GaryK

In my case my partner never wore any kind of cologne. He had, as we all do, a unique scent. I can still smell that scent in my mind even though he's long since died. I'm not sure I'd call it a thrill. But I always felt comfortable and safe when I rested my head on his chest and inhaled his scent. I kept asking my nurse if I needed a shower. She told me I was fine.

I wish I could call you by your real name. It's one of my favorite names of all times. The full-length version too, not the nickname.

I read and reviewed your story earlier this evening.

Ash, it's honest work and that's all that really counts. I'm proud of you for doing what's necessary to make ends meet. One question I don't think we've dealt with yet. Do you have a car or do you have to rely on public transportation? I neglected to mention the guy is my soon to be adopted son. I've been wanting to foster him since we first met when he was 16 but it never worked out. He'll be 18 in November and will be coming to live with me. He wants me to adopt him and take my last name. Spend some of your idle time putting together a script of sorts. Memorize the things you need to say to start and maintain a conversation with your prospective employer. That way you won't have to worry about your shyness quite as much. BTW, never start the conversation by telling the prospective employer you really need the job. The employer already knows that. Instead use your script to focus on what you think you have to offer on a personal/professional basis.

Snowy makes a good point about things you can do in the short term. Take a look at all the free resources on Google to help prepare for your GED.

Wow, I had no idea that's where the Snow Dog in your name came from! And from their first "real" album too! Does any Rush fan actually consider their eponymous album a real Rush album? Worshiper at the altar of Rush since 1975

I can only speak for myself, but I suspect you'll find this helping attitude prevalent amongst GA members. You don't need to say anything. Just get your ass in gear and find out how to get your GED. My payback will be seeing a copy of your first decent paycheck from a stable job. Look at it this way. I've had a long and successful life. I've always enjoyed helping kids. You won't be the first or the last young man I help. I'm about to put a young man through college. I sort of feel like I have an obligation to help out when I can, and I'm glad I can do so. It really doesn't matter to me how well I know you. All I need to know is you're young, in need of some help to get you to a point where you can stand on your own, and whatever I can do within reason to facilitate that is worth it to me.

I guess it depends on how much detail CJ gives us. I think it's safe to say The Shadows will discover the vehicle at the bottom of the ravine has no passengers in it. So the next logical thing to do is start scouting for places where Dimitri might have gone. If that leads the posse to the cave entrance things could get messy really quickly. Outsiders looking in won't have much of a view. Insiders looking out will have a perfect view and a great bunch of targets. ADDED: Too bad TheBitch™ isn't there to get the AF general on the phone and have him send in some troops armed with concussion grenades and such to stun anyone in the cave and then storm it.

The exact definition of the word depends on the context in which it's being used. Take the following phrases as an example: Eso esta raro = That is strange Como quieres tu bistec? Raro = How would you like your steak? Rare Ese hombre es raro = That man is odd In your case I'm inclined to go with the last definition. What about you?

Lugh, I'm quite familiar with Job Corps through the foster parenting I do. It's a great suggestion. The only downside is he'd have to live apart from his boyfriend while he's in training. They are really strict about following the rules and will kick you out for even the smallest infraction. But it's certainly a viable alternative if he's willing to do whatever it takes to get ahead. EDIT: Added link.

The youngest son of one of my best friends is also named Julian, but everyone calls him Jules too. Until now I had never seen anyone else use that nickname. Cool.

Don't worry about Billy, James. The right guy will see him one day and that'll be the end of the singles scene for Billy. I have a lot of respect for James. I've never seen him make an offer like the one he just did. That inspires me to join him in helping you get your GED. If the program doesn't provide the study guide(s) you need let James buy you the books. I'll cover whatever expenses are involved in the course itself including taking the exams. Please don't pass out from shock. That's just the kind of people we are here at GA. Once you have your GED you'll be in a much better position to seek a job that you're well suited for. And we here will have the satisfaction of knowing we've helped one more gay teen deal with all the shit that life can throw at you! That's the only payback we need. ADDED: Don't forget what I think was the single most important part of what James told you: Accomplishing your goals starts with believing in yourself and your ability.

You're delusional darling.

Yes you will cause it help keeps everyone hooked and coming back for their next fix!

My screen name is pretty much a no-brainer. Gary is my first name and K is the first letter of my last name. Lots of you use screen names whose meaning is far less clear. I thought it would be nice to learn what your screen name means and the significance it has to you.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but life is a series of challenges. It's all in how you deal with those challenges that determines how happy and successful you'll be in life. Having a defeatist attitude like you do isn't any help. Things like that show themselves to potential employers. Negative vibes and all that crap. There are no easy answers to your problems. A GED is a must. You've got to find a way to get one. Living in a small town I'm sure reduces the number of jobs that are available. Is the town small enough that word of you being gay has gotten out and you're being ostracized for that?

I'm not sure how any of this interview dealt with NAFTA. It seemed like more of the same...Gore needling Perot until Perot showed how insensitive he can be to criticism and stupid stuff like being interrupted. It's been like this through all the debates between these two. Are you in favor of NAFTA or against it? For what it's worth I don't consider shrimp to be meat so IMO you're still meat-free. WTG. I wish I had your discipline, but I love meat too much to ever give it up. I had a steak and cheese sub for lunch.

The lack of a high school diploma can be a severe limiting factor when it comes to getting a job. My advice is get rid of the TV, spend that money on getting your GED, and then your prospects for employment will probably improve. What about a job at a place like McDonald's or any of the fast-food places? They are always looking for employees. It's not glamorous work but it helps pay the bills. Please define what you mean by being good with computers. I've been in the computer business since 1973. Apart from an A+ certification I can tell you that a piece of paper is meaningless. I want someone with experience that I don't have to spend a lot of time training. Someone who can relate well to the end-user if that's what the job involves.

That's actually a fairly common thing here in South Florida. Typically the snake enters through the vent stack on a roof and then emerges from the toilet. The simple solution of course is to put some kind of screening over the vent stack.

Perhaps I am an anomaly Vic. If I'm mad at/disappointed with an author I can't get past that and enjoy his stories. Fortunately there are lots of other authors to choose from and they've all acknowledged my comments. Perhaps none more so than Kit. He's an example every author should seek to emulate when it comes to reader feedback. He's never failed to reply to a PM. He's actively engaged in his forum and enjoys a lively debate. He writes great stories for a more mature audience. What more could I ask for? I'm sure there are lots of examples like Kit (and CJ ), but only having been here a few months (wow it seems like so much longer) I think I've only scratched the surface of what GA has to offer.

It's not as rare an occurrence as you might think. Seahawks Fan

Scar has paid-off his officers. They know what to do. The take-over is underway. Why should Scar risk being near the action at this point? He could wind up as collateral damage!

That chocolate cake up front would make for a nice pick me up. I certainly need one; a pick me up that is. Today I'm gonna have to settle for some Oreo cheesecake.