Jason's Room

Surviving the Holidays

Haven't posted for about two weeks...

The week of the 18th, I came down with a horrible cold that I'm STILL struggling with.  Additionally, I spent the week desperately prepping for my Christmas visit to Illinois.

We (my boyfriend and I) flew to Illinois last Friday (the 22nd), had a wonderful time, and recently returned to our home in West Hollywood, where we're attempting to recuperate from all of the crap we devoured over the holiday.

I'd post more,... but I've been asked to speak at WeHo Church again,... THIS Sunday, December 31st, at 11am.  So, if you want to hear what's been going through my head these past two weeks, you'll just have to come see me there!  ;-)

The church's pastor said, "You did such a good job last time, we were hoping you'd come again and be our guest speaker on New Year's Eve... It's in the morning and so, it won't interfere with your drinking... (long pause)... I didn't mean that how it sounded."

*heheh*  It seems my reputation proceeds me.  ;-)

So,... I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday... If you're in the area, consider giving me a visit at WeHo Church this Sunday (directions on their website).---It makes for a great New Year's Eve... Church in the morning... Sinning in the evening.  *heheh*

I'll see y'all in 2007!

peace,
your jason

Receiving Gifts & Taking Lives

When I saw the box on our stoop was marked:

"PERISHABLE"

I immediately got excited, as it meant that I could open the package immediately.

Due to the nature of my boyfriend's occupation, we get tons of "gifts" delivered to our home at this time of year from companies/clients who've worked with (or want to work with) him.  They usually include extravagant fruit baskets with wine, cheese, etc.  However, this year, they've been more creative: 15 pounds of nuts and candy, cookie arrangements,...

And even this Christmas wreath made from real pine (nothing plastic about this baby!)... which is perfect because our Christmas tree is artificial (thus, no "Christmas tree smell"), and the wreath fills our home with the holiday scent (without all the mess).

Even though I know these gifts aren't deeply personal in nature and that I'm going to get to partake in whatever the contents (As I continually remind my boyfriend, "caring means sharing"  *heheh*), I NEVER open the packages myself.  I always patiently wait for my boyfriend to get home to open them.  They are addressed to HIM, not me.

But this package had been sent same-day Fed-ex... and was marked "Perishable," "Urgent," and "Refrigerate Immediately."---So, it was important that I opened it, right?---I knew my boyfriend wouldn't be home for several hours, and I didn't want the gift to be ruined.  (Well, at least, that was my justification.)

So, I opened the box and removed ice-packs to discover a large can with an invoice & booklet of information.  According to the invoice, the can contained a Seafood Bisque, Lobster (Cool, huh?!), and some utensils,... and additionally, it contained a warning that the container needed to be refrigerated immediately.  Thus, I cleared out our fridge's bottom shelf, placed the can inside, and retreated to the living room to read the information booklet.

As I read the first heading in the booklet, I almost jumped off the couch...

"How to tell that your lobsters are still alive"

WHAT?!?!

I immediately phoned my boyfriend:  "Um... Honey... Um... You got another gift package today... and I opened it... and... now there are two live animals in our refrigerator and it's freakin' me out... Could you please get home as soon as possible?---I'd like to get a Diet Coke from the fridge, but I'm afraid to even open up the door."

Never having been a huge seafood fanatic, I never imagined the Lobsters would be sent to us ALIVE, and so, I immersed myself in the information booklet.

The instructions were pretty simple:  Open the cannister, remove the packing, add three cups water, replace lid, set cannister on stove top with burner on high, and... 13 minutes after steam begins hissing from the cannister, the lobsters are done.

Simple, right?---Yes,... but crazy to experience.---Now,... I grew up on a small farm in the Midwest.  I ate livestock that my family raised.  I helped my father clean the carcasses of rabbits and chickens,... but when we cooked our animals,... they were already DEAD.

THIS was different.

When my boyfriend got home, I watched from a safe distance as he opened the canister lid.  On top were some utensils (lobster forks & items used to crack the shells), a plastic bag of the Seafood Bisque (ready to microwave), a few white sheets of packaging, and then,...

The two medium lobsters were covered in seaweed... which the booklet said could be left in place during cooking or removed.---We decided to remove it.

That's when they started moving.

Both my boyfriend and I were going crazy by this point.

"Just dump the water in and let's do this!" 

"I think one just winked at me!" 

"Get the lid!  Get the lid!  Get the lid!"

"Is the burner on?---Let's get this thing going!  I can't stand it any longer!"

And then we waited.

It wasn't long before a stream of steam began hissing from the lid, and so, we set the oven timer for 13 minutes.---After the timer dinged, it was finally the moment of truth.

Well, at least they weren't moving any more,...

And I must admit I was impressed at the shade of red.

Then, we ate, and the lobster tasted... well... like lobster.---I mean, it was good, but... we both ate pretty quickly, trying to mentally block out the entire experience we'd just gone through.

The next "gift package" at our door will just have to stay outside until my boyfriend gets home.  If it gets ruined, it gets ruined... because, now, when I look at a package,... the word "perishable"... has a WHOLE new meaning.  :-)

Matt on Matt

I totally understand that this has been out for a while and most people have already seen it, but... come on... It's Matt Damon impersonating Matthew McCaughey.  Of course, I'm going to save a copy in my "room."

Your 2006 Hunky... Santas?

This year, the Beverly Center picked TWO of the potential candidates to be "Hunky Santa 2006," and they take turns sitting on the throne throughout the week, visiting with shoppers and posing for photos.---I will henceforth refer to them respectively as "Santa A" and "Santa B".

*And yes, I paid for my photos of each of them.  I feel it's important to support a holiday tradition which objectifies men as sexual objects.  *heheh*

"Santa A" is a charmer, and this pic totally does NOT do him justice.  (You've GOT to see him in person.)  Not only does he have an amazing body, but (in person) he has one of the most beautiful faces in the history of Hunky Santa.

Additionally, in my limited time with the Santas, "Santa A" was definitely the sweeter of the two.  He was constantly (and genuinely) smiling during his entire time at his post, even when no one was posing with him.  When I asked for a photo of him, he said, "Just me?  Oh, come on... Don't you want to be in the picture?"... never once flinching at the potential awkwardness of taking a photo with another guy.

"Santa A" insisted on doing three different poses/photographs for me to choose from to purchase, and although the two other pics showed more of his incredible body, I picked the one below because it just seemed to reflect more of the sweetheart-side of him that I totally adored.

Again, please allow me to state for the record that this photo DOES NOT do him justice.  He is a beautiful human being both inside and out, and... the next time I'm at the Beverly Center, if he's there, I may take him up on his offer to sit on his lap.  ;-)

"Santa B" also has an incredible body and looks much better in person than in my photo.  (He has amazing eyes.  Honest.)  The fact that his photo didn't reflect the beauty I experienced really surprised me,... as I (as well as many others) had figured out that he's Greg Plitt, the professional model and coverboy for multiple fitness magazines.

Take a gander at some hot pics of him by clicking here or (especially) here, and you'll understand why, although my pic of him is nice, it doesn't necessarily show him in his best light.

Greg is certainly a nice guy, but... I just couldn't shake the feeling that he was nervous around me the entire time I was there.  He only took one pic for me (above) and wasn't really smiling when he wasn't behind the camera.---I wanted to say, "I know who you are, sweetheart!  You're one of the Xtra-Pine Cleaning Hunks!  I've seen you dance and clean a toilet!" but decided against it.  (Click here, if YOU'D like to see him dance too.)

I thanked him afterwords, shaking his hand, and then, said, "You're name is Greg, right?"---He replied, "Well, I'm only supposed to go by 'Santa' while I'm here,... but (leaning in, to whisper) yes, it's Greg.  Thanks."

Now, I'm NOT implying that Greg was homophobic in any way.  In fact, I knew that he had made an appearance at the APLA "Toy Box" party/benefit just the day before I met him.  (For pics of Greg at the benefit with multiple homosexuals on his lap, click here.)  I guess I was just a little disappointed after having had such a warm reception from "Santa A."

Regardless, my experiences with BOTH Hunky Santas definitely made my holiday merrier, and when you see them in person, they BOTH definitely deserve their titles.

Sidenote:  The "Candy Cane Girls" (an added feature this year composed of three young women dressed as slutty "Santa helpers") were somewhat.... well... mean... which, I guess I kinda understand.---I mean,... no one wants to get their picture taken with them.  As others have pointed out, the majority of shoppers at the Beverly Center are either WeHo fags or rich old ladies from Beverly Hills,... neither of which are interested in these new "helpers."---So, the Candy Cane girls are bored,... but... geesh... I still dislike that (on both of my visits) they reacted somewhat pissed at my obvious lack of interest.  I wasn't mean to them,... and isn't it "the season to be jolly"?---Whatever.

Now, if you're like me, you might also be wondering how the whole "internet vote" thing went, if the result was TWO guys getting the position,... and in my opinion, I, unfortunately, think that the whole "internet vote" thing this year was bullsh*t.

Last year, the internet vote (for both "Hunky Santa" AND what he would be wearing) had a specific deadline, after which people weren't allowed to vote, and then, the website was updated with a pic of the winner.---THIS year, their website says you can still vote!

Additionally, looking at the candidate's photos,... come on... "Santa A" (who was "Hunky Sugarplum") and "Santa B" (who was "Hunky Dasher") both have easily some of the WORST pics in the group.  Do you really think they got the most votes?---Now, I'm not knocking them!  As I said before, after my visits, I think they BOTH deserve it,... but... do I think they got their titles based on internet votes? 

I'm sorry, but NO.

Do I understand why "whoever decided" made their decision?  Of course.---Greg's resume and experience is undeniable.  He was a shoe-in for the job.---And "Santa A"... Well, as I stated above, once he looks in your eyes and smiles at you,... it's a done deal.---The internet vote was bogus.  Some "higher-up" said, "Okay, well, Greg is the pro, and... we'll alternate with that other cutie-patootie to give it a little variety."---No biggie.  Totally understandable.  I just wish they weren't misleading in regards to the internet vote.

Will I be voting next year?  Of course.  The bigger question is... Which one will be riding in the 2007 WeHo Gay Pride Parade, like this past year's Hunky Santa?

*Sigh*  I miss him,... but I'll get over it.

If you'll excuse me,... I don't live far from the Beverly Center, and...

I think a visit to "Santa A's" lap is just what I need to help me cope.  :-) 

12 of 12: Bonus Pics

As stated by fearless "12 of 12" creator Chad Darnell:  "The bonus for the end of 12 of 12 is the year in review.... Post ONE picture from each month you participated in 12 of 12."

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January

Like many involved with the "12 of 12" project throughout the year, I did a post beginning with the first thing I saw in the morning (the alarm clock), and also like many others, I included a gesture to convey my feelings towards the hour.---However, (and forgive my conceit here) I did it FIRST, Mo Fo's!  So,... suck it.  :-)

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February

In February, I chronicled one of my frequent visits to one of my favorite bars and took this pic of legendary Billy Francesca.---Months later, I received an email from Billy stating that a friend of his had directed him to my blog, that he (Billy) loved the pic, and that he'd even added a copy of it to his myspace gallery.

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March

March was the month that "12 of 12 Bloggers Collided" totally by coincidence.---It's a small word.---Craziness.

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April

April was one of my most creative months ever, as I made sure to include the color red in every single shot.---The pic above is one of my favorites.

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May

On the 12th of May, I had a HUGE blowout fight with my boyfriend.  Luckily, I was also able to chronicle our "make-up talk" with the pic above.

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June

In June, I attempted to give somewhat of a "walking tour" of my neighborhood through pictures, and a couple of people noticed an interesting detail in the above picture.

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July

In July, I decided to take pics of everyone I ran into that day.---Little did I know that I'd run into a blogger/pornstar!

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August

On August 12th, I was in Illinois, visiting my family, and decided to shoot pics of places important to my childhood (such as where I waited for the school bus, above).  That month also included one of my favorite bonus pics (for obvious reasons).  :-)

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September

The only somewhat interesting aspect of my September was my interest in prepping early for Halloween (a holiday in which I ended up staying at home for the entire evening).

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October

Obviously, October was a slow month for me.  (A picture of me getting the mail?!?!  Are you kidding me?!?!)  However, it was fun to form that anagram by the end of that particular post/day.

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November

It took me 11 months,... but by November, I finally took a "shower pic."  *giggle*

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December

Ending "12 of 12" and 2006, I absolutely HAD to finally do a self-portrait,... a pic that both shows the time of year AND sends my best holiday wishes to you and yours this December.

Thanks for indulging me!  :-)

All my best... All my love,
your jason

12 of 12: December

6:30am - Outside my office building at work, the sun was rising.  I had already been at my desk for an hour,... after making the 35 minute drive to work, and... well, you do the math.

1:00pm - Driving home from work, I've still got a TON of paperwork that I've brought home with me, but... just the sight of the Hollywood hills makes me feel a little bit better.

2:30pm - I've been at home for a little while now, but haven't touched the paperwork I brought home.  It stays on the dining room table,... taunting me,... till I finally make the conscious choice to stop my procrastinating and do it.

5:30pm - After finally finishing my paperwork, I persuaded my friend Dan to join me in an adventure to celebrate my "paperwork accomplishment".  (Honestly, this paperwork had been a source of stress for weeks!---It felt SO good to finally have it finished.)---Our first stop: the Beverly Center... to grab a quick bite at their food court (the point from which I took the picture below) AND so, I could finally see Hunky Santa 2006 in person (which I'm definitely going to post about tomorrow!).

7:10pm - After the Beverly Center, we decide to head to west West Hollywood for a couple cocktails.---There are no words to describe how much I love this town... It's pretty... It's festive... And it's filled with homosexuals and alcohol.  ;-)

7:20pm - We decide on Fiesta Cantina for drinks.  It's "two-for-one" happy hour, and thus, my "couple of drinks" actually becomes four by default.  *heheh*

8:30pm - I arrive home to find my boyfriend on the couch, and he's so stressed out from work that he's seemingly trembling.---I hate it when the person you love the most in the world is upset, and there's absolutely nothing you can do.---He doesn't want to talk.  He doesn't want... anything.  So, I try to respect his space, and leave him alone.  (Note: Although stressed out beyond measure, my sweetheart of a boyfriend never raised his voice nor said one disparaging thing to me the entire time,... unlike I, unfortunately, am prone to do when in the same situation.---I have a problem taking out my aggression on others.  *sigh*)

8:45pm - I retreat to the bathroom for an evening "facial & shave."---I love shaving in the evening (I've read that it's actually better for your skin than in the morning.), and I abhor shaving in the morning when I get up.---Getting out of bed in morning is hard enough... without having to run a razor across my face.---Thus, shaving in the evening just makes my life easier.  :-)

9:15pm - I return to the living room and find my boyfriend watching a documentary entitled, All We Are Saying, about the music industry, and... WOW, it's amazing!---I've got to find out when it's playing again or buy the DVD or something to ensure I see it again in its entirety.---Anyone who is even remotely interested in music, art, society, or culture MUST see this film.---Not to be overdramatic, but... it'll change your life.  *heh*

10:35pm - My boyfriend in bed, I decided to wander down the street to Fubar for a nightcap.  (Don't judge.)  My newest bartender-crush, Corey, was behind the bar.---When the evening was over, I totaled up my expenses to discover that, overall, I had tipped him 50%.---I wonder why he's so nice to me.  ;-)

11:50pm - Walking home, I stop in the middle of Fountain Avenue (an impossible feat during the daylight hours without the aid of a traffic light) and take the photo below.---Even after a few years, I still can't believe I live here.---I live off freakin' Fountain Avenue in West Hollywood!---It blows my mind.

11:59pm - The 12th almost over and needing a final pic, I quickly shoot this one in a living room mirror.---I can't believe the year is over (well, at least in regards to the "12 of 12's").---Big thanks to hottie Chad Darnell for creating and instigating this whole project.  It's been a wild, interesting, and fun experience!

Getting Involved at the Grand Canyon

My mother and her husband visited us for about a week (hence my lack of blogging), and when she arrived, she said, "I want to see the Grand Canyon."

"Um... You know that's not here, right?" I replied.

"Yes, you smart aleck,... but it's closer than where we live on the east coast... I've already reserved rooms for all of us at a hotel there."

So, last Saturday, we made the eight hour drive from West Hollywood to the Grand Canyon.---I realize I should have been more excited, but... I'd seen pictures of it in books and such... and... it's just never been one of my priorities.

Of course, when we arrived, the view was overwhelming.---Actually being there is NOTHING like the pictures.  You have to BE THERE to get the full effect, and it IS amazing.---However, as everyone was "ooo-ing" and "ah-ing" at the sights, I was more interested in (and took several pictures of) the signs.

The first sign posted this graphic with the words: "Use caution near the edge.---People die here."

Nice, huh?

Of course, in the visitor center, I learned that, when people fall over the edge, they usually die after the first 300 feet.---Comforting, huh?  Nice to know that, IF you fall, you'll be spared the terror of the entire trip.

And... how do they even KNOW that anyway?  Do they just push people over the edge and check every few hundred feet?  ("Catch him!---Is he dead yet?  Nope?---Alright, then, go ahead and drop him.")

In the gift shop, I found my new favorite book: "Over the Edge: Death at the Grand Canyon".---Cool, huh?  *heheh*

The visitor center had loads of information about the area and wildlife,... including a small table which displayed different types of antlers, furs, and rocks that people could feel and touch.---Additionally, the table displayed easily my favorite sign of the weekend.

So, I unbuckled my belt, hopped up on the table, and prepared to give visitors as much information as they wanted...in exchange, of course, (pointing to the sign) for a little satisfaction.  ;-)

My Weekend

*I'll explain and post more later...
**And yes, I took the above picture.  :-)

Continuing to "Keep the Promise"

On April 12th, 2005, I posted my story about David in six separate, consecutive installments.

Today, I'm choosing to reread/repost them.

I don't expect any of you to revisit these links.

This is for me.

Part 1     Part 2

Part 3     Part 4

Part 5     Part 6

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David, I miss you.  I love you.  I'll never forget.

all my love,
your jason

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*Yes, this is almost verbatim what I posted last year on this day (although with updated links).---However, it all remains so true that I can't imagine posting anything else.

Today is World Aids Day, a global event which reminds us:

-to remember those we've lost to this devastating disease.

-to reflect on what each of us are doing to care and support those who are currently surviving with the infection.

-to consider what efforts we're taking (and are willing to take) to prevent the spread of HIV.

-to support research focused on curing this deadly affliction.

-and finally, to continually investigate what we can do to help alleviate the socioeconomic and human impact of this epidemic.

I've personally watched this disease take the lives of dear friends and amazing human beings.  If you're in West Hollywood, you need to merely turn on your t.v. to remember those we have lost. 

I am continually in awe of my "positive" friends who not only merely "survive" but continue to LIVE each day to the fullest, helping and encouraging other people with a level of courage that seems almost unimaginable.---Tonight in WeHo, we'll honor those we've lost and those who continue to survive with a candlelight vigil down on Santa Monica.

When was the last time YOU were tested?  Is it time?  If so, schedule an appointment today.

Have you been supporting research?---Again this year, Bristol-Meyers is donating $1.00 to AIDS research for each person who "lights a candle" on their website, up to $100,000.  Please visit their website now!  Not only does it raise funds, the site contains a wealth of important information.

Several organizations around the country exist to promote AIDS education (Yes, many misperceptions and myths still exist.) and to provide services for those living with the disease.  Consider what you can do to promote awareness, volunteer for, or financially support groups such as Project Angel Food.

Bottomline:  Don't just sit there.  DO SOMETHING!

Obviously, the above list of links to AIDS research, support, and educational organizations is by no means exhaustive.  If YOU have a favorite AIDS charity or group that I haven't listed (even if it's not in California or the U.S.), please feel free to leave the link/info in the comments section (or of course, post it on your own blog---but let me know, so I can link it!).---It's only by working together and supporting each other that we'll ever be able to survive and overcome this epidemic,...

And that's what World AIDS Day is all about: working together on a global scale,... and keeping the promise we made to those who were there at the beginning.

Please.  Join us,... as we continue to keep the promise.

On April 12th, 2005, I posted my story about David in six separate, consecutive installments.

Today, I'm choosing to reread/repost them.

I don't expect any of you to revisit these links.

This is for me.

Part 1     Part 2

Part 3     Part 4

Part 5     Part 6

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David, I miss you.  I love you.  I'll never forget.

all my love,
your jason

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*Yes, this is almost verbatim what I posted last year on this day (although with updated links).---However, it all remains so true that I can't imagine posting anything else.