Why Nerds Make Great Boyfriends

I had to share this because it’s such a great read, and I completely agree with it. I love dating nerds. They’re quick learners, and I never have computer problems when I'm with one! Check out the link below to see what I mean. It’s definitely worth a read!

Why Nerds Make Great Boyfriends

My little coffee shop

I’m slowly getting used to how small the town I live in is. It’s taken me a while to adjust to the quietness and how everyone knows everything about you before you even have a chance to tell them. People I’ve never met already know my entire life story. That’s partly because my parents love to share everything about themselves and the people around them. They’re total gossip queens, but I love them regardless.

One of the things I do love about this town is the little coffee shop, the 2nd Street Cafe. It’s a cozy spot where you can sit, read a book, and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea. The owner, Megan, is this sweet girl about my age, and she and her employees—Katy and Cody—make all the food and cream cheese from scratch. They decorate the space with local artwork every month. It’s a quiet yet welcoming place where everyone knows each other and is super friendly. I’ve completely fallen in love with it.

Their sun-dried tomato bagels are the best you’ll ever have. I love going in just to chat with the staff. Megan’s son, Eli, is often running around, playing with toys, and greeting everyone, which is absolutely adorable. It’s like a little family-style coffee shop where you can be yourself and enjoy your day. It’s honestly become my place of sanity, especially since it’s the only place in town that doesn’t have a dead animal hanging on the wall. Plus, it feels like a little slice of the city hidden away in the countryside.

Harry Potter!!

Okay, I admit it—I’m a Harry Potter fan. Yes, part of it is because I have a crush on Daniel Radcliffe. There's something about his pale skin that I find oddly attractive. Maybe it's the same reason I think Elijah Wood is cute. I’m not sure, but anyway… I went to the midnight showing yesterday because I couldn’t wait to see the final movie. I laughed, I cried, and I almost peed myself because I refused to leave the theater and miss any of my screen time with Harry and the crew. It was amazing! I loved every minute of it.

It was surprisingly hard for me to say goodbye to the past ten years at Hogwarts. I kind of grew up with these characters. I learned some life lessons from them, like: if you’re ever threatened by a troll, just knock it out; dragons are cool but dangerous; goblins are evil and should be avoided; friends are the family we choose for ourselves, and true friends will always stand by you; people with platinum blonde hair are usually evil; gingers are misunderstood, poor but happy, and have oddly cute kids; and, last but not least, help will always be given to those who ask for it.

These are just a few of the lessons I’ll carry with me from the countless hours I’ve spent watching Harry Potter. The books and movies will live on because I own all of them, but they’ll be missed in theaters around the world. God bless you, Harry, Hermione, and sweet, silly Ron. May your wands always glow bright in the dark nights of Muggles.

My New Sister/BF...

This past week, my cousin from Florida came out for a week-long visit. We’ve known each other, hung out once, and talked a few times over the phone and through text, but we never really had the chance to spend time together one-on-one. Basically, we were family who knew very little about each other—until this past week.

I had such an amazing time getting to know Rhi (my cousin). She’s sweet, fun-loving, and open-hearted. Despite going through some tough times recently, she’s in great spirits. We went for walks around town, took an impromptu road trip to two towns (the first one ended up being a bust).

Damn the Meeteetse Chocolatier for being closed on a Monday of all days! Mondays are the worst. People need chocolate the most at the start of the week!

We even did a two-day photo shoot just for fun. There’s nothing like dressing up and taking pictures all over town to make your day feel perfect. Seriously, that’s not sarcasm—photo shoots really do boost your confidence.

The time I spent with her was the most fun I’ve had in a long time. I’m so grateful to have someone in my life who barely knew me but with whom I instantly connected. We were like two jaded, sarcastic kids on a sugar rush, but totally rocking the scene kid style.

Forgivness

Okay, this blog entry is more for me than for you, but you might find it interesting anyway.

Forgiveness is something I struggle with. It’s not because I’m a heartless, uncaring person like some might think, but because when someone hurts me, I not only lose faith in them, but my trust is broken as well. I have a hard time letting go and moving on from what’s happened.

As my wonderful cousin, who loves astrology, has pointed out, it’s because I’m a true Leo. I can be proud, stubborn, and quick to anger. These traits can be difficult, I admit, but they also make me who I am: outgoing, friendly, sarcastic, funny, handsome, and very social.

That being said, I’ve been trying to change. I want to be able to forgive and move on without carrying anger, hurt, or ill feelings toward people who do stupid, hurtful things to me. The real challenge isn’t so much the forgiving—it’s the forgetting. When I see people who’ve broken my trust or damaged our relationship, everything that happened comes rushing back, and I quickly put up walls, limiting what I say and do around them.

So how do you truly forgive when you can’t forget? Is true forgiveness possible, or does the anger and hurt always linger in the back of your mind? I think forgiveness is about letting go of that one event, but once trust is broken, it can never fully be restored. The connection with that person will never be the same.

No Regrets!

I know it might sound strange, but I think I’ve finally found peace with my life. I always thought that as you get older, you’d look back and wish you’d done things differently or made other choices. It was something I always heard from my family—everyone had regrets about their lives. For a long time, I didn’t understand why. I figured it was just part of growing up. You do your best, and when things don’t work out, you think about what you could’ve done differently. But I always wondered: What could be so bad that you’d want to go back in time to change it?

Now, with age, I’ve realized that sometimes you do make bad choices, and they change things forever. But the funny thing is, if I hadn’t made those choices, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.

It would be a shame not to be me. Honestly, I think I’m pretty great (not to toot my own horn or anything, but toot toot). 😜

Every mistake, bad decision, and crazy moment has led me to where I am now. I can honestly say there are things I’ll never do again, even if they were fun at the time. I’ll admit, I’ve done some stupid things and let myself be knocked down. But that’s life, and I wouldn’t change a thing. I learned from every experience and came out stronger in the end.

Twenty-six years go by fast, and life’s not always easy, especially when things aren’t going well. But you just put a smile on your face and keep pushing through the fire. It gets better with time, and I’m looking forward to making more mistakes in the next twenty years. I hope they’re as fun as the ones I’ve made so far!

No regrets, just LIFE.

Missing my friends like crazy!!!

I’m so grateful to be out of Alabama, but I can’t deny how much I miss my friends! I had an incredible circle of people in my life, and I wish I could tell them how sorry I am for sometimes taking them for granted and not spending more time with them. So many of you feel like family to me. You’ve been my strength through tough times, and you’ve never let me have a bad day. You’ve been my wingmen, drinking buddies, comedians, brothers, sisters, supporters, and true loves in my life.

I’m truly blessed and thankful to know each of you. I hope I can always return the love and support you’ve shown me. Just know that I love you and miss you terribly!

Alex
Thor
Nathan
Ray
Joshie
Tripp
Raquel
Kelly
Rebecca
Catherine
Magz
Chance
Ali
Frances
Felicia

To name just a few of you who have my friendship, love, and loyalty. Also, my shovel, baseball bat, duct tape, and silence whenever you need help with… “issues.” 😉

WTH my dear sweet yet confused EX!

A few of you know my ex. He’s as sweet as can be but can be a bit clueless at times. We broke up almost three years ago, and a year later, he married someone else. Understandably, I was upset, but I stayed friends with him because when you love someone, you love them for who they are, not just their mistakes.

To be honest, I wasn’t a fan of his wife, Melissa (or Mitzi, which sounds a bit like a stripper name, in my opinion). It might have been because she was with the man I spent six years with, teaching and growing with, but that’s neither here nor there.

After a year of marriage, my ex and Melissa ended things on very bad terms, and he left her. Even though we’ve mostly kept in touch through casual texts over the years, nothing too serious, he reached out again when he decided to leave his wife. At first, I didn’t engage much, but then he begged me to call him. He wanted to talk about how much he missed me, how he hadn’t been happy since we were together, and how I was the only one who ever really loved him.

Now, let’s pause for a second. Take a deep breath, because this is where it gets crazy.

So, after all of that, he’s asking me to come see him across the country. Can you say, “What the hell?” Because I sure can.

After everything we went through—six years of living together, loving each other, making plans, paying bills, and then he just drops me and walks away. How can he come back, like nothing happened, and expect me to just pick up where we left off?

I’ve been polite, caring, and concerned for his well-being because, despite everything, I do still care for him. We’ve kept in touch, but I’m not weak. I can’t get back with someone who is still legally married, hasn’t apologized for how he treated me, and I no longer trust or love like I did. My heart has healed, and I’ve come to value his friendship, but that’s all I can offer now.

Maybe, if it’s meant to be, things will change down the road. But for now, I’m happy being with myself, growing and learning into the person I hope to be. As for him, I wish him the best and hope he finds the happiness he deserves.

Update on my mom

The results from the tumor biopsy came back, and unfortunately, it was cancer. We’ve spoken with the doctor about the chances of it returning, whether they were able to remove everything during the surgery, and if any further treatment is necessary. According to the doctor, they will need to perform a follow-up surgery to ensure everything is clear. This procedure will be less invasive than her first surgery, which is a relief. As of now, she won’t need any additional treatments.

Janet (my mom) is in good spirits and has been going about her daily activities. She’s still tired, but has regained a lot of her strength. I’m incredibly proud of her for being so strong and brave throughout this process.

Thank you all for your kind words and prayers—they mean so much to my family and me. I’ll continue to keep you all updated as we receive more information. Thanks again, and God bless!

Sexuality decides your friends?...

Over the years, I’ve observed that people tend to segregate themselves by age, gender, race, and sexual preference—often without it being explicitly forced upon us. I’m starting to wonder: Is this behavior learned? Are we taught to gravitate toward people who are like us, or is it that we’re naturally drawn to those with shared experiences or qualities?

As a single, white, bisexual man who prefers the company of other men, my circle of friends is diverse. It includes straight and gay individuals, people of different races, men and women, singles and couples, and even those who are uncertain about their own identity. Admittedly, my current surroundings have led me to spend more time with straight white people, simply due to the lack of diversity in this area. However, I’ve never felt the need to limit myself to a specific group or “click” and have always enjoyed meeting new people and forming connections.

So why is it that some people stick only to specific groups? Why do gay people predominantly surround themselves with other gay individuals, African Americans with other African Americans, and so on? I’m not talking about couples or people seeking relationships, as we all know that when it comes to attraction, a person’s race or background often becomes irrelevant once the connection is there.

Is this tendency to segregate rooted in fear, ignorance, or simply what we’ve been taught is "acceptable" from a young age? Or is it a reflection of our natural inclination to bond with those we feel most comfortable with or understand us best?

Rapture and all

The whole "end of the world, the rapture is coming" talk is really starting to get on my nerves. I don't mean to sound disrespectful, but I’m tired of hearing people, especially self-proclaimed Christians, telling me when and how I’m going to die. How about you just let me live my life and let me meet my fate when it comes, without the constant predictions?

When the rapture happens, I suppose I’ll be here, fighting off Satan, zombies, and demons, while you all float away to your mansions in the sky. (I’m sure heaven doesn't have a problem with luxury living, but I think we can all agree it’s hard to spend eternity in a modest two-bedroom apartment!) I'll be in the company of other sinners and outcasts, just trying to survive and maybe even find my place on the stairway to heaven. And honestly, that’s okay with me—as long as I’m not bombarded with lectures about when I should repent or how I should live.

But before you go, if you wouldn't mind, leave your house unlocked for me. Clean sheets, food, booze, and towels would be greatly appreciated. Oh, and the keys to your car and your gun on the table, just in case I need to make a quick getaway when the zombies arrive. Thanks in advance, and God bless!

Sounds Slutty

Okay, this might sound a little revealing, but I’m okay with it because I know who I am. We all have our needs and desires, and sometimes, those are harder to fulfill when you’re in a new place. For example, moving to a new state and town like I did has definitely changed things. Back home, I had a friends-with-benefits arrangement, which made things easy. But in a small town, there aren’t the same opportunities, like bars, parties, or a large pool of people to connect with.

It's not just the physical part, either. I miss the companionship, the warmth of having someone by my side at night. I know it will be a while before I find someone out here for a meaningful relationship. Honestly, I only know of three gay men across two towns, and even though they’re all great guys, two are already together, and the third isn’t my type. I guess I’ll just have to manage until I make the move to Denver next year.

Hopefully, I can hold out until then. But I’ll just warn anyone around me on particularly "horny" days—they might catch an attitude if they aren’t careful!

Busy week!

This week has been a whirlwind of researching schools, exploring programs, job hunting, and setting up my room at the new place. The room setup has involved scraping the floor with my dad to prepare for hardwood floors, and then I'll be painting. It’s a process, but I’m making steady progress.

On the school front, I’ve found a CNA program that I’ll be starting in September. Once I complete that, I’ll begin the prerequisites for the Radiology Technology course I’ve been wanting to pursue. I’m hopeful I’ll be able to secure a job at a hospital while working on those prerequisites. After that, I’ll apply for the Radiology program, where they only accept eighty students each year. It’s a lot to look forward to, and I’m really excited that everything seems to be falling into place.

Soon, I’ll be doing what I’ve wanted for years—having my degree, my career, and all my life goals aligned. It feels so good to be able to say that. I truly believe everything is falling into place, and it’s a huge relief. I’m incredibly grateful to my parents for helping me escape Alabama and the difficult situation I was in.

Tomorrow is my first day at my new job, which means I’ll be earning an income again and can start paying off some bills since I won’t have to pay rent or utilities for a few months. I plan to get rid of some unnecessary bills, like the TV payment, Target bill, and gym membership. Once those are cleared, I’ll focus on paying off my car. That sounds pretty great too!

Janet's surgery

Today was Janet's (my mom’s stepmother) last doctor appointment before her kidney surgery. I went with her to learn about the plans and ask a few questions of my own. The doctor made everything sound like it would be a relatively simple procedure to remove half of my mom’s kidney and the tumor on it. It almost made me uncomfortable how at ease he was about the whole thing. After all, this is my mom, not just some random patient. I wanted to know about the risks, the specifics of how the surgery would be performed, how long she would be under anesthesia. I’m not the type to want everything sugar-coated.

He explained the surgery, the recovery timeline, and answered all my questions, which I really appreciated. He was thorough and gracious, which gave me some peace of mind. I think both Janet and I might have been a bit more at ease with him because, let's be honest, her doctor is quite the looker for his age. I’ll admit, I had a hard time not checking him out. And yes, I did glance at his ring finger—just in case, you never know when a handsome doctor might swing in a different direction, right? Haha.

But for now, my mom’s surgery is a go, and we are still praying everything goes smoothly. I’m hoping she stays strong, the whole tumor is removed, and her recovery is problem-free.

Job!

I'm so happy to have found a job today! I got the call earlier this morning asking if I was still looking, and I can't wait to start on Monday. It's not my dream job, but it's work, and right now, that's what I need. I’m hoping to catch up on everything and even save up a bit for when I eventually make the move to Denver. If I can save enough for a first month's rent, last month's rent, and a $500 emergency fund before I move, I’ll be thrilled.

I’ve decided that this move is my "make it move." Leaving Tuscaloosa, Alabama, marked the time for me to grow up and buckle down, which is exactly what I’m doing. From now on, it’s all about hard work every day. I need to finish school, land a good job, and become financially independent—so I never have to rely on anyone else for help again, if possible.

But before any of that, my main priority is my mom. She’s having kidney surgery on the 12th, and I’m terrified, despite everyone telling me she’s going to be fine. She’s one of my best friends, and my dad's everything, so she has to pull through and recover fully. She’s an amazing woman and deserves all the prayers and good wishes in the world. Please keep her in your thoughts!

By the way, still loving the West! It’s amazing here—the views are breathtaking, and the people have been so kind. Everyone waves and says hello like they’ve known you forever. It’s kind of like a creepy version of Pleasantville out here, haha. One thing I’ve noticed: I am way overdressed every day. I don’t even know how to explain it, but let’s be clear—I’m not changing for anyone. I’ll continue to be overdressed for me—and we all know, nice jeans and t-shirts are still a thing, right?

The West

I am absolutely loving the West. Wyoming is breathtaking—mountains, valleys, and endless open roads everywhere you look. I can't stop admiring the landscape. It's so different from everything I've known, and the weather is unpredictable yet always pleasant. Yesterday, I was job hunting, enjoying the sunshine in temperatures around the 60s. Then today, I woke up to a full day of snowfall, with the entire town blanketed in white. It's simply amazing.

I do miss the city and the hustle and bustle of people coming and going, but this peaceful atmosphere is exactly what I need right now. I feel like the West might be where I was meant to be. Perhaps this is God's way of showing me that you never know what will happen when you follow your heart and embrace your sense of adventure.

I'm really excited to get back into school and finish my degree. Once that's underway and I have some bills paid off, I'll settle in Denver, Colorado as planned. If all goes well, I hope to land a job at one of the city's great hospitals, either as an X-ray Tech or CNA.

My future feels wide open now that I've let go of all the negative people and places that held me back from reaching my potential. I've also shed a lot of bad habits. Self-doubt will no longer be allowed to control me, especially not from others or myself!

Tuscaloosa Tornado

My heart goes out to everyone in the Southeast. My former community of Tuscaloosa, AL, was hit extremely hard by a tornado on April 27, 2011. It destroyed much of the city and tragically took several lives. I was fortunate enough to have moved just two days before the storm hit. The house I was renting, along with the street I lived on, was destroyed. So far, I’ve been lucky to not hear any devastating news regarding the loss of friends or loved ones.

I'm relieved everyone I care about is safe, and I wish I could be there to offer support and volunteer. I have no doubt that the city and my friends will rebuild and emerge stronger from this tragedy. What doesn’t kill us only makes us stronger. I know my friends and family have Crimson blood and Roll Tide spirit.

I’m sending my thoughts, prayers, and love to all of you. If anyone needs anything, I’m always here. Roll Tide, and God bless!  

Recap on the past few months!

Apologies for the long hiatus since my last update—lots has happened in the meantime.

I recently moved out of the house I was renting from a friend (definitely a win), and found a new place closer to town with another friend. At first, it seemed like a great idea, but by the end, I was ready to be done. I used to joke that he was "the little sister I never wanted," and after living with him, I realized just how true that was. We’re still friends, but I know we’ll never be as close as we once were. I’m not here to badmouth anyone, though, so if that’s what you’re hoping for, you can stop reading now. You can just call me if you want the details—it’s faster that way. 😉

Anyway, after five months of living with him, I was done with the new lease agreement and, honestly, the state of Alabama. I’ve had plans to move to Colorado for years, and it felt like the right time to make a big change. With my dad’s 60th birthday coming up, and my mom needing surgery (which is important for context), I knew it was time to act.

My parents are like my best friends, and I’d do anything for them. Two weeks ago, on a Thursday, my sister called to let me know that she and her family were driving out to Wyoming for Dad’s birthday. I was having a rough morning at work, so during my early lunch break, I called my mom and said I’d join them for Dad’s celebration and stay a while. She was on board, so I told my sister I’d be at her house by 4 p.m. to drive with her.

I returned to work, quit my job, and began packing. After 27 hours of driving with my sister, I spent a week in Wyoming enjoying the mountains and quality time with my parents. Sadly, I had to return to Alabama for a week to pack my belongings and turn off the cable and power (which might explain why my former roommate hasn’t texted me since I left, but I had to do what was best for me).

Now, I’m in Wyoming, smiling and planning my future in the West. I’m so excited to start fresh. As a friend once said, Alabama is like the song Hotel California—you can check out anytime you like, but you can never leave. Well, guess what? I left, and I don’t plan on coming back! I’ll miss my friends, of course, but we have Facebook, phones, and video chat. I’ll be just fine. I like to think of it as giving everyone a chance to come visit my sexy self and see some amazing places.

My next step is clear—job and school are the priorities. From there, it’s onward to Colorado. I’m hoping to land a job back in a hospital and finish up my Radiology Tech degree. Here’s hoping the West will bring all the opportunities I’m looking for!