Friday, December 30, 2005

What a year!


In the tradition of, well everybody else, let's recap.

I learned how to buy underwear for myself that doesn't say FTL on them.

I learned early in the year that dating and men suck. And not always in the good way.

I learned the joys and pains (mostly pains) of manscaping.

I learned that men who want to control your lives are asshats. Oh and I learned the word asshat and I can use it in a sentence!

I learned that the boy that I have had a crush on for over two years, had a crush on me too.

I learned that one can have the most awesome summer of their lives, when spent with those that you love.

I learned that I am capable of loving again after tragedy, and that my mouth can actually speak the words I love you.

And what else?

I learned that a gay man can be best friends with a straight man.

I learned I was nominated for a blog award in the Popular category. I still haven't figured that one out. (link to vote posted in a post below)

I can actually go to the gym and not leave feeling like I have been beaten with a stick. Ok make that many sticks.

I can play football. Although not well. And not by choice.

I can finally tear down the wall that kept me from asking the boyfriend to live with me.

And.

I actually had the cohones to ask him to marry me.

And.

He said yes.

Thursday, December 29, 2005

Totally baring it all


As he pulled on the gold ribbon, I held my breath. I had no idea what reaction I was going to get, and in those few seconds I was sure that I was a complete ass. My entire future, my entire life, rested on the next minute of time.

The ribbon fell to the floor. He turned the package over, and began picking at the tape. I wanted to scream. But I couldn't inhale, without exhaling. He gingerly undid one side of the package. I was turning blue. How long can one exist without oxygen anyway?

He had already opened the envelope with the shore house lease. That was met with a huge positive response. I was 1 for 1 at that point. But, now. He turned the package around and began picking at the other side of the tape. I wanted to kill him. Okay not really, but I was this close to grabbing the package out of his hands and either ripping it open myself, or just refusing to give it to him. How could I have done this to myself? And why can't he just rip it open like a normal person?

Finally he had the paper off, and I think I exhaled. I couldn't tell. I was too light-headed at that moment to really comprehend. He opened the box, peeled back the tissue paper, and removed the small black velvet box.

And that's when I knew I had made a huge mistake. A huge fuckup of momentous proportions. He looked at the box, but not at me. And he said, "Oh". It wasn't a "Oh wow look at this" oh. It sounded like a "What in God's Name have you done" oh.

And opened the lid.

Then came a second "Oh". Okay that one had a bit more of a hopeful surprised tone to it. Maybe this was okay.

"It's a key," he said quietly.

"Yes," I replied. The key was sitting on the slot where a ring would normally be.

"But I thought it was... oh,"

Ever wish a huge hole would open in the earth and swallow you up? Yep, that's the prayer that was screaming through my brain.

He was quiet for a moment, and then he said, "Is this a key to the shore house, or your house?"

"Oh," I said (all the while thinking that I was truly an idiot). "That's a key to this house. I thought it was time you had one of your own. Especially if you will agree to move in with me. It works better that way."

"I love it. But, are you sure?" he asked.

"Absolutely. Very sure." I replied.

Then a tear slid down his face. Dear goddess I wish I could read him better! "Are you happy, or upset babe?"

He hugged me, kissed me, exclaiming how happy he was. Over and Over. Wow. All that over a key. Who knew?

The next morning, we got up and opened the rest of our gifts to each other. He was like a little kid with each one. And so was I. Paper flew everywhere. Once the last gift from under the tree was opened, I figured I would take the chance and let him open his last gift which I had hidden in the tree. It was a little bear holding a heart, which he loved. I said, "Turn it over."

On the bottom was a note that said, "Look under the key."

He looked at me with a confused expression on his face, grabbed the box with the key, pulled the key out, but he didn't see anything. Then suddenly he got it. He pulled up on the base that was holding the key.

His face lit up like I have never seen before. And I said the words I never thought would ever come out of my mouth.

"Will you marry me?"

Monday, December 26, 2005

I'm off


The BF and I are off to visit my family for a few days.

Christmas Eve was, well, special. But a boy needs to tell his mother some news in person first. I'll tell you all about it when we get back.

I was told I should be campaigning for the Best Gay Blog thing. Not really my style. But if you want to vote here's the link: Best Gay Blogs

Hope your holidays are fun! I'll be back in a few days...

Friday, December 23, 2005

The Future


"Are you asleep?" he said, nuzzling my neck.

"Not as long as you keep doing that," I replied.

"Is there anything you wanted for Christmas that I don't know about?" he whispered in my ear.

"I don't remember ever mentioning anything that I wanted, but I know you will surprise me. You always do."

"I just want to make sure you get all you ever wanted. I want you to have the best Christmas ever," he said, running his hand over my chest.

"Honey, I already have all I ever wanted. I have you." I whispered back.

"Good," he said, "because that's what I got you."

I have a feeling this Christmas is going to be quite a surprise. I really have no idea what he will come up with. And that's what I love most about him.

For him, there will be a Christmas evening in front of the fire, just the two of us. I am giving him two gifts tomorrow night. One, a lease for the shore house for next summer with just our names on it. The other, well, I don't want to say here just in case he has found out about this site. But I can tell you it is going to change both of our lives significantly. And it is extremely romantic.

Wednesday, December 21, 2005

Traditions


I read something yesterday that reminded me of a story that has been passed down for generations in my family. A story of how one of the family traditions had gotten its start. I would love to share it with you all, in the spirit of the holiday season:


One Christmas season, a long long time ago, the North Pole was a rush of activity getting ready for the big night. And as fate would have it, there were problems everywhere and Santa was really feeling the pressure. Many of his veteran toymakers were sick with a nasty flu, and the remaining healthy elves were in danger of not having the toys finished on time.

He decided to take a break in the barn to calm his nerves, which visiting his reindeer always seemed to do. But when he got to the barn, he found out that most of them also had the flu, and may not be able to make the trip.

Loading the sleigh one of the boards cracked, and the toy bag fell to the ground scattering toys everywhere. By this point Santa's frustration level was so high, he decided a drink was in order, so he went into the house for some Irish Coffee. He grabbed the coffeepot and headed for the liquor cabinet, which he found locked. He yelled for Mrs. Claus, who when she arrived reminded him that she always kept the cabinet locked around the holidays so Santa wouldn't drink and drive. On her way out the door, she told Santa that her mother and father were coming to spend the holidays with them.

This stressed Santa even more. In his frustration, he dropped the coffeepot by accident and it shattered all over the floor. When he went to get the broom he found that the mice had used the straw to build their nests. Just as he slammed the closet door shut, the doorbell rang. Fuming by this point, he opened the door and there was a little angel with a great big Christmas tree.

The angel said, very cheerfully, "Merry Christmas Santa! Isn't it just a lovely day? I have a beautiful tree for you. I picked out the loveliest tree I could find, just for you! Where would you like me to stick it?

And so began the tradition of the little angel on top of the Christmas tree.

Monday, December 19, 2005

Run Down


The holidays are definitely taking their toll. I eliminated most of my shopping by ordering online, and saved even more time by having family gifts shipped directly there. Once I get there for the holidays everything can be wrapped, instead of doing it here and then transporting them in my car.

But I have been swamped with concerts, and light displays, and evenings with friends. I am tired. I am run down.

Which reminds me, I forgot to write about my HSNB experience last week.

So there I am, all nestled snug in my bed, with visions of - well I guess you can figure that out - dancing in my head, when the phone rings. Okay my phone never rings that late at night. Ever. The BF knows better than to call, and besides he would have used my cell. And I knew where he was. He was already home in bed. Nuff said.

Panic sets in because the first thing I think is that something has happened to someone in my family. I answer the phone trepidatiously, fearing the worst. Of course you already know who it was. He says that he thinks he may have hit someone and they are lying in the road. And he asks what he should do.

Why me?

Being the good friend that I am, of course I jump out of bed and start getting dressed. Right after I tell him to stay put. And call 911. Luckily this happened not too far from where we live, on one of the back roads in Valley Forge.

As I am pulling up, all I see is headlights pointed at me. I pull over, grab my flashlight, and get out. I can see him standing next to the car, and I can see there is definitely someone down the road further, lying in the middle of the road. He is in a panic, and just keeps repeating," shit, shit, shit Joey" over and over again. I ask if he called 911, which he replies that he had. I am doing my best to calm him down, but I really feel the need to walk down and see what has actually happened. I look at my watch (I really watch too many police dramas), and it's just past midnight. I'm amazed there hasn't been any cars by. It's a back road, but usually well-traveled.

I start toward the figure in the road, the flashlight not doing all that much to show me anything until I get closer. But when I did, I could see that there was lots of blood, and whoever it was, was still alive, and thrashing around. If you live anywhere near this area of the country, you have probably already figured it out. It was a deer. And I really really wished at that moment that it would have already been dead.

I will spare you most of what happened next, but when the State Troopers showed up (40 minutes later), they had to shoot it. HSNB's car was in bad shape, but driveable, but unfortunately, he was not in very good shape at all. I got him home, to my place, and put him to bed. I finally got to sleep, on my couch, around 3.

This boy is wearing me out.

Wednesday, December 14, 2005

They nominated me where?!?


I was just sitting there thinking...
"Hmmm, should I blog about my getting a call from HSNB in the middle of the night, and my rushing out the door into the cold night to give him what he needed"

or

"Should I blog about how silly all those blog awards are? How I have never been one of the popular kids anyway, and that I don't write for awards. I do it for artistic expression."

And then I received an email telling me I have been nominated for a "Best Gay Blogs" award in the Popular category.

Homo say what?

How the hell did that happen?

I am flattered. Extremely.

And as they say in the business, it's just an honor to be nominated.

So go check out the list if you want, and if you want to throw me a bone (pun always intended), then, thank you very much. Best Gay Blogs

Now about that late night phone call... Maybe tomorrow.

Friday, December 09, 2005

Help


Well I have been doing my share of Christmas shopping for mia famiglia and so on. I try to pride myself on finding just the absolute perfect gift for everyone. So they have something to return and get those great after-Christmas bargains!

And I have gotten a few things for the BF. Some things I know he is just going to love. And some I will when he wears them. ;)

But I need everyone's help. I need to pin down one special thing. One thing that will just blow him away. I want it to be the most romantic thing possible, that will just scream out my love for him (as if he didn't already know).

So - I need some ideas. What is the most romantic thing you have ever given, or received?

Wednesday, December 07, 2005

Shopping Ideas


First off let me answer a few questions. Yes, he is that dumb. Yes, he does need all the help he can get. And yes, I will be wearing a lovely black cashmere blazer on New Year's Eve, providing he doesn't stain it at his Christmas Party.

Now on to other pleasing things. I would like to recommend a couple of things for those of you who are still undecided on what to buy for your favorite single straight boy who needs all the help he can get, and for your favorite gay boy or girl who just need a laugh. Let me preface this by saying, I receive no compensation from products I may recommend on my blog. And if I am ever that fortunate I will mention it.

Both of my recommendations are books from two really good authors, and both are available online at your favorite bookseller.

The first is "A New Ladies Man" by Colin Mortensen. Some of you may remember Colin from "The Real World, Hawaii". Colin had sent me a copy of his book to read, and I have to tell you, it is a must for straight single guys! His advice is quite straightforward (sorry). He has a great sense of humor and this book is quite a fun read. In fact, it has good advice for just about anyone and I really enjoyed it myself. If you know any straight single men who really need help with dating and their relationships with women, this book would be perfect. And for the rest of us, there is a lot of great common sense information. And it's damn funny too!

The second is a book for your favorite gay boy or girl. Or yourself. This book was recommended to me a while back, and I had bought it, but only recently got a chance to read it. "How I Paid for College : A Novel of Sex, Theft, Friendship & Musical Theater" by Marc Acito. I have to say I don't ever remember sitting on the, ummm, on the.... well you know where..., and laughing my, uh..., well just laughing hysterically.

I think this is a must read for any gay man or woman. It's funny, it's clever, and I think it could well be fact, not fiction. There are many moments when I thought I was reading about myself and my experiences.

And after all that humor, here is a final recommendation. I was sent this link the other day, and while I really don't know what a Carls Jr is, this commercial had me in stitches. Milk Shake

Friday, December 02, 2005

Shopping with a Str8 Boy


Experience is a wonderful teacher. And if you are a logical, rational individual, you would think that I would learn from past experiences.

You would be wrong.

Last evening I agreed to go Christmas shopping with HSNB. I guess at some point last week in the throes of Thanksgiving revelry I had offered to help the poor boy out with the task. Of course who do the straight people turn to when it comes to matters like these but their friendly neighborhood gay person. We have that extra gene that they lack. You know, the shopping gene. The one that's linked to that other gene. The innate sense of fashion gene. Which is similarly linked to the "We can't understand why straight men can't buy gifts for their wives/mothers/girlfriends, so of course we help them" gene.

I should have seen the signs right up front. The premise was that we were there to purchase a gift for HSNB's mother. Why it didn't click when he steered me directly into the men's section, I don't know. After about five minutes of watching him look at the clothing with a pained expression on his face, I finally asked him why we were looking in the Men's Clothing section for a Mom gift. "Oh," he says, "I need something to wear for the company Christmas party too." Lawd, have mercy on me.

"Well, is it formal or casual?" I asked.

"Well, I uh, well, I’m not sure," he replies.

"Did you go to it last year," I ask.

"Yeah."

"Well how was everyone dressed," I didn't even dare ask what he wore!

"The guys had, I guess, like suits." he says. Great command of description this boy.

"Okay, then." And I start pulling things from the racks. I have to admit my hands are magnetically drawn to cashmere. Hmm, I wonder if there is a cashmere gene. So I send him to the fitting room with an armful while I browse the racks. After quite some time has passed and he hasn't reappeared, I decide I should find out what is going on. I go over to the fitting room, knock, and gently ask how he is doing. He doesn't answer. I ask again. Again no answer.

Okay, at this point, what would you have done, being the logical rational individual that you are? You would walk away right?

You would be wrong. The door wasn't locked so I opened it. There he is, sitting on the floor in just his boxers and socks. The most heart-wrenching look on his face like a lost little boy who has just fallen off of his bike. You could see the moisture welling up in his eyes. In that moment, I knew that if he was gay, I would have asked him to marry me.

"What's wrong," I asked.

"I was putting on a shirt, and...," he says softly, "I got a pin stuck in my shoulder."

And all I can think, all that is going through my mind is, what the hell did I do when I was younger that makes me get into these situations.

Tuesday, November 29, 2005

Utterly exhausted!



Originally uploaded by joeydestino.
Orphan Thanksgiving was wonderful! I am so glad my mother decided against the family thing. Everyone was well fed. There was lots of food left over. I even ended up with a couple of houseguests Thursday night. We played games until late in the evening, and some of us (not me) were just a little too full of wine to make it home! I was already home, but being the perfect host, I was not really drinking all that much.

Friday morning I got creative and threw together an early brunch for everyone (yes, I am that gay). I never do the Black Friday shopping thing and obviously none of my guests did either. I bid the last of them adieu in the early afternoon, and then BF and I spent the rest of the afternoon cleaning up. And making a mess. And then cleaning each other up. ;)

Friday evening, we went out to see Rent. Yes, I cried during the movie. Three times to be exact. When the movie started and I heard the first few notes of the music tears started streaming. If there are those of you out there who have never seen Rent, I won't say when the other two times were, but take tissues if you go to see it.

I do have to say I don't ever remember sitting in a movie theatre before and forgetting myself enough to put my head on my boyfriend's shoulder. That was a great feeling.

The rest of the weekend was spent decorating, making messes, playing football (yes I love him that much), and spending time with friends. All in all, the most fun since I left the shore. The craziest thing of all, I am really looking forward to Christmas this year. But for now, I'm tired. Daddy needs some rest.

Tuesday, November 22, 2005

Moms are like that



Originally uploaded by joeydestino.
I have always said my mother was psychic. The woman has always seemed to know exactly what I was thinking, or when I was not feeling well, or when life was not exactly going swimmingly for me.

BF and I have been negotiating our first Thanksgiving and Christmas together since Halloween. Christmas was easy, with time split between our families. His are here. Mine are 5 hours across the state. We had decided that we would spend Christmas Eve here together and with his family, and leave on Christmas Day for Western PA.

Thanksgiving however was an issue. I normally don't travel home. As discussed before, I have Orphan Thanksgiving, inviting people I know that are single and don't have family close. This would allow me to spend time with both him and his family.

Then my mother casually mentioned on the phone some weeks back, that she would love to have the whole family home for a large Thanksgiving meal, just like in the old days. My only thought at the time was, "Gee Mom, why not just kill me now and spare me the agony".

So obviously this revelation caused a few tense moments between BF and I, with no apparent resolution other than the fact that I was not going to be here. Neither of us were happy about it, but a boy has to do what a boy has to do when his Mother starts throwing around the Italian guilt. That's a force of nature that is hard to reckon with on any normal day.

Then this weekend, Mama Destino called me. I asked her about the menu for Thursday, and if she needed anything of course. That's when she got quiet for a moment. My mother quiet on the phone is usually a sign that prophetic words are about to be uttered.

She said she just wasn't up to having the family for the Holiday, especially when they would all be invading her house in December. It would mean multiple overnight guests including my sister and her Satanic spawn, and Mom just doesn't want to deal with them. So she says.

I know it was just that her Spidey sense knew it was causing issues for me. I am her favorite son after all. And I know she loves me the best. And she always says I'm cute. Gotta love that.

Thursday, November 17, 2005

Decision Time


I thought about it long and hard. No, not that. Although that is a nice thought..., but I digress.

I don't like me on NaNoWriMo. The BF does not like me on NaNoWriMo. My dog does not like me on NaNoWriMo.

So I have given up. I thought it was a fun idea, but in execution, it is just not my cup of green tea. The biggest problem is in the method of writing. Had I chosen something less, well, interesting I guess, then it would be different. I probably could have whipped out a technical manual of 50,000 words without really even thinking about it.

But I chose to write a murder mystery. It's a genre I love to read and always wanted to try my hand at writing. So I did. And guess what? I fell in love. No, not him. I was already in love with the BF. I mean my protagonist. I was giving him lots of quantity time, but hardly any quality time.

If I can't spend more quality time with him, then I have to break it off. He deserves so much more than a feeble attempt at pushing out mass quantities of words with a blatant disregard to his feelings. He needs to be nourished, and nurtured.

And that is just what I am going to do. I am going to get our relationship back to the way it was. Back in Chapter One.

Standing in the sea of boxes, he didn't realize he was not alone.

Wednesday, November 16, 2005

Yup.



Originally uploaded by joeydestino.
I'm still writing. I am going on record as stating, I AM NEVER DOING THIS AGAIN.

I don't really like writing this way. I want to think about what I am writing, not just putting words on paper. Prose flows. Not. I am never going to be famous writing this way.

Other than that, alls well in Joeyville. Nothing happening. Well there's the whole holiday issue coming up, but we'll broach that later. So what's everyone else up to?

Friday, November 11, 2005

I got my hands full



I've been writing like crazy. I'll be updating this weekend when I feel like taking some time away. Until then, Happy Friday!

Wednesday, November 09, 2005

It's a Mystery


I'm writing. That's a good thing. I'm still stiff (and not in a good way) from the weekend, so sitting for long periods is difficult to say the least. That's not a good thing.

I'm also behind on my favorite procrastination activity of reading everyone else's blogs (which is the normal reason I don't get posts on here).

So I am making this brief today. I really need to get back to the novel. I'm leaving you with a tease (or two if you count the picture). Here's the first line of the novel. Actually it's the first line of chapter one (there's a prologue as well).

Standing in the sea of boxes, he did not realize that he was not alone in the house.

Monday, November 07, 2005

Just kill me


I have transformed procrastination into a new art form. I should have spent time this weekend working on my NaNoWriMo (which I am sure is Japanese for I don't want to write no more) novel. But no. I'm the one with the boyfriend remember. The boyfriend, who only needs to flash those baby blues at me and he gets his way. He is truly evil. Spawn of Satan evil.

First it was going out on Friday night. He really wanted to hang out with friends. But not alone. Oh no, I had to be there too. "But Honey," he said, "I look better when I am standing next to you." Uh huh. I can translate that. That actually means, "Because you are older, I look really hot when I stand near you."

Saturday it was a trip out to see the leaves. I thought for sure it was going to be a road trip - out and back fairly quickly. Uh huh. Mr. Younger-and-in-such-better-shape decided it would be nice to walk through Valley Forge. All of Valley Forge. That's 2500 acres. I believe at least 2499 of that is uphill. By the time I got back there was going to be no writing. Nope, I was too tired to sit up. Satan Jr. drew me a bath and then proceeded to... Oh c'mon, you can figure that part out.

And then yesterday. Oh yes. The day when I thought I would engineer the procrastination all on my own. I wanted to spend the day watching football from the safety of some horizontal surface. Nope. The Prince of Darkness got a call from friends who wanted to PLAY football. And of course he said yes. I'm thinking, cool, he can go and I can just lie here. That’s when he said, “Of course Joey will come.”

Today I am sitting here at work, heating pad on my back, bandage on my arm, and bruises on my face, chest, sides, and thighs. I am not into pain. At all. Please someone, kill me. At least send pain killers!

Wednesday, November 02, 2005

Are you nuts?


Normally the pictures I post are chosen for a specific reason. They either illustrate the topic I am discussing, or reflect my mood at the time of the post.

I am sure that was already apparent to anyone who stops by here. And for the rest of you, now you'll look twice.

But today's picture you will assume has absolutely nothing to do with this post. I'll prove you wrong. Later.

I have done something that will prove to people who think I am crazy, that they are completely and utterly correct. I barely have any free time at all to do anything that is, well, just for me. I treasure each and every rare minute I scrounge up to just do absolutely nothing.

So what do I go and do, you ask? Well I decided to join a writing project. Not just any little ol' writing project either. I joined in the NaNoWriMo project. Yes dear friends it is National Novel Writing Month, and I have agreed to attempt the 50,000 word goal by the end of November.

See. Told you I was nuts.

So for the next few weeks, I may occasionally throw some snippets up here just to show you I am working on it.

Oh. How does Reichen figure into this post? He's the model for one of my main characters. I mean, come on, how much more inspiration could a boy ask for? :)

ps: Thanks to everyone for their very kind words when I wasn't feeling well. That was very sweet, and very appreciated.

Monday, October 31, 2005

Ugh


Since it's Halloween I guess it fits. I've had what is best known as the "creeping cruds" for most of the past week. My system seems to have been fighting off - something. While most people around me had aches and chills, and sore throats, exhaustion, and general malaise, I've mostly just had the exhaustion. Sleep has been my best friend. I missed the weekend totally, opting to trade costumes and frolic for the comfort of my couch and a quilt.

I spent most of last week trudging to work, and coming home to rest. Is it better to be all out sick, or just going through the body war that keeps you tired? Well when you are completely ill, you stay home and get better. This way, I was still functional, just miserable. Feeling better today - so far anyway.

Scary creatures will be coming to my door tonight. I think maybe I'll leave the candy bowl on the porch, and get some sleep.

Tuesday, October 25, 2005

Oddly enough



Someone mentioned I should take a look at my statistics to see the keywords that people type into search engines that ultimately lead to this corner of the world. So here is two seconds of searches. I must say, it's ummmm, interesting. And disturbing...


18:00:02 joeydestino.blogspot.com (Google)
Well that makes sense.


18:00:02 Steve Sandvoss (AOL)
Wise choice. I loves me some Steve!


18:00:01 stephen lynch what halloween means to me (Yahoo)
Another wise choice. BTW, I do not profit from the link to his site. Unless he gets me tickets (Hint Hint Stephen).


18:00:01 hot guys (Netscape)
Well that one makes sense too! Why do people think these searches are odd?


18:00:01 Try this one," said Jack, "and I'll say it just one time. Tell you what, we could a had a good (Google)
Oh dear goddess, you typed all of that? You can find the whole story online typing a lot less than that.


18:00:01 NJ gym masturbate shower (Google)
I don't remember stringing those 4 expressions together so it must be a shore post. Oh and, ewwwwww. Never masturbate in a gym shower. Do that at home. Now if someone else is doing it to you...


18:00:01 get traveling destin (MSN)
I have no clue on this one.


18:00:01 Marc Sparky Bartolomeo photo OR picture (Google)
Good taste :)


18:00:01 fake drowning (Google)
Hmmm. Ah, the lifeguard post!


18:00:01 hot guys (AOL)
Wow, that's popular.


18:00:01 i want to read brokeback mountain (MSN)
Ok fine. Here's a hint people. Try doing a search on Amazon's site. The whole text is there.


18:00:01 sucksdick (MSN)
Why yes, that's what men who date other men do. Usually. According to Margaret Cho it's the secret to great abs.


18:00:01 lesbian strap on sex samples (Yahoo)
Oh Sweet-Cher-In-Spandex-And-Leather, are you in the wrong place!!!

Courage


In "Quiet Strength: The Faith, the Hope, and the Heart of a Woman Who Changed a Nation," a later autobiography, Parks said she wanted to be known as "a person who is concerned about freedom and equality and justice and prosperity for all people."

In 1955, the year of the famous bus incident near the intersection of Montgomery and Moulton streets, Parks was 42 years old. She denies that she remained seated because she was tired. "The only tired I was, was tired of giving in," she said.

Thursday, October 20, 2005

Halloween


One of my favorite people (and a very funny guy), Stephen Lynch, has a new Halloween song out. You can listen to it here:

The Halloween Song

If you are at work, or around small kids, I would suggest headphones. I have a feeling Ms. Bee's Knees will love this one!

Incidentally, Stephen will be appearing on Broadway in March as "The Wedding Singer".

Of course Stephen will be getting me opening night tickets for the plug :).

Tuesday, October 18, 2005

When the boyfriend's away...


BF left last Wednesday for a trip out of town, and will not be back until later this week. Now we normally don't see each other every day as it is. Often just a few times during the week, and usually we spend weekends together.

Well this past weekend I was alone.

So you know what that means. Let me see...

Wine, a trip into the city, tucking bills in go-go boys' g-strings, loud music, martinis, leather, downstairs at the Bike Stop, singing at the Tavern, groping strangers, testing DNA samples of every hot guy in the bar, following that really really hot baseball player home, and then...

Yeah that's all of the things that could have happened. But they didn't. My weekend was quiet. Saint Hazel barely ever left the house. I got a lot of cleaning done without the added distraction of BF around. Laundry is caught up. Closets changed over for cold weather. New shelf paper in the kitchen cabinets. CDs organized.

Sigh. I'm getting old.

And I miss him.

Friday, October 14, 2005

Never squeeze it like that.


Time: One evening this past summer
Scene: At the shore

JD: Awww shit! That shot right in my eye!!!! Shit!!!!!!

BF: Oh Honey, I am so sorry!

JD: Oh man that fraking burns!!!!

BF: Do you want me to get you something to wipe it off with?

JD: No, I want you to lick it off. Of course – get something! Owww. Crap!!!

BF: I’m really really really sorry. I didn’t mean for it to hit your eye.

JD: I told you if you squeezed it like that, that would happen.

BF: I tried to cover it with my hand, but it just sort of shot out before I was ready.

JD: Damn, I’m probably going to be blind now! Do you have any idea what it feels like to have this in your eye?

BF: No, Honey, it’s never ever happened to me before. I am so sorry.

JD: Can you see me trying to explain why I can’t see out of my eye to my boss? Or my family? Or my friends?

BF: Maybe if we rinse your eye out with water?

JD: I’m going to be disfigured for life, because you had to squeeze it like that!!!

BF: Babe, I am really truly sorry. Really. Next time I’ll do what you said, slow down, take my time, and make sure it’s covered.

JD: Oh there is not going to be a next time!

BF: What?

JD: No. Absolutely not. Next time I’ll do it by myself.

BF: But...

JD: No, you are forbidden to ever touch another lemon. If I want lemon on my fish, I will do it myself!

BF: Did I mention I love you?

JD: Sigh.

Thursday, October 13, 2005

What's the news across the nation?


Things to do while getting ready for work. My take on today's headlines:

Deadly bird flu strain found in Turkey
Oh great, there goes my dinner plans for Thanksgiving

Fox Cancels 'The Simple Life'
And we care why?

Republican Senate leader subpoenaed in possible insider trading probe
There's a shock. Anyone wanna guess on how he'll get off?

Fox Ends Paris' "Life"
It was only a matter of time before someone did.

First day of school for aspiring Vatican exorcists
From the people who had problems with Harry Potter

Report: It's Over for Jude and Sienna
And we care why?

Couples on East, West Coasts Wait to Wed
Join the club. We've been waiting a long time ourselves.

Martha Stewart to build houses with KB Home
Will anyone be shocked if they turn out to all be celery green?

Woman's body found at recycling center
Makes sense to me

A Historic Discovery, in Beethoven's Own Hand
Let me guess. His dick?

'Prada' latest: So not worth it
I've been saying that for years

Apple follows up portable music with launch of video iPod
Gee, wonder what they will release next month that everyone will rush out to buy? Any of you who want to sell me your old iPods, let me know.

An Antarctica Sighting in Central Park
Unless it shows up in DC, the Republicans will still deny Global Warming

Yahoo To Bar Pedophile Chat Rooms
They just thought of this now?

New Heatshield Design Tests Europe and Russian Researchers
Wonder how many they can strap on to the rocket at a time?

Wednesday, October 12, 2005

A note from Judy Shepard


October 12th 2005, is the seventh anniversary of my son Matthew's murder. His murder prompted unprecedented media coverage and focused the nation's attention on anti-gay hate crimes like never before. These past few weeks I have been thinking about what has changed - and what has not changed. What has been done to make our communities safe from violence resulting from anti-gay hate? I quickly learned my son's violent death was a fairly common occurrence. This prompted our family to create the Matthew Shepard Foundation and do our part to create a more respectful and caring culture free from hate. I have spent the past seven years traveling across the nation, speaking to schools, churches, anyone who will listen, to try and stem the tide of hate that is eating away at the fabric of our culture.


The number of hate crimes against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people has not varied much during the last five years. They remain the third highest category after race and religion. However, it is apparent that there are certain changes in the 'environment' that do impact hate crime activity. In New York City, every July, anti-gay violence usually increases by about 8% as people respond to the outreach programs and the visibility of the Pride celebrations. After the Lawrence v. Texas decision and the premiere of additional gay identified television shows, anti-gay violence in New York City rose 52%.


It's clear that in some ways, our nation has become a more accepting place. We have witnessed the progress of gay and lesbian rights with the recent Supreme Court decision, Lawrence v Texas. We have seen our neighbor to the North - Ontario, Canada - acknowledge same-sex marriages. They have recognized that same sex couples are as deserving of the same equal rights and responsibilities as heterosexual couples. We have seen gay adoptions increase. We have seen growing visibility, acceptance and understanding of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in our families, in the corporate world and in our culture.


However, we must also remember that there has been scant progress in areas of legislation and securing equal rights for the gay community. We continue to fight for hate crime legislation that will include sexual orientation, gender, and disability, and for federal job protection based on sexual orientation. Yes, you can be fired for being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender in 36 states of this nation. It is as if we are living in two Americas - one that tunes in to "Queer Eye for a Straight Guy" but turns a blind eye to the injustices gay and lesbian people still face.


It is evident that with progress comes the inevitable attack by those who are threatened by our work for justice and fairness. Visibility - whether in the media or being out of the closet if you are gay - can serve as an unfortunate catalyst. Those who are threatened by our community are threatened by these strides. In 2003, more than 30 cities and towns reported crimes against gays. The vast majority do not garner national headlines like my son's murder did. Sakia Gunn, a 15 year old lesbian was fatally stabbed in Newark, New Jersey on 5/11/03, F.C. Martinez, a Navajo, transgender 16-year old murdered in a bias motivated attack are two examples but the list goes on. We have so far to go, so much hate is out there. It must be acknowledged, addressed and erased before any of us are safe.


As we approach the anniversary of Matthew's murder it is appropriate to redouble my efforts to invoke a grassroots solution to this problem. It is a solution that begins with parents, educators, clergy and our communities as a whole. We have the opportunity to help our children understand and accept diversity before their school years begin and before hate can provoke violent actions. If we do our jobs correctly, it should never cross the minds of our children to harm someone, physically or emotionally, because of their gender, race, national origin, religion, disability or gender identity and expression.


Hate is a learned behavior. If a child is taught to hate and fear diversity, then the next place he or she expresses that hate is at school. Ten percent of all hate crimes occur at schools and colleges . Bullying in our nation's schools has resulted in countless acts of violence. The cycle continues until that child who is filled with hate becomes an adult citizen in your community and begins to teach others to hate.


Please help your children understand diversity without fearing it. Be an example of acceptance and compassion. The consequences of hate hurt everyone. It hurts not only the victim - it hurts their family and friends. It destroys the families of the perpetrators. Lives are lost, lives are ruined and lives are changed forever.

Matthew Shepard Foundation

Tuesday, October 11, 2005

Got to let it show


So it's National Coming Out Day here in the US. Yes, the mail is still delivered, banks are open, and the government has to go to work. Well, whatever it is that they do, they have to be in their offices.

I thought I would take time to celebrate today by sharing my coming out story. But. I don't have one. Oh I am sure there are little stories here and there about when I first told so and so. But thinking back, I don't really remember a time where I planned and agonized over telling someone. I probably have, but I may have just blocked it out.

See I have never been one to just announce to the world that I am gay. Nor have I ever been one to hide it. I am sure that I have, in deference to my not being beaten to a pulp or saving my job in years past.

Gay is just one adjective that describes me. I live by the "You ask, I'll tell" policy. If I believe the person asking has any malicious intent whatsoever, I answer the question flippantly, and then follow up with a question right back. "Damn straight I am. Are you homophobic, or just interested in taking me to dinner?".

So there you have it. My not so exciting not really coming out story. So should you be Out and Proud? Well, I believe everyone should do what is best for them. If you want to paste a rainbow sticker on your forehead and be out and loud, by all means do so. If that's just not you, then don't. But just be honest with yourself, and love yourself. Everything else will fall in place.

Friday, October 07, 2005

Boys are Icky


So it's 5:00 AM and I stumble into the bathroom, led by the toilet-seeking divining rod that I am attached to. As I am walking across the tile in my semi-sleeping state, my foot steps on something. Something small, but hard.

Let me preface by saying, I hate stepping on things. One morning I walked out onto my patio and stepped on an earthworm. My neighbors were not happy with the shrill piercing scream at 5 in the morning let me tell you. Ok so I thought it was a snake. I hate snakes. And earthworms. And things you step on that are wet and slimy. Well okay, things in general.

Anyway, back to the bathroom. Now as soon as my foggy brain made sense of the fact that I had indeed stepped on something, on a floor that should have been relatively clean, a stream of obscenities come flying from my mouth. Well it's better than screaming and much more beneficial to the spirit.

Of course I can't stop to look what it is that I stepped on because Mr. Johnson has only one thing on his one-eyed mind, and that is the toilet in front of him. Picture if you will, being in the front of your toilet, urinating, with something on your foot that may or may not have cut it. You are only half-awake. Of course you do the inevitable. You lift your foot to look. While urinating.

Mmmm-hmmm. Yep. Now the toilet is wet where it shouldn't be. The floor is wet. The sink is wet. The roll of toilet paper is wet. I am wet. The day is not starting off well.

Note to self: just because the BF is cute and handsome and smart and sexy and caring and awesome, does not mean you can't kill him for leaving toenail clippings on the floor which become embedded in your foot when stepped on.

Tuesday, October 04, 2005

Guess Who


Well Ray started it. He had to post a pic of his new BF. And the BF is HOT!

So I thought maybe I would post a pic of the guy that makes my heart flutter. That's him over there-->

So let me tell you about him. For months now, every Saturday and Sunday morning I wake up, and there he is. Always smiling. Always helpful. He does a lot of charity work too in his spare time. He's very athletic, and will try just about anything. As you can see from the pic, he is a triathlete too. His name is Adam.

Now wouldn't you want to wake up in bed on the weekend and see him? Well you can if you live in this area. He does the weekend weather (a meteorologist) for a local news station.

Oh I almost forgot. Please don't tell BF about him. I don't want him to know there's a new man in my life, at least not until Adam actually meets me and asks me to marry him. And Adam, if you read this, call me.

Friday, September 30, 2005

Oh no you di'in't


We interrupt our normally scheduled slightly humorous and self-absorbed post, to bring you a public service announcement.

You see, a number of my fellow bloggers are going through some rough times right now, and I was working on something humorous to lighten the blogosphere (Shuttup, it's a word. Because I said so that's why!). But then I received an email from a "fan". What sort of email, you ask? Let's just say it was not a "I love you Joey" type email. Nope, this person was berating me for going on and on about BF, and my wonderful life.

My first thought of course was, "Jesus Christ, would you rather read the entries from my private journal where I almost committed suicide last year after Kirk was killed?". Okay, I thought not.

So yes, right now things are going well here in Joeyland. It wasn't always the case. And it may not be in the future. But that's just the way it is. But make no mistake. I still have debt, car payments, a mortgage, and I do live damn near paycheck to paycheck. But yes, there are blessings in my life. A good job, a man who seems to adore me (and I don't understand why), and my own house. What you don't really know is the struggle to get myself to this point. Maybe I'll share it someday. But for now, no.

So to my friends who are having problems, I am here. I'll help if I can.

And to the anonymous "fan", write what you want on your own damn blog, and don't read mine if it bothers you so much. Oh, and, I like the pictures I post. Get over it!

We now return you to your regularly scheduled humorous post.

Hear about the new gay sitcom?
"Leave it, it's Beaver."

Wednesday, September 28, 2005

Taking The Fall


Okay. It is very very hard to do this but, I admit it. It's Fall.

It was in the upper 40s last night, and the highs this weekend won't even get into the 70s (For people using the Celsius system - I have no clue what that translates into).

Fall this year is a little easier to deal with. Last year, well in addition to the season change I was dealing with a death. And I don't remember it being this cold this early last year. But then again I was pretty numb through the whole ordeal.

So last night, because of the colder temperatures I actually wore a t-shirt and underwear to bed. No more sleeping au naturelle for the year (Oh, I guess that was a TMI). At least not on nights when I am by myself.

It's no secret that I HATE cold weather. I am a summer boy, and will always be one. And when Fall comes a summer boy's fancy turns to nesting. Yes, you heard me correctly, nesting. I'm giving serious consideration into having BF move in. Well maybe at least sleep here more nights a week. I mean, come on, it's a win-win situation. I get to snuggle up to a warm guy, and he gets more bumpity-bumpity.

You know, maybe this Fall thing isn't so bad after all.

Sunday, September 25, 2005

Handling it


Even though we don't live together, nor do we spend every day or evening together, BF and I have become an old married couple. We spend weekend evenings at home (usually my place), reading books, watching movies, ordering in pizza, etc...

No, it's true. Our relationship has progressed to the point where joy for us is in simple thought-provoking in-depth conversation.

Let me give you a sample of a conversation from just last evening as we lay on the couch together in front of the TV:

BF: Can I ask you a question?
Me: Of course Babe.
BF: Well...I was just...wondering something.
Me: Yes...
BF: I was just wondering...
Me: Honey, what is it?
BF: Well I have been noticing a little habit of yours, and well...
Me: Yes...
BF: Well, why do you always have your hand on your penis?
Me: Excuse me?
BF: No it's true.
Me: I have no idea what you are talking about.
BF: Whenever you are home, whenever we are just sitting around, you always have your hand on your penis.
Me: That is so not true. I don't have my hand on my penis right now.
BF: That's because you have your hand on my penis.
Me: Oh. I guess I do. Well from now on I will just touch your penis and not mine.
BF: That's not what I meant at all. I was just
Me: Shut up and kiss me.

Thursday, September 22, 2005

Moving along



Originally uploaded by joeydestino.
I've given this a lot of thought. I truly feel it is time to move on. There's a number of reasons. Blogger has been down a lot lately. Blogrolling is constantly down. It's been very frustrating trying to eek out the few missives that I do every week.

So it's time to give it up.

Oh, I'm still going to be blogging. But I think it's time to move on to my own server.

So to my fellow bloggers, what do you recommend? Which webhost (think cheap, I don't have a sugar daddy!). Which blogging software? And is there a decent alternative to blogrolling.com?

Please let me know either through comments - or you can email me direct. joeydestino at yahoo dot com.

Monday, September 19, 2005

Mind if I come....


Sunday afternoon. Phone rings...

Me: "Hello."

HSNB: "Hey Joey, whatcha doin?"

Me: "Laying on the couch, watching football."

HSNB: "Cool!, Mind if I come over and watch it with you?"

Me: "Well, I'm kind of ummm, naked."

HSNB: After a very brief pause, clearing his throat... "I could bring some beer over."

Me: "BF is on the couch with me."

HSNB: "Oh. Uh. Well, uh. Well call me when you get up. I mean, uh, uh."

Me: "I'll call you later."

HSNB: "Uh, sure." click

BF: Laughing, after relating the part of the conversation he didn't hear... "I'm surprised you didn't just tell him to come."

Me: Crying from laughing so hard... "Something tells me he will. But not here".

Friday, September 16, 2005

Going Down......Under


I guess it was the sound of movement in the room that stirred me. Then I felt a hand brush through my hair. In that moment of just-awakening-semi-conciousness I had the most terrifying thought...I don't know where I am.

My eyes slowly opened, to the sight of him standing next to my bed. Wait, this isn't my bed. And who is this guy?

"Morning. I thought you might like some coffee," he said through his amazingly bright - at least for that time of the day - perfect teeth with a heart-melting Australian accent. Are my eyes still fuzzy, or is he naked? Oh wait. Yep. I'm naked.

"Thanks," I said while attempting to at least sit up. Oh. My. God. I know where I am. I know who he is. Holy Mother of Disco. I slept with DAN!!!

As he handed me the coffee, he leaned in and kissed me, a quick little kiss. Oh please don't let me spill the coffee.

The first time I ever saw Dan was my first time on the beach here at the shore house. Dan was the lifeguard. I truly remember sitting there everyday with my friends discussing all of the ways I could possibly fake drowning. If you had seen him, you would understand why swallowing a wee bit of sea water was worth it! The boy was hot. Lifeguard hot. "I swear I am going to spend my life at the gym to look like that" hot. Australian lifeguard hot. My days were spent drooling all over the white sand. And plotting how to drown without actually drowning.

One night my housemates and I went out to a local place for some libations and gyrations (as we call it). The place was packed and the huge bar was seven-people-deep to even get a drink. It was decided that I should be the one to push my way through and get us all refills, since I was the tallest (logic in my group of friends is a whole other story). I was about 3 people away when I noticed who the bartender was. My hands started to shake. My knees felt like they were going to give way, and of course when I got to the bar, I could barely utter anything. Dan. In front of me. Leaning in to me. Smiling. Perfect teeth. "What can I get ya," spoken in a beautiful accent. Hot.

I finally ordered the drinks in whatever language and combination of words that came out of my mouth. When he brought them, I tried to put the money in his hand (because by that time I figured this may well be my only chance to ever touch him). He pushed the money back into my hand, closing it, and wrapping his hand around mine and holding it for an all too brief lifetime. He was grinning as he said, "On me". He had no idea how much I wished that was true.

The weeks flew by as I stalked him spent days on the beach, and nights at the bar. And well, you already know where this tale leads itself. After getting to know him, and finding out there was interest on his part as well (Naive Joey, remember?), we started to spend a lot of time together. And there were more nights like the one at the beginning of this story. Lots more - he said grinning. But at the end of summer he had to return to Australia. We still write. He has a great guy in his life, and so do I. But some summer days, when I am on that beach, and I look up at that lifeguard chair, I wonder where life would have led me if he had not gone back.

Monday, September 12, 2005

A stroll


She tapped me lightly on the shoulder and said, "Walk with me, Mr. Cusack".

"Of course," I replied. "Water side or beach?"

"Beach. I know how much you love the surf."

"That's very kind of you."

"The air is a bit cooler, had you noticed?" she asked.

Letting out a huge sigh, the question was answered.

"I won't be seeing you again, this year. I'll be moving on to a warmer clime. But I know you will be here when I return." she said.

"Absolutely, Miss Novak. I can't imagine anything else really. There's no place I love as much."

Gripping my hand she said "You take very good care of that young man of yours. I like him very much. As they say, he is a very old soul. Much like you."

"Well I am rather smitten by him," I said grinning.

She stopped, looking over the waves toward the horizon. It was almost as if there was something there, very distant, calling to her. "Love is very fleeting. Guard it well. Nurture it through the cold months and tend it as you would the fire in your fireplace. It is all the warmth you will need to get you through."

"Miss Novak, is there someone..."

She stopped me from finishing.

"That Mr. Cusack, is a tale for another summer."

Tuesday, August 30, 2005

Vay Kay Shun


See that blogroll over there on the left? No, your other left. There are a lot of awesome awesome writers with differing viewpoints on the gay experience on that list.

Please spend the next two weeks getting to know them. And then on Sept. 12th, stop back here.

In the meantime, I am spending my last two vacation weeks here at the shorehouse. I have been asked to limit my internet time by - well you know who - so I am taking time to recharge. And write.

So have fun, be good, be safe, and see you in two weeks!

Love ya, jd

Thursday, August 25, 2005

I wish I knew how to quit you.


It's a long time till December 5, but I can tell you that I can barely stand my excitement for this movie after seeing the trailer.

I read this story many many years ago, and it had a profound effect on me then. I spent 5 minutes crying my eyes out just seeing the trailer! I am going to be a complete mess at the theatre!

I truly hope Ang Lee gives justice to this story. I truly do.


"I got a say this to you one time, Jack, and I ain't foolin. What I don't know," said Ennis, "all them things I don't know could get you killed if I should come to know them."

"Try this one," said Jack, "and I'll say it just one time. Tell you what, we could a had a good life together, a fuckin real good life. You wouldn't do it, Ennis, so what we got now is Brokeback Mountain. Everthing built on that. It's all we got, boy, fuckin all, so I hope you know that if you don't never know the rest. Count the damn few times we been together in twenty years. Measure the fuckin short leash you keep me on, then ask me about Mexico and then tell me you'll kill me for needin it and not hardly never gettin it. You got no fuckin idea how bad it gets. I'm not you. I can't make it on a couple a high-altitude fucks once or twice a year. You're too much for me, Ennis, you son of a whoreson bitch. I wish I knew how to quit you."


Here's a link to the trailer, but ummm, you may want to grab your kleenex first:

Brokeback Mountain Trailer


Tuesday, August 23, 2005

Oh puh-leeze


I've removed the links to the pics in the previous post. It seems Mr. Law's "people" do not like his pictures appearing on the innernets.

Hey at least they read my blog! :)

So if Mr. Law is looking for a co-star for his next project, I could be available. Contact my agent.

So.

How's everyone else? Anyone threatening to sue you lately?

Wednesday, August 17, 2005

Hey Jude!



Wow. I always thought that Jude Law was a good actor, and I never truly thought he was hot until I saw Cold Mountain. But after seeing this pic, I'm thinking - boy takes care of himself :)

What? Oh yeah, I only posted a part of the pic for those of you who may read the blog at work. If you click on the pic though, you will get to see what his fiancee and his nanny got all hot and bothered over.

This story even made the news!

Update: Apparently there are more pictures. Here are the links:



Tuesday, August 16, 2005

Now that's Progress!
























A friend of mine forwarded this today in an email. The New York Times printed this picture of the VJ day celebration in NYC which commemorated the famous photo taken on VJ Day.

So what's so progressive about this picture?

If you look, I think you can figure it out!

Monday, August 15, 2005

To write or not to write, that is the question....


I received the following in an email and thought I would share it. As those of you who read my scribblings here already know, I have dabbled with being an actual author for most of my life. Hasn't happened yet - well at least not having a novel published. So the writer geek in me found this amusing, and I think anyone who has had a sanctimonious professor may agree:

When I was an English major in college, I took Shakespeare 201Shakespeare 101 was the plays EVERYONE read. Shakespeare 201 was the
lesser known plays. I read the plays and judged the characters by what they did. My instructor read the plays and judged the characters by what they said. Needless to say we had very different interpretations of both the characters and the plays. I thought Othello was the stupidest play ever written. Othello was my instructor's favorite play. Similarly we had very different interpretations of King Lear.

At that time, they gave split grades such as A/A or B/A on papers in the English department where I went to college. The first grade was on content. The second grade was on writing style. I am the only person I know of to get an F/A, and it was in that Shakespeare class. F for content. A for writing style. The instructors comment "What you wrote was such absolute garbage that I nearly failed to notice how well it was written." That's funny...I thought the same thing about Othello.

The result was that I became an Economics major. Probably a good choice.

Thursday, August 11, 2005

What's the news across the nation?


When I get to work in the morning, I normally open up my My Yahoo page and scan the headlines. I have about 40 different news feeds on my page because - well first off I am a news junkie, and secondly because I have such varied interests. I also keep track of all the tech news since I am a geek.

When I skim the headlines I always get a first impression about what the article may contain. I'm sure it's not always what the author intended. So I decided I would share some headlines with you, and my first impressions. This may very well be an insight into how twisted my mind truly is. I'll include the links for you too, just in case you want to read the story:

Parent-trap snares recruiters
Shouldn't a parent trap snare parents?

Unhappy Owens suspended by Eagles
Shuttup and Play. And dear goddess please strike down his manager.

Clay wins decathlon gold to deny Sebrle
I thought the only thing Clay Aiken did was sing. And hide in the closet.

Hollywood star Angelina Jolie is Cambodian citizen
Good. One more psycho gone.

Street taps education secretary
Proofreader must be on vacation. Either that or there's a scandal in Philly City Hall.

US officials go to hackers' convention to recruit
All the other criminals are in government already. Guess they had to go somewhere new.

Opera Offers Web Browsing For Low-End Mobile Phones
That woman is into everything.

For IBM And Sun, Bigger Is Still Better
Size queens

Fugitive Couple Used Cab to Escape to Ohio
No wonder they were caught. They probably gave up willingly from the stench in the cab.

Defense of Marriage Coalition fined $19,811
$19,000? Oooooo that'll teach 'em!

Murder and mayhem, the perfect comedy cocktail
We all need a hobby.

Unocal swallowed by Chevron after Chinese pullout
Wasn't Jeff Stryker in that movie?

Courtney Love Reportedly Fails Drug Test
And that surprises anyone because...? You'd think she'd pass - seems to study enough.



Sunday, August 07, 2005

Inevitable?


Well life here in Perfect has been, ummm, perfect.

Great job, great house, great guy, great summer rental.

I'm afraid however, that it's all just smoke and mirrors. The other shoe is about to drop. The sword of Damacles will fall from it's hair. The fat drag queen is about to sing. The tide is t.... You get the picture.

Can it be that you can be so happy that you are miserable? What if I wake up and it's January and none of it happened?

Or can it be that a certain anniversary is coming up, and I am not ready to handle it? Or is it just that I am terrified that it could happen again?

Monday, August 01, 2005

I hate shark week



Originally uploaded by joeydestino.
I am truly having what is most likely the best summer of my life - so far. I don't even think childhood summers were ever this much fun.

My weeks of course are filled with work. Luckily my work is for the most part enjoyable. And the weekends have been spectacular!

I have spent good quality time with friends almost every weekend. I continue to do things that are a little out of the norm for me. And BF has had a huge hand in that. Our relationship constantly manages to surprise me. I would never have expected to find someone that I did not have to "mother" in some way or another.

That is, until this weekend. He decided he wanted to learn how to surf. Of course he knows I have the hots for surfer boys, so I should have seen it coming. I love the water. I love the shore. I love boats. Hell I even love parasailing. But. I will never, ever, surf. And now that he is taking lessons, my maternal instincts are kicking in. Thoughts of sharks keep running through my head. And trust me on this one. I don't want anyone or anything eating him.

'Cept me of course ;)

Tuesday, July 26, 2005

Miss Novak


6:30AM Saturday I was sitting on the beach watching, reflecting, meditating. Hearing a noise behind me I turned, and there she was.

"Good morning, Miss Novak", I said.

"Good morning, Mr. Cusack", she replied as she sat next to me.

"Here's your cappuccino", I said, handing the take out cup to her.

"How did you know I would be here, darling boy?", she asked.

"A hunch I guess. I just sensed it."

"Well, you always were sensitive, n'est-ce pas? Now tell me all about this new young man of yours", she answered, grinning.

Miss Novak and I go back a long way, and in many ways I feel as if I have known her all my life. We met several years ago on this very spot. But, that was not the first time I had seen her. Actually I had been on the beach late one afternoon when I noticed her, walking with the grace and bearing of someone royal, or, a star. As she came closer I could see that she was older, much older. I would guess early seventies, although her face and skin conceal the true age. She had luxurious blonde hair streaked with white pulled back into a clip at her neck. Her swimsuit was a deep blue, and she wore a chiffon type wrap around her shoulders. Although I could not see her eyes behind the Hollywood starlet sunglasses, I could tell she was magnificently beautiful. One name came to mind, Kim Novak.

The day we met, here I sat, doing what I was doing now, reflecting. She came up behind me then as well. "Would you mind if I sit with you a moment, young man?", she asked in a honey tone reminiscent of bearing. "Not at all, please do.", I had replied, intrigued by this request. We talked for well onto an hour about many things, something we would repeat often over the next several years. I have never truly known her name. I had told her once that she looked like Kim Novak, and when pressed for her actual name, she said "Miss Novak, will do. And I shall call you Mr. Cusack because you remind me of that magnificent young actor." That was fine with me. I've always had a thing for John Cusack, and I have been told I somewhat resemble him.

I've spent many mornings with Miss Novak, and my Tales of Summer would have to include her for them to be truly told. On this morning, I gave her a present. Inside was a new wrap for the beach, hand-embroidered on the back in gold were the words, No Autographs Today Please. After all, a star should not be bothered as she is walking the beach reflecting, or sitting with her Mr. Cusack discussing life.

Tuesday, July 19, 2005

Come Fly With Me


BF is extremely sweet. Not just to me, but to everyone. This is a dangerous thing. No really. You see, that innocence is a trap. Case in point:

Friday evening, sitting outside enjoying another muggy evening, BF asks me if I had any specific plans the next day. I said, "No, not really", without even another thought as to the fact that those three words could have meant my death.

He said, good. And got quiet. I asked why. "I have a surprise planned". All he would tell me was that it was something I had never done on the island before.

I love spontaneity. I honestly do. But. I loathe surprises. I'm sure it goes back to my childhood with some clown showing me his penis at a birthday party, but whatever the reason, I blocked it out (Hmmm, that gives me an idea for my next birthday party!).

He wouldn't say anything else all evening about it no matter how I tried to pry it out of him, even when I threatened him when my teeth were around his - oh that's too much information.

The more I had thought about it, the more I thought that this wouldn't be that much of a surprise. I can't imagine anything I haven't done on this island in the number of years I have been coming here!

So the next morning we hopped in his Jeep (oh I know - he is SO butch), and headed down the boulevard. When he started to turn I was really intrigued, because it looked like we were pulling into a motel, and he parked right next to it.

"Where are we going", I asked. "Right there", he said, pointing at the marina.

This weekend I did something I had never done before (because I was too afraid to try)and I have this wonderful guy who remembered I mentioned it months ago in passing.

I went Parasailing. Oh. My. God. It was AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!

I think I am going to have to keep my eye on this one!

Wednesday, July 13, 2005

I feel dirty


.
It was the first night of my official vacation and I had gotten to the shore early. BF wasn't coming down until the next day.

HSNB was down for the weekend, so it was just the two of us that evening. I showed him some of the cooler spots on the lower end of the island, like the nature reserve, before we stopped off for dinner at the Marlin. I figured he would like the Marlin - it's full of young breeder types looking to get together and hopefully get a little action.

The food was good, and we got into some really deep discussions about when I knew I was gay, when I really was sure. The conversation drifted to high school and college and what it was like for gay men back then. By now, we had been there long enough for the band to start. He eventually found a blond augmented female to dance with, and he kept begging me to come out onto the dance floor with them. I did. While we were dancing he kept bumping into me, grabbing me, rubbing up against me, and all I could think was that he had had too much to drink. So we headed off for the house, without the blond flotation device holder.

The evening progressed with more discussion and wine, as it often does. I noticed during the conversation that he seemed to keep coming back to the topic of my understanding when I was gay. He commented often about how hot I looked with a tan, and if he were gay he would be all over me.

At one point I had gotten up to go to the bathroom, with all intentions of returning and announcing that I was done and headed to bed. By the time I had gotten back, he too had gotten ready for bed it seemed. He was dressed only in his boxer briefs. Of course, I announced I was heading for bed....soon. I was not going to miss the view!

I have to admit all of the talk to that point had confused me, and had me twelve shades of horny. He kept at it too, talking about how he wondered what it was like for two men to have sex, and asking me specific details. The wine and the conversation and the man had done me in. When I finally could take no more, I started in to bed, stopping in the kitchen to get coffee ready for morning.

HSNB said he was getting ready for bed too. He stopped off in the bathroom, and then re-appeared in the kitchen dressed for bed. Apparently he sleeps au naturale. He was leaning against a door and just sort of smiling. I was pointing due north. I grabbed him and pinned him against the door and started to kiss him, hard but tender, my hands roaming all over him.

It was then that I woke up - alone in the house - and realized I had just come the closest to having my first ever wet dream. The first words out of my mouth were..."What the hell was that?"

Monday, July 11, 2005

Back to life, back to reality


Vacation was....frelling incredible. I would say it is good to be back - but I would be lying! There are going to be many many tales coming from this one. But I'm keeping it simple today. The BF made me promise that I would give up the internet for the week last week, or he would cut me off. No, not off the internet, off him.

I only caved once, when I checked email while he was in the shower. I purposely didn't enjoy myself the next time we were in bed as punishment. No, really. Well. Maybe just a little bit.

I did do a lot of writing on the novel last week, but I had to do it manually. The old-fashioned way. So there will be a lot of transcribing to do.

Well enough for today - lots of work to catch up on. Oh and bonus points today if you know where the title of this post came from. More tales tomorrow. I think I will start with my kissing HSNB.

Thursday, June 30, 2005

I get the tingly sensation of a cool breeze


Well I did it again. You know who (I said I would stop talking about him but I can't tell this without it) stopped me as I was about to get into the shower.

He had that look in his eye, and I wasn't sure what he was up to. Ah, something behind his back. The Trimmer! Oh great, another session of lawn care 101. So here's the deal. I can't stand taking the time to do regular shaving let alone trying to knock down a whole forest, so if he wants to do it for me, let him.

I warned him to keep it clinical and professional because I was already running late for work thanks to the morning wakeup he gave me. Let me just say, that if it's a day that ends in Y, he's more than ready. Me, after about 4 times I gotta have a break...for at least a day.

I told him I did have some problems with the aftermath of the trimming, with some itchiness. Before you think what you are thinking, it's not shaving, just trimming. But I still get itch from - oh never mind, you get the idea. So he mentions to me that if I use some conditioner "down there" it will help ease that situation. Now that made total sense to me.

So after the logging crew has completed leveling the forest, I jump in the shower. I wash up, and wash my hair, then I grab the conditioner and spread it generously over the nether regions. Ten seconds later it hit me. The expensive conditioner that my stylist conned me into buying has both peppermint and tea tree oil as ingredients.

Twenty seconds later I was screaming.

He is never touching me again. Okay, he can touch me, but not with anything that cuts.