NaperVic

gaahhh! I'm sorry to hear about all the dogs Do make sure you keep Xander on his leash. [ Mr. Cloudy Day Warning] [ / Mr. Cloudy Day Warning ]

Happy Birthday Kaiten!!!! Enjoy the new cat

:hugs: Joe Ok 'So your mom knows'. You and her embarking on what could be a long journey, hopefully one of acceptance on her part. Think carefully about what you want to talk to your mom about also with the understand that this is all new to her. Be understanding of her POV, but also be strong in your convictions and that what you are is not 'WRONG' or something that can be fixed with a charm. How did your mom know? Who knows, maybe the smile that's plastered on your face when you talk about Zac. Good Luck Joey. We're here if you need help. Vic

What would also be scary is the total number of words in both his blog comments and his posts. And the fact that a lot of his replies are to multiple posts, but they get consolidated into one . Congrats Kevin and welcome to the 1K club

Happy 15th Birthday Kevin!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hope you have a great one and a great year!!!! Vic

Happy 35th Birthday SonoLuminus

:2hands: Back to the books Missy!

I had never been kicked out, but I'm so sorry. I heard of people who stay with friends (where their friends were okay with it) and also relatives. While staying with your Aunt is causing a strain between her and your folks, if she is willing to bear the the strain and she is happy to have you there, you should stay there guilt free. If my neice, any of my younger cousins, or ANY child of a family friend were EVER kicked out of a house due to their homosexuality, I would take them into my home in a heartbeat. Also, I would relish the opportunity to tell their folks what horrible parents they were for kicking out their own child. Talk to your aunt. If she is loving and compassionate enough to take you in, accept her help. Take Care, Vic

Happy 20th Birthday Acassimaty from down under Hope you have a great day and a great year!!!!! Take Care®, Vic

The boy's like 14 years old, he probably does even know who Curly, Moe, or Larry are *ahem* Vance, I get real excited with cleaning tools too. My favourite is my Dyson vacuum. OMG it really is better than anything in the whole world. I've truly enjoyed vacuuming since I got it about 6 months ago. Congrats on finishing Cameron! Vic

Congrats Myr. But watch your back, the goat will probably bypass you in a couple months. He shot past me this past week Vic

Hey Vallerina! <-- my new nickname for you Good luck with classes next week!!! Hope they aren't too stressful and such. Glad your roomate doesn't suck Take Care, Vic

Because Kevin isn't that bourgeoisie

Happy 23nd Birthday Phil!!!!!!! Hope you have a great one (maybe Dan will post a DOH chapter in honor of your birthday on Friday Morning). Take Care, Vic

A couple of times in chat, I've heard a teen complain about how well (or not so well) their parents are taking the news of their gayness. Then someone in their blog discussed a recent encounter with his mom. I thought it was an interesting topic, so I'm starting this thread here in the lounge. I've been out to my family for about 11 years and while there were some initial bumps in the road, I thought they have come to accept me for who I am and that they were happy about it. A recent encounter with my father made me realize that the folks were not truly as accepting and understanding as I had once thought. I realize now that I *assumed* they were okay with the gay thing, but looking back, we've never really discussed it in detail. I never really took the time to explain or answer their questions (not that they brought any up). I took their silence and smiles as acceptance. Apparently, I was wrong. So for those of you struggling to tell your own parents, this is to let you know that even some of us who have been 'out & proud' for years continue to struggle with parental acceptance. Now I'm certainly not saying that every parent deserves a relationship with their gay son/daughter, but if you want to maintain a good relationship with your folks, you'll need to educate them. You can do it directly, send them to websites, send them literature, or even send them to PFLAG meetings. Here's my recent encounter that threw me for a loop: My dad was in the hospital a couple weeks ago because they were going to remove a tumor in his head. I went down to visit and was in his hospital room with my mom. We were discussing various things and then my mom starts asking me about the boyfriend (BF). Well, unknown to them, I had split up with the BF a couple months ago. I hadn't had the opportunity to tell them yet (heck, I was embarassed and maybe in a bit of denial). The BF was basically part of the family, he was always included and welcomed at all the family functions. When my parents took all of us on a cruise, there was no question that the BF was invited and paid for. I had always thought that they were okay with the 'gay thing'. So anyhow, as my mom continues to ask me about the BF, I decided that I didn't want to lie. Also I thought selfishly, 'hmmm, everyone's worried about my dad, I can slip this bad news in with less impact if I tell them now.' So I told them both that we had split up. My dad, who's a little fatigued and loopy from the drugs and the pain says 'Vic, now's the time for your to consider having a relationship with a women. You can make it work.' Well, I was a little shocked and downright mad, but in a gentle voice I said 'No.' and left it at that. After I left, I was a little torn. I was sad and worried about my dad (and whether he would come out of the surgery okay), but I was also pissed that after all this time, they still don't understand. His surgery went okay but he's also scheduled for a triple bypass at the end of the month. I'd really like to address the issue that he brought up, but now is not the time. So that's my acceptance story (or should I say 'lack of acceptance' story). Anyone else have one?

I didn't know! Matt, we'll miss you here in the US. Ummm, My uncle and his family are in Thailand, so if you want some people to hang out with, I can put you all in touch. Unfortunately, they are Christian Missionaries Good luck Matt and have a safe trip! Vic

wow, my eyes are tired from reading your long blog entry Congrats Joe, I'm glad your smiling. Have fun, Vic P.S. - When does Zac become a GA member (if he isn't already one), cause I have a few questions

Hey C.J. Did anybody tell you about the year-end per post charge that GA's going to bill you? j/k Congrats on probably the fastest move to 1000! Vic

Wow, what a timely blog entry. I was going to blog about an incident that happened with my dad recently, but I'll put it here instead of my own blog (more traffic ). My dad was in the hospital a couple weeks ago because they were going to remove a tumor in his head. I came down to visit and my mom was also in his room, so I figured 'Hey, now's a good time to tell them that I split up with Bill (Bill and I had been together for 10 years)'. Bill was basically part of the family, he was always included and welcomed at all the family functions. When my parents took all of us on a cruise, there was no question that Bill was invited and paid for. I had always thought that they were okay with the 'gay thing'. So anyhow, my mom starts asking me about Bill, so I decide to just tell the folks that we split up. My dad, who's a little fatigued and loopy from the drugs and the pain says 'Vic, now's the time for your to consider having a relationship with a women. You can make it work.' Well, I was a little shocked, but in a gentle voice I said 'No.' and left it at that. After I left, I was a little torn. I was sad and worried about my dad (and whether he would come out of the surgery okay), but I was also pissed that after all this time, they still don't understand. His surgery went okay but he's also scheduled for a triple bypass at the end of the month. I'd really like to address the issue that he brought up, but now is not the time. parents...*sigh*

Interesting... Like Krista, my hugs depend on the familiarity with the person, but in general - Arms around the shoulders with a double-pat on the back. Short, sweet, and to the point With the ex-bf, our hugs are longer, with us both resting our heads on the other's shoulder, then almost a little slow dance swaying back and forth ever so slightly...*sigh*, I miss those. Vic

Paaaa-leeezzee! You love when you get our collective panties in a wad. Vic

Hi Joe Maybe he does like you, likes grabbing your ass, grabbing your crotch, AND likes having sex with his EX. I think it's a matter both of your expectations and whether they match. He might want to hang out with you, fool around with you, but maybe not exclusively. It sounds like (and I could be wrong) that you want to date him and open up to him, but only if it's exclusive??? Unfortunately, the only way you're going to find out is if you communicate. Too bad we couldn't find a way to get Michael to read your Blog, that would solve all the problems. Anywhooo, if you do decide to give up men and women, there will always be room for you in the monastery I'm setting up Take Care®, Vic

HAPPY 18th Birthday JULES!!!!!!!!!! You have free reign with the tazer today

Welcome mEis! I get up at 5:30am, take the dog for a walk, feed her, play with her Then about 6:30am, I shower, go to work from 7am-4pm (with a 1 hour lunch) Eat dinner around 6:00pm then go to bed at 11pm. I go with the motto 'You're burning Daylight' and try to be up when the sun is up Take Care, Vic