Friday, January 30, 2015

Reflecting on your life

Have you ever sit and think of what you have gone through in life and wonder what's in store for you in the future?

As I sit here having my coffee, I'm reflecting on what has happened in the past and figuring out where my future will take me. Since I have had a diverse past which somewhat makes me for who I am today, I keep wondering what can I do to improve my future. I made a start last night in devoting myself to a church organization. This could bring new friends into my life but the only thing which will be missing is the companionship which everyone strive for. Do you devote yourself into something hoping it would bring you a new start? What about companionship?

If you are single like me, we tend to search for that special person to be your future. Since large cities are very scary, we tend to search for someone you've already known. The issue is, what do you do when you are from a different city or state and trying to find that special person? Some people search the gym for that hook up but it's just that, a hook up. A quality person is really hard to find when you are searching for one. I've known people to choose quantity verses quality in their life's and it's very strange to me because I am a monogamous person. But everyone has their own perspective and chooses their own ways of companionship.  Looking in my past, I've always been monogamous which I am glad about it.  Ar you monogamous? Or are you a player? Do you plan for your future?

Which ever way you choose to deal with your life, it's your business and no one can make you choose. Just realize that the past you had may hinder or make your future because learning from your past errors can make a difference for when you are choosing your future. As for me like others, I am still searching for that bright future and companionship which I've always dreamed about. So good luck on your future and also learn about things as you go.

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Life threatening disease

Do you help someone with a "life threatening disease" or do you run away?

I have known people in my life with life threatening disease which I was there for them. Yes, I said "known" because they have passed away and I am very glad that I was there to assist them. There are lots of threatening disease out there which is very hard for a person to even comprehend.  I have personal experience for helping and caring for someone since 1993.  I can't imagine how these people really felt when they were diagnose with a life threatening disease.

In 1993 I knew someone who was dying due to AIDS and it was an eye opening for me and which I was just only 25 years old and coming out. Also since I just moved to California and learned about the gay life style, I was very interested in it. I was not afraid of what I was doing to help him through his last days with us but it was really worth it being part of something that could shape me for the future. I've learned what was safe sex and what was not safe. As a HIV Negative person, I was very fortunate of learning safe sex and going to groups to talk about it.  The group that I use to hang out with were very knowledgeable about the life style and I learned a lot. Now days there are lots of prevention to help people who are infected with the disease and I applaud for the medical professionals who discovered the drugs. A longer life for them.

But this is not the only disease I had to deal with in my life.  My late partner had a heart disease which took a lot of our time in and out of the hospitals. I spent numerous day and nights in the hospital with him. I also had a scare of loosing him 2 1/2 years prior of his actual passing date. I spent a month in Mississippi while he was in a coma for 12 days. I was told he would not live through this because his heart could not take it but with the grace of God he woke up. Once he woke up it was another adventure I had to go through. He spent a month or two in rehab which it was tough. This disease did not take him then but it took his life later down the line. Being there and caring for him was a choice I choose. I did not even think about moving on or giving up on him because I knew that everyone needs someone, especially in hard times. Not that I would have left him because he was the lite of my life. But I was going to be there until the end (like a married couple).

Soon after my partner passed, I was faced with an extended family member and a friend dealing with Cancer. It was tough for both families who cared for them. I was there for both people and trying to do as much as I could for both of them, Since both were miles apart, I spent little time here and there to help them out. Yes within year and a half, I dealt with several deaths personally of family and friends. I've learned a lot about how people feel when the end is coming.

So as you can see, I have spent part of my life helping people in need. But would you do the same if you've come across someone who needs a friend or someone who needs your help? I hope so because some of these disease are family hereditary or was done by accidentally.  I've been watching the news and saw all these people suffering and there's no where to turn to. We all need to help each other because life is to short. So get out there and do something for someone. Whether they are ill or not, do something for someone.

All about Religion

What's on my mind today? Religion.

My readers on this page or my other page are majority Catholics, which I was raised as a catholic too. Since I got older I have changed religion but still have the catholic in me. I am a member of non-denominational church called MCC which I've been a member for many years. I have seen many changes while a member of MCC. Some good and some bad.

Because I was baptized as Catholic I really can't remember all the changes that has happened back than since I was young and it has been many years since than. I know I've seen different priest at our church throughout the years. As an adult, things are making sense of what's happening when it comes to attending churches and the politics that comes with it. The major thing I remember looking back is that the priest played a major part of the congregation and keeping it's parish together.  I remember going to the church on a week day praying for things that has gone wrong and always a priest was there because he lived on the premises which the doors were always open to the public.  I am not sure if Catholic churches still have open door polices since I've been attending a different type of church. I am not sure what's happening now days with the Catholics. Do you know if the doors are always open to the public?  Has things changed since I was younger regarding open door polices for the Catholic church?

I have notice more and more churches are just there for Sunday's Services. I attended a church close to me where I live (not an MCC church), not even the church staff was there doing the week. The only time I've seen anyone there is when there was a function or  Sunday Service. I know these people still gets paid as a staff member but they work from home as they say. So what happens to the building while parishioners wants to pray at the house of the lord? I know where ever you pray God can hear you but like when I was young, it was nice to be in the house of lord. Other churches I see they have their staff there but it's only for church business and not for anyone who wants to just pray in the house of lord.

Has things changed so much that we only have Sunday Services or special functions? In my opinion, I think since majority of the churches own their own building, they should open it up to the public. Hey, maybe that one or several people who goes to pray doing the week would donate to the churches donation box and not only in a Sunday Service. Churches now days are suffering financially with their budget but opening to new idea or concepts on going back to how it was, could be an option to receive more money.   I don't know, what do you think? I know I always did put something in the donation box when I went doing the week which I felt I needed to. So this is something you should think about regarding the church you attend.


Date for Valentine's Day

As a single person, how do you find a Valentine's Day date?

Since I've been out of the loop for many years, how do you find a date for Valentine's Day? What is your secret in finding a date on that special day?

This will be my third Valentine's Day without a date since my late partner passed. But this year I am willing and should find a date for that special day. I just need to see what's out there. Who knows, maybe there is a special person that would be the right person for me. Not that I am searching for that special person but who knows. Since moving to Kansas City from the country it is very difficult to make new friends in the life style. Don't get me wrong, I've met other nice people here but no one in particular to date. The city should have a variety of people to choose from but I haven't found that particular person yet. With my past history, I've met people from other states or city which somewhat worked out fine because I've moved there when the timing was right. This time I am starting slow and finding a date first to see how it goes.  I think Valentine's Day could be fun with the right person.

Where and how do you find a date for Valentine's Day? I know it is normally for couples but single people can find a date on that special day to just enjoy like the rest of them.  Are you single and searching for that special friend to enjoy on that day?  If so, good luck and have fun.

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Days like this

Have you ever wonder what "Days like this" means? I often wonder but everyone has different answers to the question.

Today has been a weird day (quite depressing). When things can go wrong, it will go wrong.  I haven't seen anything positive happening today and I have decided to just kick back and let the day go by. What do you do when everything goes wrong? Without going into details, at times I remind myself that there is always tomorrow. Tomorrow might bring a better day. Thinking positive for the next day is the best way I know how to deal with it. So hopefully you are not having a "day like this" as I am.

Bible Scriptures

This morning I have started differently than my normal routine. Somehow while checking all my Facebook, email and twitter account I came across bible scriptures on my internet browser.

The browser showed me different ways of analyzing James 3:1 scripture. The strange thing is that it's all about being a teacher and higher standards.  I am not a man of the cloth but I know several people who are. There are more than these examples below but I choose these two.

My brethren, let not many be masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.
Or
Not many [of you] should become teachers (self-constituted censors and reprovers of others), my brethren, for you know that we [teachers] will be judged by a higher standard and with greater severity [than other people; thus we assume the greater accountability and the more condemnation].
This is not my normal style of blog but I had to share what came across my computer this morning.

Monday, January 26, 2015

Mutual Respect

Do you give mutual respect to others? Or are you one of those people expect respect from others but does not give it? Also there are people out there that respect themselves, they always respect others and don't expect it back.

I was raised Catholic from when I was young and has change religion multiple times through my life. The words or life style I remember and has stuck with me through my life journey is: Treat others as you want to be treated. These simple words are just that "simple". What ever religion you are and plan to be, those words are in every religion. (I could be wrong, but it's been with all the different denominations I've been to) I know it's simple words but it's a tough one to live up to. 

If you are a CEO of a company, teacher, students, truck drivers, priest, self employed or just and employee of a company; we are all humans and need respect from one another. The best way I've learned is if you want respect, you must first respect yourself and always give respect to others whether they are nice to you or not. Once you learn how to respect others, you'll see that you'll get respect back. Don't be fooled, there are people out there that really don't know how to respect anyone. And there are people out there that expect respect from you but when it's time for them to respect you, they hide behind their own shadow. Yes, as human instinct we tend to always "want" things but really don't know how to act when it comes to yourself. It sounds weird but if you really look into yourself, do you see a respectful person or do you see someone who just want things from others?

In relationships people tend to start nicely respecting each other but when things go wrong, does the respect continues? From my experience and I was bad at that too, I tend to walk away from it all and never looked back.  There were some people I kept contact with but others play no part of my life til today. Did I respect them enough to keep the friendship? No... Since than, I've learned that things does go wrong and parting from one another is just part of life. I tried to keep the peace and not make it a life changing situation. But it takes two and if the other person writes you off, than they did not have enough respect for you. And that's okay too because you know in your heart that you respected yourself enough to respect the other person. Life is a learning experience and with God's help, we all can learn how to get along with one another. I for one, if I could go back and undo the wrong I've done in the past, I would. Forgiveness of any wrong doing starts from you and if I knew where these people were, I would try to rectify the respect and friendship with these people. But since I don't know where they have gone to, I pray for them and their well being that life has treated them well. 

So if I can make changes in my life to respect everyone, can you? Take it slow and start with yourself first. 

Saturday, January 24, 2015

Letting go

When and how do you let go? This is a good question.

From my experience it's very hard to let go things that you can't change. To accept the changes in your life is a major thing to do. People always say one day at time but does it really work? This could be one way of doing it but I've tried it and boy it's a nightmare. Letting go is one thing I've never been able to do. My mind does it's own thing and at night when you're trying to sleep, those things that you're trying to put behind you keeps appearing in your head. I've had numerous sleepless nights just because of things I can't change. How do you do it? There's always sleeping pills which some could be addictive and become a must every night. I know because I have prescription sleeping pills which I don't use.  I try to sleep on my own and not with any prescription to do so. Do you use drugs to sleep?

I am learning how to write things down for things I can not change. By writing things down, it kind of help me by letting the situation relax my mind. Does it really work? Well it's all depends on the person and situation. I know it will never leave your mind but at least you'll have some sort of stress release. Meditation is another way of releasing stress that keeps your mind relaxed. I one have never really learned how to meditate. Yes, I've learned how to sit quietly and pray for forgiveness, thanking God for what he's done for me and prayers for others who needs it. But trying to remove the situation that haunts you at night, I have not figured it out. How do you do it? For me I spend my day with house work and I listen to christian music all day. Between chores, gym and spending time with my dog, I tend to sit quietly and sort things in the mind. I know my limits of what I can and can't handle so doing this it helps me stay sane. I know there are people out there that it affects them very hard and they have to seek professional assistance.  Since I tend to live a simple and christian life, I know things will work out the way God intends. So I lift everything up to God.  (sorry to those people who does not believe in God, nothing against you. It's your prerogative) This is how I have done it for years. Do you do the same?

So this is really something to thing about on how you deal with changes in your life.

Real Friends

How do you know if your friends right now are real friends? Or do they just want be around you because there's no other friends that want to be around them?

I know that there are people out there that will be your friend for life.  Whether you have issues, been through difficulties or just having a great life, they are always by your side near or far. On the other hand, there are people that you meet and will be in your life for a short period of time. That is not bad either, it depends on the situation.  As for people you've known for many years and they have shunt you from their lives for their own personal reason or just decided that you are not worth being friends with. They weren't really a friend to begin with, it was for their personal agenda to have you around. It's how you handle the situation makes a whole lot of difference to you and that person.

Here's another type of friendship:

What if you have known this person for many years and you both decided to become closer friends and started dating? I've known people to do such thing. The only concern is that what happens when your dating situation goes sour? Do you still be friends or do you part from each other for life's for ever? Now that's the question that concerns everyone.  I have been through such thing and it's not pretty.  I guess it's how you handle things mentally because remember you are throwing away many years of friendship you both had. It's not an easy thing to do but if it's done right, you both can go on with life's knowing you can still count on the next person to still be there as a friend. (hasn't happen for me unfortunately) Can you handle this type of situation? Have you gone through something like this? What is your perspective on this type of situation?

I've been reading lots of comments on Facebook that pertains to situation like this.  A lot of times people are questioning themselves on what they did wrong but really it's not them that is causing the problem? Majority of the time it's the other person who has had something done to them and is now questioning everything in their life. All I can say is be strong and don't let others make you feel bad about yourself. If you are doing things right and good things will come your way.  True friends will always be there even at at times when you have a dispute with each other and resolve it in due time. True friends are true friends.  No one can break you apart and no situation can prevent you from keeping your friendship. Life is tough out there and you will always need friends/family to be around you whether good or bad situations. Life is to short to "hate" someone.  Hate is a strong word and it's not really a good word to use. You could always use "dislike" because one day that certain friend might come around again and life will go on.


Friday, January 23, 2015

Sex sells

Like I do every morning I check my Facebook and Google+ account to see what's going on. As always I see half naked men or females on these pages. I understand that sex sells but what is it really about? If it's an advertisement for some product, I understand that companies uses sex to catch the eyes of the readers. As for personal naked photos of yourself without any words or reason for the nakedness is a little to much. I know some use the internet to find a mate but others just do it to just do it. I myself would not want my nakedness on the internet because others/companies can just pull up your information and see what you do on your spare time. I know companies actually check the internet to find out what type of a person you are. Also it makes you look cheap or desperate to others who potentially could be your next mate. Is it worth it to be exposed to people that might make or break you. Also there's others that exploit your information or pictures to their advantage. It a scary world out there and you do not know what really happens after you post your photos on the internet.

Yes, I'm one of those people who post my face photos out there but it's really innocent like others do. Facial pictures is okay in my book because family and friends who really don't see me normally due to distance or not even in my day to day life could actually see me and how well I'm doing. But nakedness is not okay in my book which is only my opinion.  I am one of those people if it's not an actually person in front of me, it does not do anything for me. And this is how I choose my life to be.

So as for those naked pictures you see out there on the internet, does that really turn you on or do you feel like me? I am not putting down anyone one who does the nakedness posting on the internet. It's your preference to do so. This is a free country and you can do what so ever you want to. It's all on how you want to present yourself to others. Everyone makes their own choices in there own lives.

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Life changing experiences

Today I had a conversation about people moving to another state or city for that special one or person. Don't get me wrong, I don't have any current plans to make a move in the near future but who knows. I know I have done this couple of times before and I would love to hear from others and their perspective on this issue.
Several people asked me if I would move out of Kansas due to a relationship or friendship which quickly I responded no because of my family being here. Was this a realistic answer? Who knows but if the tables were turned, would your family stay because of you? I guess it's all about circumstances and where at that point you or your family have to weigh their situation.
In the past, it took me a while to make a decision on making those drastic move but I did not regret it. We all are afraid of changes but if you don't try it, you won't know. It brings it back to "what if". No one knows what is really in stored for us but if it's in God's graces, things would workout whether you prepared for it or not. So what do you have to say about it?

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Family Court

Have you ever gotten kicked out from a family court hearing?

 I was there as a spectator sitting in the back of the room (small room) which the judge could see me. Listening to what was happening and I shook my head for not believing the lies that was said.Than the judge asked me who I was (brother of the plaintiff) and said I could leave the court room which I did. The reasoning was she felt I was answering the question for the plaintiff and respondent who was on trial.

I couldn't believe a shaking of a head in belief of what was going on consist of answering for the people on trial. Being asked to be there by the attorney was first of all strange in a family court but getting kicked out was another surprise.  After the trial, I was told by the attorney she is like that and I guess know one can move while the trial is going on.  I just took it as a interesting and learning experience.

So have anyone gone through something strange like this?

Monday, January 19, 2015

Second chances

Do people really give second chances when it come to relationship or friendship? From experiences I have given my share of second chances to others. But when it comes to getting a second chance,  do you really receive a second chance? 

I wonder about this all the time. In new a relationship or friendship you expect to start slow. You normally have walls up so the new person in your life does not really know the real you. Yes recently this really happened to me but the outcome was tragic. Now that things has settled down, I decided to let the other person know about the real me.  You know that didn't even work either. Now I sit here figuring out that sometimes second chances does not exist. Or the other person does not really care enough to really see reality. Am I wrong in thinking this way?  What do you think about SECOND CHANCES? Do you give your all to the new person you come across? If so, how do you handle when the relationship or friendship goes sour? I would love to hear how others deal with new relationship or friendships.

Thinking differently

The question of the day: Thinking differently.  I for one have not grasp the concept of thinking differently which hinders my moving forward. How does one make the first attempt to do so? For me that's really hard to do when you have a lot of things from your past in front of you. Talk about a overhaul! Yes we as humans overhaul our minds and body.

For example: I tried removing all the pictures and reminiscence of my late partners things that keeps reminding me of my lost. Well I did so but mentally I have not tried to start living again,  Wait, I did try and failed miserable at it. So it brought me right back to where I started.

Not sure if that was a good example but there is always a "but" when it comes to the heart. I would love to know the secret of "Thinking differently". How do all of you make a drastic change on how you do things and when you are able to do it. Mentally and physically is very different in it's own ways. Like I've started going to the gym to change my outside appearance which is working. As for my mental stage, now that needs a lot of work and learning to be done to accept the things that can't be changed. Even though I live a Christian life, it really gives me lots of time to reflect on what's happened in the past and also what I want to do in the future. The only thing is that prayers can only go so far and you have to do the rest.

Any ideas on how to restart your mind or retrain your mind for the changes that needs to be done? I am taking it "one day at a time" to see if there's any improvement in my life. That's how I am dealing with it.

Sunday, January 18, 2015

Do people really takes to heart of what other people suggest or say? I am wondering what people say or do when they are up against the wall about their actions they've done or planning to do.

Today at church, it was strange because the sermon was about what I was talking about yesterday "Forgiveness".  Also the pastor talked about "Afraid". Yes they both come together in ways we all could not imagine.

Example:

Late last night I sent a text to someone who needed to hear the real reason why I left the gift behind in their possession which it was gifted from this person. It's been three weeks (give or take) and I haven't told this person why I somewhat did not accept the gift. Yes, it's has taken this long because I was afraid of the response I would get. I forgave any wrong doing of each others side but I was not ready for the heartfelt argument. I don't expect any response from the text I sent but forgiving this person is all I can do.

As you can see people deal with all type of situation differently. How do you deal with situations? Do you just walk away or ignore the other person by wishing it would just go to the way side? Or do you confront the issue at hand right away?  How ever you deal with any situation, you just need to remember that you are special and know one can take that away from you.

Sleepless Night

I know everyone goes through this sometime or another.  Tonight is one of those nights that anything I do, I can't get to sleep. How do you guys handle that? Sleeping pills are additive, so I don't really use it.  The sad part of it soon it will be Sunday morning and time to get ready for church. I don't want to be one of those people that falls asleep while praying.  Which that does not happen. Not that I ever seen such thing. So I sit here once again this week trying to clear my mind so I can fall asleep.  Hate when things just keep running through your head and you can't stop it.

Living in the city should be more exciting but it's not.  I guess if you're younger, maybe that would be a different perspective on things.  As an older person (at the age of 47), life is not as fun as it use to be. I know others who are my age or older are still trying to keep up with the younger generation but there's a price to pay for that. Hey we are still young in heart and feel young too but our body tends to say something else.  I'm speaking of my own opinion and experiences. Others might say something different. As we all try to keep our bodies in shape, there's part of our mind that fights us with all the strength to remind us we are getting older. I work out at the gym every day just to keep healthy and that's fine with me.  I am not heavy or very slender person but just your normal average size.  Well some people say I don't have to work out but keeping healthy is a must for me. Knowing I have a decent amount of love handle which I am trying to get rid of, I really don't have much bell fat either. Just those love handles or spare tires as some people say. Go figure....

As a single person, you don't know if someone will be around the corner checking you out. So keeping healthy and looking decent is a must for someone like me.  What does other single people do the present or to preserve their appealing shape or looks? We all know that appearances is a must as a single person.  I know some people say that they don't care about looks, but boy there are liars.  People want the whole package- looks, body size and personality.  I haven't come across someone who would looked at and ugly person (features/size/personality) and say you are gorgeous. I seen people just walk away or if they are on a blind date, they just walk on by without introducing themselves.  Everyone needs some companionship. But the question is: how to find your special person?  If you have the answer because I'm still looking.  Since I am not a bar person and I prefer to cook my meals at home, I tend not to be out there like others trying to hard to meet someone. If it's going to happen, it will happen.





Saturday, January 17, 2015

Today as I sit here like every morning having my breakfast before heading to the gym. I realized that there are lots of hatred out there in the world. I think the world has forgotten how to "forgive" the errors of people's ways.

As my previous postings of things gone wrong in my life, I've learned how to forgive and move on. I chuck it up to learning experiences and that's part of life. Are you able to do that?  As single person, it's not easy but it's how you deal with life as it comes. As for me, I live a Christian life and that's how I live my life. I leave it up to GOD to show me my path.

Are you living the way you want to?  I don't mean the physical way but mentally. I know life is tough out there especially with poverty, anger and craziness but it's how you deal with life mentally. Be strong and live the life that makes you feel good inside with things that helps you enjoy life. So go out there and make a difference in the world for you and others.

Monday, January 12, 2015

Since I don't have a place or anyone to talk to, I'm doing this here. I am changing all my electronics to reflect things that are happening in my current life. In order for me to start a new life, I must remove all phones reflecting my late partner. George I hope you understand but it's been two years and I'm holding on to what I had. It's time to hold you in my heart and look for my future. Not sure what's ahead in the future but it should be great.

I tried getting out there and got my first heartbreak. I don't understand what happened but only God knows what happened because the guy has stopped all communications with me after he ended my vacation early. Yes I don't understand but I hope one day it will be clearer.

I miss him and think of him a lot. It's been couple of weeks now and I've hoped it would go away but his always on my mind. I wonder if there's any good way to move on from this feeling?  I just have to try.

Lost in memories.