The East Coast Outcast

Once upon a time

2006-08-11T14:02:00.000-04:00

Remember way back in the day? Hey, hey...

So this entry is written because of Brett. That's the sole reason, and I'm sure he's the only one who will read it since I think it's been about two months since I updated.

There are a couple of reasons I haven't updated. For one, I've stopped working the night shift. Once that was cut out, I had a lot less free time. Work has sorta consumed my life, but only off and on.

There are some weeks where I'll be working 18 hour days and then weekends. But then there will be weeks where I'm working 9-5.

I have a great coworker, Sunny, and we've really clicked. I go out in Boston once a week, and usually go out when I'm home in DC. Um, other than that I work?

That brings me to the other reason I haven't updated. My life hasn't changed; it doesn't change. Its the same thing every week. Flying to Boston, working, flying home, flying to Boston, working, flying home.

There just isn't much to write when that's all you're doing I guess.

That's all. Maybe something new will inspire me to write in the next couple of days.

Soaked

2006-06-01T19:17:00.000-04:00

One of the biggest bonuses of working the night shift (WHICH THIS IS MY LAST NIGHT OF) is that I get to park literally 10 feet from the door. During the day, you have to park in the garage which someone decided would be a good idea to put 5 minutes from the building.

Anyway, that didn't help me today. It was raining SO HARD (like, literally, it hurt) and I was soaked by the time I got into the building.

Dear Rain,
Fuck off.
Love, Josh

AIDS Walk Boston

2006-05-31T23:31:00.000-04:00

For those of you I haven't emailed...

I'm going to be participating in the AIDS Walk Boston this coming Sunday representing the Accenture team. Our organizer has set a very high goal of $5,000, and we are more than half way there (and already higher than the total for last year).

HIV/AIDS has hit me very close...and I organized and did fundraising for an HIV/AIDS Awareness Week in college, and this is a welcome opportunity for me to keep contributing to the cause.

I'm including a link for you to go to if you choose to donate money. All you have to do is click on my name and follow the instructions. Any amount is welcome and appreciated.

http://www.aac.org/site/TR?team_id=6840&pg=team&fr_id=1010

Thanks,
Josh

Cheaters

2006-05-31T21:29:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I had a post about a man being caught by his wife cheating. Today one of my friends IMed me with another cheating story.

My friend was on a website called Manhunt. For those of you that aren't familiar with Manhunt, it has catchy slogans like "Get on. Get off." and "Hook up now." I think you get the idea of the main purpose for this site.

So the way this site works, you have public pictures and private pictures. You can browse the people online and send the messages and/or unlock your private pictures for them.

My friend saw that someone had unlocked his pictures for him, so he went to view the profile. After viewing the pictures, he recognized the person and called him on it.

See, my friend had met this person at Absolutli Goosed in the fall. My friend and I had gone to meet one of my friends and his boyfriend. The guy who unlocked his pictures just happened to be this guy's boyfriend (still dating, still living together.)

After being called out, the guy immediately blocked my friend. My friend made another profile and sent him a message--and was blocked again.

Anyway, I'm really tempted to put this guy's name up and encourage everyone to send him nasty emails...but I dunno (OK, I'm going to). I will give you the contents of his profile, though, so if you happen to see him on Manhunt in Missouri...tell him hi :)

Name: Works4It
Subject: Looking for discreet fun
Looking for a little fun pretty open minded not into anything to kinky or gross. If your going to send a message please bother to have a pic to share or don't bother me.

Lookin' good when nobody's lookin'

2006-05-31T19:09:00.000-04:00

So I'm weaing this really bright polo, and look pretty cute today.

I get to the office, and Sunny's not there. It made me sad...not sure why I was dressing up for a girl, but I know she would've appreciated it!

There were a couple of stragglers from the day shift left that I don't know so well, and one did compliment me though..

Lookin' good :)

A funny thing happened in the airport...

2006-05-31T00:23:00.000-04:00

Ok, so I'm at the airport in Dulles trying to find a spot to eat my Wendy's 10 piece chicken nugget meal (only $3.89!). I found an empty area and went over there to dig in...

Near the end of my meal, I heard some guy using a loud voice and couldn't help but listen. I'm going to *try* and replay the conversation for you. I'll add *pauses* so you know when the person on the other line (I unfortunately couldn't hear) talks.

Why did it take you so long to answer the phone. I really need to talk to you. Do you know what you did.
*pause*
Ok, I'll tell you what you did. You left a message on my house phone. Why did you do that?
*pause*
Did you hear me? You left a message on my house phone. Do you know what happened? My wife heard it.
*pause*
Yea, she left me a message saying she wants a divorce.
*pause*
What did you say in the message?
*pause*
What do you mean you don't remember? I need to know.
*pause*
Well, try to remember. I have to talk to her and I need to know what you said. Did you say "I love you" at the end?
*pause*
Ok, so you said it's been a while since you've seen me? What else?
*pause*
That's all you remember?
*pause*
Because my brother died. I'm flying back home now. I picked a bad time to go out of town.
*pause*
I wanted to warn you too. She has your name and number from the caller ID. Be careful if she calls you.

This is where I left...I couldn't really find a reason to hang around any longer since my Wendy's was long gone.

Should I feel bad for enjoying that conversation so much?

Pics of my apartment

2006-05-31T00:17:00.000-04:00

Sorry about no update this weekend...I was busy doing nothing. Anyway, I decided I would add some pictures of my apartment because lots of people in Missouri wanted to know what it looks like, and this is easier than emailing 800 people (yes, I have that many friends).

Oh, and keep in mind I still need to paint, get curtains, and do a lot more to my room...

My exciting life

2006-05-25T00:11:00.000-04:00

So, I think there are people that actually read this. I don't want to disappoint you by not updating. So this is what I did today...

Woke up. Read paper. Watched tv /played online (I multitask). Went to work. Worked.

Hm...yea...

Enjoy!

And she was wearing goggles...

2006-05-23T20:57:00.000-04:00

So my friend Justin works at a hotel, and was recently robbed. I had him transcribe the story for me. The screennames have been changed to protect the innocent.

MyFriendThatGotRobbed: A woman came in with a gun, and told me "this is a robbery, get down on the fucking floor." After I got down, she told me to give her all the money in the cash drawer, and not to press any buttons or call anyone. After I handed her the money, she told me to get in the back room and wait there 5 minutes. If I sent anyone after her, she'd kill me. She looked at my name tag and said, "You're Justin, if anyone comes after me, I'll kill you. Now get in that room." I waited in there for a minute, came back out, and called the police.
Me: wow
Me: and she was wearing goggles?
MyFriendThatGotRobbed: yeah
MyFriendThatGotRobbed: black motorcycle goggles
Me: hot

Amazing, huh?

I don't get it...

2006-05-23T04:29:00.000-04:00

Why do people love me so much?

Am I too cynical?

2006-05-18T23:16:00.000-04:00

I've been debating writing this blog for a few days. I'm not really sure where to begin, or if I can get the wording right, or if it'll even make sense. I think it's worth taking a chance on, though, for my benefit--and maybe for your's.

A few days ago a friend and I were having a discussion over a relationship which I had long ago decided was doomed. He called me too cynical, and my response was "If they're still together in a year, then you can say that." But that got me thinking... what if they are still together in a year?

Could I be wrong? Could a relationship work? Am I, in fact, too cynical?

I posed the question to a few of my friends today. The responses ranged from a flat out "Yes" to a straight-to-the-point "No." I was also called jaded, realistic, and told that I have a "good mixture of cynicism and good thinking."

What does all this mean? That I'm right, wrong, neither? This my just be the cynicism in me coming out, but all of the people that said I was too cynical are in a relationship. That personally skews their vote in my opinion.

Logically speaking, it's obvious that I'm not too cynical. I decided to spend a minute thinking about all of my friends' relationships that have ended from the time I started college until today. Then I tallied all of the ones that have lasted longer than a year (once again, only spending a minute). Finally, I wrote down the number that have lasted longer than a year and are still "in progress." The numbers, you'll find, side with me.

Longer than a year: 5
In progress after a year: 3
Ended: 23

Remember, that's all I could think of in a minute. There are no doubt more than that. (These are also gay relationships, but since most of my friends are gay, I think it works).

So out of 28 relationships, 3 are still going strong after a year. That's a little over 10%--not a promising number at all. Especially since the actual number of ended relationships is no doubt much, much higher.

So...realistic or cynical? You decide.

Annoyed at the Airport

2006-05-15T21:15:00.000-04:00

Unfortunately this isn't some really fun horror story like losing my bags or missing my flight...just little annoying things that kept piling up....

1:00: Taxi arrives for my 2:25 flight.
1:15: Arrive at airport
1:3o: Arrive in terminal
1:34: Discover flight is delayed 20 minutes
1:35: Discover there's nothing in my terminal. Buy a book.
2:15: Board plane
2:45: Takeoff time passes...
3:45: Take off thanks to "baggage handling difficulties"
5:00: Arrive at Logan Airport
5:30: Still no luggage
5:45: Finally get my bag
6:00-7:15: Stuck in rush hour traffic made worse by rain
7:15: Arrive at work.

So normally I get picked up at 2:00 for my 3:15 flight, and have my bag and car by 5:30, and arrive at work before 6:45, even after stopping for food.

So my flight is scheduled to leave an hour earlier than I usually do, and I end up to work late. Explain that!

Good fortune cookie

2006-05-13T04:49:00.000-04:00

"You are one of those people who 'goes places in life.'"

Other than "goes places in life" being in quotes, I like it.

Almost 5 a.m....

2006-05-13T04:45:00.000-04:00

So I went to bed at 3:45-ish, which is an early night. I read a little, then tried to sleep. I felt tired for a while, but that went away. I had this really weird feeling, which I'm not going to try to explain on here...but it was sad.

Anyway, now it's 5a.m., and I just finished a turkey sandwhich and some pretzels. This can't be healthy, and I want my life to go back to normal :(

Some things you learn the hard way

2006-05-12T02:34:00.000-04:00

For those of you wondering...

When you have a 7a.m. flight, and no chance to sleep before it, it's not a good idea to drink 5 cranberry vodkas...

Sobering up without sleep = not fun.

Bad fortune cookie

2006-05-11T02:59:00.000-04:00

"It's your attitude, not your aptitude, that determines your altitude."

Uh.

First floor reject

2006-05-08T21:41:00.000-04:00

So I'm back at the Sheraton this week from my two week absense (Holiday Inn and Marriott). Since they finally weren't booked, I decided to head back in and working on attaining my platinum membership (only 12 nights left!). Plus, the triple points until the end of May isn't a bad deal either...

I was greeted with a room on the first floor though. For those of you unfamiliar with membership programs at hotels, generally certain floors are reserved for "club members." Being a gold member, I always was on the 5th or 6th floor. My room had a free bottle of water, q-tips, mouthwash, even a bathrobe. I lived like a king!

Now I'm on the first floor, and if I want to drink the bottle of water they give me, it's $3.25. Plus, the carpet in the hall looks dirty.

It just makes me sad...

Card in the mail

2006-05-08T02:10:00.000-04:00

I received a card in the mail from a friend back in MO last week. It was really nice, so I think I'm going to post it here.

"I saw this card and thought of you. It was really great seeing you a couple weeks ago. I had such a great time at SoCo, it was like old times. I hope that I'm able to see you again soon. You really are a good friend of mine, and for that I want to thank you. I have a lot of friends, but you are one of those people I can always go to. That really means a lot to me. I hope this card picked up your day some. I miss you, and I will talk to you soon."

I wonder if I'll be able to find friends as good as that out here...

You're such a Midwesterner

2006-05-04T02:00:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I was eating my lunch/dinner (it was at 7:00p.m. but still the first meal of my day) in the room where I work. My manager was there, as was someone else on the project from South Africa.

I had decided to get Burger King, being the fast food junkie that I am. The hotel I usually stay in is nowhere near any fast food, so now that I'm in a different one close to both McDonalds and Burger King (and a great Chinese/Thai place I found today) I decided to make use of it.

As I'm eating my Burger King (the Texas Double Whopper for those of you wondering (it has jalepenos!!!!) the South African comments on how much he loves chili cheese fries. (I know, weird, huh?)

It brings back memories of Sonic, and I mention how I miss Sonic and their chili cheese fries and cherry limeades. To which my manager responds - you're such a midwesterner.

Am I supposed to take offense to this? I don't know what she was implying! Are my eating habits less sophisticated because I'm from the midwest? Should I be downing Starbucks made with skim milk (it takes all the fun AND FLAVOR out of it) and eating yogurt for dinner? Should I be defaulted because I'm not borderline anorexic like most people out here on the east coast?

Maybe I'm getting too worked up about this. I just see a lot more of the snob-effect out here. People turn their noses up at anything chain. Even food that's not organic is subpar. I don't get it! I like fatty stuff. I like processed food! If I can't taste the chemicals, then I ain't gonna complain.

I think its OK to be healthy, but I also think its OK to splurge every once in a while. If you're young, then its OK to splurge a little more...at least in my opinion. I can't think of much things that are less healthy, but more satisfying, than two tacos from Jack In The Box (they're fried for all you non-JITBers) a crispy chicken sandwich with bacon, and bacon chedder potato wedges covered in sour cream after a night of drinking (high calorie) cocktails.

That's all. Loosen up...what fun is life if you spend all of it obsessing on how to live longer?

Why I Hate My Life Pt. 2

2006-05-04T04:35:00.000-04:00

It's 4:30 in the morning and I'm not even close to being tired.

My friend Brett

2006-05-03T19:57:00.000-04:00

Those of you that actually pay attention to this page have probably noticed a link to a website entitled Brettsing.

This website is a creation of my friend, Brett. The design on it changes pretty frequently, but it's always pretty and well designed (and follows standards). He's also created the SoCo Club site and is working on a site for Columbia Pride, both of which I'm really excited to see.

Anyway, here's the back story on me and Brett. We met a long time ago. And when I say a long time ago, I mean it. We've pretty much known each other since we were three, since we went to church together and were in Sunday school together. I even used to go jump on his trampoline after church!

I miss Brett a lot, and since unlike most of my friends--he actually works a decent amount, so even when I go home its hard to see him.

Just a random post...

Why I Hate My Life Pt. 1

2006-05-03T04:44:00.000-04:00

It's 5 a.m. and I'm not tired enough to fall asleep.

When The Wood Swells

2006-05-02T04:01:00.000-04:00

This is for Megan...er, Maggie. It's my attempt at the opening for my first romance novel.

----------------------------------------

Jack’s axe dropped to the ground. He quickly brushed a drop of sweat off his brow before it had a chance to move any farther down. After five years as a lumberjack, Jack was all too familiar with the burn those salty beads caused once they reached the eye.

It was an extremely hot and humid day, as is typical for July in Missouri. And like most unbearably warm days, Jack had already stripped his shirt off. His bulky, muscular body was drenched from head to toe. Not one part of his naked upper body wasn’t glistening in the sun.

To be continued...

Floating by...

2006-05-02T01:29:00.000-04:00

So I haven't updated in a while... the fact is...there really isn't much going on in my life.

I've never felt so idle and useless.

Anyway!

I'm driving a Jeep Wranger this week. Some special off road edition. And apparently off road means NO FEATURES. There's no remote lock, no power windows. Ugh, at least it has AC.

I'm also staying in the Marriott. For those of you who don't know, the Sheraton has been my second home for the last few months. Unfortunately, they were booked. I had to stay in a Holiday Inn last weekend, but that's an experience I prefer not to share.

So yea, someone comes in here at 3a. And more people come in at 5a. It will be interesting to actually see people!

The trip home

2006-04-27T02:43:00.000-04:00

I'm sure its been pretty obvious to anyone that reads this that I try to avoid any actual emotion of my own. Sure I'll be angry someone stole my cubicle, or confused at the man/woman housekeeping thing at the Sheraton...but those are safe emotions. They're funny emotions.

I'm a happy person. Everyone who knows me would agree. I mean, my nickname over the summer was Smiley Josh. It doesn't get much happier than that. Today tested my happiness though...

It seems like everyone had a bad day. It didn't matter who I talked to or which side of the country they lived on. I know I had about six people tell me it was a horrible day. I guess it was a curse I just couldn't avoid.

Actually, my day was fine until about 5:30-ish. Of course, I slept until 3:30. Then I showered, and went to the mall. I ended up not buying anything there, but bought a couple of DVDs at Best Buy and some magazines at Borders. Then back to the hotel room, where I was greeted with the news that I had to do testing. So I drove to the office early so I could test.

On top of that, my friends were basically cancelling their trip to DC. Which happened Friday. They were leaving tomorrow. It was short notice that really hurt. I had been looking forward to this forever. They all promised they'd visit over the summer, and I believe them. It's still a while to wait.

Anyway, I've been questioning why it bothers me so much. I think the reason is I haven't made friends like that here. I have a few good friends...literally-a few. Its hard when the place where you work is different from the place where you live. I was basically shoved into an area where I knew NO ONE, and then travelling to another area where I knew NO ONE...all the while working night shifts.

I can't complain. I need to do something about it. I'm just not sure how to go about finding friends. I always had school before, or a job where I could meet people. Or at least friends, so I could meet there friends. Any advice?