AFriendlyFace

Well, I think there's some sense to it. I'm not even going to discuss the age thing, but the general rule of thumb: "out of sight, out of mind" seems to apply here. If they're simply trying to reduce the amount that people smoke keeping the cigs out of sight makes sense. YES, people know they're there, but they're only going to ask for them and seek them out if they already want them (which is fine of course), but if they're simply checking out or walking through the aisle they're not going to stop and say "well you know, I think I'll grab a pack of cigarettes". Woo HOOO! I'm proud of you! Good Luck!!! Keep us posted about your success!

Hmm, well, while I don't necessarily agree with the sentiment, it seems to me that war victims are simply less divisive than AIDS victims. How sad. I was unfamiliar with his story until now. LOL, well personally I don't watch the news or TV at all for that matter, but I understand that quite a few other people seem to enjoy it. **shrugs** let's just humour them

LOL, what a fascinating poll! I think I'll reserve judgment until later! (Though Graeme would be the obvious choice )

Fascinating post!

Hmmm, Tempting! But I think in the long run I'd still end up spending more money on gas if I consistently drove to Kuwait to tank up

I'm so very sorry to hear this sad news. My condolences and warmest wishes to his friends, family, and bf in their time of grief. I think it's wonderful that you guys are committed to continuing this mission to bring support and happiness to the people whose lives he touched!

Well, how else would I commemorate a new path for my life than by getting a make over? Shortly after writing my last blog I got my hair restyled and dyed. I went for a shorter, messier style and a fairly flashy blond. I got my brows waxed and dyed as well, and hit up a few of my favourite shops for some new outfits. I also started the lastest round of teeth whitening products, and restructured my skin care regimen. Shallow and vail I know, but all in all I'm very pleased with the results. I have to admit that today with my light blond hair and deep blue shirt - which complimented my eyes nicely - I felt like a re-energized, stronger, more successful version of my recent sick and emotionally numb self. Naturally I harnessed all this self-assurance and put myself back into the job market. I spent the day interviewing and generally searching for appealing positions. I could have had a new career in financial services, but I elected to stick to my guns and not accept a job I knew I would ultimately find unfulfilling (ala my last three jobs ). So, now it looks like I'll most likely be working temp office jobs until I go back to school for my Masters (hopefully next August ). Granted, there's no way I'll find these other jobs especially fulfilling either, but at least their transitory nature will make it easier for me to avoid getting tied down as well as provide me with the flexibility to pursue my academic, social, and recreational interests. I'm fine with taking imperfect, little jobs, but at this point I'm unwilling to commit to a long-term career that I simply won't like. (well, in a way I'm sure I'd "like" just about any job, but some just won't ultimately "do it" for me, ya know?). In other news Andrew (ex-boyfriend) and I may get back together...may not...he wants it...I want it, but I'm not sure it's a good idea...well I guess I don't really know what I want at all...which is a fascinating reversal since prior to the break-up I was the one that knew what he wanted and he was the one with the conflicted message. *shrug* Basically, the break up was because it's a slightly long-distance relationship (not even THAT long, about an hour's drive, heck technically we both live in Houston since it's so large), and because he's not out and still dependent on his family. One time we went out in his area and he happened to know one of the other waitresses at the restaurant so we had to pretend to be "friends". and in general we couldn't really go out in his area, and it just wasn't practical for him to always come to mine. Now I was mostly okay with all of this...he wasn't. It was getting really hard for him to be in a relationship and closeted and the distance thing seemed to really be wearing him down. Now I'm just a little reluctant to do it all over again because really nothing has changed and I'm pretty sure he's still going to be hurt, stressed, and frustrated in a few weeks. Anyway, I just keep thinking it's not fair to him or to me, but at the same time he's a really great guy and I just feel like I'd be passing up something really awesome. As for Brian, the friend that "broke up" with me, I received another letter in the mail from him today. Basically it was re-affirming his desire of us to be out of each other's lives. Only oddly enough this one was considerably nicer and more heart-felt...hell, if he'd written something more along these lines in the first place I probably wouldn't have been as hurt and pissed. On the other hand that might simply be the time and perspective I now have on the situation talking. In any case I feel ALOT better about everything now, and I was basically over it before anyway, so I think I'm good to go. Actually the biggest problem here will probably be with our mutual friends and activities. I think we're both committed to not making it weird or hard for them and trying not to put them in the middle, but let's face it they're still going to be uncomfortable, and no matter how much we say we won't, we'll probably both cancel/avoid some activities (even if we have good intentions like not wanting to make it hard for the other person or the other people there). In fact we've already been putting a couple of our friends in the middle even though I'm sure we're both trying not to (obviously it's just hard for them to stay uninvolved) Finally, I have to say a great big THANK YOU to everyone who offered support and encouragement over the past week. You guys have no idea how much that meant to me or how much that HELPED! THANKS! :hug: I also realized that I have a really good support system of friends here in Houston as well as in various other parts of the country. It's just encouraging, warming, and ...fuzzy and I have the slightly embarrassing but great feeling you get when you know people have done something wonderful for you and you know you'll never be able to repay them. Anyway, I feel like my life is back on track (mostly ), and I appreciate everything guys

Oops, sorry. I didn't mean to imply that I was out in highschool; I wasn't. I was just saying that I enjoyed highschool. oh goodness, yes!

Happy Birthday, Law!! I hope you have an awesome day and a great year! -Kevin

Wooo Hooo! Happy Birthday, Sharon!!!! I hope you have a fantastic day and a terrific year!!!! -Kevin

I originally cross-posted with Menzo. That also seems very well-reasoned. I'm very sorry you went through that I think it does all depend on the person and the circumstances. Personally, I'm very fortunate in that I've never been ridiculed or rejected for my sexuality. In fact I was quite happy in grade school and high school. I had a bunch of really awesome friends and actually I partied more my last two years of high school than at any other time in my life. Anyway, all I'm saying is that I don't think a socially unhappy childhood is inevitably tied to being gay, and I think even when that happens how the person reacts and what they take with them varies. Just my opinion though, Kevin

I'm very pleased by Houston's recent law change that prohibits smoking indoors completely, even in bars, nightclubs, etc. As I believe I said above, I think this is a bit ridiculous. I mean if people can't smoke in bars where can they smoke? However, that being said I absolutely love it! A good 4 out of 10 times when I decided not to go out it was because I just didn't want to deal with the smoke. So it's so nice to be able to go wherever I want and not have to worry about leaving smelling like an ashtray and with a sore throat.

It's done

I mostly disagree that there is a difference in facial structure, mostly. I admit there there may possibly be, but I'm pretty sure if it does exist I find it more attractive than the straight facial structure, and anyway I'm not sure I do believe it. It's definitely true that out guys are easier to pick out than closeted guys. I very rarely fail to "gaydar" an out guy, even if we're in a non-gay setting and he's not acting/looking especially "gay". I think there's just a difference in the way someone out thinks, feels, and generally conducts themselves. Closeted guys are easier to miss, but some can be picked out anyway, and sometimes I think it's possible to "ping" a guy who hasn't even worked it out himself yet. Yesterday I was meeting a friend at church and I was sitting in my vehicle when I glanced into the rear-view mirror and noticed a guy walking by. All I could tell was that it was a guy and I was thinking "ohh, he's gay", then upon closer inspection I realized it was in fact my friend I'll drink to that! And I'll definitely drink to that! Personally, I was fortunate in that my lashes, and eyes in general, have always been complimented, even when I was a kid and not at all sexual and couldn't have cared less (even found it a bit embarrassing at the time). I do get my eyebrows done though. I've heard that computers/IT/Technology is a good field to be gay in. I really liked your post, Trevor. It was very insightful! -Kevin

I didn't. I don't smoke and I don't want to, but if I did smoke I'd want to "smoke and not want to quit". The worst condition would be to smoke and want to quit. Not smoking and wanting to is probably healthier, but also a bit silly. So I'm glad I don't smoke and don't want to, but if I did smoke I'd want to.

Happy Birthday! Have an awesome day!

If I could I would be 22 forever.

Hey Nick I didn't read this properly and thought it meant that the only thing you'd never write were sex scenes between Men and Women. (end thought) or sex scenes between Boys and Girls. In other words no hetero sex Anyway, good blog. I quite agree

My condolences to his friends and family.

Welcome Steven!

I just Kant get behind this suggestion. Wow, sorry you guys. The last study I read on this indicated that homosexual males tended to have more testosterone than straight males. I believe this was actually determined to be essentially a study "fluke" and it was ultimately concluded that in all likelihood there is no significant difference in the amount of testosterone in a gay males versus a straight male. I may be wrong though, just going from memory. Personally I disagree with the supposition that being straight would make you better looking. In my experience gay males tend to be better looking than straight males, and the only logical conclusion that I've drawn from this is because they tend to be more aware of their appearances and act accordingly. Obviously this just a generalization. Just my thoughts, but come on guys, let's get some GAY POWER going! -Kevin

Oh my gosh! I did both these things! How did you guys know?!?

Thanks Viv! I'm definitely looking forward to a new week!

The certainly did pile up! LOL, thanks though, I appreciate your confidence and your support! Awww thanks, Mike! I am doing better now. Thanks for everything!