there is so much love in this world

The last time I was deeply, actively involved in the politics of same-sex marriage was 1996. It was the Year of the DOMA, when state legislatures were terrified that Hawaii was going to start marrying same-sex couples at any minute, and were falling all over themselves passing state laws against it.

( It was not a fun time. )

That was eight years ago. At the time, when we were watching our window of opportunity slip away, we wondered how long it would take before we had it again. Eight years was a lot longer than we'd like, but I think it's less time than any of us realistically thought would happen.

Today the state of Massachusetts officially began granting real, true marriage licenses to same-sex couples. I am terribly jealous of my friends who went to Cambridge City Hall at midnight last night to take part in the celebration then: moominmolly, zsquirrelboy, weegoddess, hammercock, and many others.

But biking to work this morning, I happened to pass Arlington City Hall at 8:30, just as the first (as far as I can tell) legally married lesbian couple in Arlington emerged. The sidewalk was crowded with at least a hundred people who had gathered to celebrate. I had the privilege of being able to pay witness and offer my applause. There is so much love in this world.

still the prettiest

It's Bike Week 2004! Since our car happens to be in the shop this week anyway, I used it as an excuse to bike the whole way to and from work today. In dilletante's journal this morning I ( posted about my morning commute: )

That, of course, was this morning.

This evening: 22.4 miles. (I circled a bit around Davis Square and considered stopping by Redbones for a beer before I came to my senses and continued home.) Pedaling time 1:31:00; I left work at a few minutes after 6pm and got home at 7:45. The difference in travel time to the city and from the city is typical -- it's uphill on the way back home and I'm more tired to begin with.

And tonight I was reminded of course of what a difference there is between a 20 mile ride and a 40 mile ride. I made it all the way home, but I couldn't have gone much farther.

I feel fantastic. I'd love to do it again. But.... I think I'm probably not going to be doing it every day. :-)