Well, I’m back from Denver in one piece. I’m off to Philadelphia this week, then Washington, D.C., followed by Salt Lake City and Alaska. As for my health, there are good days and very bad days, so please know that if I’m not here, I’m either not feeling well or out of town.

My medical procedure was postponed this week because a complication arose, but I’ve rescheduled for another time. This old queen is trying to listen to her doctor (I even skipped a trip to New York at his request!), but I’ve always been afraid of doctors and hospitals. The reason I’m on this subject is because I’ve received many calls, letters, etc., from people who think I’m dying and are very concerned (some would like to celebrate, I’m sure!). But, the truth is, despite the difficult times, I’m hanging on and I get by knowing there so many people – dealing with AIDS and cancer – who are worse off than I am. I thank God for my loyal, helpful friends and for each day he gives me on this beautiful earth.

I will be gone almost five days. I was honored to be asked to be one of only two keynote speakers at the first ever, historic National Black Brown Summit in Philadelphia. Many major GLBT black and Latino leaders will be at this summit and the black leaders picked longtime civil rights activist Mandy Carter from Florida as their keynote speaker. The Latinos picked me and I am truly humbled (and a little shocked, too!). By the way, our keynote speeches will be broadcast live on the Internet!

I spent about four days in the mile-high city and had to use lots of oxygen. I met with the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, the GIL Foundation and Democratic host committee members. All of the city officials I spoke with are really excited to host the Democratic National Convention. I gave three speeches and after every speech I went to my hotel room to rest. I must say, Denver’s GLBT community is a large, active and involved group! I thank the community members for welcoming me so warmly and treating me so well – they even had flowers and food waiting for me in my room!

I stopped by the Town and Country Resort and Convention Center two weeks ago to check in on the Log Cabin Republicans National Convention, which has chapters in more than 50 U.S. cities. It was great to see so many old friends from all over the country. Mayor Jerry Sanders received a prolonged standing ovation, and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger stole the show when he announced he would fight any anti-marriage equality measure on the November ballot. Chad Michael Terry is one of the most outstanding presidents the Log Cabin Republicans of San Diego has had in decades. Congratulations to Chad and the local chapter for hosting a stellar convention, which received national media attention.

I was a lifelong registered Republican, until President Ronald Reagan’s handling of the AIDS crisis. I reregistered as a Democrat with the Democratic Party chair Irma Munoz. I still vote based on the candidate, though, whether he or she is a Democrat or Republican. I vote many ways, but I have considered reregistering as a Republican or Independent. Some of my past favorite candidates have been Truman, Nixon, Goldwater, Clinton and Ann Richards, just to name a few. And yes, I did endorse Gov. Schwarzenegger and I have no regrets – I hope he runs for senate!

Hundreds of Todd Gloria for City Council signs are popping up all over the district – in homes, condos and businesses – and more are being put up by neighborhood supporters every day. If you want a sign for your home, condo or business, contact 619-992-5946.

Police officers and firefighters, who endorsed Christine Kehoe and Toni Atkins when they ran for council, have now endorsed Todd Gloria. Todd will be making history in three ways if he is elected – he will be the first Filipino, the first Native American and the first gay man elected to the San Diego City Council. He will also be one of the few city council members born and raised in San Diego.

These prestigious nominations will be voted on the night of the 2008 Nicky Awards, Monday, May 19. Everyone in attendance will have the opportunity to vote. The 2008 nominees are …

Man of the Year: Bruce Abrams, Alberto Cortes, Robert Gleason, Todd Gloria, Tony Freeman, Bob Nelson, Bob Lehman, Frank Nobiletti, Kevin Tilden and Stephen Whitburn.

Woman of the Year: Michelle Burkhart, Bixie Craig, Carla Coshaw, Tryce Czyczynska, Delores A. Jacobs, Jennifer LeSar, Joyce Marieb, Ann Garwood and Nancy Moore, Carolina Ramos, and Pat Washington.

The Board of Governors of the 2008 Nicky Awards announced the recipients of the Nicky’s highest honors, the prestigious Board of Governors Awards. The three recipients are: MTV Network; editor of San Diego Magazine, Tom Blair, who will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award in Journalism (the last lifetime achievement award winner, in the arts, was Tony Award- winner Jack O’Brien of The Old Globe); and … the third honoree will be a surprise announcement to be made as we near awards night, May 19. Tickets are selling fast, so get yours today! They are available at the Birch North Park Theatre box office, or online at www.nickyawards.com.

Come and join Crest Café for its 25th anniversary. Crest Café is open 7 a.m. to midnight 364 days a year. It offers a hearty and healthy menu full of comfort food. You’ll also find fast service and a friendly staff with an affordable menu. Crest Café will even validate your parking!

Now, you all know I’m food crazy – particularly when it comes to buffets (I love Hometown Buffet!). Well, starting Monday, April 28, you can get an all-you-can-eat buffet at Bourbon Street for only $5.95. Yes, you read that correctly … just $5.95, and all you can eat! It will be hosted every day, Monday through Friday from 5-7 p.m. The bartender/host Monday through Wednesday will be the one and only “Big” Mike. You can catch me chowing down at Bourbon Street, most likely, every week. What a bargain!