AFriendlyFace

Yep I agree! I think Luke very foolishly implied he wasn't interested and now Rory's froozen that in his mind. I think Luke was more or less joking and probably looking to see how Rory would react, but it's still his fault to a large extent, that Rory is so clueless about his feelings. I agree, while I think Seth is being "manipulative" I don't think his intentions are bad, and I don't think he has the interpersonal skills to handle it much differently. Way to go Danny! I'm so happy for you, you're exactly right in saying that it doesn't matter what your sexuality is and that it's only a part and not all of you in the first place! I'm glad for you and hope things go really well LOL works for me but only if I get to be the racecar if we play monopoly! I agree RK, I think Luke is trying to do the right thing and not hit on Rory while he's on the "rebound", or, in the case of when he first got there, while he was still dealing with his mom's death and having to move and everything. But you're right if he doesn't hurry up he might miss his chance. Anyway have an awesome day everyone, and I probably won't be back till New Year's Eve, so have an awesome New Year's too! Take care, (gets out the monopoly board ) Kevin

Well I first stumbled across TOU toward the end of the summer (woo hoo, not long ago at all, but I feel like I've got a little seniority ), and so I was very used to waiting along time for updates. If it was less than a week and a half later I'd be thinking "don't be stupid he JUST updated". TOU was up to the mashmellow roasting chapter, the end of which was when Quinn first kissed Jude back passionately or whatever, so it was a tough wait, but I read TLW during the duration and it became my favorite . Then at some point I also read the first 8 chapters of DD. I must say I'm amazed at how everyone says they read the WHOLE story in one night! It takes me about 2 hours per chapter usually, so I remember when I was really straining to read TLW, I thought I was doing incredibly with up to 4 (usually 3) chapters a night. Of course when I read them I really take my time, and especially re-read the dialouge and analyize it before I move on to the next couple of lines. Also I'm kinda ADD in that I get up often to get more water, go to the bathroom, brush my teeth, grab a snack, do some dishes :wacko: LOL I'm actually the same way with movies, I like triple the run time of a movie if I'm watching it at home. Same thing, at the really good parts I like to just stop it, and think about what they said, or re-wind it and hear it again. It's like "WAIT Darthvader is Luke's dad!" ***stop*** ***think about it awhile*** **rewind and watch that part again** And of course with DD and stuff it's worse because if one of the characters mentions something that happened or was said in a previous chapter, I like to go back and find that and re-read it. LOL it's actually a really bad sign if I watch a moive all the way through or read a book really fast...it means I wasn't that interested in it.

Personally I didn't imagine Rory as, as cute as that. lol HMM well to be honest I'd never seen Eric Balfour before, but I really don't think he's attractive at all....different taste I guess. Brittney Murphy and Justin Long are hot though! Luke would be tough, I picture him hotter than almost anyone I've ever seen before. Personally as far as famous people go, I can't think of anyone off hand I currently find hotter than Jesse McCartney, and he is Blonde, so maybe he would work for Luke, but the hair style doesn't fit, and I imagine Luke as darker skinned.

So Christmas was fun. I went and visited with my mom and grandparents, then my mom and I went to see my aunt and cousin (They're still not eager to mix with my grandmother ). Boy I'd forgotten how much fun my cousin could be! We played cards for awhile, hung out, listened to music, chatted. It was really nice. I also decided I got really lucky in the family department, and within the family for some reason (and I feel a little guilty about it), my aunt, cousin, and grandmother seem to treat me more nicely than they do the rest of the family. ......it's probably just because I'm a huge suck up! And of course my mom and grandpa totally rock in everyway anyway! So Yesterday was really fun too, me and Patrick (my gay work friend), went in and cleaned up and stuff and got everything ready, even though we weren't open today. Then we went and had Sushi (and Japanese liquor ), and hung out at his place for awhile with a couple of his friends. It was really nice. And I was quite amazed, he kinda "in-ed" himself . Turns out for last year or so especially he's been attracted to some girls. Which I guess shouldn't surprise me that much, I'm attracted to the occasional girl too, but he really didn't seem like the type! Anyway he was worried about it, he said in a lot of ways it was harder for him to admit to his friends than when he first came out. Apparently because he's always had a lot of gay friends so he just "fit in" that way, but now he's worried they'll be disgusted. But his other friend that was with us (this was before the 4th guy showed up), was like "no man, don't worry about it, there's a few choice women I'd like to sleep with too",,,,well whatever, I'm not into the whole casual sex thing, but it was really nice and supportive of him so I was glad. And of course I took the opportunity to partially out myself and be like "yeah really, there's LOTS of guys I find really attractive, like the guy at the coffee shop earlier". He went and pick up coffee before we went to work, I of course didn't get anything since I don't drink caffiene, but anyway there was the CUTEST, gay, redheaded dude working. LOL we were both flirting with him, and once we left I'd even commented that he was cute and I liked redheads, and we had a nice chat about gaydar (heck even I picked this one up). So anyway it was really fun, and while we've always been friends I definitely feel closer to him now, and it was nice meeting his other friends. But I think the 4th guy was hitting on me alot, and he wasn't really my type. I'm usually happy when ANYONE flirts with me, but if they're too forward with it and I'm not interested I always have trouble figuring out how to not lead them on, or seem rude (if it's casual I just always flirt back). There's this girl a few shops down who often comes in, and occasionally I go there. Anyway she really makes me uncomfortable. I don't even like the way she flirts, I can't explain it, she acts like i'm the one flirting with her (Which ISN'T true), I think she's one of those girls who likes to treat guys badly and watch them drool.....LOL but I ain't drooling. So then today was pretty good too, I didn't get enough sleep last night and I was kinda run down. Anyway my dad called to wish me a late Merry Christmas. We'd missed each other's calls on the actual day. So I didn't really like the conversation that much. He's a college prof. himself, and he's been bugging me to start applying for grad. school since like the summer (ok not really "bugging me" since I've only talked to him like three times in the last 6 months, but still). So anyway I'm basically 90% sure I'm going to MISS the deadline for the school I want to go to. Which I think I kinda wanna do anyway because I want to take a year off and just work and get used to the city (and hopefully find some really great guy to fall in love), so the last couple of conversations I'd just dodged the specifics as much as possible, but today he backed me into a corner so I was like "well if I miss the deadline I'll just reapply the next year". Which I guess coulda gone over much worse, but I still definitely got the impression that wasn't what he wanted me to do. Anyway I feel like such a jerk, but I gotta say my gut reaction is that it isn't any of his buisness. I haven't lived with him since I was 2, I saw him maybe twice a year until I was about 13, then MAYBE 3 times since then. Which is really fine, I've always said I grew up with three parents (mom and grandparents) this way, NOT one short. And it probably sounds like it, but I'm not at all resentful, he paid child support and stuff, sent birthday and christmas gifts, called periodically, and I really am sure I always had the option of going to visit him more if I asked for it. But while all that's really not a big deal, I just don't feel the need to "impress" him. But I've got that stupid "I can't stand to disappoint anyone" thing going, so I still don't care for the situation. So anyway he also put my seven year old half sister on the phone for awhile (I have two half sister 7 and 5, the last time I saw them, was when the 7 year old was 2 and the baby,,,,was a baby). It seems she's painfully shy now and basically started crying because he was making her talk to me. Which sucks because (1) I love kids (2) I really do regret not knowing the two of them very well (3) it's always sad when you make little kids cry. But we did finally manage to talk a little anyway. Oh yeah and then I got a haircut! WOW! huge difference, I bet they cut off 5 or 6 inches in some places. When I'd get out of the shower my hair used to come down to like my mouth (dry it didn't of course, and I usually combed it to the sides a little). Now I've got the boring shortish cut everyone's got, I can't even cover my ears anymore . But I said I wanted a change, and actually I have to admit I like it, for pretty much the first time EVER I was thinking today after I'd gotten it cut, that I liked the shape of my face. Still I think it makes me look more serious (which I wasn't going for), so I guess I'll have to do some extra smiling to make up for it . Anyway that's my life in the last 3 days, and of course tomorrow I'm going to Houston! I can't wait,,,and I won't have to, I've gotta leave in like 9 hours, and honestly I wanted to spend all that time sleeping . Have an awesome day everyone and take care!! Kevin

Thanks so much you guys for your kind words and support . I'm so glad to hear you've also made alot of progress in dealing with your anxiety problems Kitty I hope you all also had an awesome Christmas! Take care and be safe Kevin

There's nothing wrong with Vitamins! I take 8 a day actually, a multivitamin and 7 other random ones that aren't concentrated enough in the multi. I actually tried that GNC Mega men supplement. I didn't like it though, I felt like it was too strong and it seemed to be making my kidneys hurt. Don't necessarily take that too seriously though, I'm abouta half notch away from hypochondriac . I liked all my Christmas presents this year, I guess the weirdest was several packs of dehydrated seaweed. I was hanging out at a friend's apartment and he had ALOT of it, and I expressed interest in it, and the next thing I knew I had 7 packs. But it's actually quite good, just an odd gift I suppose. Flashes everyone, Kevin (Thought I'd try a new one )

LOL well first off I just got some really good laughs grinning at myself like an idiot in the mirror trying to figure out which one I had. I think I have the full mouth, which I guess is fairly accurate. I'd say the whole description is execpt while sometimes I can be extremely outgoing and talkative, at other times I can be more quite and low-key. It's kinda like when I'm around new people I'm really friendly and out-going, I guess in a subconscious attempt to "win them over", but then once I kinda know people, but not that well, I'm a little more quiet around them. Then once I know them fairly well, I'm neither especially outgoing nor reserved. Anyway thanks for the interesting post . Take care and have an awesome day! Kevin

Hey James, I'm so sorry for all the things you've had to go through. If only people could learn to treat each other better, not be so closed-minded and full of hate, and be more responsible for their actions. I'm proud of you for not drinking or getting high, that takes alot of strength as does talking about your problems. I know it sounds like I'm spouting mindless optimism, but modern medicene really is amazing, and I bet they'll be able to treat your condition, and at least keep it from getting too bad. It's very scary and I wish there were something I could do, but again as the others have said, all I can do is offer you my prayers, support, and good wishes (and you have those). Stay positive and hopeful, at this point that's about the best way you can beat the people who've hurt you. Take care and good luck, and please let us know what happens. Warmest wishes and support, Kevin

My gosh that was sad. It was very beautifully written too. Thanks for sharing it with us

Well I don't really have a trademark signature, but I personally go with "Take Care" most of the time. It works well for me because I'm a compulsive worrier, so advising everyone to "take care" somehow makes me feel better.....Not that I really think anyone would be about to do something really stupid or dangerous and not because of it. "Hmm let's see if these fireworks look as nice when they go off inside the house......OH wait I'm supposed to be taking care" Of course in person I usually give the longer version "take care and drive safely", car accidents are pretty much one of the things I worry the most will happen to someone, that and cancer. But "take care and watch out for those free radicals" just sounds goofy. Anyway Dom, I loved chapter 21, can't wait to see what happens in 22. GRR I'm leaving town on the 28th. No chance of a little farewell (which I also think is a darn fine parting word) present huh? Anyway TAKE CARE, drive safely, watch out for those free radicals, and don't run by the pool. Kevin

I hope so! Blondes and redheads are so hot! LOL I can't stand it when guys with pretty hair hide it under baseball caps....such a waste

Maybe Seth's just this huge monopoly freak; determined to get his "fix" no matter what. I mean let's face it, once you've had a hotel on Boardwalk, everything else in life just slips into the background. AND I bet he's trying to learn his mom's secret recipe for that juice so that he can bottle it, and sell it (I mean he's into monopoly so clearly he fancies himself a businessman). He probably just wants Rory around so that he can rope him into his business venture. Well on the first point; given the timing and what was said. I'd say it's Seth's attempt to flirt with Rory, kinda finally let him know he's interested. I mean what it boiled down to in my mind was: "Just tell me and I'll quit bothering you." **Flirty smile** "Who says you're bothering me?" If anything Seth needs to work on his flirting, or Rory needs to work on his ability to take hint (Let's face it, it's gotta be this one! ) As for the second point. Yes I think Seth is manipulating Rory up to a point. But I think his intentions are better, and he's probably not doing it on purpose. Also I think he's just doing his best to relate to Rory; he probably doesn't have the emotional skills or sophistication to handle it any better. But yeah Seth fans/Grandma Alice critics, should take note of the extremely similar way Seth just handled the situation. "Just tell me", "are you warm enough dear?" "Just tell me", "Let's play monopoly" ***hand's Lostone his glasses*** hehe j/k.....but what about the way he treated Eddie in this chapter? Especially his behavior in the attic.....I'm not saying it's not understandable to some extent, but definitely not a nice way to treat someone. So pretty much this whole chapter I just wanted someone to grab Rory and give him a hug while he cried. First I thought it was going to happen when Luke came and met him at the pool. Then I thought for sure it was going to happen when he and Eddie were in the attic and Eddie actually did give him a hug. Then I thought maybe when he went to see Seth he'd finally break down and start crying.......but no. The poor kid definitely needs to work on accepting support and comfort from people. As a side ramble; I think Rory needs more hugs in general. I mean TLW was a very huggy story, it was like everytime Owen turned around SOMEONE was hugging him whether it was one of his brothers, Aiden, Ryan, Lacy, or even Nicky. TOU had a fair number too. Especially between Bree and Quinn, or Jude and Quinn. As far as I can remember, this one in the last chapter was the first time we heard about Rory getting hugged. Unless you count his dealings with Aaron, which I really wouldn't, I mean obviously those embraces weren't very emotionally satisfying. It's no wonder Rory didn't recognize the hug at first. Anyway great chapter, and while I wouldn't necessarily mind Rory and Seth seeing each other (not right away, Ann's right, it's too soon and Rory is too vulnerable right now), I think it would be awful for poor Luke (who I still think is better for Rory). But anyway I hope Rory is able to move on, past Aaron, and hopefully begin to sort stuff out. I know many people, myself very much included, have been hard on Rory and how's he handled things. But really if you compare him to Quinn, he's handling his problems much better, and I really do think his problems are more serious and numerous than Quinn's. Take care everyone and have an awesome day, Kevin

Woo Hoo! Good Picks, Owen's my favorite lead character for sure, and Ryan's definitely my favorite "straight friend"!

I agree with most what Kitty just said in her first entry! I definitely think Luke still cares about Aaron, even if he doesn't like him. I've always gone back and forth about how I'd like Luke and Aaron back together....I still don't know if I'd go for it now that I know what I do about Aaron, but it has it's appeal. You're also right, Kitty, in that Rory doesn't really seem ready for a relationship, and I did say we shouldn't judge this story based on the others, maybe Rory WON'T end up with anyone. Yet in my gut I still think Luke and Rory are a given, but I'm open to the possibility of being wrong. I still think Luke's the coolest though, and definitely more fun than Seth (who I admit is growing on me). Anyway have an awesome Christmas everyone! ***buys hot fudge sundaes for everyone*** Kevin

Thanks Nick you too!!

That's a wonderful story Michael! I hate how unaccepting Christians make everyone else feel alienated and mistrustful of Christians and general. I'm so glad you pointed out the inconsistancies in their message. Thanks so much for your kind words and have a wonderful Christmas! Kevin

So let's see the last couple of days have been really good. Yesterday at work we exchanged gifts. It was great I got this really nice box of truffles (MMMMM), a watch (which I love), a book (which I'll read sooner or later), and random other goodies, and I think everyone liked what I got them too. Anyway then after work I hung out with a friend of mine (and also gave her, her Christmas present, which she really liked), We went to Wal-Mart for awhile because she needed some stuff for a trip she's taking soon to visit her "special friend" (she refuses to call him her boyfriend since they live so far apart) in Ohio. She wanted thermal underwear, and apparently they didn't have it for girls at Wal-Mart so we were in the men's clothing section anyway.......yeah can't get me around clothes these days without me buying something. But it was actually really frustrating I kept seeing stuff I wanted but then they wouldn't have it in my size! Like I saw a pack of black undershirts (OK I know that's not exactly new or really cool, but it hadn't occurred to me I could buy them by the pack, I'd just been buying random black shirts and wearing them underneath), anyway I wear small shirts (especially undershirts), but they didn't have any, and I think they only had like one or two packs of mediums even. Then I saw this other shirt I really liked and the smallest size they made was large.....I mean what's the deal?! Amazingly I was able to find a new pair of black pants in my size though, which I'll probably wear to that New Year's Eve, eve cocktail party I got an invitation to the other day. Yeah it seems the preppiest girl from my elementary school (yep we're talking K-8 here), is hosting a cocktail party. Anyway it should be fun to see everyone again, and I'm sure the food, and atmosphere will be great. Of course I'll have to be on my best behavior (and most closeted lol), but I always like dressing up and visiting with people I haven't seen in awhile. Oh so anyway then we went back to her place for awhile and visited, it was nice. OH yeah so the point of this blog. I was proud of myself because my apartment was a complete disaster area, since I've been kinda busy and haven't felt like cleaning up; plus I had like random Christmas presents and wrapping supplies strewn all over the place, and I hadn't showered yet since I'd come home from work and needed a shave. BUT I still invited my friend over! That's a major breakthrough for me lol. See I am a product of my background, and growing up I was always very aware of the message "everything needs to seem perfect!" So as a result I always stressed about having everything just so and looking just right. I also developed several nifty little anxiety related problems. Like random weird phobias, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, and at my worst little ticks. So anyway at the height of my neuroses I was afraid of cheese-graters (which was actually an improvement over a more generalized blade phobia), bridges, railing, and dentists. I'm pretty much over all these now, and yeah systematic desensitization works, I just forced myself to deal with them and see that nothing was going to happen (which I intellectually knew anyway). The only one of the before mentioned which still creeps me out is the dentist (actually going to one, I can be around them socially no problem), but hey it's not that bad, I'm obsessive about taking care of my teeth and actually consider my smile one of my best physical features. And I do still manage to go about once a year and last time I went he said "they look great, whatever you're doing keep doing" (of course that night I had this awful nightmare in which he said "oops I was wrong, we need to pull them all out!"). And I even managed to stay semi-calm while I was there (OK I did want to get up and run, and was definitely getting the sweaty palms, racing heart, and butterflies, but all to a lesser extent that usual). So anyway I honestly think I'm phobia free right now, I wouldn't even consider my dental aversion strong enough to be phobic anymore. So the OCD, that was rough and lasted from about 7th grade through 12th before it started to taper off. I became a compulsive "checker" (whereby you have to keep looking to see if the door's locked, or the faucets really tightened enough). I also had the "wanting to repeat certain words" over and over. And everything had to be "balanced" I mean I couldn't have a book on the left or right side of a desk, it had to be centered, everything had to be straight, if something was on the left something comparable needed to be on the right. The worst was if I bumped something with my left arm or something touched my left side, I needed to bump or touch something on the right. It was totally messed up, even if I ran into a doorway or something and hurt me left arm, I'd be thinking "man that hurt!", even as I was seeking something else out to run my right arm into (usually more gently though) :wacko: . And counting, oh goodness don't even get me started on counting, try quadruple checking everything you count. OH and I mustn't forget the crowning compulsion. I'm Catholic, so we make the "Sign of the Cross" before and after prayers, and considering I went to Catholic School my whole life we prayed alot! So anyway you basically touch your forehead, chest, and left then right shoulder. Can anyone guess how easy it is for someone with the before mentioned symptoms to fall into a habit of needing to do it over and over again until it's perfect?? It's so comical looking back on it, I'd literally like say "hey look over there!" then when everyone turned around I'd do it again real quick and hope that was enough. And yes it even got the point that I'd develop little ticks sometimes if I tried to stop myself from doing one of the things. Now here's the kicker, I managed to suffer mostly unnoticed. I mean I wasn't as embarrassed about the phobias so I didn't hide that, and they were never as troublesome anyway. But the rechecking thing was tricky, so was the touch thing (especially the sign of the cross), but I was always an "eccentric" kid. I was the "entertainer", the one with all the jokes/wacky antics, and I was never happy unless everyone else was having fun (gee I wonder if THAT had anything to do with the anxiety trouble?). So anyway it was fairly easy (and not that out of the ordinary) for me to play most of the stuff off as some sort of game or novelty. "Is that door really closed?" I'd say, then proceeded to check it five times, making random remarks, to the delight of my friends (and my relief). And if I got stuck on needing to say the word "monosyllabic" over and over, well let's just say I could quickly whip it into a little song/rhyme or slip it into several sentences. Anyway I did really well with it, my family did notice at the worst of it, but my friends and classmates, who of course didn't know what to look for, just thought I was on another kick. And now? Well now.....I'm fine. I don't do any of that stuff anymore. I can count stuff once, it's fine if something only touches me on one side. No more word sticking, no more ticks, no more phobias. I mean I know I've still got a vulnerability to developing junk again, but I'm really fine now, and have enough experience to know when stuff could start developing and thus head it off. Like last week at work things were really hectic and I remember some word getting stuck in my head for a bit, but I was able to just say "Kevin, it's okay, STOP that and chill out." So how did I "recover"? Relaxation, learning about the problem, and will power. If you can NOT check the door more than once, and just hand someone the money after counting it once,,,,well eventually you see that it's fine. It's just in that moment I had to able to say "now that's it, stop". I got to the point where I'd purposely do something off balance and then not let myself balance it. I mean there are techniques and methods you can use, the trick is just having the will power and determination to do it. But I'd say the single most important factor is to just decompress and relax. As messed up as it sounds things got better once I moved out. I love my family and really did have a very happy childhood, and as amazing as it sounds I was never "unhappy" at all while all of this was going on, and it really didn't interfere much with everyday stuff. But my mom and grandparents (whom I grew up with), are an interesting sort. My grandmother's outspoken and has what I guess you could call a volatile temper, it's easy to set her off, and she can be verbally aggressive, but then just gets over it five minutes later. My grandfather seems unflappable, and he's definitely the best adjusted person in my family (including, no definitely including my aunt and cousin). My mom seems to ignore it all then rants about it to everyone else and by herself. I guess I'm just prone to internalize stuff, if there's conflict I stay calm and supportive during it, then go to pieces later, or redirect into the anxiety junk. Anyway I also just developed a healthy bit of apathy. "There's no way we can get all this done!" someone will say, and now instead of freaking out and taking on the stress, I'll just do my best but basically take on the attitude "oh well we won't get all done then, not the end of the world." Of course this has its price. In High School I made all A's and was extremely driven to do well in all aspects. In college,,,,not so much. My grades are decent (about a 3.3), but I'll go to sleep or go out to dinner if I think it's better for me than staying home and working on something school related. "oh well so instead of an excellent project I'll turn in an average one and stay sane". Instead of being really productive at work I'll get the important stuff done and then just relax. It comes at a price, I moved up quickly as far as rank and pay went at first, then after I got my laid back attitude, I was happier but pretty much leveled off. I've almost accepted that I can't please everyone all the time (though I still often think there's a way if I can just figure it out). But it has to with lifestyle too, I'm now very careful to never get less than 7 hours of sleep a night, and I usually shoot for 8 or 9. I take vitamins everyday and get plenty of exercise. I don't eat fast food and try to stick with a healthy diet. And mostly I just try to take care of myself. The other trick is to deal with my problems instead of ignoring them or redirecting them. If I'm upset with someone or upset about something, then I'll actually make it a point to stop and deal with, figure out what I need to do to fix it or make it better. Then there's the actually figuring out what I want from life thing. I had to realize that maybe a high paying, prestigious job still wouldn't make me happy, and may do the opposite. I could do something intense and stressful, because I usually get good results it's just that it would mess up my personal life. Sure I'd like to be rich and famous, and I

Hey Ron, I'd say it's a very complicated situation. Mrs.G could definitely be the source of alot of support, but then I guess there is some risk involved too. Overall are you able to determine her level of acceptance and general attitude towards homosexuality? Maybe you could kinda "feel her out" first. Also libbonobo makes a very good point. There is alot to be said for waiting until you're out of the house and financially independent. I guess it all depends on what kind of reaction you can expect, and how much you "need" to come out. Personally speaking I was fine not telling my mom until I was out of the house and on my own. Even though I never expected a bad reaction anyway (and didn't get one ), I never really felt I "needed" to tell her before that. Anyway I'm sure I would have been fine doing it before I moved out (who knows may have even had some pluses), but I have a friend who's life isn't going so well right now, and while his close friends were extremely supportive of him; his parents (particularly his step-dad) freaked out and didn't (IMO) do right by him at all. And I personally feel that alot of the mess he's in now is a result of that, he'd definitely have been a 1000% better off waiting...of course none of that matters unless you think Mrs.G would tell your folks anyway, and of course you now your situation better than anyone else, and would be the best judge of it. Whatever you decide keep us posted and know that we're here for you. Have a Merry Christmas! Kevin

I totally agree with the emailer, it's an awesome story Viv! Can't wait for the next installment. And yes the card is really cool! Have a terrific Christmas. Kevin

Way to go on getting so much done! I can't wait to read your next chapter! It's an awesome story, and I bet this next part will be really intense. I'm sorry to hear about your daughter's fall, also how's your son doing with that cut on his head? Anyway take care and have a great Christmas! Kevin

Awww Matt, I'm sorry I didn't realize you were having that rough a time tonight. Don't worry things will be fine, and you'll have your laptop back before ya know it! And besides you know you've got to find out what happens with DD, no way you can be over your domaholism yet! lol. Anyway take care and CALL ME if you need to okay?!? Kevin

Ahh yes, the American Dream! It's important to me as well. I dunno perhaps I'm being overly optimistic but I really thing in the next 20 years or so gay marriage and adoption will be legal. And I think there's hope for the "white pickett fence" life yet. As for the VERY conservative, homophobic friends; Dude! I so feel ya. It's complicated, because most of them will never change their opinions, and yet you know they're good people and they do "matter" to you. So what do you do? Well, I have a wide array of friends and in general it's my policy not to antagonize any of them. Thus I don't drink in front of the non-drinkers, I don't "lecture" the athiest/agnostics, and I don't bring up sexual matters with the homophobes. Basically I think in life you have to realize that some people will never agree with you on everything. Sometimes it's too much to continue the friendship, other times you can agree to disagree, or just not bring it up at all. But whatever you do, I suggest you find some close friends who share your beliefs/values/opinions on the major stuff (not so that you can dump the others just to have people to talk to about that other stuff). And anyway as much as I love my conservative/redneck/homophobic friends I'm not going to marry a girl to make them happy (though I guess it is possible, if highly unlikely, that I MAY fall in love with a girl, since every now and then I come across an interesting one, I mean I wouldn't rule that out either, but it doesn't seem that likely. Anyway what matters is who I fall for, not who anyone else approves of, and I think that's true on all issues, gender, race, class, religion, culture, whatever. Love is Love) LOL now THAT time I probably was meddling hahhaa, anyway sorry if I went over the line. Have an awesome day and a Merry Christmas! Kevin

Aww thanks Vic!! Happy Christmas and a Merry New Year everyone! Kevin BTW Shadows that thing in your signature that shows the song you're listening to is way cool! lol and I saw you listening to The New Pornographers so often I checked them out, they're really good, glad I noticed lol!