10 years of blogging

I guess my blog is about 10 years old - that's according to Dan in OKC. Met up with him last week.

So here's what's been going on.

School ended, the following Tuesday I headed to the DFW. Such a good time. I went to see my best friend, invited DaninOKC, and went to a teaching conference. So I had a night to myself where I went to Round Up in Dallas. Had a blast. Good country music.

Next day was the conference at an AMAZING high school - this school had everything - I was so jealous. I had a great time learning new things, networking, and enjoying a change of scenery. Second day of the conference was equally good. Thursday night DaninOKC drove down. As he said, we chatted in my room at the hotel, then headed to dinner. Dan was nice enough to appease me and go back to Cedar Springs for a bar called JR's, which had a great patio. Had a few drinks, then headed back to the hotel. It was great to swap stories about work, hear about his college kids, talk about guys, his gardening, and random chitchat. I'm glad he stayed with me since it was nice to have the company and get some sleep. That was the only night I got sleep while in the DFW. Dan is just a nice guy overall, easygoing, into shoes, clothes, and so it made for a great night.

Dan took off in the early AM and I headed to my best friend's house after hitting the fabric store for an art set for his son's birthday. Went to Joe T Garcia's for lunch and had that everclear margarita. We talked a lot about work and what we are both doing specifically. We went to dinner at Root Burger near North East Mall. His kids were all over me and loved me, which was great. They were such well behaved kids at the restaurants. We went back to the house, put the kids to bed, had 32 oz. fuzzy navels. Good times. Met the family back at 11am and we got ready for lunch. Went to McAlister's sandwiches, his wife had green tea for the first time, then went to put the kids to nap. Watched as my friend finished his patio pavers and chatted. Dinner was chicken enchiladas. Friends of theirs came over for his son's birthday party and we watched an episode of Veggie Tales. It was great to reconnect with my friend and his family. He's one of those we can hang out and its like time hasn't passed.

Had an early AM flight to Vegas. Barely made it. Barely. Stupid rental car shuttle didn't drop me off at terminal E like I expected. Shuttle driver was nice and took me. Made it with about 10 minutes to spare. Had a slight delay in Denver before making it to Vegas. Spent the day with my partner and his coworker. Did dinner wtih all his coworkers in the PM. Monday I went to the mall, walked the strip. We did dinner at Giada's, which was amazing. Tuesday was good - much of same and dinner at Gordon Ramsay's, which was terrible. Terrible food, service, and lying about the drinks being ordered from the bar. Yesterday we did brunch buffet, then outlets, and dinner at Rio poker bar/American bar. Home today. Great start to the summer!!!

Someone that I used to know...

Ever get news about someone you used to know that is really shocking to you? That is what I woke up to this morning. I go online and read the news after I made my way to the living room.

I see a story about a local teacher arrested for child molestation charges on a young boy, and immediately I knew who it was. I guess because it named his school, and I know this male teacher likes younger guys. Maybe it is because I always told this guy to be careful in who he was seeing. I always thought he would know better than to go after someone that young.

This person and I, I have probably blogged about him and his parties for his birthday, but don't recall what name I gave him... Found it... Teacher Friend.

We met years ago on an online site for guys. I was just starting my teaching career and he was well established. He invited me over and we hung out. I went to a couple of his birthday parties and always met people whom I am acquaintances with on facebook to this day. I'm waiting to see if they post anything. We have friends like Foot Fetish in common, and they hang out regularly.

This guy was a well liked teacher and the comments about him on the news sites substantiate this claim. Still, it doesn't excuse his behavior.

I was there for him a few times - the night we were chatting on AIM and he was drunk because he just came out to his mother after his long term boyfriend moved to NY to become an actor. He has supported me as a teacher and let me vent to him as I was first starting out. I enjoyed him since he played devils advocate often, and he was good at separating emotions.

The last time I messaged him was back in May or so when I got a few of his students in my classes and the conversation wasn't anything worth noting.

What he did was completely wrong - I am assuming he did since there is evidence to substantiate it. I feel bad for the kid - maybe the kid consented, but the kid was under 15. This guy should have known better. I have to side with the kid. The kid is underage. The kid I'm sure was going through a lot, exploring sexuality, curious about sex, but probably went about it the wrong way. I feel bad for the kid.

I guess what shocks me more was it was someone I used to know. He was a teacher with over 10 years in the profession. His life will never be the same. He is now going to be a sex offender. He is in jail now and has bail against him. He will likely never be able to be a teacher again. He is almost middle aged and will have to start over if he does. He has lost his pension. Was all of this worth it? Whether it was a short or long term infatuation with this minor, was it worth it?

It shocked me because it hits close to home. I am gay. I basically hide it, especially at the school I am at, with the less than supportive staff I have. I am out to 5 out of 45 people at the school. The 5 people would never tell. I don't tell students unless they were to ask - and so far few have. They think I am straight, which amuses me. I would NEVER EVER consider dating, doing something with a student, or someone younger. For one, I am in a relationship, but even if I were not, I would have wanted ID etc. to confirm the person was above 18. Also, I know that if a student doesn't like a teacher they can say things that can slander them, put them under investigation, and that's something I don't want, and sexuality seems to be one of the easiest targets. I have been targeted by an administrator for me being gay, and it made my life hell. I was worried about my career. Its a fine line you have to walk when you are gay and a teacher...

EDIT: Nearly 24 hours later I'm still in shock. I keep thinking about it. I guess because I thought he knew better. It is someone I knew who seemed like the person to hold everyone to a higher moral standard. I have had all sorts of thoughts like I wonder how he's surviving in prison. What is life for his family and the boy going to be now? What about his students? So many cans of worms.

Winding Down

This month has been tough - I have been super busy at work. I will be the first to admit I work in the ghetto, and I don't use that term lightly because of the stuff I see and hear on a daily basis. There was a guy pushing a cart of scrap metal down the street the other day going with traffic if that gives you an example.

Though I work at an alternative school I have to say the group of kids I have right now are among the smartest/highest performing I have ever taught. I am sad that when we come back in January I won't have them anymore. They all have been so sweet, so willing to learn. They have actually challenged me. We were reading a random poem that was related to our unit a few weeks back, and my goal with using it was simply for comprehension. These kids brought up the diction... who uses those words?!... then the rhyme scheme. I had to take a step back when they mentioned this and quickly think on my feet to handle this.

Our Christmas tree is up. Presents need to be wrapped.

I have had almost no motivation to work on my admin credential this month - I will on Friday - that's my goal. I already had a mess up as I was supposed to go to a meeting on Friday regarding this. Now it will be at least February before I finish the credential since I missed the December meeting. I really didn't mean to. I had known about the meeting for a month. I had it on my calendar - I just switched from Mac to Google Calendars, so I'm thinking the event didn't transfer over. Oh well, I admit that I missed it, and take responsibility. It happens.

I plan to get my name out there once I finish my credential and try to teach a few college classes. I need something to keep me busy now.

I got an award at work the other day, which was pretty cool/surprising. A few people there appreciate me.

Haven't really seen my parents/been to dinner with them in months since I have taken on so many admin duties. I have been meeting my dad for breakfast weekly. I saw my mom last at the Christmas party I blogged about a few weeks back, Thanksgiving, and then maybe around Halloween.

I did go to lunch with my parents/sister on Veterans Day. I remember that. I remember the conversations my ssister had...
- My sister has a photographic memory, which is why she is able to tell me all the streets she takes to get to work... I thought repetition, and simply driving the same way each day would do that for you.
- Aristotle is sexy and her BFF.
- There's no way I'm a good teacher because I use too many red herrings. It is funny she brought that up because my roommate (the other teacher I share a room with) was just teaching about those the day before.
- I rpobably haven't read anything intelligent ever because I can't hold intellectual conversations like she can. Well sis, I don't always engage in conversations like you do where I have to be the know it all.
- I don't read quality literature and science fiction, so I don't have any creativity.

She is a piece of work. She should be a Nobel PRize winner by now or something.

Looking forward to Christmas. It is going to be a new experience since I will be with my partner's family. I am looking forward to a new experience. This will be our first CHristmas we have actually spent together. Usually I arrive the day before or after Christmas to be with him.

A little disappointed we won't make it to NYC this year. It has been a year!!! :(

Keeping up events

Usually I am the friend in contact with everyone - always messaging asking what's up. I did it all through undergrad, graduate, and now my 2nd graduate credential I seem to be slacking.

I am fine with that. My partner is now our social coordinator - not that he wasn't before - I just went with the flow, but he knows the what and is making the plans with all our friends. I'm the person suddenly that takes hours to respond to a text. It is kind of interesting. I appreciate the random texts/hellos I get from friends who notice I am incommunicado.

We've got some good times coming up -
- Last weekend we were in the desert visiting some friends of my partner's
- This past weekend we were in LA and spent the night there for a flight my partner had this morning. Had a nice brunch yesterday.
- We've got something planned nearly every weekend for the forseeable future.

Honestly I am loving the travel, it is just what I need to keep me sane. It provides an escape.

My 10 Year Reunion

My 10Yr HS reunion was this past Saturday.

At first I was hesitant to go - everyone I wanted to see was not attending. It was organized solely via facebook, and all but about 80 kids in my class of 578 were on the facebook group. People kept posting they couldn't come, and even people that were random acquaintances/friends who it would have been nice to see.

I decided to go anyway. I knew the turnout would be low. There were like 50 of us, which seemed pretty good in the facebook age.

When I got there I was able to blend in with Jenn and her friends. We talked a few minutes and then I was forced to go interact with one of the Mike's. He was friendly. We semi hugged, then talked about work. I shared what I was up to, as did he. We talked about our families. We were civil toward each other and continued to be cordial each time we interacted through the night. We are not friends, but we are facebook friends again... lol. I think we both have grown up and menial things don't matter.

Walked around and chatted groups of people I never even interacted with - Britt. N and her friend. A few more like my neighbor, Lindsay and her friend Carrie. Also talked to Addisson a lot - he has changed - lost tons of weight and looked good.

There was dinner and cheap drinks. No one got trashed. There was beer pong, but the cups were filled with water. The 2 girls that put it on did a great job.

Met up with the lesbian and her friends. The lesbian is a girl who was obviously lesbian and wore a suit to prom. She was always very sweet to me, but we connected even more this weekend. We went to the after party at a nearby bar, and my partner came along. She and him were getting along great. My partner didn't want to go with me because we probably didn't have to much to say given we have only been out of school 10 years, he decided most of my high school friends were white trash, and he never went to his reunion, so didn't want to go to mine.

Some random observations - based on the cars in the parking lot I had one of the nicest there. Everyone smokes... Will, Addisson, Spencer, Lindsay, and lots more. Maybe its just social... who knows. Outside of Will I am one of the more successful people there. He is probably making upward of 6 figures doing engineering for a major SoCal company. I have much more credentials than the teacher friends I have around here, and have a more established career. Its crazy how even people we didn't interact with we can still be civil with. What a difference 10 years makes...

Losing a best friend

Losing The Guy's friendship - if that's what has happened - has left me wondering and feeling empty when it comes to friends.

Some people have many best friends. I have a few, and I try to keep them close. My 4 best friends are my friend the pilot, but I can't talk about things like sexuality with him. Career, yes, family, yes. I can share just about anything with Sissy, but there's 2 things I don't feel comfortable talking with her about - money and my partner - I don't have negative things to say about my partner, but she knows him well too, and likes him, and I feel like I can't say a lot because of that. I know all about her marital problems, and money issues, but it feels weird for me to share with her. Gonzo is another I can share just about anything with, however, I don't feel like she has real advice to give me sometimes, like with teaching, or life experiences because she hasn't been there.

The Guy was someone I could share everything with - about family, friends, work, school, career, life, you name it. I don't have that anymore, and I miss it. We hadn't really seen each other since my schedule switched to mornings. It was always hit and miss, and he didn't seem to be willing to meet up for breakfast, when I suggested. Was our friendship gone then? We had worked for about 4-5 months to get together, then when I said some things, maybe that severed it completely. We did chat a few times, and had good conversations prior to me saying those things. I just still ponder - was it that final thing I said? Was it my persistence? He was the one who always said he appreciated it because otherwise he wouldn't get out and see people. I appreciated his friendship, and always tried to reciprocate.

I just feel like I'm lacking a best friend - some people say their partner is - and I certainly consider my partner my best friend, but it is hard I guess.

The Guy unfriended me on facebook

I don't know what to say.

I was just thinking I hadn't seen posts from him for a while, so went to his page, and it said "add friend."

Wow.

My partner was deleted too. I'm still friends with The Guy's partner on facebook...

Your inner person

Ever have a friend say your inner black person or inner Mexican is coming out?

When I'm mad, my inner black woman, Shaquana comes out. When I'm around my sissy (former coworker), my inner black person comes out, and I'm La'Fred, her gay BFF.

Most of the time my inner Mexican comes out, and I'm drinking my margaritas, cervezas, eating and cooking my Mexican food. I'm your esexy Pablo or whatever Spanish name comes to mind. I speak some good Spanish and can hispanicize what I say. I can bring on that sexy "e" before "s," as in I would like "un eSprite." And you can't forget that sexy latino color.

I swear I was Mexican in a past life.

NYC NYE 2015

Home from 2 weeks in/near the Big Apple... A look at the higlights

The First Few Days...
- Great business class flight to NJ with plenty of drinks and pleasant flight attendants
- Watched 2 shows - Jersey Boys and Saving Mr. Banks

- Off to Jersey City to shop and spend time with our friends A&E
- Hit up the outlets at Jersey Gardens
- Spent time with BF's parents going shopping, getting mom a new phone, ate out at lots of good restaurants
- Drove around the hometown

Brooklyn Bound...
- Met our friend, L, at EWR for us to return our car
- We drove through the city and to Brooklyn to our new hotel
- Ventured down to Mike's other friend, K, who lived in the city last year
- Ate out with her a few times

- NYE we did a bunch of shopping to the tune of $300 for our appetizer, lasagna, and drinks NYE celebration
- Enjoyed the house she is staying at
- Spent time talking with friends and mingling during the NYE celebration
- Went to the roof for a very Brooklyn NYE
- Ventured into a mostly closed New Years Day Williamsburg
- Went to the movies to see "Into the Woods" and saw Big Boo from OITNB
- Dinner at a nice restaurant

Manhattan... 
- Went to new hotel
- Ventured uptown to shop and explore Hells Kitchen
- In and out of bars for drinks
- Saw "Motown: The Musical" - Great music and songs - hated that they only played snippets of the songs
- Saw Wall St., Theo Roosevelt birth house, A Coop Firehouse, across from that where Poe wrote "Cask of Amontillado"
- Shopped MOMA, many of our favorites in or around Union Square
- Said goodbye to L

- Had the most amazing Indian food
- Met up with friends we met on our Alaska cruise last July in NYC who are from my BF's hometown
- Got my NYC snow... for like an hour... then it turned into rain... it was cold enough to snow, though.
- Deeply disappointed we left the day before the snow arrived

Nearly a month

I've been meaning to blog, but I've been so busy. Here's the rundown:

- Thanksgiving was good. Mike brought spiked cider to my cousin's. My uncle is very anti-drinking, so that was his way of getting some in. Just so happens my cousin had a friend there who was opening up bottles of wine. The wine hardly got drank, so Mike had to polish it off at the end. I didn't really hang out with my parents at Thanksgiving. My mom could hardly walk, so she was pretty stationary in one of the chairs. I did go and talk a little bit to her. Felt kind of bad.

- Spent some time in the hospital - only an evening - esophagus constriction - glad that's over

- My mom's hip replacement didn't go so well she found out - she's been in excruciating pain for over a month. Turns out the hip wasn't cemented into the joint properly. She has an appointment later this week to find out what, if anything, they can do to fix it.

- Last week of work. So excited. Lots of grading. Lots of teaching. Lots of high kids.

- New admin, both principal and VP. Lots of feeling everything out.

- Spent the weekend, Saturday, with J&B, exploring Newport Beach. We don't need to go back. We ran into a bunch of Santas doing the Santa Pub Crawl. We started off with lunch at a seafood place. Good to catch up.

- Went off to the Christmas party for my old school - the party for my new school was at the same time, but I didn't want to go to that one as much. EXCELLENT time catching up with old friends. Apparently there was some apple pie cider spiked with moonshine that got me talking. I apparently knew everyone.

- Yesterday morning we had brunch, everyone was probably hungover from the night before... good to have my coworkers over. Love them. So glad Mike helped and did all the cooking and buying. I cleaned.

- SOOOO excited for this weekend. Going up the coast, then spending some time with Mike's cousin and hopefully aunt. They're both really fun to be around.

- Christmas should be a blast.

- NY is so near. Cannot wait. So many people to see, things to do, and places to go. My list is mainly eating places - a couple of restaurants and bars. I am so sad Mike's friend is no longer in the West Village. I loved it there. She's now in Brooklyn. I feel like that's so Miranda from Sex and the City, and what happens in Brooklyn? Want to go to some of the popup shops. Want to visit my favorite shops - Century 21, ABC Home, Fishs Eddy, and a couple more. NYE is gonna be a big dinner with a bunch of friends, cooking, and celebrating.

Such a busy few weeks

Such a busy few weeks.
Let's break it down.

15 hour days suck. Up by 7:30, head to gym, run errands, do things around the house. Work and then to visit my mom who is in the hospital. She's been in hospital for past week with her 2nd hip replacement. She isn't making a great recovery - this was much more invasive the 2nd time around. She's in a rehab center right now. Arrive home about 10:30 each night.

I did get to see Cole Swindell, Luke Bryan, and Lee Brice in concert. Lee Brice pleasantly surprised me. I loved those pants Luke Bryan had that showed everything. I could see his red waistband to his underwear at many points, which was totally hot. Went with our favorite bartender.


Sold my iPad. Decided I never use it. Didn't get much.

Had my formal observation nat work today. Think it went well.

Spent the weekend out in Palm Desert which was nice.

Was about to buy some personal training sessions at the gym, but they require you to sign up for a year at $45 a session. I negotiated it down to $30, but then they wanted to add a $200 initiation fee, and well, screw them. I wanted some motivation to lose a few pounds and tone my chest. Maybe get back into my 29s. I had been making pretty good progress.

You know what bothers me about jeans? I am wearing Levis 559s right now. I liked the 514s, but they started making them differently or something, or maybe my package got bigger. I hate jeans that squeeze my package, and I felt that's what they were doing.

Hopng for tons of rain. Soon. Hopefully.

No plans for Halloween. Will dress up at the house.

In honor of National Bullying Month

Thought I would talk about the times I was bullied or made fun of, that stand out vividly in my mind.

Shoes

Steven D made fun of me back in probably 2nd or 3rd grade. We were in AWANA at church, a program where you learn Bible verses and play games. One Thursday night something had had happened- I think one of my tennis shoes was splitting, so I couldn't play games at AWANA if I were to wear the shoes I had on. I was at my grandma's house at the time. My dad went to Stater Brothers because they sold shoes at the time, and bought me a pair of women's canvas shoes with laces like my grandma wore. I wore them with slight embarrassment. It was a few weeks before my parents bought me new shoes- money was tight. Anyways,I went to AWANA one night, and Steven made fun of me, and that stuck for several weeks when he would ask me why I wore cheap shoes, why I wore granny shoes. He called me granny from then on- a good 2 or so years until he moved away. 

4-6th grades

Brad and Brad made fun of me for not wearing Billabong or Quicksilver back in about 4-5th grades. My mom's philosophy was she shouldn't pay to advertise the names of companies on her shirt. I could never bring myself to tell my mom that I didn't have any cool clothes and was made fun of. Instead I remember that one night we were at a thrift store for whatever reason, and I saw a green Billabong shirt that looked in relatively good condition. My mom said how ugly it was because of the logos on it, and refused to buy it. She relented after my nagging, and invested a grand total of 50 cents in the shirt. I wore it to school excitedly only to be made fun of by Brian B because it looked like it was bought at a thrift store. I was so crushed at my attempt to try to be cool and fit in. I denied it was and said that I just hand't worn it in a really long time. 

4th grade

We would line up along the portable, our classroom, which was located on the field after recess. Tommy F would always ask me if I was gay. I didn't know what the word meant at the time, and would say yes. My friends Jamey and Daniel told me to say otherwise, and when I would, I would get laughed at. I learned in 6th grade being gay meant liking guys, and I did, but by then that had been forgotten. This went on day after day- 2 or 3 times a day sometimes!

BMS

I had a lunch pail that had the initials BMS on it in 4th grade when I remembered to bring my lunch and didn't have to eat in the cafeteria. It was the initials of an education company or something my mom bought stuff from. Anyways, we would put our lunch pails at the gate of the field after lunch during recess. Brad (mentioned above), Shay, and John would make fun saying that it stands for "Break Mike's Shit," so of course my lunch pail was kicked around and hid from me EVERY FRICKIN' DAY. 

Stephanie Y and Amy L would often join in on the bullying. I still dislike both of them. 

Anyone who didn't have a BMX bike was made fun of- Brad K and Shay both had one.

I wasn't bullied in 6th grade really as Shay, Stephanie Y, Amy L, and  Brad K were in different classes. They were in the room next door with Mr. O, but I rarely saw them. 

7th Grade

Shay ended up in my CORE class- language arts and social science class. I remember Shay tried to make fun of me when I sprained my ankle about how I wasn't cool, told the kids how he made fun of me in middle school. I loved my teacher, Mrs. H, and told her that Shay used to make fun of me. She moved his seat and I guess spoke with him- he never made a comment again. 

There was also all the times I was made fun of for my name.

... And for my voice. I don't know how to describe my voice - a mix of nasally, southern, twang, with some Indiana and New York thrown in. People used to ask me when I was younger if I was from New York. I'm not. I don't say "cawfee," and words to that like. It is nasally due to all my sinus issues. And I am always mistook for ma'am on the phone. I'm not southern. I'm not a woman. Don't call me ma'am. I guess the southern comes about because of the nasal issues. I sound a lot like my dad and uncle, though. My uncle somehow has a boom to his voice that I don't have.

This was hard to write... it brought back so many memories. One thing that all of these events have done is caused me to be a little more shy, not fight, not speak up. These events caused me to go from a fun loving kid, to a kid with many things to hide, a lot of shame. These things made me not want to participate in church functions or school functions. I remember not participating in things in school like chorus because all the kids I mentioned above were in it. And who wouldn't want to get out of science class?!

So speak up. Be an advocate for those who are bullied - that's something I try daily. And I speak. I use my godawful voice, and you can't shut me up. 

Being at one

My partner in crime has been gone since Sunday. I miss him. It's not unusual for him to be gone several days in a row for business, so that's not the issue. I'm usually perfectly fine with it. I go to the gym, clean, cook, try new dishes, visit family. The past 2 days I've felt a strange sense of aloneness. I have been coping pretty well and just trying to be in the moment, and enjoy the company of myself... but sometimes it would be nice to hear from a random friend.

3s the charm

Finally met up with our friends J and B. We haven't seen them since November or so. Lots got in the way. The first time B had been sick, the second time something else happened, and the 3rd time was 2 weekends ago when Mike was in bed sick all weekend with some stomach virus. It almost became a 3rd time we had to reschedule when J's grandma died Thursday. She was 101.

We chatted last weekend and bought groupon tickets to an Angels game.

Met up at their house about 4pm yesterday. Showed off Mike's new car. Mike got a new Chevy Volt. It is the coolest thing. Seriously. We drove to the game in it, and parked at the brewery right by the stadium. We had a couple beers, then meandered to the stadiuM. I sat next to B about half of the game, talking about work and other random stuff. Then we got up halfway through the game and found new seats where we could better see the fireworks. J and I sat spotting cute guys and determining whether they were straight or not. Angels won. Fireworks after the show were awesome. As we were walking back to the car we found a baby kitten that we were trying to rescue - he was nowhere near his mommy and seemed all alone. Scared little thing, though. So we were off to Yogurtland for some treats.

Good night overall... glad we got to get together

Other happenings- we put one of our cats down this week. He had kidney disease, which basically there's no recovery from unless she was going to have constant injections and something equivalent to dialysis.

Had breakfast with my dad this week now that I work nights.

Hung out with E from my old school, and her husband, Mike. We went to a brewery on Friday night, which was really good. They had a food truck too,w which was so-so. Asian fusion.

Our patio is done. We have had a patio cover put in that is about a quarter the size of the house - it is half enclosed and half open. Been buying stuff for it. We are out on the patio right now enjoying it.

Ringing in the New Year - NYC for NYE

Christmas was pretty good - Christmas Eve I ran errands, cleaned up around the place, then headed to my parents. We had steak and opened gifts. It was tasty. Got most everything I asked for from my parents like slippers and a few pairs of shoes. There were a few weird gifts like my mom always buys, and it is like why? I got a car blanket for my trunk, a horrid looking pocket watch with some hunting scene on it... wtf am I 70? Who uses pocket watches? Socks that don't fit.

Christmas Day was spent making some spinach dip, then going to my aunt's house. Great fun hanging with the family. I wanted one of those little flying helicopters like they have in the malls etc. that you can buy, and had my hands on that during the gift exchange/stealing game thing, and it was stolen by my aunt. I had my hands on an Atari game set, which was also stolen, then ended up with a color changing shower head that apparently won't fit any of my shower heads.

Day after I jetted off in first class to NYC. Matt Damon was on my flight with his familia. He is HAWT.

Spent the next day with Mike's family. We went out shopping with his mom. The following day was pretty much like that, we also met his cousin who lived in the area devastated by Sandy.

Made our way to the city the following day to hang with his friend K, O and P. We went to dinner at several small plate places in the west village. Browsed real estate too in the area. Found a place for $299 that was probably really scary, or had some insane HOA. Found a cute $459k place on 25th that was also vetoed. Enjoyed our Times Square hotel btw.

Went to the transit museum, and shopped our favorite NYC stores. Best store ever is Lord & Taylor. LOVE THAT STORE. Great shoes, clothes, etc. Uniqlo was insane. Too crowded to buy anything.

Met up with my friend D who just got back from Albania and is teaching in the Bronx. Mike didn't really like him. hahaha. He was a bit obnoxious he thought. That's his personality. Haha.

NYE was spent shopping at the stores mentioned above, then we had our own party up in our hotel looking down onto the stage. Melissa Ethridge took the stage about 6, then there were a few performances every now and then. I thought the entertainment would be constant. Could not fathom standing on the street for hours and not being entertained continuously. We watched simultaneously down below, could open our window and hear it, then watched on TV. Went down to dinner about 10:30 at a Thai restaurant, were back up in our room to see the ball drop and make out session, before heading down on the street to see the aftermath. It clears out fast. The amount of trash and pizza boxes and confetti is amazing.

Up at 8 the next morning for brunch with K, O, and P. Mike made eggs, potatoes, and a few other goodies. Lots of champagne too. We left K to nap while we made our way to Union Square for Nordstrom Rack. Found nothing. Headed up 5th Avenue to the flatiron district for our favorite stores. Met K a few hours later for a shopping adventure. Thought about DaninOKC as we found some really cool stores. Our favorite we had been to before was Fishs Eddy, found some awesome plates and gifts. Then we found a few new stores that are new favorites - ABC Home. Dan, that's a store I think you would really enjoy that is a mix of furniture, design, and more. Walked all over town up to nearly 23rd and then down to West Village again where we found cute places for dinner. Went into the hidden Speakeasy Employees Only. AMAZING MANHATTAN. Love me my Manhattan. Said goodbye later to K, which was sad.

The next day was spent traveling home - made it out before the blizzard. It was a feel like 12 degrees, but really 22 when we left. I loved the cold weather. I loved the calm. I loved being all bundled up. Rode home in first class. Only way to go.

Yesterday was my cousin's wedding, and it was so amazing. I nearly lost it. She was so beautiful. Had an awesome Oscar De La Renta dress. Had such a fun time with family too.

Craziest story. I kept seeing a girl at the wedding and kept turning around to look at her. Stalkerish, well, I knew her. I kept trying after the wedding to talk to her, but she disappeared. I finally asked my cousin's now husband if the girl was, and the name of my student. He said he had no idea. I finally saw her again, and approached her, and found out there's a weird family relation - very distant. My cousin's now husband's sister's husband's sister is my student. What would that make her? LOL. I think she was as surprised as I was. She's a good girl. She's got like a 98% in my class. Always challenges everything that I say in a good way - a discussion type of way - she's very vocal. What are the chances of this meeting? So weird. My cousin married into this Mexican family, and my school is in an all Mexican area. 92% hispanic. Her husband went to my school when he was in middle school. My cousin does live in the area I work, so I guess there's always that chance.

Partying it up

Spent the better part of the month partying when I wasn't working.

Well, when I was working I was dealing with a bunch of crazy stuff. I had the Dept. of Corrections test this past weekend to be a corrections officer.

Also signed up to teach in the prisons.

And applying at local colleges.

My cousin's wedding shower was last weekend too. It was great seeing all the family. Great food, and some bonding time with my cousins who live nearby. Mike and I are making plans to get together with them.

The weekend before we did a massive housecleaning for all my teacher friends to come over. It was only going to be just English teachers, but ended up inviting a few others. Wish I had invited M and B. Next time. We had such a blast. Started off the night with a cheese plate, jalapeño poppers, then had chili, bread, and all sorts of cookies for desserts. Wine and cheese was wonderful. Had such a blast.

Going to a drag Christmas party at The Guy's tomorrow. Trying to plan a weekend trip with him and Rob.

Going to the work Christmas party too tomorrow.

We went to happy hour yesterday after work to celebrate the kids being gone - today was a teacher work day. OMG. So fun. M and I sang Christmas carols. My sissy was there too- first happy hour she went to this year. We celebrated our favorite lesbian getting engaged. Everyone thinks it is beyond time for Mike and I to tie the knot, and they all want to have a party for us.

We had our first pep rally at school this past week. Was soooo fun. I was in 2 scenes - teachers performed to Beyonce's Single Ladies and Can't Touch This with B. B is my favorite guy. He seriously is so fun. He's a former police guy, great rapport with the kids, big supporter of me and my sexuality (his dad is gay).

That's what's going on in my world. What's going on in yours?

My thoughts and likes and recent travels

Need to get back into the blogging habit. I find it so therapeutic.

2 weeks ago we spent a great weekend in San Clemente, which is a newfound love. Great food and Fun people. Spent about 4 hours in a bar with a sassy latina bartender. Viva Columbia. Good wine too.

Last weekend we hung out with J&B at a fish restaurant we like. Caught up on family and happenings in our lives. Fun times. Went to a brewery attached to a pizza place after.

Spent this past week in NY - my first Thaksgiving away from my family. I missed seeing them since I haven't seen the majority of them since Easter, but it was good. Here's how the week unfolded:
- Spent Sunday night in LAX hotel with crunchy sheets. Got no sleep.
- Monday morning we had a nice 1st class flight to ORD and then onto Philly. Took forever to deice plane. Wanted to go see Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, as well as Poe's house, but didn't get the chance. Went to Atlantic City instead where I wasn't paying attention and was making $10 bets on video blackjack, and made over $100. Yay.
- Tuesday we visited Mike's family. Went to dinner with his parents at a Chinese restaurant where I had the most amazing grand mariner shrimp.
- Wednesday we went to NYC where we hung out with K, Mike's friend from Kindergarten on. We checked out her new studio apt and then went bar hopping in her neighborhood. We happened upon the most amazing restaurant there with shoestring fries and fish and good mashed potatoes. We will go there again. Also went to the Stonewall Bar where we found some really friendly people. Also met a hairstylist who was giving everyone pointers. Good times. Went and saw the balloons too. Stayed at Hilton in Fashion District.
- Thursday we got up about 7:15 and dressed. We got dressed and met up with K again. Drove uptown to a parking garage to go to our caviar restaurant/benedict restaurant. After, we went and watched the parade. Saw the pikachu, doughboy, and buzz lightyear balloons before heading out. So fun. Drove to Jersey and chatted with Mike's bros and parents as Thanksgiving dinner was being prepared. Did a little browsing online too. Watched TV and the games on.
- Friday we were up early. We were upgraded to 1st class again for our jaunt to LA.
- Weather throughout the trip was nice - cold, windy, and in the 30s. Wish it were a little colder. Snow would be nice too.

We are going back to NY next month, and I can't wait.

Christmas season is here. I have a strange obsession recently with my last name - those of you who know understand - it is unique, and well, I'm on a search for anything related to my last name. Have come across some good knick knacks for my classroom and for Christmas related to it.

My other big Christmas wants this year include a massage, pedicure, any Vans casuals shoes size 12, a small brown leather jacket that is collarless, a pair of any color of Nike Airs in size 13.

I'm thinking I want to propose to my man near the end of this year.

Work has been ok - we will talk about that later.

Anyone tried vaping? That seems to be the new thing, and well, for shits and giggles I tried it. It's so so.

My parents have 2 new dogs. 1 of them got lost and they got a replacement. Both are interesting. Both are house dogs now, but need to go out.

So much has been going on

School started... weeks ago. I'm teaching English this year. Never taught it. It has been a rollercoaster of emotions as my heart really isn't in it, but I'm coming around to accept the fact. I know why the principal moved me there - I am a dominant personality who sticks up for what I believe, and I don't take BS basically is what it boils down to... that and we lost 300 students due to new district boundaries and new schools.

New principal, new coworkers, new things to learn, tons of new planning and grading, tons of lesson plan writing. Ick. It makes me sick. I have not been sleeping. In 3 weeks I have only slept 2 nights, all night. Last night I fell asleep around 3am and was up at 6. The night before I slept all night. I woke up 5-6 times on Friday night.

Lots of drama at work discussing our first unit. I have a masters in curriculum - I am an expert with backward planning, and assignments building upon one another. Don't challenge me when it comes to that. I will stand up. I will be a bitch. I will tell you that you are wrong. I will challenge your idea and tell you why. I know I have never taught English, but I know when something is so clearly wrong and should not be taught. I understood her purpose, but it was completely inappropriate how she was choosing to do this unit. The reason I fought it is we are supposed to have common lesson plans etc., so if I weren't doing the same story than her there were going to be issues. I sure as hell was not going to do that. And I called many people who agreed with me. Oh, and in the end I get my way. But long week.

Family is fine. Sister still has no job. Lives at home. Graduated with a masters she finally decided to go back and get. Dad's retired. Mom is happy at work.

As far as my relationship goes with Mike. We had a rough patch about a month ago. I was looking at an inappropriate site and there were some hurt feelings/things we had to talk about. We are back on track and as happy as ever.

On a new anxiety med. Zoloft. It is not new for me. I had it. I didn't like it because all I did was gain weight. Prozac did nothing. Need to lose 10 pounds.

Friends... haven't seen a lot of them lately. Talked to The Guy and he is doing ok. His bf's grandma has had health issues, so plans with him are up in the air. Gonzo is constantly sick - comes with being preggers.

Been traveling a lot on the weekends - just random trips around the area, but it has been fun. Spent last weekend at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery picnicking and watching a movie with my man. Spent a night in a hotel after...

Few weekend trips coming up that I am thrilled for, and are keeping me energized and giving me things to look forward to during the week.

Eating a new breakfast. I cannot do another year of toast and peanut butter, or toast and jelly. I need a break from that. I'm into breakfast smoothies now with banana, blueberries, strawberries, or some type of berry, almond milk, nonfat yogurt, and a dash of vanilla or stevia. I'm still perfecting the perfect recipe, but it is keeping me full until lunch and I'm not having to get a snack in between. It's pretty healthy, so that's a good deal.

So yeah, need to lose 10 pounds. I love me my wine. The only sugars I'm eating are from the fruits in the morning from the shake. Lunch is a pasta dish, chicken dish, or some dish. Dinner is what Mike cooks.

The Ring

Here it is. I tried posting it last time and guess it didn't work out. And we have matching ones.

In other news, hung out with The Guy and his partner the other day. He talked about how we need to at least have something to commemorate our domestic partnership as it is a way to affirm it in front of friends. I'm going to bring it up to my guy as I think it would be fun, but he's very low key. Maybe a neutral point? We were trying to think of our friends...

The Guy and Rob
Jack Off Buddy and his guy
J & B
Mike's coworker
Gonzo
Darla
Mike's cousin and aunt?
My cousin(s)/aunt/uncle - 1 to 6 of them
Parents?
My sissy from work

We had a nice dinner The Guy and I ran to Trader Joes to make. Chatted about everything and anything with him and his man.

Also hung out with my cousin that I'm closest with and another more distant cousin, Marquel, whom I've never mentioned before. He's like 3 years younger and we never really chatted until the past couple of years. He was so interesting. He said he knew I was gay all along, we chatted about that, he asked what it was like, what it was like not being attracted to girls, whether I found girls hot at all, and he's just one of those really interested people who tries to hear everyone's opinions and thoughts. Sex came up. He recently had his first time with his girlfriend. He thinks I'm one of those been there, done that types. Talked about family, friends, and school. Lots more too.

Quick Update

Super busy week... bullets to summarize

- Layoff rescinded
- Had 4 interviews over the past 2 weeks for schools I want to be at next year
- Had a tough few weeks with my dad
- Getting ready to be outfitted with a holter monitor for 3 days due to my fast pulse
- Kids are loco at work and it is driving me crazy
- Miss my sissy at work - we have been getting together when we can since she is still an integral part of my everyday
- Spent 8 hours last weekend shopping with sissy at the outlet mall, then we went to El Torito
- Went to Palm Springs and Laguna this past weekend