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Tuesday, November 20, 2007 |
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Thank You To My Friends
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I just wanted to take a second and send out a big thank you to all my friends, especially those who went way out of their way to come out to Phoenix for the weekend. Their trip, partially to celebrate my birthday and partially just to hang out together and go to the Trade Superheroes Party at Burn, was a complete surprise to me, and turned out to be a really fun time for everyone.
It's times like these when I realize how lucky I am, and what great friends I have. While I'm sometimes sad that not all of us are together in a single city these days, it just goes to show that no matter how far the distance, as long as you communicate, make time for each other and really care about each other, distance is never an issue.
I always tell outsiders when they meet us at a party, a pride festival or some other event that I truly have some of the very best friends in the world. You won't meet a more genuine, caring, easy going, and fun group of guys to spend time with and call friends.
The core crew consisting of Bernard, Philip, Tony, Justin, Jerry and I all have this unique dynamic between us that allows us to travel together, laugh at each other, understand each other, and just have some serious fun wherever we go. Over the years we've expanded our crew, added new boyfriends into the mix, and met new extended friends, but the one thing that always remains constant is the bond that holds us all together. It's unique, it's special and it's the reason I know we're all going to spend many more fun times together with each other.
I love you guys. Thanks for making the past year a really special one, and I look forward to so much more to come. Cheers!Labels: Bernard, Friends, Gay Life, Jerry Timms, Justin Chanley, Philip, Random Thoughts, Tony
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Saturday, November 10, 2007 |
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Trade Superheroes Party At Burn On November 10th
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It was Burn Nightclub's one year anniversary and the night of the Trade 'Superheroes' Party with DJ Alexander and Flava. It was one of the reason's the gang was in Phoenix, and a party Justin and I have been looking forward too since it's announcement at the last Trade Party back in August.
Justin, Antonio and I decided to go all out and dress up for the event.
Antonio (Superboy), Justin (Green Arrow), Rich (Batman)
Jeremiah (Riddick), Jerry, Philip & Bernard
       
The party was a huge hit. We arrived shortly after midnight and the club was already packed. We met up with our friend Gracie who was there with the headliner DJ Alexander and a few of their other friends from San Diego.
If you haven't seen him yet, DJ Alexander is amazing live and certainly doesn't let the crowd down. This was our third time hearing him spin, with the first being at the Tribe Boiler Room Party during Long Beach Pride and the second at Rich's in San Diego. We enjoyed the music and partied all night long with our friends. Around 1AM Flava came on stage and performed for two songs. Having seen Flava perform at almost all the recent circuit parties we've been too, it was slightly surreal to have this performance being in Phoenix.
We ran into several old and new friends and the night just flew boy too fast. It was great to spend the evening in Phoenix with my Crew and turned out to be a total blast.. This party was most definitely a great way to celebrate the one year anniversary of the Burn Nightclub. Cheers!Labels: Bernard, Burn Nightclub Phoenix, Circuit Party, Dance Music, DJ Alexander, Gay Life, Jeremiah, Jerry Timms, Justin Chanley, Philip, Phoenix, Tony, Trade Party
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Friday, November 09, 2007 |
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The Gang Hits Phoenix For A Weekend
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Yes I do realize that I haven't posted in a while which in my case is indicative of the fact that I either have too much going on in my life to take the time to post, or that I'm in a self-imposed rehab from society. In this case it was a combination of the two.
I was pleasantly surprised the other weekend when my entire gang of friends showed up in Phoenix for the weekend. Bernard from San Francisco, Tony & Justin (DJ) from San Diego, Philip from Los Angeles and Jamie from Toronto. For one short weekend, they all converged upon Phoenix to hang out and party it up. It was almost one month to the day from our cruise that we all last saw each other.
Prior to our cruise I had mentioned to Philip about the Trade Superheroes party on November 10th, and asked him to come out. I also mentioned to the other guys, but everyone apologized saying they couldn't make it for one reason or another so I thought that only Philip and Jamie were the only ones coming into town for the weekend. Justin, Antonio and I picked Philip up at the airport and then headed over to Jerry's to pick him up and head to dinner. Once we said our hello's we walked inside and were startled by Bernard, Tony and DJ jumping out from behind the couch. Apparently it was all planned out on the cruise and all the boys managed to keep it a surprise from both Justin and I. I was really happy to see everyone because I was just texting with Bernard earlier in the day saying how I wished he was here for the weekend. He totally hammed it up and said "Me too, take lot's of pictures" I was in complete shock, it was a really great surprise.
Jerry & Bernard
Tony & Dallas Justin (DJ)
Justin, Rich & Antonio
Philip & Jamie
The Gang hanging out chatting after a few drinks
Another one of the Gang hanging out on Friday night
We gathered the group together and headed over to Cibo's on 5th Ave and Fillmore for a bit to eat before Jamie's flight arrived. Cibo's is a quint, trendy, Pizzeria located inside one of the early historic homes in the Roosevelt district and it offers some of the best pizza in the valley. We enjoyed our pizza, a few bottles of wine and then agreed to meet up over at Amsterdam after picking up Jamie from the airport.
Around Midnight we reconvened for a few drinks at Amsterdam. It was actually pretty crowded for a Friday night and we ran into Travis, Nester and a few other friends. It was a beautiful evening out and great to have the gang together again in Phoenix of all places. This was the very first time we've all been together here in Phoenix. We hung out for a few cocktails and then decided to move the party and the gang back over to our house for the rest of the evening. It was a fun night, and the beginning of a a really long weekend to come. Cheers!Labels: Bernard, Gay Life, Jerry Timms, Justin Chanley, Philip, Phoenix, Tony
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Leaving For One Mighty Weekend
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Well this is it, the event we've been planning since last fall, One Mighty Weekend in Orlando. Paired along with Gay Days Disney World, One Mighty Weekend is one of the largest circuit party events in all of North America. Starting on Friday and running non stop through Monday morning, it's been described to me from many reliable sources as a must attend event.
Buena Vista Palace (One Mighty Weekend Host Hotel)
Typhoon Lagoon (Friday Evening Party)
Reunion Pool Parties (Friday, Saturday & Sunday Days)
One Mighty Party (Saturday Evening)
Colosseum Party (Sunday Evening)
Justin, Jerry and I are flying out Wednesday morning where we'll be meeting up with the rest of the gang in Orlando sometime between Wednesday and Friday. On Thursday Justin, Jerry and I along with Bernard, Philip, Tony, Dallas Justin are heading over for a day of fun and excitement in the park. The rest of the San Diego boys will be arriving sometime on Friday.
It's panning out to be a fun filled weekend with both old and new friends. For more information about One Mighty Weekend, check out their website at http://www.onemightyweekend.com So until I return from my party weekend, cheers!Labels: Bernard, Circuit Party, Gay Days Orlando, Gay Life, Jerry Timms, Justin Chanley, One Mighty Weekend, Philip, San Diego Boys, Tony
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I Have The Best Friends
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I've had so many things on my mind lately, it's just been a matter of finding time to actually sit down and write a little bit. I've been thinking a lot about my friends and friendship lately. I don't know if it's the result of the emotional after effects of the recent parties or not, but it's been something that's been in the forefront of my thoughts.
I really have to say that I feel like I have the best friends in the world. I know probably everyone thinks that, but I really do. My friends are all amazing and beautiful people in every aspect. Every single one of them is non-judgemental, loving, caring, and a true friend in every way. I really love them all like they are my family, and enjoy spending time with them, going on trips with them, and just having them as a large part of my life.
Mark & Andrea hanging in the park at Phoenix Pride 2007
Tony, Bernard, Jerry, Philip, Rob & Justin at the White Party Palm Springs 2007
It seems like lately Justin and I have been meeting so many new and interesting people, and I can see our circle of friends slowly expanding every year. I would consider myself to be a very lucky person to be fortunate enough to meet so many amazing people. It sort of really hit me last weekend when I was talking to Andrea as we were walking around Phoenix Pride and I asked her what she thought about Rob. She said to me that he was great, and what really hit home was when she said "You guys always seem to meet the nicest people" I'd have to agree. I don't know if it's because we have little time for foolishness and flaky people, or because we tend to attract really down to earth, genuine friends, but either way it's really been a very positive experience for us.
I was explaining to someone that we started calling ourselves the SF Boys because Justin, Philip, Bernard and I used to all live in San Francisco and hang out together. Over the past few years our group of SF Boys has expanded to include old and new friends spanning San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, Phoenix, and now even London.
I guess the bottom line here is this is what life is all about, at least for me. Great times, and lifelong friends with whom you can share everything. All I can say is that I really do have the best friends in the world and I can only hope that others are as fortunate to have friends like mine. Cheers!Labels: Bernard, Gay Life, Jerry Timms, Justin Chanley, Philip, Tony
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Phoenix Pride 2007 Friday Night at Burn Nightclub
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In what seemed to be much like an extended continuation of the White Party we once again set the town on fire this weekend to celebrate Phoenix Pride with a few of our friends.
I think Philip has been out to Phoenix for the past few years, and what worked out once again as perfect timing, Philip arrived on Friday evening to stay the weekend on his way back to Los Angeles from a business trip in Nashville.
Our Irish friend Rob, one of the newest additions to our circle of Circuit friends from the UK, arrived on Friday evening as well. A little back story on Rob. We actually met Rob back in October at Black & Blue in Montreal and managed to keep in touch. Having a break from his current contract in London, Rob decided to take a holiday and head over to the states to join us for the White Party Palm Springs, and whatever other trouble he could get into. We talked him into taking a detour through Phoenix to spend the weekend with all of us on his way back to Los Angeles from Las Vegas.
Rich, Justin, and Rob
Justin, Philip & Rob
Jerry & Philip
Rich & Jerry
Tracy & Bruce
Jerry, Mike, & Nate
Starting the official Phoenix Pride weekend properly, we headed over to Burn Nightclub where we met up with Tracy, Bruce, Mike & Nate. We had a few drinks and danced to the beats of special guest DJ Lee Thornhill. It was a mellow and fun way to kick off the weekend with friends.Labels: Burn Nightclub Phoenix, Gay Life, Gay Pride, Jerry Timms, Justin Chanley, Philip, Phoenix
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Wednesday, March 07, 2007 |
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Today Was a Bust!
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I totally wanted to go down to the Beach this afternoon before it got dark, but I got sucked into finishing a ton of work that I had on my plate instead. It was all things that had to be done, and I feel like I made a great deal of progress tonight, so I'm not that distraught over it. I still have a few days left here and the bottom line is that Los Angeles is so close I can always come back again.
I've been enjoying my time with Philip, although starting this afternoon I'm going to be alone here for a few days while he's out on a business trip today to Nashville until Friday morning. With the exception of going out the first two evenings, I've not really done anything but work and go to the gym since I've been here. I haven't even eaten anything in the last three days besides a few protein shakes. Philip jokingly said I was at 'Fat Camp' this week and I had to follow the rules. Now while I'm certainly not 'fat' anymore, I am trying desperately to have that six pack by the time I go to Florida in October. It's been good and I've noticed a significant difference in just the few days I've been here. I'm hope that with a combination of the strict diet, intense workouts and Creatine supplements I'm now taking, I'll be exactly where I want to be in another month.
Alright well it's getting late and I have an early call in the morning so I need to get to bed and get some sleep. I'll catch up more tomorrow. Cheers!Labels: Gay Life, Los Angeles, Philip, Random Thoughts, Travel, Working Out
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Enjoying Myself In Los Angeles
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So I arrived here in Los Angeles on Saturday evening around 10:30 PM. After finding my way to Philip's apartment and unloading my trunk of clothes for the week, we prepared to go out for the evening. First a drink here at the apartment, and then Philip and I headed over to West Hollywood to patronize some of the normal Saturday evening gay Los Angeles hang outs. The Mother Loade, The Abbey and then on to Mickey's for after hours.
Sunday was spent sleeping in and then heading over to the gym for a good workout. On Sunday evening we headed over to a club called Area which is typically straight, but was having it's monthly gay night event. The club was very upscale and the place was packed. Philip and I grabbed some drinks and melted into the crowded dance floor to enjoy the music. At one point I turned my head and Jai from Queer Eye for the Straight Guy was standing next to me talking to a friend of his. Very shortly after, Carson Kressley walked from the VIP room into the bathroom right behind me. It's all still a bit surreal for me to be out here in Los Angeles and be constantly running into celebrities.
I spent the day today working am going to be on my way to the gym here shortly. I'm enjoying my time here, and it's been a good trip knowing that I don't have to feel rushed to do things. I think I could get used to it out here, but that's a yet another discussion left for some other day.Labels: Los Angeles, Philip, Travel
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Tuesday, February 27, 2007 |
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