Stressful week...

It's been just one of those weeks.  Nothing bad happened, but the whole week was just LONG.  I guess that's nothing new, but just feels different.  I've been looking for places for several weeks now... since before Texas  This week, I'm just vocal about it.  I know some members at CBL are ready for new blood, which is cool... understandable.  CBL has helped me do what I set out to do.  By living here, I've been fortunate enough to have a roof over my head, while finding a job, saving *some* money (or trying to), and finding a place to live.

I know this sounds like an exit blog, which it kind of is... kind of isn't.  This whole week has been hard, both at work & in general.  

Don't get me wrong, work is going well... it just adds to the whole stress of things though.  I think it's more because my mind has been elsewhere, while I'm at work.  People come and go.  I'm able to help most, but not all.  That's nothing new.  I guess I just multiply their problems in my head, because of what I have going on.  I have a tendency to take people's computer issues personally.  When I leave work, it should be just that.  Leaving all that at work.  I just feel for some of them.  In the short interactions we have with our customers, we get to know a little about them and in turn, feel what they feel.  It's not the customers who are a pain in the ass that ruin my day (though they try).  It's the really nice customers who you can tell are lost & frustrated.  You can see it in their eyes, and you want to help... but can only do so much.  I know, it's just computer work.. right?  It's not like I'm a doctor.  But looking at a customer and telling them they're about to lose the last 20 years of photos they have, of their kids birth, birthdays, graduations... it's hard.  Those are the customers which make things even harder.

Anyway, enough of that rambling.  So stressful week.  Looking for places, helping customers, and then the usual bills, bills, bills.  Yes, despite living at CBL, I do have bills.... haha.  Some of you may have forgotten, I had a life before CBL.  I guess it's back to the real REAL world soon.

So my blogs have been getting shorter and shorter.  Not sure if that's a good thing or bad thing.  It's good in the sense, I try not to bore you guys will my week filled with work.  Bad, because I don't have a whole lot new & exciting to share.  Straight to the point I guess.  My written diary follows my video usually, but does stray on occasion.  Usually because I do them one night apart.  Right now, I'm at Jose's place.  Just recently got off work, and came here.  I have an early day at work tomorrow, so it works out that he's closer to work for me.  I did my video last night just so I wouldn't have to do the double drive.  Hopefully you guys don't get too lost with half of what I say.

I know my mind is all over the map tonight, so I'll close this blog on a good note.  After this whole week, I do have some news.  As of tonight, my stress will be cut in half.  I found a place to live.  This coming week shall be my last at CBL.  I know, I know.  Some of you will be happy, others may miss me.  I do have to say to EVERYONE, regardless of your thoughts of me, thank you for being there.  Some more than others, but still... thank you.  Please come to my chats this week and check-in as I prepare to leave.  I look forward to catching you all in chat.  I hope you enjoy your weekend, and have an awesome week to come.

A looong week....

Well, it's been a loooong week.  A decent week, but long.  I guess it was back to the usual.  Work, work, work.  Nothing new in that area.  The big thing to write about is Jose.

Many of you have met him by now.  I've been lucky enough to have him in several of my chats.  He's a real cool guy, sweet, caring and really cute.  As I write this, he's laying next to me, half passed out.  He hasn't been feeling well today (Saturday), so I hope he starts feeling better soon.  Seems as though, something is going around.  It's that time of the year.  I'm starting to feel it as well, so hopefully I wont get too sick.  I can't afford to miss any days at work.  At least I have a day off coming up soon.

That day off, I'll be trying to get a lot done.  This week, I kind of laid low.  I hung out with Jose, did a little grocery shopping (very very minor stuff), and relaxed at home.  I still need to get some real food.  I don't know, guess there isn't too much to report on.  I've been having a great time with Jose, but already 2 weeks in, and we'll be hitting a rough patch.  Not so much because of a personality conflict, more because he's hitting a rough time.  I won't go into too much detail... that's on him to discuss if he wants.  In essence though, his ex made life somewhat tough for him.  Now, he's starting to feel it.  What does that mean?  Well, it means we're both feeling it.  I've kind of been spoiled seeing him almost everyday for 2 weeks.  But as of this coming week, I won't be so lucky.

I'm kind of bummed, but I'll make the most of what I can.  Transportation will be somewhat lacking, so I won't see him as much.  He's also moving a little further away (to help save money).  In addition, he's still looking for work - so money is really tight.  I'll still certainly see him when I can, but not nearly as much as we'd like.  Such is life I guess.  I keep telling him, it'll work out.  He nods, but I don't think he believes me.  I told him, things can only go up from now.... not really sure I believe myself.  I know I make this sound more serious than it is.  It really isn't the END of the world, but I still feel for him.  He wants so much to make me happy, that he kind of puts himself behind me.  I told him.. HE comes first.

I just hope he keeps trying.  It's going to be rough & I'll miss him those lonely nights.  But, he's doing what he needs to do for himself.  I'm here to help him as much as I can, but that's kind of limited.  I'm working just as hard to make ends meet.  I also need to find a place soon!  I guess I'm doing the same thing he is.  I'm deflecting.  I'm trying to put my worries aside by focussing on his "problems."  I've been fortunate to have a place to stay, as Zac has been kind enough to let me stay a little longer.  I'm just stressing out over the usual stuff... food, work, money, a place to live, etc.  I know it'll work out, but I'll still drive myself crazy in the meantime.  Just means I need to get my ass into gear, and get (more) stuff done.

Not really an uplifting diary this week... though, they never are.  More emotions this week than usual.  I'm just blah.  It's been busy.  Right now, I feel like crap and have a huge headache.  I'll be back home tomorrow (at Jose's now).  Hopefully, I'll get him to come to the party.  Just means a LOT of driving back and forth.  Oh well, just happy to be with him.  I actually sleep well when he's around.

I hope everyone else had a decent weekend.  Tomorrow's party should be interesting.  No, I won't be dressed up.  Halloween isn't my thing, but hopefully I'll be awake for part of it.  Until then, enjoy and catch you guys soon.  Have an awesome week to come.

Good few weeks...

Well, this week (or the last three weeks) have been a little different than  normal for me.  For those that have been out of the loop a little, or are just new to the site... I was gone for two weeks in Texas for work.  I made it back to Orlando last Sunday, in time to catch part of the weekly party.  There was something new though, something that made the party that much better for me.

True, like usual, I wasn't up that long for the party... and yes, I had to work the very next day.  The new thing though, the thing that made the whole party/day a great one?.... I had my new boyfriend there with me.  Yep, you heard right.  My new BOYFRIEND.  Took me long enough to find him, but he was with me all night long, making it that much more enjoyable.  Now, for most of you, this came as a little shock.  I've been talking with him (Jose) for several weeks.  Actually started talking with him prior to the whole Texas trip.  I kept it quiet, as I do many things.  In part, because I'm never sure what to expect, and want to avoid getting my hopes up.

It's worked out well though.  Everyday I was in Texas, I was on the phone with Jose... several hours a night (5-6 hrs on average).  We really connected, but even more so when he picked me up from the airport and we spent the entire day together.  We had a little surprise for everyone when we came back home... I had a new BF!  Like anything, we're still feeling each other out and learning a lot about each other, but all in good time.

Some of you have been lucky enough to see him.  He's been around most nights, joining me in chat, and helping me sleep at night.  For those that haven't seen him, keep an eye out.  He'll definitely be around more & more.

So what else is new?  Well, like always, I've been busy at work.  Trying to make that money and save up for a place of my own.  My time at CBL is coming to an end, much to the dismay of some & excitement of others.  I'll be busy in the weeks to come, but as always, come join me and my new bf in chat.  

I added a little extra something from Texas, hope you enjoy.  Even the animals work on their tan in Texas.  Have an awesome week guys.  Hope to catch you all in chat.

And so it begins...

Well, it's been an uneventful week and bust at the same time.  As usual, we had our Sunday night party.  I was in bed for most of it (no surprise there).  I actually did try to stay up for it, but felt so shitty that night, that I just couldn't stand it.  My stomach was all torn up from who knows what.  I'm wondering if there was something going around, because the next day, at least half the house was sick, along with 3 other party-goers.  From what I gather, I didn't miss anything at the party (again, no surprise there).  But oh well, on with the rest of the week.

Monday marked the beginning and end of a few things.  First, Melem left.... yep, plain and simple... he left, headed back home.  I won't go into thoughts/feelings/whatever as they've been said many times over.  I wished Melem well in my last diary, and I stick to it.  Just wish he would have said bye.  Either way, he's gone.  Since that's out of the way, Monday also started my at home training.  Week one of a 3 week training period.

Now, nothing too exciting happened here.  I spent most of all day reading, reading, reading.... and even more reading online.  In between reading, I was running errands, tying up loose ends, and taking care of things before I leave for the remaining two weeks.  After this (now just hours away), I head off to the airport and then to Austin, Texas.  I'll be there for a total of two weeks with non-stop studying.  Exciting and nerve racking at the same time.  The day after I get there, I'll be tested right away on all the reading I covered this past week.  If I don't make it thru these tests, I don't continue.  So wish me luck with it (I'll need it).  I certainly know my stuff, but I suck at testing, especially when it comes to mind-numbing reading.  Either way, I'll do my best.

I'll try to check in when I can, but I am off chat for those two weeks.  Let's hope I stil have a place to come home to... lol.  I'm sure all will be fine while I'm gone. Seems most of the drama is gone from the house now.  We'll see though, keep me informed.

So aside from the studying all week, I was pretty laid back.  I made it out the to club 2 nights in a row.  The first night was to Pulse... bit of a different crowd there, but I managed to catch up with a friend or two.  The second night, I made it out to Revolution.  I caught up with Zac and Aaron there.  I guess they were handing out cards for applicants.  Hopefully they get a decent response.  Thursday night, I also caught up with a few friends.  All in all, a decent night. 

I guess there isn't a whole lot to write here, as busy as it's been for me, it's been the same thing all week.  The two weeks to come will be interesting.  I'm sure I'll miss some of you (others, not so much)... but I'm sure you are saying the same thing.  Anyway, until I'm back, I wish you guys the best of luck.  Enjoy the next two weeks, and keep everyone on track for me :-)  Be well.

Short week, lots accomplished, more to go...

Heck of a week...  The week was short, but long at the same time.  It was short in the sense of an extended weekend.  We finished up our Miami trip, arriving back home on Monday.  We all pretty much, managed to arrive in one piece with little drama along the way.  Once we got home though, BAM... it hit.  Good news, I was either asleep or gone at work during it.  But wow, did it hit.  

Long story short (since I don't know full details)... Melem's last day is Sunday.  Now, yes.. he and I have certainly had our moments.  We've gotten on each other's nerves (as many roommates do at times) but all that aside, I truly wish him the best of luck.

Now I know some of this will be a repeat, as I tied up last week's events in my last diary (Monday).  But oh well, it's life.... right?!!  So onto the rest of the week.  Since it is so short, there's no surprise that most of my week was filled with work.  I'm always busy, but even more-so this past week.  I had a LOT of stuff to cram in this week because of the trip.  In addition to my normal work load, I also was covering everything needing to be done because of my upcoming and now present training.  Yup, today (Saturday) starts my 3 week long training for work.

This training is broken up into 2 parts.  Now, without going into too much detail (as it bores most people), I'll keep it somewhat simple.  The first part is a week long session at home, filled with HOURS of reading.  After that, I'm off to Texas for 2 weeks.  The whole process will definitely be intensive, but that's the fun in it :-).  I'm excited and nervous at the same time.  I know my stuff and always learning more, but I suck at testing.  So I'll be putting in a little extra time (than the norm.) in preparation for the whole process.  What does this mean for you (the members)??  Well, You'll see more of me this week, but I'll be boring as ever.  Reading all day and secluded to my room.  I will have chat as normal, this week, but off the following 2.  So come in, make sure you catch me now before I'm off for a few weeks.

So yeah, it doesn't sound like much... much it IS.  Got a lot done this past week, but so much more to go.  It's amazing to look back and see my own progress.  These past 6 months have been an eye-opener, a challenge, and a period of growth.  I'm so close to being where I wanted to be at the end of my contract.  So where does that leave me now? and what does that means for CBL?  Well, you'll just have to wait and see!!!

So hit me up in chat, before I'm off for a few weeks.  Also be sure to say goodbye to Melem.  I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend, and their week to come.  Make the most of it guys!  Have a blast!!!

FUN!!!

Wow, so this past week(end) has been awesome.

Yeah, that pretty much sums it up.  Different than the usual work, work, work stuff.  Of course I did work... a LOT.  I had a lot to cram in for this trip...a lot of time to make up for before I went anywhere.  So yeah, I worked all week, cramming in as many hours as possible.  Because of all the hours, I also had late chat every night last week (just like this week).  It definitely made the whole week longer.  Lack of sleep and what not.  But onto the good stuff.... Miami!

So where to begin???  Funny thing is, you guys should probably tell me!  You have eyes & ears everywhere.  The whole trip was a blast.  Of course every trip has its moments, but as they related to me...I think it went pretty well.  I managed not to kill anyone (always a good thing).  For the most part, we all got along... though there were moments.  The good news, most drama waited until we got back home (so we got to enjoy the trip).  The bad news... that we had drama at all.  Seems it's attracted to the house.. lol.

The drama aside though (as everyone else will talk about it), it was fun.  We had great weather (all sun, little humidity) AND I managed not to get burned!  I know... shocker.  Helps that I used SPF 50 with 3 coats... lol.  But hey, it protected me.  I got a little color (not red), so I was happy.  Now I can't say that for everyone else.  Most everyone turned some shade of red.  

We hit the beaches, hit the clubs, hit the alcohol,.... hit everything but the boys (at least to my knowledge).  I'm sure there was more "play" that went on than I knew about, but I think we were good boys for the most part.  Friday we hit a club called Johnny's.  Brian caught up with a friend of his (really nice, cute boy).  He chilled with us most of the weekend, which was really cool.  He was understandably shy, but seemed to have a good time.  Saturday we had our scavenger hunt (Amazing Race Style)... that was fun, but I think it was more because the boys actually pulled together and seemed to get into it.  Heck, I just liked running in the sand and watching Zac follow.  Haha, he certainly can work his cams.

Later that night, we hit another clubbed, called Discotekka.  Wow, it was a blast!  I've been to good clubs, and no...it wasn't anything truly spectacular, but with everyone there, hot boys, and room to chill...it was soooo much fun.  I caught up with a friend while there, danced a little, drank a little... and met cool new people.  Its always awesome when you can meet new people.

Sunday was a little more laid back.  We spent most of the day recovering, then relaxing while walking along South Beach, smelling all that food... mmm.  Nothing too special happened that night, we all stayed in and took it easy.  Pretty much a laid back night of just talking.  This was probably one of the better parts of the trip.  I got to know each of the boys a little better (Aaron, Brian, & Daniel).  Angel, well... he's always cool.  I know he's Seth's "hubby," but I always feel close to him when he's around.  It was cool to see him and hang this whole trip.  That night (Sunday), Melem was off doing his own thing.  He crashed a little early (as he was going to get the car with Zac).  But everyone else stayed up late talking.  Jonathan of course, was in bed with Zac.  Only thing they were missing were all 4 dogs in bed.  Zac & Jonathan were fun though.  It's always cool to see the lighter side of them.. the more laid back & fun sides.  

It truly was a nice vacation.  Something we all needed.  I enjoyed the break from work (though, going back is hard).  So next up, another long week of work.   Next Saturday, I start my at home training.  The following two weeks after that, I'll be in TX for training.  Anyway, hope you guys have an awesome week.  Look for me in late chat every night this week.  Until then, enjoy.

Exhausting week....

Wow, well I'm starting/ending the week with a cute boy in bed :-) That's always a great way to start things off...lol. Don't worry, it's just Jay. Haha. It's been a crazy week. Not crazy bad, just crazy busy. Yeah, nothing new in terms of the usual weekly activities... just swamped.

Work is work. I love it, but it really kicked my ass this week. With several people gone for training, we were short staffed and cramming in almost twice as much work in our usual 8-14 hr days. Once they come back from training, I'm off to training myself. Lookout Texas, here I come... well, soon enough. So I'm working the same amount of hours as usual, just working twice as hard. I guess that's a good thing. It means I'm learning that much faster, being forced to think on my feet.

So the good stuff... Well, I actually did start my week off with a cute boy in bed (last Saturday). Melem threw a party for one of his friends, who ended up bringing additional people. I'm not sure if Melem got the turnout he wanted for the party, but it was decent (towards the end). I met a cute boy, which is all that matters... lol. I had a great evening with a really cute boy. Unfortunately he left early because of his ride. I did manage to spend more time with him though.

Despite working most of the week, I took true advantage of one of my days off and hit up Palm Coast. That's where the Saturday boy is from. So I went up there, spent all day with him, relaxed, talked, & all the usual stuff. Spent the day getting to know him. We also hit the beach, and just walked the shore for over an hour talking & learning about each other. It was something that I've been missing for awhile now... a great time with a cool person. Where will it go from here? I have no idea. I did catch up again with him earlier this evening, but had to cut it short (early day at work tomorrow)... and had to finish this diary entry.

So next week, hmmmmm. Well, next week should prove to be very interesting, trying, and fun. Or so I hope. We head out for Miami next Thursday/Friday to return Monday. I'm really looking forward to the trip (nice mini-vacation). Let's just hope we don't kill each other on the way down (or at any point of the trip). We still have some funds to raise for it, but I'm sure we'll pull through. At least the cams will be there, capturing every fight, drowning, and more... lol. No, I'm sure it'll be a blast. Time will tell.

So an exhausting week has passed, with an even busier week to come. At least it'll be ending with something new & exciting. Until then, be sure to catch us all in chat, find out what's going on, and who's plotting to drown who during the trip :-) Hope everyone has a great week. Be good, have fun, be safe!