It's become a New Year's tradition to get an HIV test and know my status. Now I do go at least once a month, but I like starting my new year fresh. It's a simple 30-minute task that you could do on your lunch break. I got tested and thankfully my test came back negative, although they did have to stick me four times – two in each middle finger – because the first 3 tests were not functioning properly.

So a little hassle, a lot of relief. Know your status. It doesn't matter if you're on the DL or the OL (out loud), there's no excuse for not knowing. It's FREE for crying out loud!

The best way to prevent the infection of HIV and other conditions transmitted through sexual contact to to practice safe sex by using condoms and dental dams, and using good judgment with your sexual partners. As we all know, the safest sex is no sex, but I am a realist. I know not everyone can withstand the desires as good as I can. But even still, I get tested because it's affirming for me to know my status.

Here are some resources to find a testing center near you:
National HIV Testing Resources
NYC Department of Health: Testing Sites
DC Department of Health: Testing Sites
Whitman-Walker Clinic
HIV Testing in Los Angeles
San Francisco AIDS Foundation (well-designed site!)
The Berkeley Free Clinic
California Department of Health Office of AIDS
Dallas County Health & Human Services
Testing Resources in Alabama
AIDS Action Coalition: Huntsville, AL

Here are some other resources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention HIV/AIDS Fact Sheet
Advice for people testing positive for HIV
HIV Testing Frequently Asked Questions (And no, you can't get HIV from getting tested!)
Warts.org AIDS Resource (Thanks Ellie!)

HIV and HIV testing in the news:
Husband Urges Men Who Slept With Wife to Get HIV Test
Women can get HIV easier than believed
Deadly Passions: What's done in the dark could kill you
FDA approves new HIV blood test from Roche
Five Years On: My Diagnosis and Mission Living As HIV-Positive

Have a safe and healthy new year. Don't put yourself at risk and start your new year off right with a free HIV test from your nearest testing facility.

Labels: AIDS, Alabama, Clinic, Dallas, HIV, Holidays, HRC, Human Rights Campaign, Huntsville, Justin Schuck, LGBT, New York, Testing, Texas, washington dc

So to dispel the rumors that I am moving to Rocket City, I wanted to give you all a glimpse into what I've been up to these last two months. It can be summed up easily: I've been cleaning up dog shit; painting my mom's house; and hanging out with my mom at her new home while lining up various appointments for her.

I spent a fair amount of time prepping the surfaces in both her bedroom and bathroom to deliver a sanctuary that is both feminine and luxurious. The bathroom turned out great. (No mess-ups!) I had to cut a line at the ceiling which hasn't been my strong suit. It looks fantastic, although the color is a bit off. The girl at Lowe's thought that the initial color dose wasn't right so she added some more magenta which gave the final product a slightly purple tint. I think I'll do some kind of rag glaze the next time I'm down there. I didn't take any photos of the bathroom since I was running low on time, the color was really light, and I wasn't in the mood for doing a serious color balance.

But check out these shots of the bedroom, my piece de la résistance:




Please take note of the 12-inch-wide tone-on-tone striping which repeats itself in the "tray" or drop ceiling; the coordinating ceiling color; the white molding and doors; and the perfect lines from top to bottom. I'm telling you, it's my best work ever. (Also, the above photos are NOT color balanced.)

Labels: Alabama, Family, Justin Schuck, Painting