Christmas Tree Lighting 2008 Portland Oregon

Randy, Ian, Craig and myself decided to go to the Pioneer Square to check out the Christmas tree lighting.  It was actually fun.  Interesting how some guy came out and brought his cat with him, dressed up with a santa outfit.  Here are some pictures which I had taken. 

Craig’s 48th birthday

Craig’s birthday was coming up and I have been trying to think what I should get him.  I have been running out of ideas when I thought about his cat Buster.  I kind of felt sorry for him not being able to interact with other cats since he has been a house cat so I searched on for a companion for Buster.  That’s when I met my friend Marcia.  We had set up a time to get together which was the time that I had an interview with Ross store.  So Craig picked which cat he wanted for Buster while I went into the store for that interview.  By the time I finished with the interview I went out in the mall and Marcia was gone.   I looked into the cat carrier and it was pretty dark in there.  All I saw was two sets of eyes staring at me.  I thought no way.  I asked him why he got two kittens.  He didn’t want to break up the sisters so he got them both.  Buster didn’t like them at first but he eventually got used to them being around. 

Bella and Augustina’s first Christmas with us.

Thanksgiving dinner 2008 in Oregon

We were invited to Randy and Ian’s friend Doug’s house.  I am kind of glad that we went there because otherwise it was just going to be Craig and me.  When we were there I was surprised to see other guys there.  They knew Craig from going to events with them and all that.  So some of the friends were happy to see Craig and Craig introduced me as his partner.  I had talked to a couple of them in the social networking chat rooms.  It was really nice to meet them in person. 

Portland Gay Pride 2008

Immitation

This is a video of myself (2008) with my crocheted wig that I had made.  I was overweight back then.  I had alone time in the apartment and I wanted to do something silly.  I was thinking back in the day of the 90s hanging out with my friends with a few drinks and when All Saints first started releasing their music. After looking at the video I noticed that I was out of rythmn of immitating them.  It was like back in the 90s when I was spot on with their moves.  Very interesting.  But the video is definitely bringing back memories in the 90s.

Seeking help

I had finally gotten food stamps and also had gotten a counselor so I could be able to talk out my feelings.  It was something that I needed to seek help with medications and also to discuss and express my feelings.  My medications help me with my anxiety, depression, panic attacks and moody.  I have been pleased with the medications. 

Gull Stones

It was around Spring 2008 and Craig had to go to the hospital to get some gull stones out and it was my first time in the apartment on my own since he was spending time in the hospital until he was better.  I went to visit him and he was pale around the face in the recovery room.  They were having trouble getting his oxygen up to 95 I think it was, so they had to keep him over night.  I was looking forward for him to come home.  Next day he was finally home.  He looked funny with his shaved belly because he is very hairy. 

The Gorge

You know, I was surprised to hear that my friend Randy from California was moving to Portland Oregon with his partner Ian.  This was a coincidence because I just move to the Portland Oregon area and now they were to move after the New Year 2008 (March).  When they came they wanted to see me and Craig.  They were living with some friends until they could get on their feet again. 

We planned on going out together for a day to the Gorge where there were waterfalls.  I think Craig had been to the Gorge, he knew Portland pretty much since he was born and raised there.  We went to the Wahkeena Falls along the trail.  We had gotten very close to the falls that the mist had made my eyes cry.  Randy looked at me and asked if I was crying, I thought I would have a little fun and said yes I was because I never been to the falls before.  They thought that was cute.  The Gorge area was actually really beautiful. 

me and Craig at the Columbia River by the Crown Point

Crown Point columbia river Gorge Oregon Rino Rigucci

Ian and Randy

Portland Oregon Multnomah Falls Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.

Popcorn

Craig sure loves his popcorn when a good movie is on.

Panic Attacks

I had to continue my search for a job so I placed in advertisements on needing a job in the social networks.  Surprisingly, I got a respond from one who is looking for sales associate.  I gave a good interview and of course he told me that I was going to be working on my own in the shop.  I was doing fine at the shop and the boss was touring me around.  I was surprised that he only given me 4 hours training on the register.  It was a difficult register to work on.  He even introduced me to customers.  Considering that it was an adult shop I wondered why he introduced me to the costumers.  I didn’t want them to take an advantage of me being on my own in the shop.  All I kept thinking was a guy coming in and aiming a gun at me looking for money.

When I got home, I was thinking about the training on the register and 4 hours of it.  I wasn’t ready for it yet and I definitely wasn’t ready to be thrown in the shop on my own the next day either considering that I never worked in a shop by myself.  I discussed it with Craig on my feelings about my situation.  I started to panic the next morning and became very emotional and started to cry.  Not sure why but I knew I was nervous.  Craig knew that something was wrong with me and that I needed help.  He also knew I didn’t like working on my own in shops and never been in that situation before.  He helped me to seek help, receiving medications.

I would say that if there was someone else in the shop, the atmosphere wouldn’t be that bad.  I’m just not used to being in a shop on my own.  I called up the boss that I couldn’t do the job, but I implied that I wouldn’t be able to come in and as Marcia Brady had said “Something suddenly came up”

Deep down I knew I need a job to contribute some money.  We were surviving barely.  I had to apply for food stamps and also to seek help.  It was a matter of time that I got these kinds of help.  I figure that needing help is a good thing to do and see what’s up.