rustle

In what way can you be prepared when you don't know if, when, who, how, or any other detail of a potential threat to your safety or well-being? The same way as always: be vigilant and aware. Is it worth worrying about? No. Worrying never helped anything.

The words come hard to me, both to speak and to hear. I'd rather have a hug. Words deceive more easily.

Unless it's pretty cold, my own hide is plenty warm. If it takes more'n two blankets, flannel sleeping pants and a long-sleeve t-shirt.

This may be my first public critique of your work. Your pace has slowed a lot since your earlier work, and you've really brought up the characters and environment better, as a result. Your characters are really enjoyable and believable. Gibby's really cute, and I love the relationship he has with his dad. Tying your fingers helped. You have a strong plot line, and paint the scene well for the reader. It's easy to picture. More. (please)

I probably still have several of those stuck to my small intestine from when I was a kid. From Wikipedia: " Furthermore, Peeps are insoluble in acetone, water, diluted sulfuric acid, and sodium hydroxide."

Benji, you're on the right path, no matter where it's taken you, and no matter where it leads. We're here for a purpose. We have free will for a purpose. We have the ability to reflect on our lives for a purpose. There's something to be learned here. I'm convinced that we live our lives in such a way as to bring us to exactly where we need to be. Not where we want to be, but where we need to be. High school classmates are just people that you used to know. You've been outed to them? In what way does that change who you are and what you've done? I sometimes wish I'd had a family, or done this or that. But every decision made was made in good faith, with the best information available at the time, and knowing what I did then, I'd make the same decisions again. Knowing that, there's no room for regret. And a lot to take pride and pleasure in. One foot in front of the other.

Glad of it.

uh huh

You underestimate yourself, ya fuzzy purple sock-wearing animal, you. back atcha And to everybody, please talk to someone when you're down. In this thread, in a PM to someone you trust, an email, whatever it takes. Just reach out for help. Don't suffer in silence and solitude. Keep trying until someone hears you.

The smartest man I ever knew had an 8th grade education. At 88, he had just finished designing his 5th generation hydroelectric generator, and was beginning to machine the parts. He was going to generate 4 MW from a mountain stream, and start selling the power in a remote mountain valley. Someone once started boasting in front of Charlie about her father, who "taught industrial arts" at a community college, when Charlie stated, "I always tried not to let my lack of schooling interfere with my education." Your education took a new turn, and somebody without an imagination failed to recognize its worth. Your merit is not the sum of your credentials. You're simply beyond his ken. HIS horizons need to be broadened.

Think about life together. Are you going to be soothing his insecurities all the time? He could have just asked, but an answer isn't as convincing as investigating, yourself. Besides, how would he know you're not just lying to cover it up? I'd give honesty and soul-baring one good try. If things don't get better damn fast, they'll prolly get worse. How much are you willing to invest in this relationship? IS he your "one?" Are you his?

not of the moment, but sometimes for the moment http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9C5WncqIv98

Plot is the skeleton of a good story. Amazing characters that don't do anything are boring. But plot's more than describing stuff people do. It has to have direction and purpose. A good story needs more than a plot, though.

Get a room, you two. (I'll be up in five minutes.)

The bet? The loser has to watch me do a nekkid lap dance.

KC, I just now saw this. Congratulations! I loved this story from the very start, and am so proud of you for getting it published. For the record, working with you doesn't require patience. It's one of the most fun things I've ever done. So, what does KC stand for?

Happy Birthday, Dan!

No worries, Mark. I did it for you.

Dude, invest some time in him, give him some basic training, and run his butt off. When he gets yah-yahs, run him some more. Congratulations, Dad.

That's a sight any (gay) guy would love to wake up to every morning.

No accountant wants to believe money won't make you happy, but a lot of 'em burn out. You probably won't like my advice. Your job is eating you. Get a new one, working for a non-profit you believe in. Take the pay cut if you have to, scale back your expenses, and get out of the house more. Find a social hobby. Something fun. Ever taken a cooking class? You're looking at changing your eating habits, anyway. Ask the nutritionist about a class. Weight gain is often linked to stress. Stress can be released through exercise, which introduces endorphins into the body. If you don't already have an exercise program, that's the best place to start. If you want to meet somebody, that might be a good place to do it. The biggest thing is, though, to make a change.

Damn! I just washed out my shot glass! Just gotta make yerself a new comfort zone, Yang, and you've got a new set of peers. This move was a life change you could've put off, but you're ready for it.

Thanks for saying experienced, instead of old. When you realize things always change, it gets easier to deal with the here-and-now. If you or anyone on this site ever feels the need, I hope you will reach out. If a forum is too public, send a PM. I try not to butt in, but I'll always answer.

I'm overdue to respond to this review because there's too much to say. For what seemed like forever, you coached and coaxed me to bring this to life. I'm more than pleased you like the finished product.

Welcome to reality, Yang. You'll grow into it, and maybe out of it, but for now, SWIM!