Question Time!

       So for those of you that regularly read my posts, or those of you just passing by I will answer any questions that you may have.  Ask in the comments or send me an email.  I would like to know what you guys want to hear.  I realize that I am inconsistent in the posting of things.  I will take all questions and answers and compile them into a post when finals are done.  Talk to you later!

Travel

       So I travel quite a bit, mainly through airports, since home and college are in different states.  I happened to find this handy dandy calculator that shows you what the best option is, flying or driving.  Link here: http://www.travelmath.com/  It allows you to look at halfway points, food, hotels, etc.  It also breaks down everything into simple terms such as price of gas, average wait time, etc.  So if anyone travels a lot, give it a try.  Semester has been busy, lots of projects, but that's good.  Catch ya later.  Stay safe and enjoy the fall colors!

Good Times

       Last night I went to a party with a number of friends and had a really good time.  Got a bit drunk sobered up, had a cigarette (yes I know cigarettes are bad), talked to a lot of people I have never met before.  Later on in the evening a girl needed a walk home, so Chad (Same Chad as last post) and I walked her back and then headed back to the party.  We had a really nice 20 min. chat about my sexuality.  Last year when I came out to him I was pretty drunk, and he said that the next week he had wondered if I had even remembered, which I did.  Apparently he hasn't told anyone else, although he has really wanted to tell his roommate (whom I'm also really good friends with) that I'm gay; but he hasn't.  He said that he doesn't feel like it's his right to do that.  Then we talked about women and what we like, and how he enjoys talking about that to me.  He also asked how many people knew, which is a few, and he's glad that I can trust him that much.  It was just really nice to be able to talk about my sexuality down at school, all the people who know are back at home, except for Chad.  But I had a great night last night, hope you all did also.

Hey All

       Life has been interesting lately.  School is going well, however I just reached the point of the semester where I have zero motivation, and a lot of stuff that's due in the next month, but I just don't want to work on it.  I'll get over that though, and go back to my usual productive self.  I have realized some things in the past few weeks that are different.  One is that I'm ready to be lower my walls, and I have no idea how to do so.  I had a relationship end pretty badly 5 years ago, I trusted someone a lot and they turned their back.  So in defense I put up some really strong emotional walls that were already there to begin with.  Now I have a really hard time telling people what is truly on my mind, at least emotionally.
       In the last month I've been hanging out with two of my guy friends a lot; one of them knows I'm gay and we talk about it occasionally (we'll call him Chad).  I trust them and it's nice just to be able talk to a guy (amusingly enough we have the same type that we tend to fall for).  However I realized that with Chad I wouldn't mind being in a pseudo-relationship.  What I mean by this is that he's like a brother I guess, I wouldn't mind just chilling and falling asleep next to him, just as long as nothing sexual occurred.  I'm not used to actually craving physical contact, so it's kind of new to me.  The only time I get physical is when I've had a few drinks, then I'll put my arm around someone's shoulder or hug them, but nothing excessive.  Also one of my friends told me that I was the nicest drunk that he has ever met, so I guess that's a good thing.  Hope all is going well with you guys, enjoy the wonderful fall colors and the pumpkin flavored everything!

Trust, or Just Lucky?

       So lately there has been this article floating about (http://nymag.com/thecut/2014/09/emma-sulkowicz-campus-sexual-assault-activism.html) the internet.  It focuses on a young woman named Emma, who has started a movement by carrying her mattress around campus as long as her rapist is still on enrolled in the same school.  It's actually pretty cool how much media this has gotten.
       Now being in engineering 90% of the people I seem to hang around are guys.  This past weekend I went to a party and had a blast just hanging out, but I also had a lot to drink.  Way too much to drink.  But never once did I fear for my safety.  I trust my engineering friends, either that or I am really lucky that I chose them as friends.  I don't think any of them would attempt anything sexual with a woman without her consent.  I'm just really glad that I can trust them, I wish that all women could feel that safe.
      Arguably I don't really go to parties where I don't know people.  I also am extremely private, and have a difficult time getting emotionally/physically close to people.  Anyhow stay safe, have a great fall, enjoy the pumpkin flavored everything!

College - 4th year

       My fourth year of college has started, I have another to go.  It's a weird mixture of feelings about staying a 5th year.  A lot of my close friends at home are going to graduate on time, and a lot of my good friends here are going to either stay an extra year, or graduate.  I enjoy learning, but I would also like to just get out and work for a few years.  Working over the summer was nice because I didn't have to do anything work related after work, school you always have homework and projects.  However, staying an extra year gives me an extra summer to get an internship, so far I've only had seasonal positions in non engineering jobs.
       I'm taking a really fascinating biosolid mechanics course, talking about bone strength, and how different joints have different forces, etc.  And a CAD course, where we'll get a project and need to design it, then present it to the class.  I've also somehow managed to go through two semesters in a row without buying textbooks.  PDFs are a college students best friend, except when the class has open book, open note exams.
       Hope you all have a good semester or quarter (if you're in school).  For those of you working full time have a blast.  Have fun and work hard!

Long time no post

       It's been awhile.  Summer has been going by way too quickly.  The Supreme Court recently decided that corporation CEO's can decide that their own religious beliefs can allow them to opt out of offering birth control to their employees.  I noticed that all the women were opposed, and for good reason.  I'm sure a lot of people don't agree with the CEO of their work place on some level.  I'm disappointed in the outcome, even though I won't need to use birth control.
       I've noticed lately that I've become somewhat jealous of one of my gay friends.  She is the stereotypical butch lesbian, so there is almost no need for her to come out to people.  I'm more of a t-shirt and jeans kind of girl.  Have a safe fourth of july and don't let the mosquitoes bite.

Not paying attention to the news

Hey all, I haven't been paying attention to the news lately and it has come to my attention that there are now a number of states that allow gay marriage.  Now twenty states allow gay marriage, and two allow civil unions.  That's almost half.  So that's good, great actually.  Anyhow summer's going well, working, considering getting a tattoo, hanging out with friends.  Also trying to work out more, I'm in better shape now than I was in high school, at least I think so.  I can still improve.  Stay safe, stay cool.

Summer 2014!

       Summer has started!  Sorry for the long hiatus I've been working ten hour days and it makes me tired.  Anyhow, it's nice to have a break from school, and I'm around friends who know about my sexuality and accept it, nice change from the usual.  I also broke down and bought Minecraft, I have been playing in creative mode though, I'm building a city.  It's taking forever.  As for this Memorial Day weekend I'm going to make pulled pork for my family, then hangout with my friends at the beach.
       I also passed all my classes this semester!!  Not with the best grades, but I passed, it means that I won't need to stay back another year.  Hope those of you in school had a good semester as well.  Have a safe Memorial Day, have fun too!

Finals, again

       Once again finals are upon us, or at least at my college.  They start next week, which means I get to relearn everything in all my courses because I have a horrible memory in remembering what I've learned.  It all kind of blends together after a few weeks, and the new stuff takes priority over the old stuff.  Anyhow, good luck to those of you still in school, study hard.

Awkward...

       I went to a small house party last night that consisted of a bunch of engineers that I know.  I was doing my usual conversation hopping from group to group, staying sober all the while.  It gets to the point where I am in a room with two guys, one guy that I've known for a year, we'll call him Leroy; and a kid I've met this semester whom we'll call Greg.  We were sitting and chatting when all of a sudden Leroy says "So Greg, how long have you been in love with Jessie?".  Welp, this is awkward.  Leroy spends a good 20 minutes trying to get Greg to ask me out.  Finally I just leave, and successfully avoid him for the rest of the evening.
       I find it to be somewhat cruel fate or whatever that the girl Greg happens to develop a crush on is a lesbian.  We'll see how this will play out in the next few weeks until finals are over.  Enjoy the spring!

Game of Thrones Season 4

       Game of Thrones Season 4 starts today!  Really excited about that, even though I don't have HBO.  Good show, I've learned how to separate it from the books since the plots kind of split off at certain points.  It's been really difficult to not spoil the show for any of my friends who don't read them.  Instead of watching it today, I will watch it next weekend, and focus my time to working on my three homework sets due on Tuesday, I'm sure many of you can understand.  Also this is the first week in a few months that I haven't had an exam, so that's good.  Well enjoy the warm weather and I'm going to try and get outside to enjoy it.

Recent World News

       So recently both The United Kingdom and the U.S. State of Michigan have legalized gay marriage!  So that's good, I'm sure you've heard about Crimea separating from Ukraine and joining Russia.  I don't really know enough on the subject to have an opinion about it.  I need to follow the news more.  When I lived with my parents we always watched the news, now at school I don't.  I try to follow it on the BBC, but I still miss watching it.  Also Game of Thrones season 4 starts next week!! I will enjoy that, even though I've already read the books it's still a good show.  I'll try and post in this next month, but exams and projects will be due, then it's finals.  Hope the snow melts and I want to see flowers soon.

High School Acquiantanes

       So one of my acquaintances from high school came out on facebook last night.  I read through the comments that were there, and people pointed out that her facebook relationship status was still with her last boyfriend.  Then even more interestingly her boyfriend posted something to the effect of: "Yes, my girlfriend is bi!!".  Wait, what's going on here?  I learned from another one of my friends that there was some drama about her falling for this one girl who was in a relationship with her brother.  So I do know that she is into women.  I guess this does show that sexuality is fluid, or can be.  I just find this whole scenario rather bizarre, but then again I've known that I'm a lesbian since 7th grade.  And it's warming up!! Enjoy the springtime!

Reader Interaction

       Here's the thing, I can't come up with any interesting topics lately.  I should be able to, but I've clearly been unsuccessful.  So I want to answer your guys's questions.  Write them as a comment, then in a bit I will compile them and answer them.  I will attempt to answer every one.  And it's finally spring!!  Yes!

NEW: Tumblr Account

Hey all,  I've finally gotten a Tumblr account.  So far in the last 24 hours of having it it's just been reposting stuff.  My username there is gigglingRain, so if you want to follow go ahead.  Basically just shows what things I enjoy out of life.  Also turned 21, yay for legal alcohol.  I want to try scotch or bourbon, but we'll see.  Stay safe and stay warm.

Spring Break 2014

       So this year during Spring Break I've decided to stay at my apartment at school.  One reason is so I can work a little bit, and another is that going home is expensive and I don't really get to see my friends since their schools are all on different schedules.  It's been nice getting some alone time, with three other roommates I get some, but some days I need more of a break.  Also I get to eat fish, which none of my roommates like, so that's been delicious.  Also, if anyone wants to suggest any movies I should watch, let me know.  I've already watched Scott Pilgrim versus the World, Knights of Badassdom, and Juno.  Stay warm in this never ending winter.

Recently Out celebrities

       In the past few weeks two notable people came out of the closet.  Micheal Sam and Ellen Page.  When Michael Sam came out, the general public took it surprisingly well.  Yet when the media interviewed a few teams that had originally wanted to draft him, they had changed their minds due to the fact that he is gay.  And yet some football teams were willing to hire other players who were actually considered for jail time for various crimes.  However his hometown Hitchcock Texas was extremely supportive of him.  For him he questioned his sexuality in his teens, only fully realizing that he was gay once he got to college.  (Source: NY Times interview)  He had told a few people that he could trust.
       In Ellen Page's case she said she was sick of lying by omission.  Exactly what I am doing right now.  That means that a person avoids mentioning their sexuality or doesn't object when someone says they are straight.  I haven't heard of any movie producers or directors say they won't hire her because she is gay.  But it may be too early to tell.  However, Hollywood is a more accepting place than the N.F.L is (at least in my mind.)
       In other news a judge in Virginia has overturned the ban on same-sex marriage that had existed in the state.  So things are slowly moving in the right direction.

Sochi Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony

       I can honestly say that since Vancouver four years ago I added going to the Winter Olympics on my bucket list.  I would love to go, the opening ceremonies are always spectacular.  Someday I will go, no matter where it is.  I would actually prefer if it was in another country so that way I could learn a lot, yet still have some familiar accents around.
      One thing I didn't like however is that the U.S. media tried to undermine Russia's hosting.  I understand quite well that our countries don't get along, however it's the Olympics it's time to put those things aside and have a good time.  There's the whole deal about how the final ring on the Olympic style snowflake failed to open up.  Everyone is acting like it's the most important part of the opening ceremony.  Don't they remember how Canada's Vancouver one of the arms for the torch lighting failed to operate?? Then they felt bad for Vancouver, but with Sochi there is only blame.
       How can I talk about the Russian Olympics without somehow mentioning the gay rights issue.  For those of you who don't know, Russia has banned all gay propaganda.  All I can think is that someday they (the people who made that decision) will realize the error of it.  All things need  to change is time (and arguably heat and pressure, but it would be better if they could come to that without the pressure from other countries).  I would even fly to Russia right now if someone paid for my flight and hotel.  I do feel sympathy for my fellow LGBT members there.
       Now for the next two weeks I will indulge in bobsledding, hockey, and my guiltiest of pleasures ice skating.  As well as work in homework and exams (I recently got my first exam back, and I did better than I expected!!!).

One of those days

       So today started off pretty normal, then around noon things just started to go downhill.  It happens occasionally, like last semester when I missed a step and sprained my ankle.  But today I realized next Tuesday I will be booked for the entire day (yay (heavy sarcasm)).  I also missed a training session for my job because I failed to check my email in the hour notice, I did email my boss back to see if it could be tomorrow.  Then I was checking my email for a reply, walking down some stairs, when I missed a step and literally fell head over heels, skinning my knee and making a fool of myself to the person at the base of the stairs.  At least they helped my up.  I still have six hours of being in class and working on a group project for this day to get worse.  At least tomorrow is Friday and I get out of class early.  I can just relax, watch Game of Thrones, go on Imgur, or whatever I please, until I get the inevitable urge to do home for at least an hour.  Hope your days are fantasically wonderful!  Stay warm, drive safe.
      And the cherry on top was that I got a rejection for a summer internship, yes I know that I shouldn't be discouraged and that it happens all the time, but it was after falling down a flight of stairs.

Party Friends

       I went to a friend's party a few weeks ago, and a few things happened.  1.)  I was wearing a lower cut shirt, and one of the guys I was talking to kept glancing  down at my cleavage.  Now I know this happens, but this had never happened to me personally before, I found it rather amusing,
2.) I came out to one of my close friends at college, but we haven't really talked about it since.  I don't really talk to him, since we don't have very many classes together during the week.  Also my school closed tomorrow due to the cold temperatures, stay warm everyone.

Winter Break

       I've had a pretty good decent break, even if it has been a bit cold lately.  Made candy with my best friends, gone to a few museum exhibits, cleaned the house, etc.  The past few days I've been applying for summer internships.  Hopefully I will get one, if not the place I worked at last summer offered me a job.  I've accepted the fact that I will be a fifth year senior, due to me retaking statics, I shouldn't have failed it in the first place, but things happen.  For those of you just starting college, there is no shame in retaking a course.  I'm hoping to come out to two of my engineering buddies down at school sometime this semester.  Stay warm in this arctic blast that we are getting, it sounds like we'll get another one in a few weeks.