|
|
|
|
| Beating Holiday Stress |
 |
|
For many of us, the holidays can be a difficult time. Despite all of the celebration, a busy schedule and the pressure to see (and buy gifts for) so many people can take a toll. For members of the LGBT community, this can be exacerbated, as holiday family gatherings may mean tension with family members who do not understand or support our sexual orientation or gender identity - or perhaps who refuse to see us at all.
During this hectic time of the year, it is that much more important to take the time to take care of ourselves! Here are a few tips to help you have a peaceful holiday season.
Be realistic about your schedule. You don't have to go to every gathering. Choose those that you feel you will genuinely enjoy.
On that note, be realistic about your budget. Just thinking about how and if we can spend money on gifts can be stressful - but planning ahead will probably be less stressful than facing huge bills later. Consider giving the gifts of your time and expertise, or do something personal yet inexpensive, like giving homemade goodies.
Don't forget to take care of your body! During this time of year, many of us get less sleep and more sugar and alcohol than we usually do, and that can really take its toll. Try to consume in moderation, and don't abandon your exercise routine. Even a few minutes spent walking, stretching, or napping can help.
If you are feeling lonely and isolated, consider reaching out into your community. Volunteering can be a great way to connect with other people, and many food banks, shelters, and other service organizations rely on volunteer help. (You can even volunteer with the Mautner Project!)
Take time for yourself. Make sure to continue doing things that you enjoy, and spend time with your loved ones - whether they are your family of origin or your family of choice. The greatest gift you can give yourself this time of year may be a few hours to just relax! |
|
|
| Greetings!
So, here we are with only two weeks to go in 2008. What a year! A marathon presidential election campaign with Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, John Edwards, John McCain, Sarah Palin (and all their accompanying drama), Iraq war going badly/Iraq war going well/Iraq war going badly, gay marriages no/gay marriages yes/gay marriages no, gas prices up and back down, 2 million lost jobs, Wall Street bailout, Big 3 automakers bailout, and of course, all the freaky weather. Whew!!! How have we survived?
Looking back on the past year personally, I've got much to be thankful for. Holly and I retired, moved from Virginia to a golf community in Tucson, and have rounded out our family of five with the addition of a great little dog. The year also saw Les Connections continue to grow dramatically, thanks to your loyal support. We are working hard to keep your support and hope you like the improvements. Check out our new Events page on our website, along with our new social networking page and our Cafe Press Store (click on the Quick Links below).
Enjoy, Linda |
|
Have You Checked Out DC's Classy New Club? |
Party at the Hottest New Women's Club on the East Coast
Lace is now open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Our hours of operation are:
Friday & Saturday, 5 pm - 2 am (DJ Jai Syncere 10-2)
Sunday, 5 pm - 1 am (Half Price Burgers & Martinis)
December 24th - 1st Annual Lace Sexy Little Black Dress Christmas Party, 5pm to 1am
December 31st - Exclusive New Year's Eve Celebration, 5 pm - 2 am. Tickets ($25) will be on sale beginning December 15th. Limited ticket sales.
|
|
Improving to Better Serve You |
 Find Events in Your Area
Want to know what's going on with "our community" in your area?
Our Events page on LesConnections.com is the place to look. We've now tailored the page to make it easier to search in your area. Check it out by clicking on the map at right. And, please let us know if there's an event you'd like us to help you promote. |
|
Don't Miss This: Walk Like a Man, Dec 27/28, in Washington, DC |
|
We're EVERYWHERE!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
Wanda Sykes Comes Out
by Anna Lönnberg in Curve magazine
 It was a great weekend for us lezzies. Another fierce comic came out of the closet and into the spotlight. At an anti-Prop 8 rally in Las Vegas, Wanda Sykes spoke for the first time about being a lesbian and marrying her partner this October. Though she previously declined to discuss her sexual orientation in public, Sykes, like many, was irate at the passing of the ban, and chose to come forward as a representative of the LGBT community.
"We took a huge leap forward and then got dragged 12 feet back," the New Adventures of Old Christine star told the 1,000 person crowd regarding the ban, "I felt like I was being attacked, personally attacked - our community was being attacked."
Sykes is an author, actor and stand-up queen, and has been an advocate for the LGBT community for many years. She has touched upon many gay rights issues, and on The Ellen Degeneres Show, spoke about homophobia among African Americans.
Sykes gives a hopeful viewpoint in this crisis, saying that the passing of Prop 8 will spur more activists to speak out and overcome the gay marriage ban across the country. Any civil rights movement has a tipping point, and this could be it for gay rights. "They pissed off the wrong group of people. They have galvanized a community. We are so together now and we all want the same thing and we shouldn't have to settle for less. Instead of having gay marriage in California, no, we're gonna have gay marriage across the country."
We agree.
|
|
|
|
Holly and I truly hope you are enjoying this holiday season and both Santa and your loved ones are very good to you.
Be safe and happy, Linda
Linda Thomas
Les Connections |
|
|
|
| Save 25% |
Want to promote your lesbian-owned business, but tight on cash? Les Connections can help. We offer several options for gaining your business more visibility, and our prices are very competitive. You can choose to either join us with a Professional Business membership for $50 per year which includes a posting on www.LesConnections.com with your photo, logo, verbiage about your business and contact info (including links), or you can opt to buy advertisement on either our website or in our newsletter, "Les Communique". Click here to see the options and rates.
|
| Offer Expires: Jan 15, 2009 |
|
|
