Guys and Gals:
I have succumbed to the trend of Twitter. I already have a few tweets of the latest updates (all up to the minute). If you are also a fellow twitter-tweet, then feel free to “follow” me and perhaps I’ll return the gesture.
–V.Jay
[Twitter || ptbOrange]
This world would be so much more thrilling to live in.
Do – a dear a female dear. Re – a drop of golden sun. Ah! The hills are alive with the sound of music!! The business guy at 2:41 definitely knows how to break it down.
Happy Easter to all (if you don’t celebrate the holiday, happy day off). It is definitely a spiritual Easter Sunday for me.
–V.Jay
I personally want to thank 58% of Gainesville who voted “No” to Discrimination. The other 42% are just insane! It’s definitely a victory for human rights (LGBTQ rights as well) inspite of last year’s bitch slap with Florida’s Amendment 2 and California’s Prop 8 passing to define marriage as a union between a man and a woman.
Speaking of the Golden State, I will be experiencing California for the first time in a matter of a dozen hours. Sure I will be conducting business in Pomona but that ain’t stopping me from smiling. Hopefully the UF team I am representing will be number one out of all the southeastern universities.
Let the Californian love affair begin!
–V.Jay
The City of Gainesville will have its elections on March 24th and there will be one amendment in the ballot which seeks the removal of Gainesville’s Human Rights Ordinance which established sexual orientation and gender identity protection against discrimination. After watching Milk last Monday, I made it a point to dedicate some time to volunteer and personally encourage others to vote no. I am slowly become an activist… =)
Here is what voters will see on the ballot:
Proposed Amendment to City Charter Prohibiting the City from Providing Certain Civil Rights…
Shall the City Charter Be Amended to prohibit the adoption or enforcement of ordinances, regulations, rules, or policies that provide protected status, preferences, or discrimination claims based on classifications, characteristics, or orientations not recognized by the Florida Civil Right Act? The act recognizes race, color, creed, religion, gender, national origin, age, handicap,marital and familial status. Additionally, this amendment voids existing ordinances concerning sexual orientation, gender identity, and other ordinances inconsistent with this amendment.
I read a comment on the “Yes on 1″ website they believed “local laws should neither oppose nor favor sexual orientation. We consider sexual orientation a matter of personal choice, and therefore unsuitable as a civil rights category.” Hmmm. I believe everyone deserve human and civil rights no matter what.
–V.Jay
[Vote No on 1 || Equality is Gainesville's Business]
I would kiss an Irish lad. ^_^
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!!
This is the day in which everyone is considered Irish. It does not seem so long ago when an Irish restaurant at Downtown Disney (Raglan Road) was celebrating the midway point to St. Paddy’s Day. Yes, I believe you read correctly. There is a celebration commemorating the Half Way to St. Patrick’s Day. The Irish are very festive aren’t they?
–V.Jay
![[Photo || ANTONY DICKSON/AFP/Getty Images]](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3046/2789231665_52848c6ec7_o.jpg "http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3046/2789231665_52848c6ec7_o.jpg")
Most of civilization may already be familiar of Michael Phelp’s infamous carefree night. A night that has led to a series of consequences. Fortunately for him, I have progressive views and don’t entirely consider him a dope for puffing some green. I’ll give him the same advice I gave my younger brother. Next time, make sure to keep it on the down low and don’t let it become an addiction that can’t be conquered.
I still [heart] you!
–V.Jay
[Img Hat Tip || ANTONY DICKSON/AFP/Getty Images]
OK. So apparently there is a store I never knew existed until I was called out by my friend’s ex-boyfriend. “What kind of faggot are you?” he questioned. Obviously, I am not one to brag about my fashion sense because I have no means to splurge on the delights of Kenneth Cole, Express Men, and Zara. Instead of dwelling for the reasons why I was not exposed to ALDO sooner, I decided to pay a visit at the local Gainesville mall (Gasp! Gainesville is fashionable?).
ALDO is mostly known for shoes but their accessories and jewelry are spectacular for a modest price. To complete my first visit to ALDO, the sales associate managed to make it memorable. Ay, he was a charmer…
–V.Jay
I have seen the views of California in the movies. Read about California and its history in the textbooks. I have fantasized about the Golden State since for-e-ver. The desire to explore CA grew to a paramount as I was captivated by its grandeur after experiencing Epcot’s Soarin’. California has an arid but glitzy southern region and a majestic Mediterranean-esque northern region. For this occasion, I’ll be visiting the southern half of CA.
Thanks to the University of Florida, Cal Poly Pomona, and countless other organizations, I will be able to visit California (without shedding my bank account)… Finally!
Two weeks until my love affair with California begins (Sorry, Florida, I still love you).
13 days and counting…
–V.Jay
P.S. I have an abundant of things I would love to accomplish (including meeting my blogger buddies from CA) in just three days but there is one thing I can’t leave CA without experiencing… In-N-Out! Call me a dork. I dare you. ^_^
[Image Hat Tip || Flickr: Sunset, San Diego, California]
Boys being boys. ^_^
It would be nice to be in the middle of this testosterone fest but I definitely prefer to be in DC volunteering to improve the day of someone who needs it. Unfortunately, I had to turn down the opportunity to travel to our nation’s capital and opt for a spring break at home doing nothing to improve my day… :c( In the bright side, I am at home spending it with my family and relaxing as much as I can before the semester gets back at full throttle. I guess that it is a way to improve myself, ain’t it?
Spring Break is flying by too fast! I would brood in sadness but I have a date with the State of California at the end of the month :c)
–V.Jay
After coming out to the most important human beings in my life (Mom and Brother), there was a sense of uncertainty as I hoped my future would sort out for the best. After 1.5 years in Gainesville, I finally know what the feeling of relief is after coming out to one of my three room mates.
Last night I had a nice chat with one of my room mates about Gainesville’s gay club. He visited the UC a few weeks ago with a gay friend of his. When he arrived back to the apartment, he bragged about being the first of all his room mates (including me) to party it up at the UC. Much to his surprise, I corrected him by revealing I have gone (plenty of times) to the UC. After a moment of pause… He gave me a curious look accompanied with a smirk on his face.
I did not bluntly come out to him that night since he was too drunk to understand the gist of my hints. Ambiguity would be the best word to describe the past couple of weeks without knowing if he comprehended the purpose of my confession. Last night, however, without uttering the words “I’m gay” he told me I had nothing to worry about since he respected me regardless. He was sure the same can be said with the other two room mates.
He also apologized in case all of the derogatory terms they have uttered the past 6 months has ever offended me.
As I laid in bed last night, I finally felt the relief associated after coming out. From this day onward I can live openly knowing my network of supporters have grown as I continue living. Further confirming there is still hope for humanity despite the existence of ignorance.
–V.Jay
