a small town county fair. And it sounds stupid, but once the sun sets, and the midway comes to life, it's so romantic - at least I think so.

Maybe it's because you're walking around holding tight to the person you went with, because you don't want to get lost in the crowd. Or maybe it's how many times the boys try so hard to win their dates those cheesy stuffed animals, and when they finally do, the girls look at them like it's the most wonderful thing in the world. Stress seems to disappear, the midway is full of laughter, and it feels like life is good.

At least it's how it appears in my mind.



And when you're above the city - looking down on all the lights, or dead ahead at the CN Tower - it feels like you're alone on top of the world.


And there's nothing more magical than that.


Not that I think it's the MOST romantic thing in the world - I mean, I have a few other scenarios that are right up there - but it's something that would make my heart melt and my knees weak, in the middle of what has been my most hectic summer. And yet, it looks destined to go unfulfilled another year.


So tell me my friends - what makes your knees weak? What romantic gesture could your chosen man do for you that would melt you into a puddle of goo?

Gorgeous Glee-ful Girl Gagas!

Ok, I was going for a cute alliteration there.

Ahem - Hi. My name is Angell Brooks, and I - am - a - Gleek.

Hmm, no looks of shock or surprise. Guess I'm out of the closet then right?

So if y'all know me that well, it will not come as a shock to find out that I have the absolute HUGEST girl crush on the adorable, lovely, gorgeous, talented, toe-curling Lea Michele.

The funny thing is - back when I was Rachel Berry's age, admitting you had a crush on a member of the same sex automatically meant that you were, well....*whispered* you know.

These days, the lines of sexuality are so blurred in every aspect of life that I'm surprised we still have labels at all. And yet we do. Hetrosexual, homosexual, bisexual, omnisexual, asexual - for whatever your choice, there is a lifestyle, and a label.

And, unfortunately, along with the label comes a bias. And judgement. And plain, old nastiness.

Hmm, where was I going with this again? Sorry - my train of thought has derailed somewhere along the way.

This started as just a way for me to share this amazing song from RENT, sung on Glee by Lea Michele and Amber Riley (Rachel & Mercedes respectively for those who have just returned from Guam). Also, one that *I* feel applies to me. Even if no one else does.

But it got me thinking. Why are so many people quick to judge in today's society anyway? People want others to be "normal". What the fuck is normal anyway? Ok, when I was younger, normal (for girls) was liking boys - usually on the football team or student council - and wanting to be a cheerleader. Anything that went against that, was weird - which was ME. Although I admired and appreciated the physique of the athletes, I tended towards the dramatic, and "nerdy" boys (who turned out to be gorgeous, smart and uber-talented later in life).

These days, anything that is "weird" is being considered normal. Which, to me, seems just about right. Because my definition of normal, is not being like anyone else. We all are different in every way. Some things may be similar to others, but we are each unique. Why strive to change that to be someone else?

So, instead of my original point, which was just to share a great song by two lovely ladies - it is now a showcase, and applause to two well-written, likeable characters, who fit MY OWN definition of normal, and stay true to themselves.

Sing it proud ladies.