AFriendlyFace

Wooo Hooo!!! This is so awesome! I'm really happy for you and Seb, Jakob! I wish you a very long and happy life together! Congrats!! Kevin

Oh Chaz, There's really nothing I can say. I'm so sorry. You and your families and friends will be in my prayers. Take care. -Kevin

I still think it'll be Toby and Mikey in the end, but it definitely looks like there's going to be a Toby and Cody phase.

I really enjoyed this story! It feels like Connor really made huge steps in all his friendships and it seems like he and Ryan have never been better I was pleased that he also seems to readily be getting over any guilt or feeling of weakness. It's also a good sign that he's interested in restoring sexual function. I'd say my biggest concern was that he'd have some sort of dreadful STD so I was very relieved to learn the perpetrator had used a condom. It felt good to hear Connor expressing to Mikey exactly what had bothered me about the whole Toby/Mikey, Toby/Cody situation. I'm still very torn as to who I think Toby's going to end up with and who I want Toby to end up with. Unfortunately we've got an odd number of gay boys on our hands so someone is going to be left out. Personally my theory is that Toby/Cody well last for awhile then play itself out and in the end Toby and Mikey will get together.....dare I say it?? I think I'm a TMITE In the chapter 10 thread Steve (Rabble Rouser) had stated that he thought Ryan and Connor's relationship was in more peril from Toby than from Cody. Now that the mess with Cody seems to have been sorted out (I really don't anticipate him being any more of a threat to them), I find the Toby problem more compelling. Toby is still by all accounts not over Connor, and he isn't even hiding it. I find it a little odd that Ryan is so comfortable with the whole situation, but I assume that this is indicative of very high degree of trust present in his and Toby's relationship. Indeed I still can't see Toby screwing Ryan over like that (regardless of how Connor feels), so I still don't expect any actual infidelity with Toby. However, I can see Toby's continuing fixation causing problems. EVENTUALLY, I would speculate, Ryan's bound to get jealous. So my theory for how all this is going to play out is: We're not totally out of the woods yet as far as Connor and Ryan's relationship goes. Once the issue with Toby is resolved THEN I think he'll (Toby) move into a relationship with Cody (I think it possible that no more concrete resolution with will happen between Toby and Connor, and perhaps he'll just accept it and move on to Cody on his own....but I doubt it). Toby and Cody won't last, for whatever reason, then he'll end up with Mikey. But I could be wrong there, perhaps Toby/Cody (whose names I find very cute together!) will work out and Mikey'll find someone else **shrugs** I think the next major issue is definitely going to be what happens with Connor's living arrangements. I would have thought it natural to assume that he'd move in with the McCormacks, but for whatever reason this hasn't been suggested by them. I orginally held the opinion that in all likelihood Maggie had suggested this to the CPS, but simply wanted it to be mentioned among all the other options so that Connor could choose on his own. I still think there's a chance of that; however, another possibility is that either Maggie or Ryan doesn't think it would be good for their relationship to formally live together at this stage, or perhaps there's concern that it would be too hard on Toby. Either way I wish Connor would ask one of them about it! I guess we'll have to wait until the next chapter to find out. I found this part of chapter 12, right after Ryan's explained his reaction to the Cody situation, quite interesting: I immediately thought, "well you're not confiding in him about your trepidation regarding your future living arrangements", but assumed Connor was completely unaware of this disparity, however then right at the end: so it seems extremely ironic and hypocritical that the very next thought in Connor's head regards his own omission. Anyway this was an excellent chapter! And I definitely feel much better about everything now I can't wait to read the next one. Take care and have a wonderful day everyone, Kevin

I'm glad the kittens are doing well for the most part! That's awesome about the ones with the bad legs doing better and walking around So sorry to hear about Little Baby's kitten . At least the rest are doing well. Take care and have a great day Kevin

Wooo HOOo Happy Birthday, Vance!! I hope you have an amazing day and a teriffic year! Take care and all the best, Kevin

Hey Everyone! I agree, it is troubling that Mr. Haris didn't consult his wife and kids (I think they should have had a little input too), before bringing Cameron home. Of course on the other hand he hadn't found out until that morning and the kids were at school already. Still seems like he could have made a quick phone call to Kathy though. I think it'll definitely be good for Cameron to be saving his money. I agree! Well except for the bikini part I don't think Mr. Harris will kick him out if/when he learns about his sexuality either. I'm just really curious to see how Cole is going to play into all of this! Anyway great chapter and I'm really looking forward to the next one! Have an awesome day and take care everyone! Kevin P.S. Happy Birthday, Vance!! I hope it's a really awesome one and may you're year be filled with happiness and joy

Now I know what some of you might be thinking, "Oh goodness, this is going to be really long if he's actually admitting it's wordy in the title." However, you'd be wrong. Oh I'm not saying it won't be long, perhaps it will, but certainly no longer than my typical blog entry. No, this entry is in fact about Words. I love words! They're one of my all time favourite things to utter. The thing about words and expression though, is that if you look at their usual meaning versus their literal meaning an amusing disparity often arises. Take the example of the phrase "looking forward to". "Looking forward to" would logically simply mean thinking about a time in the future when the event in question is going to be taking place. However, in common parlance the meaning exclusively implies that this event will be good. I'm "looking forward to" getting paid, I'm "looking forward to" reading that next chapter! But surely not everything that one "looks forward to" is good. I mean I'm all in favour of positive thinking, but sometimes you can't help but think about something bad or unpleasant which is going to happen. Thus, why can't you be "looking forward" to your colonoscopy? Or perhaps you're on death row. "yes, I'm really quite looking forward to my execuction. In fact it's practically all I can think about!" Or perhaps you've ticked off someone big and nasty. "Oh no, he's going to give you an awful beating when he finds out." "yeah I know, I'm really looking forward to it." Then there's "the way". The prepositions you use with "the way"are of vital importance. No one wants to be "in the way", but it's not so bad to be "on your way". You can tell all sorts of interesting things "from the way" someone says something. Oh and "by the way" make sure to yield to the person who has the "right of way". Now what's that about anyway? I've always found it a little insulting. I mean say I'm on my way to the hospital, sure my way is of the utmost importance, yet some doik (my own word ) might be cruising around and still have "the right of way". . What a mysterious thing "the way" is! I guess the only way to tell what someone means is to listen to the way in which they say it. I was on my way to the store when suddenly I found myself in the way of a very large truck who had the right of way. From the way the tires screeched I knew I was going to be hit. By the way seatbelts save lives. Speaking of "finding myself" I must say that's got to be one of my favourite idioms! It sounds so joyous. Like you're having some sort of outer body experience and your essence flits into a new room only to discover your body! "ohhh I found myself!". Of course it doesn't have to be positive. Sometimes people "find themselves" in all sorts of cruddy situations. "Yes, I suddenly found myself with a broken arm", "well if you hadn't left yourself and gone gallivanting off perhaps your arm wouldn't have been broken!" I mean you've got to watch yourself . Of course "your self" rather sounds like a seperate entity altogether, still you, but not quite. That's why so many people talk to "themselves" (which I'm sure should be theirselves but who am I to quibble). And what if I say "yes, I did that myself", it sounds as though I'm addressing me. "Yes, I did that for you, my friend." "yes, I did that for you, my self" (probably took a pain pill for that arm ) And what if you're "by yourself"?? Does this happen in the moment after you "find yourself" and before you can "get yourself together". "Why yes, I was right by myself when it happened, I saw the whole thing, that bus with the right of way broke my self's arm." On the subject of idioms we mustn't forget "minding your business". EVERYONE has business these days. It doesn't matter who you are; you've got business! Six year olds have business. Their parents often remind them of it, "go and mind your business while daddy and I talk"...hmmm can you say child labour lawsuit? Of course everyone uses "their business" to try to make them look innocent. "I was just standing there, minding my own business, when the next thing I knew..." Why even my cats have business. I was cooking the other night (you know minding my own business ) when Timmy came in and started whining for scraps. So of course I said to him, "Timmy, you just go and mind your own business." Personally I think he and Lucky are in business together. I mean he's a nice cat, but he's kind of lacking in social skills. Lucky on the other hand! Now she's got the social skills, so I'm sure she handles all the P.R. for their business. Then there's the way in which we express states of being. I mean who among us hasn't been "in a hurry"? It's quite an image, I always imagine the afflicted person standing there, minding their own business of course, when all of a sudden this dreadful, whirling "hurry" comes out of nowhere and engulfs them. Yes, this person is now "in a hurry". This can be a very powerful and physical experience (one it seems few people look forward to). The person's face may become flushed, their brow furrowed and sweaty, sentences take on an urgent, choppy nature. Alas, this tragic happenstance can occur at anytime. Why you might just be casually checking your watch when the next thing you know .....BAM! you discover you're in a hurry. Now often times people will try to help the person that's become ensnared in the hurry. They may urge them to fight it and "take it easy", or "calm down". This is never appreciated by the person in the hurry. No, once someone "finds themselves" in a hurry the best thing you can do is step back and let it spin itself out, lest you too get sucked in too. Sleeping is another thing for which people need auxiliary words in order to express. For instance people fall asleep. They never "fall a rest" though. "My you look relaxed." , "yep, fell a rest." Of course being "asleep" is a contradiction in terms. The prefix "a" means "without", as in "amoral" or "asymmetrical". So it seems like if you were "asleep" you'd be wide awake. "awake"?? HUH? To be wakeful is to be alert and conscious, to be without wake must mean....well to be asleep. :wacko: "I was so tired last night I "fell awake" only to be "aslept" by the alarm this morning....I hit snooze and the next thing I knew I was in a hurry." Which brings us to another case in point (see I have this point, I'm as shocked as you are, and this is a "case" which fits nicely into my point ). The words for which you know the meanings and thus naturally assume, also knowing the way in which the English language works, that you can form completely new, logical words. But you can't! Take "disgruntled" for instance. That is indeed a fun word! It makes sense too, a "gruntle" sounds like something you'd make when pleased. It's guttural, it sounds like it could be quite pleasant. So I'm sure it's quite a shame when you find yourself with bad gruntles, when in fact you become "disgruntled". Funny though, no matter how pleased you are you just can't go around saying, "gosh! I'm just so 'eugruntled' " Several years ago I was having a conversation with a friend. Matt: "what's wrong, Kevin?" Me: "nothing why?" Matt: "I dunno, you just seem disgruntled" Me: "no, my gruntles are perfectly well thanks." "Dis", that's an interesting little prefix. It's a clever thing. It's joined ranks with the likes of "sub"; it's become a word in it's own right. Nowadays in colloquial speech it's nothing to hear someone offer the admonition, "Don't 'dis' me!". It even makes sense, "dis" is bad, to "dis someone" would be to send bad their way (notice the sneaky and pervasive little way creeping back into the conversation) Yet again you can't just go with your gut interpretation in every case. You'd think if I became a nasty, disrespectful (my respect having become bad), malevolent member of GA well then surely I'd have become "dismembered" .....Hmmm I guess it really depends on whom I'm nasty and disrespectful towards

Hey Chance, You shouldn't feel bad about the way you handled that at all. Your friend was VERY tactless to ask you infront of other people. You should be proud of yourself that you didn't outright lie, which I think would have been understandable given the uncomfortable position you were put in. If he wanted an honest answer he should have asked in private. Obviously I can't say anything about the situation with your parents since I don't know them. However, I do know that when it comes down to it you've got to live your life the best way you know how. It may indeed be hard for your parents to deal with and I'm sure you don't want to hurt them, but don't be something you're not just to please them. It's definitely not as easy to fall and love and live happily ever after as it appears in stories. But it's still worth a shot . And it does happen. Give it time and don't feel like you need to make huge advances (unless you're sure and you know you're ready), small steps are good too . Take care and don't despair you do have control over your future All the best, Kevin (Sorry if I'm just being nosey and forward, just stating my opinion, I fully admit it may all be nonsense, only you can know what's right for you )

I hope Green makes a full and speedy recovery. I'll be keeping him in my thoughts and prayers. I hope Chaz updates us soon. All the best to the people involved, Kevin

Hey Viv! Not to be cheesy but if I could give you an award I definitely would! FBTE definitely rocks! but more importantly so do YOU! Thanks for being such a great friend to us, I know I feel honoured to have you as a friend I can't wait till the next chapter comes out! (especially after that cliffhanger :wacko: ) But make sure to take good care of yourself and get enough rest! It's important to get good, quality sleep (this coming from someone who isn't close to going to bed and has to be up in 6 hours ). Take care and have an awesome weekend Kevin

Take care, David, I hope you feel better and more relaxed.

Awww I got all excited because for some reason I read that as "Chapter 4 should be up right now". That's still really exciting that it'll be out tomorrow and we can expect a schedule! ohhh, good supposition, Drew! I hadn't even thought of the principle; you're right it could be him. Take care all and have a great day Kevin

Hey Tony! Wow! I'm really impressed. That must have taken alot of guts. I'm glad it went pretty smoothly. You definitely seem ready and able to handle things, but I still can't help but to urge you to be careful. You're teriffic, but not everyone else is . But you certainly seem like you know what you want, and you seem capable of handling things really well. So good luck and have an awesome day! We're all proud of you and wishing you the best Kevin

LOL if you continue seeking Buddha you'll never find him. Didn't Seeking Nirvana teach you anything! hehe just kidding of course Shadows

No silly! The steak is to lure Kitty in ***goes back to staking out the voting booth with steak***

I really enjoyed this Awesome job Conner! All the best, Kevin

lol Nate, you clever, sneaky thing! LOL in the little town where I grew up most of the lights hadn't been replaced since the 80s anyway

Yes, Myr you really have! Thanks for everything we really appreciate it

Hey Colin Thank you very much! I think it's just easier for me to express my feelings in my blog. And I have to say that based on your blog and posts that you also seem like a really nice, awesome person. You've been through quite a bit, but you haven't let it make you bitter. That's a really amazing and wonderful quality!

Hey Anthony! **sigh** I do really want to. It's just I hate starting something I can't finish. LOL but on the other hand everyone's ideas do sound good...lol and everyone has to make a few mistakes right? **uncertain expression** I dunno yet aww thank you! That's really sweet of you to say You seem like a really cool person too! I hope everything continues to go well with the ER guy, and good luck in your new location

Hey Dan! Ok that sounds like a really awesome plan! hmmmmm

Hey Viv! Yep, get 'em drunk and helpless then take 'em outta the state! Sounds like a winning plan to me hehe I do really wanna go back though! **sigh** yeah . It's really sad to like see the difference between them too. My grandpa reminds me to do stuff. My grandmother doesn't even remember the stuff you remind her about Woo Hoo! 3 times by 3 beautiful people

Hey Vance! awww thank you so much Vance! I'm really happy that enjoy them! I love reading yours too