Yes all women

It's a little disheartening to think that any man can claim to know just what it's like to be a woman. To tell them to suck it up. To be more accepting of advances as they are really just compliments no matter how grotesque the pick up line might be. To assume that we have any measure by which to judge their experiences. We are very different sexes. In theory equality would be a fantastic ideal to achieve. In reality men will always be given a pass. Rarely are we judged on our sexual actions, rarely do we fear walking home in the dark, rarely do we have to suffer cat calls and beratements based on our attire. Men as a whole sex have no idea what a girl goes through on a daily basis. No matter what small inconvenience we may have suffered once. It is not something we have to live with everyday. We can’t wrap our heads around it, because it is not our reality. So we stay silent because we don’t know what to say. Some men will sympathize, but no man can empathize. It would seem the only time men have something to say is when it comes to defending their honor. Because we are all honorable aren’t we. When women make broad sweeping statements about all men being some way. We react in hostility saying #NotallMen. Even if you are blameless in your life for helping firmly establish misogyny. You are still reaping the benefits of that birthright you acquired between your legs. We as a sex have taken everything from women. Their right to choose their own medical plans, their right to walk without fear,the right to an opinion that goes against the commonly held beliefs, their last names, their trust and worst of all their faith in an equal society. Not only have men taken these things, they react in the most redundant way. Blaming either a period or assuming she’s just crazy. Because all women are crazy… Right!

If I had to walk in the shoes of a woman for a day I’d be insane too. A full attire for a man down to his underwear could cost less than 70 bucks 150 if you are dressing nice. For a girl double if not triple that. If I couldn’t leave the house without fear of being analyzed by every person I pass girl or guy based on how I looked I would be a little freaked out to leave my house. Just to meet standards given by an industry run by men. If I had to suffer strangers pushing through my personal bubble just to talk to me because they KNOW I must be so interesting only to win a number and high five some friends. A number I probably gave you so you would get the fuck away from me and I could go back to talking to my friends reminding myself to block or not answer any unknown numbers or people I saved in my phone as creepy guy 15. YES! 15 I have seen it in my friend’s phones. Not all Men are the problem, but you can be damn sure men are what keeps the inequality alive and well. I have had friends who were raped, sexually abused, and sexually taken advantage of even in relationships. Not a few. More than that. This entitlement that men feel they have to always get what they want is despicable. I have walked in those shoes before. I have wondered how could this woman not like me? I'm such a nice guy and other excuses for plain bad chemistry or even good chemistry. Where I am in total disbelief that she can’t see our friendship as more. Even if all she really wanted was a guy who saw her as a friend and not a sexual object. Seeing her with guys I assumed were douche bags. Why are they douche bags? She’s not with me and I want her. That’s why. Why would I think these things? Why wouldn’t I wait and see if who I am matters more, than what I want. It took me years to realize that I don't deserve any woman. They are not things to have or acquire like some sort of new toy. They are human beings pure and simple. They should be treated with the same respect given anyone.

I work part time as a bouncer and I can tell you the greatest difference between men and woman at the bar is how they enter. What are they looking for. While some girls desires may be sexual they are generally looking to be social, dance, experience life a bit with friends. Maybe even find a little romance. For men they come in as a predator right off the bat. Looking to satisfy an insatiable lust that needs something to devour. Even if they don’t come to the bars for that reason, the pressure to not leave alone compiles and by the end of the night you are making a drunken fool of yourself just to get a girls attention. Just remember to blame the alcohol. Nightly I hear as I check ID’s, “So are there any hot girls here tonight.” With everyone’s standards of beauty so very different how am I to know what you are looking for. Even if they don’t ask me up front I will still see them walk in, look around, and then leave saying there aren’t any girls here. Not people they know, but strangers to prey. They come to get something and no matter how many times they strike out, they will fight on to find what they want. Men are the Mormons of the sexes. Knock on a enough doors and someone is bound to say yes.

Most of the girls that I see go home with random Joes do so out of sheer unwillingness to fight to stay or leave alone. It has become easier to accept a reality of misogyny than to fight back against it for fear of the tide of remarks that follow. Deny a man at the bar, you’re a bitch or a lesbian. Sometimes said to your face in an anger undeserved of a casual refusal. Other times said with in earshot so they can hear and know the mistake they made by not accepting this gentleman. I used air quotes when I said gentlemen. The problem will always be put at the feet of the woman. I actually had one girl tell me she gives guys a blow job just so they leave her house. Why does this work, how can we claim to be men if we don’t act like human beings. It’s not like girls don’t have a choice. Girls could get laid any night if they wanted to. Fact! Men are so driven to acquire that it’s far too easy to get a yes. Girls say no because they have been shamed into believing that if they allow their sexuality to show they will be called sluts by both sexes. Even the terminology is screwed up. Men who fuck around are players. All these arguments have been made time and time again. If I tell you a girl is a slut you would look at her differently, even if you don’t know her. If I told you a guy is a player even as a warning. There’s a cultural norm to almost praise him for his conquests.

Look through the comments of any girls photos on facebook and witness them broken down into pieces of flesh. Cuts of meat with dollar signs attached to distinguish value. How can you fight against such a horrible reality, but to give in and assume this is the norm. That peer pressure and undaunted repetition will ultimately yield results. Knowing if it doesn’t, you will branded as a prude. It sickens me to see the anonymous nature of the internet breed more masaugeny. With demeaning language thrown about to contort a woman into believing she is less than human, because she doesn’t meet an impossible standard. To sit in judgement of a woman for having not put on makeup for a trip to the grocery store. When Men are required to do nothing in prep for any event. No you can’t say shave considering a girl has to shave half their body weekly. Heaven forbid a woman leaves the house without her mask. That’s really what it becomes though. A mask that all womankind must wear. Not because it is a choice they have been given, no it is requirement of society. Wear your makeup, and 4 layers of clothing on a hot summer day. to ward off the eyes of the unknown. So you don’t make it on some internet trolling site that snaps photo’s of girls to compare. Without permission or consent. I have played the gentleman role, protector role, and guardian to girls just trying to make it home safe. I have been there to hold my friend hands in fear. Hugged those taken advantage of.Through all this I will never know… truly know what it is like to be a girl. To be an object, not a person. Sadly, they will never know true peace. For a life lived in fear of the nonintellectual response by a group of unenlightened people is the assumed normal our society has to offer. I do not hate men, I hate what we have established and perpetuate.

It started with a kiss.

I'm back bitches. For a while there I was posting somewhere else because my audience was getting to close.  Still back to this one, I'll leave that other side for my rants. I have done some amazing things since last we talked interwebs. I have 3 book deals in the works, As of a few days ago I am an extra in a movie. Which is a first for me. Most importantly, I stopped chasing the girl that was driving me crazy. She was in so many words... kinda insane. So there I was alone again for New Years. It would seem Holidays and I rarely get along. No one was even in Manhattan for New years. Luckily, My friend Bri came out so i actually had someone to hang out with. It was snowing and cold as balls. Midnight struck and Bri kisses her boyfriend and I am left staring up at the lasers hitting snow and illuminating all of it making it look like glitter falling everywhere. i turned and said who is giving me a New Years kiss. Three guys took off assuming I meant them. Said goodbye to Bri. She doesn't do well in the cold. 

Walked to a bar where a gay friend of mine was figured if nothing else I could get a New Years kiss from him. I did lol. Walked outside for a smoke and a girl that used to work at the Plasma center was walking towards me. I yelled PLASMA GIRL. She said Hi and I asked her what brought her to this corner of the ville. She said she was coming to see the same friend I was hanging out with. What a crazy random happenstance I mentioned. That's who I'm here with. Then I asked if she had gotten her New Years kiss yet? She said she had never gotten a New Years kiss. So I just leaned in a kissed her. We all went from bar to bar after that and parted ways for the night. Later the next day I messaged her on facebook letting her know I didn't mean to steal a kiss and if she wanted too I would love to take her out for a legit date. Promising that my facebook photos were kinda lying in how crazy they made me seem. Well they are kinda true. Still she said yes. Keep in mind I entered into this under a safe assumption she would say no. So you can imagine my surprise when she said yes. To clarify I said date. I had found not calling things dates in the past rarely worked out in my favor. So we scheduled it for Monday as she has an intensely hectic schedule. She felt ill on Monday so we rescheduled for Wednesday. Even though I had to wake up at 5 the next morning. I was going to power through. It had been a while since I had been on a legit date. So we met up for coffee around 7:30. Talked till they closed down and moved it to a local bar. Then on to Mae's and almost closed them down. 

I walked her to her car and said our goodbyes. I didn't know how the form went for kissing; as we had already done that so I just reset the date meter and gave her a lingering hug. Which was matched in return. She told me we had to go see Les Miserable the following week. So yeah she scheduled the next date. A girl that's actually into me and I don't have to chase like it's the end of the world. I guess it just shows what happens when you stop looking and just let life happen. Did I mention she has a smile that lights up a room. Really hoping this one pans out as she is so far fantastic. 

What do you call a man with two red legs?

Fucking Stupid! That's what. Legs soooo sunburned... So After a week of interesting highs and lows. Met a different girl whom seems pretty cool as well. Actually, has my same sleep schedule. I'll leave that there for now because honestly, I have no idea if anything will ever come from that fantastic night. I learned that if you put chocolate chips in mountain dew they have a lava lamp thing happen. Also that if you go Kayaking for 5 hours sun screen isn't a good idea, its a pre-essential. I am going to have the weirdest tan line ever. We're talking farmers tan time 10. Really awkward. If I do manage to get laid in the near future you can bet your fanny there will be questions about why the insides of my legs are bright red. Also hot showers are evil. This week my Bike article and my Funny Girl article both are a go in the paper. I'm pretty stoked. I'll be judging comedy again and with any luck that girl will be back.

In other news related more to the art side of my life I have actually gotten quite a few commissions. Like the one you see above here. I'm also in the process of finishing the coloring for a piece I drew for Mary Doodles. The Fact that I met David Mack still is blowing my mind. Seriously, 1 degree of separation from Neil Gaiman Now. I couldn't be any more excited. He has a similar strategy to approaching art as I do which I will be writing about for TNTML soon. Oh speaking of that site my interview with Anna about the porchlight sessions went live last week. It was a really well done interview and I was excited to have gotten it to print before her project ended. There was a little mix up when Jen went to a wine house in the middle of no where for 3 days. That kinda complicated my timing but all is well in the end.   Anyway, Look forward to more art... a series of poems dedicated to family members, and more writing. I'm on a roll. Woot!

Life is...

Ok! So I haven't had the chance to update this thing in something like forever. Best I can say is a lot of stuff has happened sense last time. Found myself interested in a new girl. She's cool more on that later if anything pans out there. I fasted for 10 days No food, drink or smoking. In other news I've quit smoking. So far that was the easiest time I've ever had in quitting so hopefully it sticks. I enjoy not smelling like smoke, being able to smell, and not spending 20 bucks a week on cigarettes. Speaking of cuts in savings. I went and got myself a bike. While it was a very expensive bike I have no doubt that it will pay for it's self via me not having to pay 4 bucks a gallon on Gas. Also writing a series of articles on starting a bike life.

LA was a blast I helped in the making of a Music video got to see damn near all my friends, made some new friends and contacts. Life just keeps getting better. As I tell all my friends I seem to be lucky in all things but love. So if 95 percent of you life is doing awesome I can wait for that heart warming girl to make her entrance. For now I'm going to keep concentrating on getting myself in better and better shape, and all round healthier lifestyle. Next time I will probably utilize the bus system more. Not only did I spend 1/8th of the time I was there walking around. It was actually really nice weather for walking. But man were my dogs killing me. Still on LA that's where that piece of art up there came from. We had a cosplay model stand in and I got to hang out with David Mack and Satine Phoenix. Life was complete. Well till next time. I'll see you all in the real world.

Not allowed to hit on my friends

Ok so this caught me off guard a little last night. I was out first to go see my friends band which was awesome by the way. Check out FAKE NATIVES!I'd like to say the show was awesome but we couldn't get in it was in so many words sold out. Hell I'll see them at the The Dead Bird House later anyway. Many angry stares to the group of 20 some people upstairs, not drinking, not enjoying the show. Y'all can get sick and die. So Cherry (my best friend and X) Went to DrinkX a shady bar that has some kinda weird pole in it for um... classy dancing. I got a triple shot of 151 because i was freezing and needed to warm up fast. Went back to Mae's finally got in and I bought a CD from Dan the lead singer. Hung out there till close then ventured off to the COK party which I must say has been over crowded with far to many people I don't know lately.

Oh well. While Cherry proceeded to bat beer pong ball out of the air I talked with my friend Kaleen and Maddy. Two girls I kinda fancy. I don't know a lot about Maddy but she's got an amazing sense of style and is as cute as a button. Kaleen I know quite a lot about and we sync up in our weird tastes in culture and music. Still who knows there. So i haven't really been on the prowl for love lately, or even looking. I'm kind of hoping it will just fall in my lap. Still it doesn't stop me from taking notice of a girls beauty. So after we left i shot Kaleen a text saying Maddy looked pretty cute tonight. The next day she tells me I'm not allowed to hit on her friends.

Ok that bugs me... Mostly because what the fuck does that even mean. Why would I not be allowed to hit on her friends. To me it's vague and without prompt. keep in mind I hadn't hit on Maddy. I simply told Kaleen she was cute. So does this mean Kaleen has a thing for me and would rather i not pursue another girl, especially one of her friends. Does it mean she sees me as a horrible boyfriend and would rather her friends not get involved. Maybe something completely different. I really don't know. I do know I really hate being told what to do by people. You want the right to tell me what to do in my life be a bigger part of my life and I'll afford you that right. Do I think anything will come of my flirtations with Maddy. I doubt it I'm a little old for her but age rarely matters with girls. i say rarely because the last girl I went after actually apparently was very jaded by that number. I guess with friends like that who needs enemies. lol. Still I generally adhere to a very strict code as far as the work place is concerned. Don't date Co-workers. Why because if it all goes to Hell you are forced to work with them before one of you gets sick or you both let it go. Either way usually ends up messy. Alright that little rants over.

In great news it's V- day. Cherry and I's 5 year Anniversary. 5 years ago we met at an Anti- V-day party and we fell in love, then we fell outa love, then we reconnected and formed a very strong lasting friendship. I just recently attended her wedding which was awesome. I really love the man she choose to marry he's an awesome guy and I'm sad I don't get to spend more time getting to know him. Still on a somber note this is just another in the line of X's I have had who immediately get married to the next serious relationship they have. Leaving me to wonder if I am actually cursed. If so Ladies if you wanna find Mr. Right just date me for a while and you'll be married to the next fella you fall in love with. I can damn near promise this based on years of research. I digress I am very happy for the both of them and I'm Happier still that I'm still part of her life. She means a lot to me. Well that's certainly enough from me till next time folks.

Moon Halo!

Ok my astral sign of good luck is a moon halo. Anyone know what that is? When the moons light hits the clouds and creates this massive halo around the moon right. Well tonight I saw a massive one with a line from a plane going through it. Mars was even inside it to show it's support. Needless to say altogether it was the most beautiful moon halo I have ever seen. I thus assume that because I believe these to be a sign of good luck for me that something amazing is about to happen to me. I don't know what but seeing that at the start of a New Year in the sky just blows me away. I can't wait 2012 is going to be life changing i just know it. Maybe I'll find true love, Maybe I'll be propelled forward with my art or writing. I can't say for sure but I know whatever it is it will be amazing. God I love my life. Currently, i have an animation i worked on processing and soon to be released, working on some hush hush thing for TNTML, writing as always, Lots of art here and there, and still looking for that one girl to bring this crazy life of mine full circle. I want more so much more life is giving and I'm taking. I appreciate it all so much.

In closing

Well it's been another year gone by... looking back I can safely say it's been both a good and a bad year. I have chased and lost. I have worked and achieved. As far as advancing my life I have done that to perfection. I have pushed myself both in my regular job and in my art. I have made new connections that will hopefully garner new and exciting developments. I have made new friends and lost some to the pendulum of time. I have both failed to stop smoking and lost the weight I so desparetly wanted to drop.

Artistically, I am working for Misti Dawn (side note my art starts all of her homebrewed porns :))for the site The Naughty Nerd. Soon you'll be able to buy my prints in their shop there. I have continued to write for TNTML, picked up a new writing gig for The Hype, worked on my poetry, and even attempted stand up comedy which I have been told is actually pretty good. Still won't know till i get in front of a real audience.

Another one of my brothers got married this year. Beautiful service. Illustrated just how badly I am doing at finding my own love in this world. Doing my best to find it I just think I'm a little much for any girl. Facebook is probably a killer for any blossoming relationship as I tend to have way to many crazy photo's there and my gallery of gorgious girls hanging off me most likely makes people assume I'm some kind of poon hound. This could not be further from the truth. In the last year I had sex with 1 girl. The year before that... 1 girl. In fact I am averaging 1 girl a year and that's gotta be some kind of sad record. It's not that my intention with any new relationship is to get laid but it seems to be how guys base how well you do in any way. I just can't invest myself sexually with someone unless i connect on a mental level and while i have found girls that i do connect with finding ones that aren't damaged and distant that still match that qualification are few and far between. Maybe i have way to high of standards, maybe I just think things through to much and when it comes to passion can't act in the moment. I'm sure I've had far more chances to hook up than i want to admit to. Just can't seem to do the casual sex thing.

Love will be something to work on in the new year. So here we go... New Years resolutions. Lose another 50 lbs. This one will be a lot harder after the initial major weight loss but I'm going to be joining a weight loss competition. That should help ;). Get back into a habit of going to the gym every night. Knock out way more art and push myself to be even better. Lastly, Stop smoking. Yeah this was one last year and I achieved it twice and then failed twice. So I think i can nail this one this year. Just gotta remember not to snack so much when i do it. Also I'll need to remember to take breaks to just go outside and stand and think. That's the most addicting thing about smoking I've found the quite moments of contemplation I get for myself. So there you go folks here's to the New Year i do hope this one was good for you all.

It's the most wonderful time of the year

So things in my life are fantastic in all but love. Had easily one of the most epic Birthday parties ever. Where we all dressed up like Demons and Angels. I was half and half. I looked scary as all hell. Couldn't move around a whole lot for the first few hours of the party. Not till after I took off my 50lb wings. Side note that same outfit got used at a strip club later for an event they were having, Which I was the only guy who dressed up. Le sigh. Topeka just doesn't take themes as serious as Manhattan does I guess.

Swing forward a bit I got to spend quite a bit of time with my family this Thanksgiving which rocked. I tell you what my family is core in my life. I love them and they are amazing. My brothers and I played Munchkin and some other games. All together amazing Thanksgiving I wish i got to see all of them more. We are very lucky two of my brothers wives live in the same area as my parents.

Swing forward to This last weekend starting with my dear friend Kate. After coming off a late night drinking fest with my friend Mr Kim. I took off for Club Orleans again to celebrate my friend Kate's B-day party. She works there so we had a ball that night. Mostly at the club I kept her BF entertained and drew like I always do at strip clubs. It was Christmas themed that night so many of the girls were dressed up as santa's hot ass helpers. Afterwards we all went out for IHOP. Damn near got kicked out. What can you expect from exotic dancers and people like me lol. Got back home at 5 in the morning where I maybe got 2 hours of sleep before heading into work which turned out to be quite hellish. Graduation day in Manhattan, KS. Running on two hours of sleep and just off a 9 hr shift already 20 hours into over time I stay awake and move into pirate gear because the Jolly Rogers, KC Renn Fest talent are playing my bar for Sully's birthday. Easily, one of the best shows I've ever seen there. Can't decide which I like better, them or White Ghost Shivers. Dear readers look these two up and love their music. In any case I got supper drunk and so did Sully. I apparently, got her husband because i got worried about her and they got her home safely. So tonight I took it easy even though all the drinks were only a dollar. Still so much good food at Mae's. This girl Tori OMG makes the best food ever.

So that's that life is epic. Love however not so much I feel like I never pick girls that will be an easy task. I will say this for all the girls I go after and turn me down. Telling me I'm the most amazing guy and that I'll make some girl just not them a perfect match is absolutely fucking crazy. Don't tell a guy he's awesome but you don't want him. Because if he is awesome you would want him. It's not a nice thing to say when you break up or deny someone. Just say sorry we don't mesh or you and I aren't going to work. Compliments are awful it's a double edged sword. Much like telling someone something like, "you look great to bad you smell awful." See that and what I talked about above. Same damn thing. So knock it off. Maybe this new girl will work maybe not. I'm not holding my breath any more and I'm sure as shit not chasing anyone like I did Laura. That's for damn sure. My heart all the way in part is dead. You want all of my heart you are going to need to give me a reason to shock it back into life. Oh well it's late I got a big week coming up so I'll see you cats later.

Woah! Been a while...

So if any of you actually read this you may recall I had been after that girl in the picture in the post below. That's over, done, finished. I am in no way pursuing her anymore nor is there any reserved hope to be with her. I am done and I finally got a solid, "NO" from her. Not in a bad way, screamy way, or a twist out my heart way. It was just a simple nope and I'm fine with that. I was free and I loved it. My friends were cautious, fearing my happiness was derived out of madness. I was content 10 years I had wondered what if? 10 years I had held on to this string in the back of my mind and I have finally let that string go. The weight it dropped was more than even I was aware. So am I sad it didn't go the way I wanted? Sure , but I've got my answer now so that doesn't even matter.

Obviously, having finally laid that beast of burden to rest I was back out to find a girl that actually wanted to be with me. Wasn't all wishy washy and the like. Seems I have a type and that type is un-available. Of course the next girl I go after would be completely disconnected from anything but a desire to be wanted and unable to find her own happiness. That can act as a black hole as anytime a person needs to feel acceptance above all else you can never give enough. Nor will they believe any sweet or encouraging words you have to offer. In the end I simply said I couldn't chase her and until she found her own happiness she would never be content with anyone she was with. It may have been harsh but ultimately I doubt she listened. We rarely listen to any advice given and don't find the merit in it until we come to that conclusion ourselves down the line. Only then can we look back at the advice given and realize we should have listened ages ago.

So prospects are ok got a really cute, super nerdy in an amazing way girl that I dig on, I think she likes me a bit to but who knows. All I know is she knows I like her so no friend zone. That is unless she would rather not take things anywhere. I hope so though we click so far. Good dialogue and pretty open about any topic. It's rare to find that type of honesty about all parts of life. Two non- liers. Truth all the way.

In art news I've started working with Satine's Brother or at least working on something for him. See if I can't create something he can use. Also still working with Misti hence the picture up top. I can't wait to see where I go art wise so far it's pretty exciting :).

She's a minefield

So as I said it was the Renn Fair and I was pretty excited to spend that time with Laura. In fact the whole of the weekend went super well. Till right before she left she sort of dropped a bomb on me. After telling me she was damaged. A bomb that haunted me. So to hopefully alleviate the coming news whatever it may be I did something that I hadn't done sense the last time I chased her. I wrote her an email. See when I write emails they tend to be long and forthcoming. This one I held back on anything I thought might have been overwhelming as that's what got me into trouble the last time. In fact it was my overwhelming nature that spooked her although I don't think I had a real chance the last time anyway. My romantic ways didn't help in the matter. So I sent her this email basically saying I don't care what damages you have I'm ready to be there for you in any capacity you need. It has been my first outpouring of yes I want us to move forward sense our renewed acquaintance. Still I feel like I'm walking through a mine field with this girl. Every time I try and do anything that builds communication and understanding it's met with a new wall. A new block or new opposition. I can't seem to dodge or forgo these obstacles. Personally, it's almost backwards to me in a world that favors the bold she seems to favor the busted, broken, and cautious. Neither of which I am anymore. So yeah I have a job, I am becoming quite successful both in writing and art. I have aspiring roles in 3 different websites all art related and I am actually making a name for myself. I pay my own bills, I have good credit. Hell I'm a stand up individual. I've had my heartbroken, but it's not slowing me down. I'm pushing on in all ways I can. So after sending this email I had hoped for some sort of a response not even a response to the letter just a hey I got it and I'm not freaked out. So I got nervous after a day, worried after 2 days. Which prompted a second text but I stayed within my guidelines of never texting more than once a day. Still when she called she sounded annoyed. As if my worrying were something burdensome to her. That quickly passed sense she knows my mind plays war games with me. Which I have finally found the answer to. Simply put I need to accept failure. I need to assume I have lost already. If I don't it will be a happy surprise if she comes for me and if I do fail then I'll surely be ready. That's the position I'll adopt now. My mind has little defense against such a tactic so I think I'll be able to rest easy. I acknowledge I shouldn't have worried like I did. It does neither of us any good. She asked if I thought she would hate me and I simply said "No." I was only worried it may have been taken badly. I'm tired of playing these games with myself and her. I'm ready and if she's not so be it. She said something else that was oddly cryptic. She said, "I can't be responsible for your happiness." Which is something I never asked her to be responsible for so I was a little shocked by that line of reasoning. Still it is what it is. I shall be defeated. I'll throw in my towel and let life take me where it wants. I have resigned myself to be me and love the things I am doing in the here and now. I'll push hope to the wayside because hope results in nervousness and worrying. No need to hope if I have failed. I gave her my plea and if it's not something she can abide by I'll move on. So that's where I am now world. See you in the marrow.

I danced with her and fire dancers

When you have a weekend like this one it's hard to find fault in your relationship or lack there of relationship. We hit up the Renn Fest in KC and even though she got there late thanks to detours and road construction. It was amazing to get to be dressed in full pirate garb with Laura. Sarah had made me a pretty legit Pirate Outfit and I ended up even getting a real eye patch not just one of those funny looking ones that are plastic. Laura and I caught at least 3 Jolly Rogers shows. (side note Sully and I booked them for Auntie Mae's on the 10th.) We laughed and screamed along in proper pirate fashion during the shows. Jeered Robin hood as little John kicked his ass and danced along side flame weavers. It was an amazing day from there we came back to Manhattan and immediately into Aggifest. Caught a few bands but we were pretty bushed came back to my place and just cuddled up and fell asleep. We slept in till almost 11 the next day and went out for Breakfast/Lunch. Chilled out some more and then I sent her on her way. So I have a few more answers from Laura. It seems like a mine field Just trying to tip toe through her mental process to find out where I fit in her life. What things are keeping us from being together at this point and what I can do to change that. Seems her X Husband is leering back into the picture and damn it all if that isn't hard to counter act. I sent her a well written note on my thoughts. With any luck it won't be perceived as overwhelming. Still I don't even know anymore. When we are together nothing's wrong we are happy and just having fun. Even lately when we are apart the communication is good. I haven't found fault in our relationship yet still it's not where i want it to be. I actually want to take those steps to make us and US to get us rolling on the right track. She told me I represent a healthy meaningful relationship and to that I say why not act on it. She seems to think she's really damaged goods but even if she is. I don't mind I'm not here to fix her but I'll be there to help her find the answers. Time to see from here things get interesting.

I'm Tired

I'm tired. Tired of working these 45 hr weeks. Tired of constantly creating in some form. I love it it's not a bad thing but it's draining. Most of all chasing the ghost of a relationship I've been after. It's been almost a year and in that year we have had so many almosts and come so close it can be very defeating. It seems like anything I do or don't do falls to the way side. I can't seem to shake what ever road blocks have been set between Laura and I. I realize distance is an issue. She does live 2 hours away but in that she is given her space. She knows she has all the space in the world and so it's not that that hinders me. I can be there for her if she needs me or when she needs me. 2 hours isn't a hard drive. Most of my friend in LA have a 2 hour drive to see their significant others and they live in the same town. That's ridiculous. Plus I know she has maintained long distance relationships in the past and I wouldn't be one to make her do all the work. I used to be very romantic and giving. Still that seemed to lead me to trouble as she thought it was overwhelming. So I have cut that to bare bones as of late. It's still there but I won't be forcing it on her. I am still me and that's what she wanted the extra stuff seemed to just be too much. So no more of that. Calling her too often landed in that category as well. She's not a big phone, IM or text talker. Mostly, it just bugs her. Previously, she said it feels like a serious relationship when you talk everyday and she just wasn't looking for serious. I know I was. So this second time around I have restricted my calling, texting and messages. She has told me she really likes this whole being single and getting to know herself thing. Still I hate being held at bay because what I want isn't ready for me yet. To say she wants us is I think a safe assumption. When we are together everything is there. We are happy and sparks do seem to fly. I realize she finds it hard to even trust herself to be with me because of what I represent. Hope. I represent forever and that's something she wants but she's not ready for yet. So what do I do? Do I stay back and keep my fingers crossed hoping someday soon she'll see us as an US or do I just move on and be content to be her friend? Well that's what I had aimed for previously. When I went down there my full intention was to just be that friend. Still she gave me decent reason to believe she wanted more. Still she drew away. A fear maybe that what if we could work out. A fear that if we didn't would we be lost from each other again. I still believe a lot of these fears have been alleviated by our reunion. If we were going to be broken apart we wouldn't be talking and texting and seeing each other. I suppose that says something. Still we will see. I am so tired of this chase and after Octobers Harry Potter Party if I don't know if we are moving forward I believe I'll be moving on. It's the only sane choice I can make and she'll have to let me go or chase after me. It's really on her now. I've walled up my heart when it comes to this girl and for good reason. Guess time will tell but time's something that seems to be making me weaker.

-Art - Firefly of course

Time to be herself

So we had the talk. I didn't dread this talk I in fact knew exactly where she was. I just wanted to clarify to her where i was in the whole situation as well. See I'm a really honest person. So much so in fact that these last few weeks of not telling her how i feel and just being quite and giving her more space. Well it seemed like lying. I know it wasn't lying but it just seemed like I wasn't being fully honest. So I told myself that if i didn't get to see her this week I'd ask her about us. She told me that right now she's really just doing the being herself thing. Just enjoying life as a single girl no relationship string or anything hanging in the back of her mind. Just learning to love herself. I explained that's exactly where i thought she was and with the absence of 10 suitors. I didn't feel like I had to pressure her for a "yes" or a "no." I haven't got any vested interests in any new girls right now. I mean there will always be passing fancies but in general I am not chasing anyone so waiting for her isn't awful. So we are there now a level playing field starting from something and yet not starting yet at all. I know there are guys there that want her and I know there is a guy here that desires her too. This guys willing to wait so as not to screw up timing again. She is presently calling me more, texting me, and in line to come see me before I even made it back to see her. Which all falls under the rules my girls gave for this situation lol. They wanted to keep my heart in tact.

So do I really and I intend to make sure I don't fall into that darkness again. I am very guarded and she knows it. We are close her and I and I mean to keep it that way. If a relationship blossoms from these seeds of trust and loyalty then so be it. If not we are only getting stronger. I do want to be loved. I know she does love me. I also know she desires me. She's admitted both of these things. It's just a matter of taking the right steps forward and letting her know I can be someone who won't screw up or fall back. I can be stable and secure. So what's on the horizon for us. Well we have next weekend where there will be lots of bands, dinner, and the ren fair, a few weekends after that a harry potter themed party and all along these times we are going to be learning Italian together. I'm actually really excited about that. Maybe Satine and I will have some sweet skype conversations in Italian.

Other than that bringing my heart up behind walls. Lets see if she buys a mental hammer to come after it ;)

(todays art was a girl I saw in the airport in SF)

No ready for me yet?

Is it right to complain about nothing going wrong? Well it may not be but but nothing is moving forward either. I feel like I'm stuck in limbo and I may drop hints here and there that aren't returned in turn but are artfully passed over. Sidestepped in someway. I personally think she's ok with just being single for a bit, but while she's doing that I'm still stuck on the line. Because I am not missing a second chance by seeking out a new love and then when she is ready I'll be taken and we will start this waiting dance all over again. So tonight I'll find out if I can go see her on Friday. I'll see if she'll accept my advance to advance slowly. We talk more often on the phone and text and I know something is there. I know something is growing its just putting that to the test. i don't see myself up against 7 suitors so I'm ok with waiting a bit. I'm ok for taking the time to find her heart and climb the walls she's put up. I'm in for the long road but I'd like to know that road leads to her heart. That I'm not walking forward for nothing. She says she can't promise me anything yet but then says things like I don't know if I'm ready for you yet. Yet implies she wants to be ready for me in the future. To see us together then. I really think she's tired of all the chases and douchbags that aren't going to give her anything more than a sexual fix. Lord knows I'm ready for something real in my life something tangible. Something i can hang on to, someone to kiss and feel them kiss me back. To hold and know that we are together. I guess we will see this week. It's fair to ask because after the last time I don't think I deserve to be left on the line. I am playing by her rules and that's the only way to win her heart.

No Promises

So you would think I would have learned. You would have thought after the last fall I would have given up. I have not. I just can't seem to pull myself away from the possibility of a future with Laura. A name that has become synonymous with slaps. Seriously, for a good 2 months I got slapped every time I brought her up around my friends. Oh and slapped hard. Still I pressed on. I went back to her and spent 3 wonderful days with her helping her pack up her house and get ready for a pretty big move. The first night we took things to her new place. Went out for some food at the bar we never went to because her now X BF worked at and I evaluated just where I stood with her. I really didn't know and as the night pressed on I felt more and more like I had landed back in the friend zone. Which I had prepped myself for. Honestly, I'm still prepped for that out come. Still leaving the bar She grasped my hand. That night we fell into each others arms and she told me she couldn't promise me anything. I wasn't going to ask her to. I just wanted another chance to walk with her. To be the first guy to not let her down. The next day I took her out for lunch and we ended up back at that bar. This time my friend Katy one of the girls that always slapped me got to spend some time with her. She's still worried for my heart. I'm still worried for my heart. Another night another close close night. We kissed, we held each other. We just were. I had to take off early from helping her move. We said our goodbyes and she restated she couldn't promise me anything. I don't know where to go from here. I guess I'll just be. I'll just be me for her. I have nothing left to overwhelm her with. I am just me and if that's something she can want then so be it. If it's not then I'll have my answer and I'll move on. I'll set out to find romance in someone else. Someone that will love me for me and all my crazy. I know we get each other, I know she loves me... I just have to see if that love can blossom into something new.

End of that chapter

To say the last 3 months were Hell would be a lie. They weren't that bad I dealt with some heart ache but over all the last few months have been really great. Man i got to go to LA and hang with some super cool peoples. I've still been kicking it all healthfully and really life just isn't letting me get down. Love on the other hand that's a horse of a different color. I did get to see Laura again and much to my fearful assumption of a horrible distance forming. It was amazing. Seriously the hug that happened the moment we meet melted all fears away. It was as if nothing had happened and we were still just as close. I just leaned in and told her how much I had missed her. She replied in kind. After that the night was a foot. We took off to a bar called the Anchor for some eats. Each of us desiring some decent food. This place had it for sure I got a sandwich called, "Hell hath no fury..." I tell you what readers i felt that one later. So spicy even got some Jalopeno juice in my eye. As we sat there catching up on the 3 months we had been absent each others lives it was nothing but smiles and laughter. I shit you not I mean I nearly had a heart attack just for fear of this reunion. Only moments later we were back. From there we walked on to Mort's. Her local Haunt for Mondays they have live music and half priced Martini's. I remember discussing something Kate and I had talked about how we are all influenced more by certain elements and for me it was water. She asked what i thought hers was. I said, "Well you are stubborn and unyielding. I'll go with rock." She looked to me and said, "If you are water and I'm rock I suppose that means you'll wear me down." Adding to it her heart melting smile. I had no response just smiled back at her. We took off to go to another bar that was less crowded. There we got a few Guinness beers and sat down for what turned out to be question and answer period for the night. Now Laura is a girl that has a lot of walls up. So many in fact I found out she really didn't want to start a serious relationship with someone until she was able to take some of those walls down. Hence the Shawn thing. In fact I noticed every time she talked about Shawn her whole demeanor dropped. Personally, and i could be wrong it just seemed like it wasn't a happy thing to talk about. With him there are no expectations or even assumptions. I won't go into it a whole lot just because that's her story to tell. For my part I understood where she was coming from logically. I just didn't understand why she wouldn't let me walk with her and help her break down some walls. I did make the mistake of running ahead of her before she was ready to be as serious as I wanted to be. That was a failing on my part. One I wish I could have rectified. A lesson learned if nothing else. If we find ourselves together in the future I will be walking with her and we will take the steps we need to together and my head won't be in the clouds. The night drew on and I basically got all the answers that had been lost to me when I was to close to see the whole picture. She took me back to my hotel and when I asked how far away from my hotel her house was. She proposed letting me stay there with her. I mean it just wouldn't be a trip to Wichita if I wasn't falling asleep in her arms. So back to her house we went. She made brownies and then it was time to turn in. She said she no longer had a guest bed and I had to sleep with her. So long as I was good. I laughed and said, "When am I not good?" We settled in and I laid down preparing to be good. Much to my surprise she rolled into me and did a super cuddle move. The one where you head is in the nape of the others neck. your arms are wrapped around and your legs are intertwined. Not a friends way of cuddling. I didn't pull away I merely held her close. The night went on like that and we woke way to early from a long night up. We managed about 20 min more of cuddling then I was back to my hotel. I leaned in not knowing if I would see her that night and told her I never intended to say goodbye. The last time I said goodbye I truly meant it.

After all the stuff for the commercial was done it was about the same time she got off of work so I headed over to her place and hung out with a mutual friend of ours Ryan. We chilled at the house for a bit and went out for food. Ryan shot off to Soggy bottoms, that's their haunt on Tuesdays and Thursdays. That is also where Shawn works. Knowing this made me slightly at ease having spent the night before in his GF's arms. That bar was closed much to their surpise so we went to another called Quiencys. She got a call mid dinner from Shawn about the bar being closed and no one telling him. He wasn't happy about that and I assume less happy to find out Laura was hanging out with me. She said she would meet up with him in about 30 after we finished our food. Over the course of the meal she got several more texts and then I was taking her home. I asked if I needed to rush so she could meet up with him. She said, "No! he had already gone home." That's weird I couldn't fathom not waiting 30 min to see your girl. So we opted to go do some Karaoke. She sang and I sang. She sang Adele the artist i told her had torn me to pieces after our break. I was ok with it. More so than I had assumed I'd be. Went back to her place after and cuddled up. Watched some TV and I gave her a body massage to work on some places she hadn't had worked on sense I had been there last. Talked more in depth about the issues between us and i broke down some of my own walls for her. I also remarked how i had hoped I hadn't made Shawn Jealous because a jealous BF tends to try harder. Once again with a look of defeat she said he wouldn't try at all he would just leave. I kept wondering why she was fighting so hard something that seemed like it was failing but I held my tongue. It was not my place anymore to ask such questions. i was no longer a friend and no longer a lover. i was something new something different. lord knows what I am now. I told her how I had hope in us again just not for right now. I understood that she needed this time to find herself again. As the massage drew to a close. I kissed her head and told her that tonight ends the chapter of what had been between us. Tomorrow a new chapter starts. One where we are what ever new thing it is we are becoming. If it becomes lovers or stays friends. Either way what's been done in the past is past. I truly wished i could have just fallen asleep with her there that night but I had to work at 8 in the morning so around 1 I took off from her house. She watched me drive away until our eyes could no longer see each other.

She had told me of her dreams and aspirations on this trip and I look to make those come true for her. She invited me to her families Christmas gathering. I honestly don't know what kind of invitation that was a friendly one of one laced with a relationship she hopes will bloom. All I know is that from here on out. It's her turn to chase me. She can come to me, she can call me, I will be catchable. I will not fall back into a chase for her unless she is ready. I asked her if she was ready to not let pride or fear stop her from coming for me. So that's where I am at now my friends. My closest peer groups are super worried for me. They think I'll fall back into that hook. I don't think I will though. My heart is different now. It's changed. The love I have for her is still there but its a love based on condition. I'm also very aware of proper timing now. I won't screw it up if I'm given a second chance. I hope she will see the same. There is something there and it's more than obvious to both of us. It's just about finding the right time to act now.

Ann Spade Loves ME!!!

Back into the Belly of the Beast

So i am going back to Wichita, not my choice. I am actually having to do this because I won a competition to create some awesome food. I'm getting 500 bucks, I'll be in their ad campain, on every menu and in some commercial I think. All together pretty rad... So I'm taking this chance to see Laura again and get back my books and hard drive. Seeing her again I have no doubt will be hard. I don't know how hard yet because I'm in a really good place right now. I don't want to fall back to where I was a few months ago. I don't want to regress. Do I think I will? Not really I kind of closed off my heart hard core. So while that hasn't been beneficial for starting new relationships it will at least save my soul from the past one. What will we talk about? What will I say? Will I be spiteful or kind? My bet is on being kind and caring. It seems to be my greatest downfall. Most of my core group says I should stray from her altogether. That I had given so much of myself to her with so little in return. One of those things where you are standing to close to the picture to see the whole thing. I put so much of myself into that whole situation working out and when it didn't I fell apart. Lord knows I can't even quantify how badly I fell apart and for what reason. It was only 4 months of maybes and what ifs. The one thing I can truly stand by is that I tried. I gave it my best shot and I was true to myself and my emotions. I chased and failed but had I not chased at all I would have never known. Some of my friends said she was horribly selfish to drag me along like that. I believed it to but I could have saved myself and given up. I could have bowed out early and not fought so hard. Still this is a new me. I'm taking chances because I finally have my confidence. If it leads me to heart ache so be it. If it leads me to the girl of my dreams even better. I'm not wasting any more of my life second guessing and i will pursue my dreams and hearts desires with a flame. She will not slow me down nor will she lead me back to that darkness. My life is picking up and I am going full speed. Between getting way healthier and finding my voice and creativity I can not fathom hitting any set backs. Nor will i let myself. So I may be wary, I may be nervous. I am still unsure but for my part I have moved on. The embers that burn for Laura have faded back to embers and those coals can only be poked back to life by her seeking me. Still my friends of the net wish me luck. It will be an interesting test on my part.

I was on the news

IF - perennial