This Blog

Looking back at some of my old feeds, I realized just how long this blog has been going on for and just how much has changed in the blog world since I started writing back in high school. So many bloggers have left while many have also come in and begun their own blogs and are sharing their stories with the world.

So many people who I had found so helpful, especially years ago when coming out was still an unspeakable thing in my mind, have stopped blogging. Bloggers like Dzyan, Jason Carwin, and many others who helped me in my development and maturation into the young adult I am now have unfortunately left the blogging world. Maybe they still follow many blogs and just no longer write, I don't know, but what I do want to say to all of them is: Thank You.

Even though many of you may never know how much you helped me and so many others by sharing your stories and life events, you should know that you really made a difference. As a 16 or 17 year old still trying to figure out the whole "gay thing" nearly four years ago now, I found great comfort in knowing there were others out there who were going through exactly what I was going through or had gone through it before. Whether it was just reading about their experiences or even going deeper and talking outside of the blog world, all of it helped to make my coming out experience that much better, and for that I'm grateful.

To everyone who is still in the blog world and I have had the pleasure of reading about, talking with, and getting to know these last few years, you too deserve just as big of a thanks. It's strange that through the power of the internet that such a strong community was formed. Granted, I have met nobody in person, yet I feel that I still know many of you. Reading your posts and comments is something I actually enjoy doing. It lets me escape for a brief time from the stress of school work and my daily routine and relax a little. I know I don't comment much, as least not as much as before, but I do check up on almost all the blogs I follow. I take the time to read what you have written not because I feel obligated to do so, but because I want to.

I really hope to keep this blog going for many years to come. If not for my own personal benefit, to chronicle the things that are going on in my life and to maybe one day look back on and reminisce about the crazy/funny/stupid/brilliant things I did, but also for the benefit of others. Maybe there is some high schooler who is quietly reading this blog today, scared to come out or accept who they are, but if I can make even the smallest impact and help them like so many current and ex-bloggers did for me through blogging, everything, all of the over 400 posts I've written so far, would be worth it.

All the best,

JP

400 Posts

Well, this actually makes for 401 posts including those still in progress but damn, this is pretty sweet.

I started this blog back in high school and never thought I would still be writing today. Since I first started this blog, I've seen to many things and have gone through so milestones in my life. I've graduated high school, entered college, started my second year of college, traveled the world, met some pretty amazing people, and very importantly for me, come to accept myself for who I am, and not even just the gay aspect of myself. I've matured so much since I started this almost three years ago now, and looking back, it's actually shocking and also funny to see some of the situations I've gotten myself into.

I've used this blog not only to chronicle some of the key moments of my life but also just express my thoughts and occasionally to get some feedback on things I wanted third party views on, and my readers have never failed to deliver. It sounds cheesy and all but it is still true, this blog wouldn't be possible if it weren't for you guys, my readers. I know I have readers from across the US and an amazing number of people from abroad as well, which, if you asked me in 2009 when I was a scared 16 year old about to share his life with the internet, I never would have believed.

I hope that you've found some pleasure in reading the digital scribblings of this now 19 year old college student and his stumbling through life. This blog has had its ups and downs but if anything, I really hope to keep this thing up for a very, very long time. It's become more than a digital journal, but something I find comfort in and even an odd sense of pride in for everything I've written, and I hope it has become something you enjoy taking a few minutes out of your busy schedules to check up on every so often.

So here's to 400 more posts and hopefully even more after that.

All the best,

JP

Work Printed, Bag Packed and Ready to Go

It seems like only yesterday that summer started, the saying of good-byes to the seniors, emptying out my locker, finding out my final marks for each class, yet this in reality was about two months ago, ouch. But yeah, one day left until senior year which is exciting and rather daunting at the same time, but hopefully seeing people I haven't talked to since June will cheer me up. Today was pretty boring, pretty much putting the final touches on my AP summer work, printing it all out and digging out my binders from last year, dumping out the 20 lbs. of paper that have accumulated over time, and getting all my new supplies organized and ready to go, exciting, I know.

So how would I rank this summer to other years? Well, pretty high actually, apart from the occasional drama (creepy guy asking me for money in Vegas and not being able to actually say goodbye to Ben), I had plenty of fun. I found plenty to do in Vegas from shopping and exploring the various attractions in Vegas and I got to meet some very nice people on the cruise and I even got to bond a little with my cousin who I never actually see more than twice a year. So, buying stuff I don't actually need and making new friends, sounds like a plenty productive summer for me. But probably the most memorable aspect of this summer would be how much this blog has grown - from my first subscriber Fer way back when to the current 11 (do my eyes deceive me!? Love Y'all), I really believe I have found a permanent outlet for myself to express my true personality and self which I would otherwise have to keep bottled up from 98% of people. So I guess the main thing I can say is a giant "Thank You" to everyone for making my summer truly the most memorable I've had.

I'll probably end up spending my evening reading over my summer work one more time and make last minute corrections as my OCD self kicks in, but tomorrow I plan to spend Labour Day doing what I do best - relaxing and spending way too much time on the computer. oh the joys of technology.

In anticipation of the new school year, I'm bracing myself for some high school drama once schools gets going Tuesday, it's about as inevitable as the rising sun and taxes.

Also, my 17th birthday is in 4 days and I'm so excited!! :D