Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Wednesday and 5 weeks later

Yes folks it is Wednesday again and yes it has been 5 weeks since I made the decision to leave my job at What Are You Looking At Bar. Do I have any regrets, lets just say not after the last month and the way that people I thought were my friends have treated me or should I say not treated me at all. As for the bar, I am happy not to be in a place like that where some customers like a certain woman who goes there every day, and acts like she owns the place , drinking her cider and calling it her living room, what ever! Just really can't stand her and at least I never pretended to like a few other people there.
Anyhow lets just move on from there, I guess I am totally disapointed that a few people there said they would contact me and Matthew and I honestly thought they would, guess I was only good enough while I could buy them a free drink or 2. Good to know anyways. Life is better from now on out and will be forever for those who are meant to be in your lives are and those who aren't are just a temporary stop over. I do not mind the temporary people in my life, I just wish I could tell the difference long before and know who is staying in my life and who is not. Hurts sometimes. The ones that hurt the most are not hearing from Paul, or Heather and a couple customers! maybe the ignorant owner told them never to talk to me again, who knows, time I said who cares.
So Matthew is finally better and things are getting back to normal in our little apartment and I have been packing and going through stuff in anticipation of our move into our new house and then the fun starts, all the renos and setting up a new home for our family. So damn excited.
Well that is about all I have for you tonight. Hope everyone is having a great week and a happy life like we are, if your not, do what I did, move on, and take a chance! Life is too short, do what you want, leave your job, move to a new city, find true love , do whatever it takes. Just try and live one day at a time.

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Glee Episode Tonight

Wow I am totally moved by tonights episode of Glee and it brought things back to me that I never thought I would see again. I was so shocked by the attempted suicide and the teasing of a teen just because they are gay and different from what most people consider the norm.
I can remember in school how people picked on my , called me fag and were just so rude and demeaning because I was different. Yes I was and am still different from what most people will ever consider to be the norm, but to me now maybe I look at things like I am the norm and this gets me through the day. I use to leave school with my head hung low and thought about suicide more than once and am so thankful I had a great family and lovely friends, all girls, but they are my girls. Also glad we ave all grown up since then and hopefully those of you who bugged, picked on and were just plain cruel have taught your children this is wrong, who knows one of you may have a gay or lesbian child. Life is too short and I am so glad I survived all your teasing and bugging , but lets remember there are a lot of kids and teens out there who don't.
Just had to say this while it was on my mind, brought a tear to my eyes to see on TV what I thought of doing so many years ago.
Have a great night and remember we are all people and if we get cut we all bleed red, the one thing my mother always made sure we all knew. Doesn't matter your color, sex, religion, preference, it is all irrelavent and live and let live please!

Okay so here it is

Today was a day from somewhat hell I guess you can say, Matthew is sick and coming down with a cold and I think I won't be far after. We spent most of the long weekend at home and together. Nice and quiet for both of us. Today was my doctors appointment and this was a semi stressful one but for now that is all i am going to say on this matter until I find out more. Will be back in for some more tests and stuff soon as they can get them all booked up, for now a bit of Tylenol 3 for headaches and pain to get me through the tough days. I know that everything will be fine so not going to get to stressed right now. No need to worry bout me my friends, I am stronger then I look.
So interesting incident yesterday night in the lobby with this idiot trying to butt in front of me to get into the elevator. This guy comes into the lobby after me and the girls from our walk, coming in the door , pushes me and steps on Rogue, mistake number 1 and his first blast from me. No one steps on my dogs, or pushes me. Second fatal mistake he tries to push in front of me to get into the elevator, I just stood right in front of him and told him if he even tried I would kick his ass right off the elevator, he could wait until I get on and the two girls who were in front of me waiting. Some people are such asses. Thought he was going to hit me for a minute or two, big fat dude he was.
This building is really starting to get a lot of winners in it and by winners I mean real losers in every way, crack heads, drug dealers and I swear one woman is a hooker. Well you get what you deserve and this building is really starting to let themselves go and need to clean and maintain things before they get a better renter in here. Just saying.
Went to fabulous Boutique again on the weekend and visited wit Darren the bartender, had a couple drinks and a shooter, then toddled on home for a good nights sleep. So nice to go to a bar like Boutique where it is relaxing and real and a lot of fun. Julien the owner is very cool as well. Matthew and I are both very comfortable there. We like the atmosphere, staff is great and they mix amazing drinks, they are actual bartenders unlike a few other people in this city.
So that is all I have to say today, a bit tired and need my rest, but I promise to keep you all informed on any further developments.

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Sunday, again

Well we went to the house this week and then also out to look at appliances and stuff for the new house. Everything there right now currently belongs to the tenants who occupy the house. So we have to buy a fridge, stove, dishwasher and washer and dryer and we want certain things this time to make it a really nice home. We are planning to eventually redo the entire house the way we want it. This will be a lot of work but all worth it in the end. So far we have all the measurements of the house and room sizes and now have to draw out plans and get everything in order before we move in there.
I think that Matt and I are both looking forward to all the renovating and stuff we ave to do, because this will make it our house and have a personal touch from both of us in it. We have a shit load of work to do and a whole lot of landscaping that we are going to do as well. But at least we are going to have more room to do things in and for the animals and ourselves.
So the end of March marks the end of apartment living for all of us, wow that will be so nice, you do not know tight quarters until you put 2 full grown men, 2 dogs and 2 cats in a 400 square foot apartment and expect everyone to be somewhat comfortable, I am sorry but it just doesn't work and we are stepping on each other all the time. Not always easy but so worth it when you look at the final outcome.
Our week here has been very uneventful in every way, we did not do too much here, appointments and such but nothing exciting at all. Well not too much to report here today but will keep you all up to date with everything happening. Think I might pack a few boxes today. Have a great day from your gay neighbors.

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Seriously I am Barred

Well what a text I got last night, funny and so childish in so many ways! My ex French Boss Stephane text me last night and told me that after reading my blog I was no longer welcome at What Are You Looking At Bar, a.k.a. W.A.Y.L.A., not even to a good friends going away party on the 28th. Truly  a child and so not a real man, oh well, I honestly had no intentions of returning there and spending my money in that establishment anyhow. This text just confirms all that I thought of him the night I left that night on January 20th and quit working at the Bar. The reasons I quit working that night are many, and I think it is time I share the whole story with you all and also explain that what I right on this blog is my opinion and my life as I see it, so if you don't like and it, then please comment and you can also unfriend me through facebook.
 So lets go back to January 20th when all hell broke loose after a crazy and overcrowded lesbian night again at W.A.Y.L.A., anyhow the week before I bartended my ass off and not tipped out a damn cent from the boys. I chose not to say a word and also asked Stephane not to as well, he chose to go to the boys and say something about it. Then the arguement started and Chris and Paul were both very upset, I said I would stop helping behind the bar and hire another bartender for busy nights and that the boys could keep their tips seperate and I would do all cash outs from now on. Paul and Chris both went up stairs and complained to Stephane and one of them said he was going to quit. Stephane came downstairs and started talking to me or shall I say telling me that I need to change and give into the boys, even though he started the whole damn thing, and my solution was not good enough for anyone. Then Chris started to accuse me of stealing when I make change for them and Paul just sat there quietly. In the end the reason I quit and walked out that night was when Stephane said to Matt and I and in front of Chris and Paul that he would take the loyalty of Chris and Paul over my work and what I do anyday. Once these boys were given that power I knew it would be hard for me to manage the bar with any success at all. Chris said many hurful things that night and was totally uncalled for, he said that if I wanted tips to get a job as a bartender and do just do my job as a manager, as they didn't need my help and Izrael never helped them any how. In my opinion and yes this is only my opinion those who rely on their looks will eventually lose them, and us who use our brains will have them forever. I am a very smart man and I know this, and yes also very emotional and I know this as well. I take things to heart and always will. This is just me and yes I am at partial fault for leaving that night and walking out, but I have no regrets and never shed a tear unlike others there, I know in the end I made the right decision. I am truly glad to be done wit What are you looking at Bar.
 Just a note to everyone I write in here because I find it theraputic and enjoy it alot and also want to make sure that people understand the struggles we face everyday and so you will know that you can win and life is worth it. I write what I perceive as the thing is truth and everything is written through my eyes and with my voice in mind. This is my blog about our lives!

Monday, February 13, 2012

Oh Monday , Monday

Well it is Monday again and another weekend has come to an end, not that weekends matter to either of us at the moment since neither of us works at the moment. Soon it will be time for renos and decorating and we are both looking forward to it, huge plans for our little house, well not too little, has the 3 full floors and a nice little garage, with a front and back add on to the house.
Our weekend was normal as normal could be, Friday Matt and I went out for dinner with my ex Wayne and we had pasta at Olympic pizza, a charming little place on Young and Isabella. Good food and reasonable prices and average service, but is always packed in there. Saturday, Matt and i went to our new favorite bar Boutigue and had a nice time, the staff and owner there always treat us very well. We like it there and are always happy when we leave. Then we usually head on over to Acme burgers where Zeldas use to be, best burgers on Church Street, I have to say, even if I am overly happy(tipsy, or almost drunk) when we go out there. Great service for a late night burger.
 Forgot to mention the Village Rainbow has now been closed for "renovations" or so they say for over three weeks, the best things they could renovate are the food and service to fit the over priced menu they have. The food has always been mediocer at best and the service , well what can I say at least for the most part they are pretty. Man, I honestly have to say I hope the old bitch never reopens her doors, ripping off the city all year and the gay community on Church Street for the last 20 plus years, especially at PRIDE. The only reason Andi and her three sons even get the business is the patio. Well wit any luck they will do a full renovation and by this I mean interior, staff, and menu and food, and maybe the old greek woman won't stand behind the bar and stare at customers while they eat.
 Anyhow I got sidetracked there for a minute, now back to the house and things we want to do, wait till you all see, I will share pictures of before and during and after, but basically we plan to gut and renovate from top to bottom and make this house our own. So starting April 2nd here we go again, another adventure for the hubby and I. We did this in Vancouver and it was hard work but so worth it in the end. We are actually both really looking forward to it. So please stay tuned and we will share our new adventures as I do every time I write this for you all. Have a great night, I know we will, Love your Gay Neighbor.

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Financing, Check.......Yay

Well the financing is now finalized, offer accepted and Matthew and I now have a house. A cute little semi detached 2 bedroom house with a large lot just waiting for our gay landscaping and decorating ideas. This is going to be fun, and we are both up for the challenge of a total renovation. Excited it is in the area we wanted and also so excited that we are not going to be in our tiny apartment any more. The cats and dogs will be so damn happy as well to have a yard and space in the house to run around for a bit. So excited that I have been now planning a cool house warming party for our friends before the renovation and then we can have another party wen we are all done everything and the renovations are completed. Yay, excuses for a party, what can be better!
My sister in-law is gonna send me some of her decorating cutouts so we can plan things and has also hooked me up with a couple websites to help us with all the changes we want to make. So thankful for her and her decorating inspirations and plans and things she as accomplished in her own house. More on family news, dad is home again and doing okay, very thankful for this as well. My sister Cheryl had her birthday yesterday and today is my great nieces birthday, happy birthday Chantel.
Yesterday a sad day for all true music lovers around the world, as the death of Whitney Houston came over the news, i have so many fond memories of her music at different times in my life. I will always have her music and her movies and they will be enjoyed by all around the world for a lifetime to come.
Matthew and I went out last night for a bit and had a couple cocktails at our new favorite bar Boutigue on Church Street here, it is a lovely little lounge and so much fun and the bartenders and owner all know us by now and what we we drink. It is nice to walk into a bar and be treated like you belong. Love it there, if have not been, please go and check it out and I guarantee you will love it, great martinis , great staff and alot of fun. Also the place where you can actually meet real people who have the time to say hi. It is not a pretencious horrible place like Woodys,  where it is what I call an S and M bar, which means stand and model and that is exactly what the bar staff and 85% of the customers do there, ICK!!!
So that is it for now, love you all and thanks for reading, talk soon, your gay neighbor!

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Finally

Okay so here is what is going on in our lives. This week has been an up and mostly down week for me and I have been stressed to every limit and beyond. Still waiting to find out about final financing on the house and hopefully that will come through soon. We got our house 2 weeks ago now and it is in the price range and area that we wanted, now we are just waiting on an answer on the final financing and as soon as we get that , then we can plan to move in and take possession of our new home.
Second thing that happened this week was we received an eviction notice on the apartment which was totally odd as they claimed I did not pay our rent! I went down to the office wit a coy of my bank statements showing the rent check coming out on the second of February and the ass in the office George still would not believe me. I went back down half an hour later and gave him our notice to vacate and told him not to expect a check for march rent as I have already paid my last month rent in this dump. I was so pissed off and am just totally done wit this building and the bullshit here. The elevators only work 1/3 of the time, it is disgustingly messy and they rarely vacuum the halls, the staircases are always a disgusting mess and the neighbors here really suck. Yes not too much good in this building except we have a roof over our heads. And to have some more space will be so nice and I just can't wait to have a yard again.
Then this week dad went into the hospital again and they still don't know what is wrong with him and why he does not seem to be getting any better. I hope they find out soon. This is so stressful on Mom and just not good for either of them. I hate the fact that they have both been through this and he is sick at all. I just am thankful that I still ave them both and they are here and together. Between health issues wit dad and cancer with Mom, it has been a very rough 3 years for the both of them. Life just sucks sometimes.
Also this week I went to W.A.Y.L.A. Bar hopefully for the last time ever! I had to pick up my R.O.E. and holiday pay from the french asshole. I can say that , because that is truly what he turned out to be.  In the time I worked at the Bar, I truly enjoyed it there and was very happy, or so I thought, in the end I figured out  that I was being used and being lead on by not only the owner but also by some of the staff. It is amazing how blind you can be when people are nice to your face. I should know by now that gay men in a large percentage are just pricks in every way. Yes I am still hurt by everything that happened and I truely think I will always be in some ways. Especially  by Chris, he is a bartender there and a canniving little man in every sense of the word. It is my believe that no matter who Frenchie brings in to manage that place, Chris will eventually get rid of them one way or another.
So that was my week. It was hell and hopefully it gets better soon. Will keep you all informed, have a great weekend, from your gay neighbors.

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Thursday is here again

Well boys and girls, it is Thursday again and Matthew and I have had quite the week. We found out on Monday that we won the bid on the house we wanted and are now just trying to get everything arranged. So god damn much stuff to do with this, We have to find a lawyer, pay a city transfer tax fee, and provincial land transfer tax. This is all just crazy and really adds to the price of everything which we already have. Plus we have to pay moving costs and storage fees for all of our stuff from the house in Vancouver. All these expenses are much more accumulative as to what we had expected. I will be happy when we get the hell out of this apartment building and Matt and I and the kids have a bit more space to live. We do not take pocession until April 2nd. Which is totally cool and fine, because it will be good for us and then winter will be over. We can move everything that is in storage first and then move the stuff out of the apartment any time in April.
Also news from home and Dad is still not doing so well, apparently he may still be bleeding internally and may have to go in for another blood transfusion, it is very disturbing for mom and so hard on her to go through all of this and so hard on them both, it has been quite the last couple years with Mom being sick and now dad. It is hard on all of us. But I just feel so bad that I am not closer to help out a bit more. Hopefully everyone else is there more for them both.
On a brighter note Matthews cousin Elizabeth called today from New York, sounds like such a lovely lady and is always so good to Matthew. I am glad he has family like her. Happy Birthday Elizabeth, hope you have a great day and a fabulous celebration.
Had a job interview today and it went rather well and seems to be a good company to work for and will work out quite nicely for me in the end I think. It is one of these cater waiter companies and they email or call you with shifts and you basically pick your own shifts which will be ideal for me, especially with all the renos that we want to do to the new house.
Have a great night everyone and love from your gay neighbor.