incu_jess

Saturday was my 28th birthday. I can't believe I've been with LJ for 6.5 years! Its been just as long without an update too I know...

I took some pictures. My job is really cool and gave me this sony cybershot 12 MP camera for nada (tax free too). So I took some cool shots with it.

( See some pics )
All in all its been a hell of a week. I miss the anonymity this journal used to provide. Damn cyber-stalking boyfriend!

Everyone take care!

001: Anyone who looks at this entry should post this meme and their current wallpaper at their LiveJournal.
002: Explain in five sentences why you're using that wallpaper.
003: Don't change your wallpaper before doing this. The point is to see what you had on.



**I took this picture in San Francisco in January 2009.
**This is the sun setting over the ocean.
**I took 300 pictures of this same picture but in different tones and light to find the right combination.
**I am going back here in 13 days.
**I love lamp.

I've been doing EVERYTHING on my iPhone you could possibly all except do inappropriate things with it - well I do get xtube on it - Anyway, I got this really neat paint app that I can create things on it with. Its fun! These are completely amateurish but I was proud of them. Not bad for using my index finger and a little patience!

I can't believe its been so long since I have blogged last. Time really does fly by when you're not watching! So much has past in the last month and a half I don't even know where to begin. But, I will try with a sampler of what has happened and what's to come.

First and foremost I have purchased a brand new home here in Houston, TX. I am very proud to say that. No buyer's remorse here! I have purchased a washer and a dryer, and established water/trash/sewer/gas bills in my name like a real home owner does. No more utilities included in the rent! I have to say that this month has been a cake walk so far, but when I write out all of the bills, young and old they are very scary to look at. I think to myself what have I done but I know that I made the right decision by making the biggest investment in my life so far. Take that unfinished college degree!

Secondly, I got a pseudo promotion at work. Its a 6 month mentor-ship thing that will put me in a leadership role that should help me when I look to move upward in the corporate world in the next few years. I can't work from home anymore because I have a team that depends on me so that is a little bit of a bummer. However, being back in office presents exciting things like HUMAN INTERACTION that I have been lacking since late November. Not all change is a bad thing.

Today I found a really good deal in San Francisco during gay pride and I tried to book the room to see if later I could swing some plane tickets and things. Nowhere on the web page did it say that I would be pre-paying the room now until I confirmed the reservation. So, I was out $260 bucks. I got plane tickets as a result and am now going to SF Pride 2009 in June. Since I came out I have always wanted to go to the Pride festivities in SF. Houston has a really good festival and things but I think its time to see how things are done over the rainbow. Besides, it'll be 6 months since my last real trip out of town so it'll be about time for some vacation.

I've been spending so much money like crazy its sickening! Paul has not been working and all the money I have been using has been my house money and rebates. Its time to cut the discretionary spending and buckle down. I don't know what escrow has in store for me next year. Payments are affordable right now but I'm praying that things don't blow up in my face like it does for everyone else who gets a brand new house here in Texas. If you don't know what I'm talking about I'm speaking of estimated property taxes being shorter than needed come next year. Hopefully nothing to worry about, but thats just how I roll.

My high school reunion is coming up in September. I really want to go but financially, going to California is very expensive. And, since I'm going in June now I can't justify the expenses a few months later. Plus, if I go I want to make it a real memorable weekend, with parties, drinking, dancing, maybe a little sex... LOL Anyway, its a decision I have to make soon because air fare is not cheap and doesn't get less expensive as the clock ticks forward to the warmer months ahead. Any suggestions?

Anyway, I have to be up in 5 hours for a 10 hour work day. Hope everyone is doing well.

But next friday it will complete! So, to brighten my spirit I posted this type-o on my high school's reunion alumni page! OMFG I was like Oooooh they should charge MOAR!
( cut since it is so large! )

I took this video last night, on my way to Pearland to meet up with an old friend. Just driving around downtown. Not that long!

Taken last week, Paul is the one talking... This was along Memorial Drive at 4:05 PM 02/27/2009

Who would have thought that buying a home was such an irritating event in one's life? I hope the second time around will be much easier, like having a second baby. To those of you that know, I am still on schedule for closing on Friday the 13th. I did everything that the lenders asked me to do, even got the $4,600 in my bank account for the very first time in my life. Do you know how hard it is not to spend a single penny all this time???

Its a cute little house in City Park, just south of the city off of 288. Its a little house, which was scary for me because its not my dream house. Its 1,008 sq feet, single story with a detached garage. The down-side to the house is there is very little cabinet space, and there are no linen closets in the whole house. Storage is going to be such a problem I can see already! All 3 bedrooms are tiny! Both bathrooms are the same exact mini-mite size too! Its like having a 3/2 apartment to me...

The upside (positives) to the house is that it is brand new! It was $91,000 with appliances, tile and all the little things that it came with. The ceilings are 9 foot high so it doesn't feel so shoe-box like. Little houses have little electric bills and low costs all around because it won't cost so much to furnish the place! There is very little front and back yard so there is not a humongous Texas lawn to mow once a week in the summer and fall! Plus, the home owners association fees include the mowing of my yard whenever it needs it. There are so many more little things that are positives for me that I can't list them all here. That would even annoy me!

I'm excited about the move. I'm going to be sad to leave this city life that I have grown accustomed to. I'm going to miss the city skyline, the funky little restaurants, shops, old houses and buildings and the trees that these old neighborhoods have. I get one brand new baby oak tree for my new house. In 20 years it will be a beauty, I know. Downtown is only 15 minutes away from start to finish so its not like I'll be very far. The Fannin light rail stop is 15 minutes away too so making a day of it around the city still won't be an issue.

I didn't want to say anything until I closed but after everything that I gathered for the mortgage people they haven't called me back for any discrepancies or additional paperwork after doing so for the past 4 weeks! There are already haters out there for the house but whatever. They JUST JEALOUS! I try to stay humble through the whole thing process like I do everything else. You'll catch more flies with honey I always say. Finally, things are happening for me. I said by the time I was 25 I would own my own home. 27 is not so far off, right?

How the hell do you stop random people from adding you to their friend's list without permission?

Why isn't livejournal like myspace, or facebook where you have to request being my friend?

L.J. GET IT TOGETHER!!

The other day, I actually FOUND a doctor! I went in for a real physical on Friday. A real, up my butt and turn your head and cough event that I was surprisingly comfortable with. Maybe maturity is kicking in? Normally I would tee-hee at something like that, or need a drink first but now its like, eh, you can just spit if you need to, save the lube.

All kidding aside though, I gave blood samples for STD tests, and other lovely things I may be harboring inside of me. I should know the results in about 4 or 5 days. My next appointment is Friday. We'll see what happens!

I also scheduled a visit with a nutritionist on Friday. I went and am looking forward to structuring a new way of eating. I know what you might be thinking, "Why not save the bucks and just eat this, and not that?" Its not that simple and if it were I wouldn't be in this situation! So that will be an ongoing thing. I plan on doing the nutritionist thing for no more than 3 months because at $20 a visit it will add up really fast! I'm not a Hilton so this will be interesting making an extra $100 a month appear to weigh myself and be scolded for not drinking enough water.

I also have to take my car in for a fuel system overhaul. Long story. Just know that a minimum of $1,000 has been estimated for the repairs. I just dropped $1,500 on a brand new brake system because the rotors, shoes, pads, calipers were all rusted out and finally broke loose. Its a lot to digest at once. To keep from losing it I have to keep reminding myself to pull it together and let it roll off the backside.

My company is gracious enough to allow for 3 free psychologist visits a year. I was recommended from a friend his doctor he sees. He's a gay shrink so you can be completely open with him. He's the kind of guy that asks "So what do you want me to do for you?" I had to think about it because if you ask me that I'm gonna draw a blank. And put against a clock there ain't no time for guessing games. I want to see him as soon as Friday, along with the doctor follow up, the nutritionist appointment and getting the car in shop.

In about 3 weeks, we're going up to Dallas so Paul can partake in a casting call for The Biggest Loser. He was hand selected for a live interview! I really hope he gets it because he really wants it. Fame and national exposure is not my thing. I'm not sure I'm ready for all the fan mail from Chasers around the USA. Besides, I had and have those "Types" of profiles all over the internet. If I forgot one I don't want to be on Perez with a hand drawn cum drool on my face.

Let's see, what else. I am scared that my job is in jeopardy. The call center I work in is so structured, and now its being restructured more rigidly. It makes me think that the upper management are out of touch with the beast that they are trying to train. I am so unhappy with what I do on a day to day basis that my hair is getting whiter and whiter...

Finally, I'm not sure if he is legal or not but I am so attracted to Nick Jonas. The other two, forget about it! He just has that in-control top attitude that will engage in medium slapping and strangling. I'm not into BDSM but everytime I see Nick Jonas I swell with fascination!!!!!

Ok, I'll update again in another few weeks. LOL!

I got back from San Francisco on Wednesday night. Boy what a whirl-wind. Needless to say, I'm so happy that I'm back home. Not that I'm not happy, or love California. The trip was so fast that I didn't get to enjoy it. It was like guzzling the finest Napa wine albeit there was no sniff nor savor. My Mom created a whole lot of drama amongst her siblings and my cousins. That discomfort still stings even tonight. Aside from our trip to San Francisco's beaches our trip was kind of bad, I hate to say.

I have some pictures I can share, since this entry is so short. ( Pictures behind the cut )

I still seriously want to move to San Francisco. This trip was different in that we did not see any of the physical city, just the shore lines. I was so inspired to just photograph/paint/draw/scribble something on paper. Its no wonder some of the world's greatest artists whatever medium they use are from or lived in San Francisco. Still have dreams sitting on the back burner... You never know in 2009, right?

I would like to see GLBT rights solidified in our constitution. I would like to see the economy move forward again where finding great paying jobs is not too hard anymore. I would like to see health care become universally free. Finally, I would like some type of government law encouraging rent control, and keeping housing affordable.

After a crisp clear day in the city of Houston I am leaving for California tonight, once again. This is my Grandma's birthday weekend and I wanted to spend it there with her. Monday night we're having a dinner party that, I'm hoping, everyone shows up. My Mom tried to coordinate this thing from 1,700 miles away and is causing all of this drama. I don't want anything like that, especially since we're coming to have a good time, and not to hear any grumblings over what has happened, proposed or said.

I always get nervous when I fly because of the turbulence. I don't fare well through it all. Hopefully the movies and music on my iPod will be enough to hold me through the night. Tomorrow is another day. I'll be in San Francisco at this time tomorrow and it's crazy to know that! Fortunately, the weather will be in the low 70s there. Its been in the 50s here and for Houston, quite cold!

My Mom will be here in a little. I have been straightening up my room. I still have to clean the bathroom and the kitchen, as well as return some shoes that I over paid for all before 4:40 PM when I go to get my Dad, and then Paul at his job cross town!

I'm hoping that now that we have a Flip video camera we'll be able to post more videos and stuff about our trip tomorrow and for the next few days. Its going to be so nice not to have that knot in my stomach Sunday night dreading work the next morning. Vacations are so good. Everyone should vacation more often.

I think I can get used to these 3 day weekends!

Now that I'm on my new shift I'm working Monday through Thursday, 10 hour days. Fridays I now have off and I have to say that I thought the weekend was going to go by real quick, but it didn't! Today was a surprise because I was like, wow I have another day left to do anything I want! The world is, as asuguy85 would say MA ~*OY-STUHR*~.

Friday I went to Rice University to have lunch with Paul. I hopped on the bus, then the light rail down to the University. It was a nice ride. The weather was warm and balmy. There are so many squirrels on campus running around its hilarious! They'll even come up to your hand if you hold it out for them. I enjoy city living.

Saturday, I went to my parent's house and did some laundry and visited for a while. Later in the evening I went to JR's house and hung out there a little bit. His work schedule is 3x12 so he works Friday - Sunday. He was so tired but he was nice enough to have me over for just a little while. I came home after all the clothes were done and watched Noah's Arc on DVD. The show is so campy but I can't help but watch it all!

Today, Sunday, I slept until noon. My cousin Andrea called me from California to talk about our party next Saturday. She even offered to let Paul and I stay at her house instead of us getting the hotel together. I'm not a couch-crasher. Never liked it! I'm all about taking care of myself and not inconveniencing anyone when I'm on vacation, but since our budget is tighter than my junior high gym clothes I thought about it and felt it would be best to stay with her and save the $300 bucks I would've spent on the hotel. Not my style, but since I won't have another vacation until later this year I have to make it last.

Speaking of vacations. I have 3 day weekends now which means I can do a whole of things with my free time. I was talking to my friend Hector yesterday, who lives the most amazing life (to me at least). He lives in Los Angeles and he and I were talking for about 2 hours and then he was like, "Jesse, these are the highlights of my life and we should get together with about 3 gallons of coffee and just catch up." I was like, that is a WONDERFUL idea! Tickets to L.A. are $250 total, it might be great to go out to L.A. and catch up and just relax. The only thing he wants me to stay at his place with him, but again... thats not me. I hate couch-crashing!

So, we'll see what comes down the pipe-line in the next few weeks. I am excited about it! We'll see what happens.

This morning was such a bitch. I could not sleep a wink last night, and I had to work in office today, earlier than normal! So I was like, UUUUUGHH this morning LIFE IS HORRIBLE!

Anyway, as I walked out the door to the wide open world, the sky was so clear it was a navy blue, and there were still a star or two twinkling as I walked to the bus stop. Today, something told me to grab my iPod and bring it with me since the bus is usually really late. The air was cold and thick, like that of a freezer. It was brisk and really woke you up as the sun crept over the skyline behind me.

I turned on the iPod and the first song to come on was Bob Marley's Three Little Birds song. Something made me think about what he meant by that song, and suddenly it hit me. Birds don't worry about pretty much anything, and they sing beautiful songs all day long because its what they do. I figured its a beautiful day, the birds are singing like they're trying to say don't worry 'bout a thing cause every little thing is gonna be alright.

The three little birds followed me all the way to work today and I had one of the better days I've had in such a long time. Not even getting an over draft text from the bank right before my vacation couldn't really bring me down. :-)

Right when I'm having the worst day ever something intervenes and lifts my spirits. Thank you Bob Marley. And, today was the first time in a very long time I did not pray extra hard asking God to pull me out of my own hell before starting a shift at work. Three little birds, singing sweet songs was all I needed.

Now that I have this new schedule, M-Th, with Fridays off I will be able to enjoy week days. Tomorrow I'll be alone all day and that is a slice of heaven! The world is my oyster tomorrow, over draft and all. LMAO!

So I'm going to bed. I might make me a little youtube video tomorrow or something to keep me occupied. California is only 1 week away! Can't wait!

I don't know why I can't let go of people from my past. One minute I hate them, the other I'm wondering how they're doing and then go bananas that I can't stalk them on the internet! Sounds really unhealthy I know. But I have this serious problem of wanting to please every single person I come across for life!

There is this new feature on myspace's home page called "People you may know" which drives me insane. First of all, if you're on my myspace we know each other. There should've been all the cross references ever needed in the past 2 or 3 years I've had the damn page. Chances are you're on my page because we're friends already. But I hate that there are people who I don't care for, or am finished with that keep showing up because my people know their people and so forth. Seeing her face on my home page makes my blood boil and I just want to delete my account in a fit of childishness!

But, there is a small ember that burns for that bit of information that she's doing alright. Or doing absolutely wrong. I could use either one. So, seeing them on the page like that only gets me pissed off that I have to confront a demon I've had on the shelf. Just for a moment in time I said I was totally done with you, there you are, thanks to the wonders of technology.

I had to turn the computer off a little bit ago to stop myself from writing a small how are you message to her. And to him for that matter. I don't deal very well with Pandora's box. Once the genie is out of the bottle I have to go through the dramatic shoving him back into the lamp while having to deal with Paul and everyone else. My ego gets bruised and then its back to Camp Wannahangyourself.

Tomorrow is another day. Fortunately its the start of my new work schedule and I'll finally get 3 day weekends. I'm starting a 4x10 shift from 8-7, monday through thursday. My new schedule is going to be beyond busy since I am going back to the regular call center. No more texts, late nights, or sleepy lunches. Its going to be busy, busy, busy...

Right now I can't help but want to play with fire. I think its time to get to bed!

If you can believe it I didn't inherit the gay gene for shopping. I loath shopping! However, yesterday I finally went shopping and spent a few hundred dollars on (and here's the weird thing) SHOES! Lots and lots of shoes! I bought 5 pair of shoes for my 2 flat feet... And for the first time I did not get buyers remorse and return every single pair of them!

In fact, I ordered a pair of shoes for myself from the shoe store and they will be here next week before my California trip. They're some slip on sketcher sneaker things that look like this. They're not as nice looking online so I hope I did alright.

I deprive myself of retail therapy for two reasons. One, I live on a very regimental budget that has no room for even the basics at time. Second, I'm more of a giver and usually spend my money on everyone else rather than myself because I like to live a humble life. But today, fuck it! I even bought 3 bottles of fancy hand soaps from Bath and Body Works that probably won't last a whole month but I had to have them!

Speaking of shoes, my ankle is acting up again and I don't know why. Whatever the reason I hope it does not last because I am going on a trip in 13 days and I don't need this right now! And oh yeah, the masses are totally working anything Christian Audigier I'm finding from my trip to the west side today. They are all just so FETCH!

SHOUT OUT TO ALL MY SHEEPS! BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!

Interwebz!

I can has LOLCAT as third langwidg on résumé plz?

Its amazing how fast the world catches fire these days. The internet can make a star out of any thing. Even walruses and buckets have no shame in their stardom. What happened to us all? Remember when we had books? Oh yeah, those beautiful stacks of paper over there...

My Mom's cousin (essentially mine too, yes?) came over to see her this week after 30 years of not seeing or speaking to each other. She was so much fun because she was out of a time warp just like my parents! The only thing really modern about her was her use of internet acronyms at the start of almost every sentence. SRSLY!

As rapid as this world is moving I am starting to worry a little bit about where we're headed. People will laugh but I don't think it would be 100% inaccurate to say that we're probably going to war with SkyNet in the not so distant future. When our food source runs out, disease no longer exists and youtube starts showing re-runs I hope that there's some light switch out there that turns all of this off.

As cute as Wall-E was, I'm not ready to DEvolve and learn to farm Mesopotamia all over again. But, I really do think we are moving way too fast as a people. Pretty soon our computers will PWND us. And we have <.< and ^o^ to thank!

I was going through some pictures and thought I would throw some up here.


( some pics behind the cut )


I plan on posting more photos throughout the year. I want to thank kryshoc for posting that link to the LJ-Book! I've been wanting to compile all the best and worsts for years now! If you want to check it out, see it here. Cheers to everyone!