Touchy subject, and yes, maybe even a bit personal.  I think those who are healthy enough to have sexual intercourse and are NOT trying to get a girl preggo are smart enough to use a condom (I hope!).  Condoms are the miracle elastic that help couples to control the world’s ever growing population; though nothing is guaranteed, a condom is still a safer bet than nothing at all.  And Birth control plus a rubber usually equals a safe go of sex.

Condoms don’t grow under pillow cases or secret boxes under your bed.  Can anyone else relate to the embarrassment that is “buying condoms?!”  Especially alone, and god help you if you are a male. 

Again, I realize this could potentially cause unwanted visuals, but forget what happens after you check out of the Pharmacy or wherever you buy your condoms of choice.  I want to speak on the sticky situation one goes through before even thinking about engaging in sex.

I still remember the first time I was alone and got the call.  “Oh by the way, we’re all out.  FYI.”

That was the hint that I was the one who had to get a box…alone.  I stopped by the local Genuardi’s because that was the only thing in between my house and where I was on the road.  Everything felt normal because it hadn’t sunk in that I would need to grab a box of condoms…and get in a checkout line.  They didn’t have a self check out! 

I grabbed the box and then it finally hit me.  Was I being irrational?  I am usually so laid back or I stick my middle finger up to the world and do whatever I wanted anyway.  But for some odd reason…I was afraid to go to a cashier and have them ring up a box of condoms.  As if I didn’t want them to know what my business was.

I panicked.  I HAD to buy something else!!!  In my mind it would not make me look like a horny, stereotypical male that was gonna get lucky at some dive bar that night IF I bought something else.  So I grabbed what any normal person would.

A box of Lucky Charms. 

I confidently strode up to the cashier, a teenage guy who had the look of a high school jock that didn’t want to be working on a Friday night.  I put my two items down…and as if on cue, he giggled as he saw what my purchase was to be.  He tried to hide it…but I knew.  This jackass thought it humorous because I had a box of condoms and a box of Lucky Charms as the ONLY two items I was buying on that eve.  He probably thought “ wow this guy must really need cereal and to get laid this weekend!”  Stupid punk.  I paid, grabbed my stuff and rolled.

Here I am cursing under my breath because he thought it was funny, YET it was I who had the ridiculous desire to buy something with my condoms so it didn’t look like I was desperate.  Being a guy is tougher than you all think.

That was months ago of course.  I have now gotten used to buying the rubber…and I always grab a box of Lucky Charms now to go along with them.  Bonus points if it comes with a prize!  The two items have become my “lucky” charms. 

Can anyone relate, or am I nuts?  Guys, do you feel uncomfortable buying them alone?  Girls, do you feel uncomfortable…or do you know what it is like for us?
 
Note:  I wrote this February 2009 and am uploading as a way to archive on my own site. 

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If there is ever a topic I am passionate about it’s got to be Valentine’s Day.  In addition to being born on it (turning 24 this Saturday), I am also a HUGE proponent of the holiday.  There is no holiday, at least none that I know of, that gets so much negative publicity by people than Valentine’s Day.  It’s sad.  Scratch that, it’s pathetic!


Allow me to paint a picture.  From my early teenage years up until I turned 21 I never had a Valentine!  NEVER.  Not even a girlfriend for that matter.  Does it suck being alone on both your birthday AND Valentine’s Day.  You bet!  But though I may have been lonely, I constantly preached to my friends “Celebrate and show love to your significant other.” 

I admit that three of the last four Valentine’s Day, including this Saturday, I have been fortunate enough to have someone to spend V-Day with.  Was it Fantastic?  Of course!  I was so excited in 2006 to go out with someone and celebrate.  I am eagerly anticipating this weekend with my love, Michelle. 

That all said, Valentine’s Day gets such a bad rap.  I HATE when people call it a “Hallmark” holiday.  Grrr…the ignorance of people.  The true meaning of St. Valentine’s Day is showing love. 

The origins of the holiday vary.  The most famous of all stories would be that of St. Valentine of the Roman Empire.  Emperor Claudius, at the time, ruled over the empire and waged may unsuccessful wars.  He called upon all men to fight these futile wars for him…the problem was that most men did not want to leave their significant others.  This angered Claudius.  He banned Marriage and cancelled all engagements. 

St. Valentine, a priest at the time, secretly married couples anyway.  Wedding people in secret was quite a risk for a priest to take, and eventually Claudius found out and imprisoned Valentine.  Val died in prison, but was at least given a proper burial.  Valentine is a martyr of love…he felt passionate enough about the sanctity of love and the sacrament of Matrimony that he risked his life to continue to wed couples.

Valentine’s Day is not about buying expensive gifts or trying to impress others.  It’s certainly not about going out to a bar with the intention of getting laid either.  It’s about expressing love.  How can that be a bad thing?  It’s especially a tragedy when single people trash the holiday because they are feeling envious.  I was single for so long…lonely, depressed and confused.  YET I still knew the roots and meaning of Valentine’s Day and could take solace in knowing that many others were enjoying themselves on that eve. 

Instead of being miserable, go out with some friends that are also single and comfort one another.  Or go out and try to find a “Valentine” to talk with and just have a fun time.  I know, easier said than done…but it beats trashing a holiday that is VERY meaningful because you are jealous or upset.  There is no reason for anyone “hate” the day because they are alone.  Yeah, it does suck but there are other options!  Do not let loneliness take over!

Look, I know I am a child of Aphrodite and all of that.  I don’t just support the holiday because I was born on it either.  I Believe in it.  I believe in its meaning and I believe in showing love.  Instead of fancy gifts like rings or watches, try cooking your girlfriend dinner or giving your man a back massage.  I also understand the sexy side of it as well.  Stalking chicks out at the bar is not what Valentine’s Day is all about.  However a wild night of passion with your lingerie-clad girlfriend is conceivable. 

And yes I am stupid enough to admit that was a hint to Shelly.  LOLz!
 
Note:  I wrote this February 2009.  I am uploading a few Blogs from myspace as a way to Archive on my own site.
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So Alex Rodriquez has admitted that he too has taken steroids.  This hurts; it hurts me, Major League baseball and probably millions of ball fans.  I can’t say A-Rod was the most likeable superstar in the MLB, but compared to arrogant jerks like Barry Bonds, he was worth rooting for.  I never really was a personal fan of Alex as a baseball player.  I will admit though I was secretly rooting for him to break all homerun records that way a truly “clean” ballplayer could once more regain the glory of old.  Alas…that will not be happening.  If A-Rod breaks the all-time Home run record…it will only put a darker cloud on the record.


With A-Rod’s credibility now diminished, what is left?  I pose this question to you internet world…WHAT IS LEFT?!  Who do the fans of baseball root for?  There is no one left!  No one else has a chance to break the Home Run record.  And at this point every time a new Superstar admits steroid use, more and more of us suspect every star between 1987 – 2005 was juicing.  Was it illegal?  Up until 2003, no.  But what about the moral issues, damnit.  I had to watch Roger Maris’ historic record shattered by that FREAK Big Mac. 

I’m realistic to know that not EVERY player that was great in the 90s was on steroids.  But it has become increasingly obvious that many more were than we all originally suspected.  I feel bad for people like Schilling, Maddux, etc. that have many legit records in that era…and only time will tell if people just ignore the 90’s baseball era all together.  There is such a dark cloud that legit players will not get the respect they deserve.  And sadly…we don’t even know who really is legit anymore.

I give Alex credit for fessin’ up…but he broke the hearts of many.  He will never be looked at the same now and all we can do now is hope a natural talent will rise from the ashes and dominate baseball.
 
Everyone is different, but sometimes I don’t think we take enough time to know who we are.  Consider this your homework:  Take your name (full or nickname) and write an Acrostic Poem using only adjectives that describe who you are.  Make sure you leave them in my comment section.  If you are down or sad, it’s good to remember who you are and what makes you special.  Here is an example:


Joker
Observant
Stunning
Easy going
Pro
Hip


Modernistic
Clever
Danceaholic
Odd
Nostalgic
Amusing
Loud
Determined
 
Oh, how I miss those long college breaks in-between semesters.  Those breaks were my way to recharge and get ready for another 16 week suicide studyfest.  That time of my life may be over, but I was able to go back in time and have one of the best weeks in recent memory over the holiday break.

I took off 10 days from work due to Christmas and New Years.  I do this every year because it is such a hectic time that I feel like I should be around to visit people and also enjoy myself during the holidays.  I don’t like having to worry about work when my family and friends are around.  Usually my break is relatively uneventful and, at times, painful with terrible gatherings I rather not be a part of.  This year was quite different as I will describe from memory (that is what I can remember from it haha!).

Christmas was special as my fiancé Michelle surprised me Christmas morning by jumping into my bed at 8 in the morning.  I had no clue she was coming; I didn’t think I’d be seeing here until later.  She is so great (sigh).  It was a busy Christmas visiting our families, plus she had to work from 2pm-10pm.  We managed to squeeze in everyone though.

Saturday night me, Michelle and Betha went out to get crunk in Dub-C (West Chester).  We had a pretty decent time all in all.  Sunday I hung out with the cousins and Monday all of the gang filmed a new movie (Coming Soon!).  That was an interesting experience as usual.

Tuesday me and Michelle looked at houses all day and found a few that we really fell in love with.  That was exciting, but quite exhausting.  You may think looking at houses is easy; try doing 12 different ones in a single day.

Basically Monday night until Sunday afternoon I hung at Michelle’s Dad’s(minus house hunting on Tuesday).  I had such a fun time hanging with Betha (and Michelle and her Dad when they were around).  We basically stayed up and watched movies, played video games, hung in the hot tub, and went to bars and dive diners.  I felt like I could just hang out and have fun…the way I always wanted life to be.  It was so carefree and just fun.  It really is like having the sister I never had.

New Years was extremely fun.  Basically we all got drunk and played board games.  I can’t think of a better time really and that was the best way to end 2009 and go into 2010.

My break is over and I have work but I won’t forget how much fun this week was.