I'm wearing purple today, to honor those teens who have committed suicide because they were gay and bullied.
Over the past several months, the nation has become more and more aware of teen suicide, and specifically those who have killed themselves because they were gay and had been bullied by classmates. Six teens have killed themselves due to bullying, name calling, and being generally picked on because they were gay or perceived as being gay. If you are gay or lesbian teen out there, suffering through torment by your peers, I encourage you to talk to a counselor, a teacher, your parents if you can. You are not alone. We have all been the subject of some sort of bullying tactic or ridicule but the best advice I can give is to seek out those friends or adults who can help you.
As a kid and teen I was bullied because of my height (I'm still short), because I was perceived as being gay (I didn't come out to myself until I was 14) but others figured I was. I got shit because I didn't like sports, I wanted to read and I wanted to generally avoid everyone because I was scared to death. I made it through, and you will too. Reach out. I know it's scary and you think that no one understands you, but we've all been there and we will understand. Hang in there.
Life does get better.
Resources:
http://www.thetrevorproject.org/
Lifeline, 24/7: 866-4-U-TREVOR (866-488-7386)
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
UK Trip, Part 2
Well, where do I begin? Maybe at the beginning.
Flight over went fine. Was able to sleep this time which was nice. Landed, took a taxi down to Brighton (95 GBP = $151.00). Company's paying for it so what do I care? Got to the office about 14.00, and immediately got to work. It was a bit of controlled chaos, not too bad, but with jet-lag and lack of food I was a bit scared of what I would have to face.
Went to lunch with a coworker and she led me to a really fun deli. got some lunch and then I immediately started answering emails and figuring out the game plan for how to close an office down, and sell the computers to the employees and donate the remaining equipment, then make sure all the utilities get shut off, the place gets cleaned and the keys handed over to the new tenants. Whew! What a laundry list of chores.
Bottom line, it worked. I was able to get it all done, a bit ahead of schedule and only minor glitches along the way. The new tenants were fine with everything, in fact we left the place far cleaner than when we took it over in February. A fact I reminded the building owner of, seeing as how I was there and I told him I had pictures of the f^&*ups we originally saw when we moved in. He agreed to let things "go" ;)
From Friday on I have been on holiday.
Now, what did I do with my time in there? I went to dinner, found some really fun places to eat saw some really fun things, took a ton of pics. To name a few of the great eateries: Nia's (amazing traditional breakfasts and their French Toast is the best). The Fishbowl has an amazing fish n chips. It's a tiny one room pub but surprised me with how good the food was.
I think I ate more bacon than one human being should. Oh yeah, and if it was wrapped in a pastry crust and cooked up… I ate it. Zizzi's is a great italian restaurant that was really fun. Gooooood garlic bread. Add to it the chili olive oil and yum.
Taylor street coffee company rocked. Just.. rocked. They know how to treat a customer, and I always got the same thing (whatever cafe I was at actually), a double espresso with a finger amount of hot water and hot milk. Perfect.
Jamie Oliver's Italian Restaurant near the hotel was amazing. Spent WAY too much money but oh well, it was so worth it. I literally ate my way through Brighton!
My hotel left so much to be desired. I would never recommend The Thistle in Brighton for more than a couple nights. I had so many problems at first, but they moved me to a bigger room. That was fine but I kept missing our apartment we had over here. I wanted to cook, wash my own clothes and relax. But, o well, the company paid for it.
I've been out n about, seeing the sights and really just enjoying my time in Brighton. Went shopping of course. Found a really nice pair of jeans that make my butt look good, and they're a European cut.. even better! Great jacket and shirt, vest too that makes a nice outfit. Yeah, I liked the shopping. ;)
I love it there, so much. I feel really at home and have made a few really good friends too. It's always got some sort of event or dance or gallery opening, and I've seen the worst of it with regards to weather and I'm not put off. As it was, the first week or so it was horrible. Full on rain, cold, and wind that blows sideways hard enough to nearly knock you on your arse. I was lucky for the last week or so it was so damn gorgeous. Warm weather, rarely a breeze, could almost get a sunburn! At night it cools right down, much like SF so you definitely need a jacket. It makes me sad to leave it but I know I'll be back, and not too far distant I think. I could really see myself living there…
But, 2nd leg of the journey:
I needed to get to London so I can make it in good time for my flight back to the states coming up. So, took the train to London, got up here with no issues. Found the right line to my hotel, and checked in. It's a very odd room. I was assured it was an upgrade as every other room was booked. But get this.. it's a tiny room, with 4 twin beds in it. Four. And they are not comfortable, I tried 'em all! :) I am not so sure I feel really "safe" here though I hope it's alright.
Least the internet isn't as expensive as the Thistle though. Only costs me 5.00GBP for the whole stay vs 10GBP for 24 hours access. Ridiculous.
Have a couple days to myself here in London, and got myself an Oyster card so I can zip around on the Tube. Want to see the Chelsea Physic garden among other things.
More later I'm sure
Flight over went fine. Was able to sleep this time which was nice. Landed, took a taxi down to Brighton (95 GBP = $151.00). Company's paying for it so what do I care? Got to the office about 14.00, and immediately got to work. It was a bit of controlled chaos, not too bad, but with jet-lag and lack of food I was a bit scared of what I would have to face.
Went to lunch with a coworker and she led me to a really fun deli. got some lunch and then I immediately started answering emails and figuring out the game plan for how to close an office down, and sell the computers to the employees and donate the remaining equipment, then make sure all the utilities get shut off, the place gets cleaned and the keys handed over to the new tenants. Whew! What a laundry list of chores.
Bottom line, it worked. I was able to get it all done, a bit ahead of schedule and only minor glitches along the way. The new tenants were fine with everything, in fact we left the place far cleaner than when we took it over in February. A fact I reminded the building owner of, seeing as how I was there and I told him I had pictures of the f^&*ups we originally saw when we moved in. He agreed to let things "go" ;)
From Friday on I have been on holiday.
Now, what did I do with my time in there? I went to dinner, found some really fun places to eat saw some really fun things, took a ton of pics. To name a few of the great eateries: Nia's (amazing traditional breakfasts and their French Toast is the best). The Fishbowl has an amazing fish n chips. It's a tiny one room pub but surprised me with how good the food was.
I think I ate more bacon than one human being should. Oh yeah, and if it was wrapped in a pastry crust and cooked up… I ate it. Zizzi's is a great italian restaurant that was really fun. Gooooood garlic bread. Add to it the chili olive oil and yum.
Taylor street coffee company rocked. Just.. rocked. They know how to treat a customer, and I always got the same thing (whatever cafe I was at actually), a double espresso with a finger amount of hot water and hot milk. Perfect.
Jamie Oliver's Italian Restaurant near the hotel was amazing. Spent WAY too much money but oh well, it was so worth it. I literally ate my way through Brighton!
My hotel left so much to be desired. I would never recommend The Thistle in Brighton for more than a couple nights. I had so many problems at first, but they moved me to a bigger room. That was fine but I kept missing our apartment we had over here. I wanted to cook, wash my own clothes and relax. But, o well, the company paid for it.
I've been out n about, seeing the sights and really just enjoying my time in Brighton. Went shopping of course. Found a really nice pair of jeans that make my butt look good, and they're a European cut.. even better! Great jacket and shirt, vest too that makes a nice outfit. Yeah, I liked the shopping. ;)
I love it there, so much. I feel really at home and have made a few really good friends too. It's always got some sort of event or dance or gallery opening, and I've seen the worst of it with regards to weather and I'm not put off. As it was, the first week or so it was horrible. Full on rain, cold, and wind that blows sideways hard enough to nearly knock you on your arse. I was lucky for the last week or so it was so damn gorgeous. Warm weather, rarely a breeze, could almost get a sunburn! At night it cools right down, much like SF so you definitely need a jacket. It makes me sad to leave it but I know I'll be back, and not too far distant I think. I could really see myself living there…
But, 2nd leg of the journey:
I needed to get to London so I can make it in good time for my flight back to the states coming up. So, took the train to London, got up here with no issues. Found the right line to my hotel, and checked in. It's a very odd room. I was assured it was an upgrade as every other room was booked. But get this.. it's a tiny room, with 4 twin beds in it. Four. And they are not comfortable, I tried 'em all! :) I am not so sure I feel really "safe" here though I hope it's alright.
Least the internet isn't as expensive as the Thistle though. Only costs me 5.00GBP for the whole stay vs 10GBP for 24 hours access. Ridiculous.
Have a couple days to myself here in London, and got myself an Oyster card so I can zip around on the Tube. Want to see the Chelsea Physic garden among other things.
More later I'm sure
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