LA_SnowBoy

since I've had time to stop and update my LJ. Bruno and I are on the move again. Just gotta have a house with a yard. It will be hard for him to give up living next door to his GF however, she's off with her pro surfer BF on an 11 country tour. Talk about a hottie - her BF that is!!! I've been ill for some time now and had a couple hospital visits - I am pulling out though. And that's part of the reason of moving. I really dig where I live. I have so many friends so fast it's been a blast to say the least. And the fairy dust just got settled on the apartment. I cannot express how much there is to do here in my hood. There is a concert every Friday night in the nearby park, three gay bars one of which could be and it often compared to The Abbey in WeHo and not to mention the Diversionary Theater. And let's talk about a dog's city.....Ocean Beach has it's off leash dog beach which is such a hoot for Bruno and to watch just how happy he is being in the water with other dogs. Wow! It brings a smile to my face thinking about it. And there are so many dog friendly cafes and stores. Bruno has been in LA for most of the past month due to my health. Todd has brought him down for visits on the weekends. They are here again this weekend. We will go see the stage play of Sordid Lives with much of the movie cast playing their roles. Todd's acting coach, Ann Walker, is in the movie and acting the play so we'll get to do the meet and greet concktail party following. Todd and I are actually get along better. Not much else we can do but get along as my health deteriorates.

In between the above I've had my many visits from Conrad especially he and all my snowboarding buds for pride. And I gotta say, this was my best pride ever. and I've been to prides in 8 different cities in four states. It began on Friday morning when Conrad arrived on the Surfliner and it ended late Mnday night when he left. We made every major party, had a xcouple of our own and we closed the festival down both nights. And as embarrassing as it sounds - I lost my voice to Debbie Gibson....uuuuggghhhh!

And now we are nearing the fall season which is followed by snow! I can't wait!

Ok, I left out the best stuff but you had to be there!

Love and Peace

My good friend Ronnie C. came into town a couple days ago for a visit with Bruno and I. We had such a good time especially since he drove his new Harley down. We cruised the city and enjoyed a wonderful time. He really enjoyed himself and the neighborhood I have chosen to live in. We made plans for Pride which now has my crew up to five men which should make for fun times! Thanks Ronnie!

Things are finally happening! I received a telephone call from The Hair Club for Men from their corporate offices on Boca Raton, Florida hiring me to install new artwork in several new locations in Southern California begining with 2 locations is San Diego. Some of these locations include Beverly Hills, Pasadena, Glendale, San Jose and San Francisco. It's the type of account which covers all my travel and hotel expeses along with the work. Stay tuned for more to come from The Hangmen!!

I will kep this entry brief. I attended my first affair with the org called RHSD (you'll have to figure it out) and what a great time. First of all it was a BBQ hosted at one of the director's homes with a pool shared by a complex of homes which made for a massive anount of men. Needless to say - alot of biz cards were handed out yesterday which should keep me busy for some time to come.

Things are moving along faster than anticipated. Geez, I hope I have time for Conrad and David when they arrive for SD Pride????!!!!

Happy Independence Day to all!

Peace,
John and Bruno

Well, it's starting to feel like home here in San Diego. Of course this took longer than expected with the decision not to take the apartment which was planned for me - rather I took the newly painted and updated apartment accross the hall. This decision came after several glitches and repairs I decided I wouldn't nor shouldn't have to do. The new sofa is yet to be delivered however, recieved the new fridge. And to make life a little cooler - I installed a one ton air conditioner unit which Bruno is currently napping below. My new and cute friend Larry has been a great help... ;} Thanks Larry!

Alot is already happening for me as I begin my interviewing for employment while I am still installing art. I will also be working the the San Diego Art Show coming up next week as an event cooridnator along with an upcoming project in Big Bear at the end of the month. Life is falling into place faster than anticipated.....right on!

The night life just in my neighborhood is so incredible I really don't have to leave the hood. I recently had dinner with the co-owner of Lei Lounge and Bourbon Street which are both the hottest spots in all of gay San Diego. Bourbon Street which truly has the feel of New Orleans with four seperate bars and fills up with all men by 11PM every night of the week. Between both establishments which are next door to one another - it has the feel of The Abbey in WeHo. Cheers which is a neighborhood gay bars is open daily and a great place to meet the locals and play pool....which is where I met Larry (did I mention how cute he is - we went to the Donna Summer concert at Viejas last week). Alaberto cuts my hair downstairs at Salon 4646 and Bruno got his hair and nails done at Clips by Kent.

I have gotten to know the owner of the biulding I live in and have been asked to manage and oversee the building while she goes back to her home in Phoenix. I swear she is the re-incarnate of my own Mother and we talk several times a day as well as driving out to Point Loma to eat fish and chips at her ol' hang out in the marina.

Bruno is getting along better with apartment life. Of course this requires as many as four walks per day averaging 3 miles each which of course helps me to stay fit as well. He has a really cool park around the corner where he gets to play with the local pups and there is a cool dog beach at Ocean Beach where he can run off leash which is so incredible and fun. He recently was micro chipped and licensed making him an official resident of San Diego County...yeah!!

Well, Bruno is hitting me up for a walk so I gotta close this down for now. I will be at The Hole this afternoon for beer bust so look for more current updates.

Happy B-Day to Mr. B!

Peace,
John

I have posted the "S" word before in one of my blogs however, I cannot help but to write about another experience with the same person. I truly care and perhaps like too much this person and allowed him back into my life thinking it would turn out differently. I thought this because I knew I would not allow specific events or behavior to happen again which is what I did exactly. I chose to not over involve myself or him into each others lives. I chose to not have sex with him even though I desired it. I made every effort to get my past life with my ex behind me knowing I couldn't have a relationship with anyone until I did which is what I have managed to do now with my ex. Which is why I chose to live far away enough in San Diego.

Well, this person showed up unexpectedly in San Diego which turned out to be harmless with the exception I had my best friend with me and we changed some of our plans around in order to accommodate him and us. Then when I was in LA a few days later -I was having a bad day while moving things to San Diego and I decided to not answer my phone. The next thing I know is this person is driving down to San Diego because he thinks whatever he thinks is going on with me and he has to "rescue" or "I am not sure what" me. When I finally answer the phone he is angry because I was caught off guard and I didn't say "thank you" as the first words which came out my mouth. When I listened to the past voice mail messages none of them indicated he was driving to San Diego. I wasn't alone with moving my stuff and I had to turn around and go right back to L.A. Which I did. The next thing I did was turn my cell phone off from 3PM that day until 11AM the next day.

When I got ready to leave the next day to drive back to San Diego with my dog - I turned on my cell phone. I then received seven text messages which included pics of my home in San Diego as well as a pic of my truck parked in the driveway of the home of my ex in LA. Also, included were text message indicating I was to come to a bar to redeem myself and when I never showed up it was indicated that I should never call him again because I play games and am a liar. Keep in mind I never saw or read these messages as they happened rather the next day.

So, as much as I have tried to seek clarification to this matter I am unsuccessful. I also know that this person is doing me more of a favor than he realizes. however, I still know him well enough and unfortunately still care about him. Yes, I know I am as crazy as him to even hold onto anything where he is concerned,

So, I gotta ask the world...."When does a person become a stalker"?

Peace

Post Edit: This person also informed me that his mother was flying him to DISNEY WORLD in FLORIDA for a day trip on his birthday. Talk about a liar. I knew better when it was stated and caught him saying Disneyland at other times however, it goes to show you that "Floor Flushers" still exist in this day and age. No one is perfect especially myself!

Well, after a two year vacation I find myself ready to return to the real working world. So, I presented a unique concept and change of an exisiting business to several other business owners and now I have financial backing and partners to help my world grow. As I leave the LA area I am building a book of business for which I now have a crew I trust to manage it while I expand to the San Diego area. This move will allow my company to service the growing beach communities of Orange County as well. So, WOW! It's all so exciting and I am looking forward to working near the ocean, the money and a new peace of mind.

Peace!

Grow the facial hair back.

Well, after not being able to work since January and board since my knee injury the beginning of March, I am closing up home in Big Bear and moving on or should I say moving down to San Diego. Hopefully I can manage this before ALC5. Yes, I will keep my commitiment to ALC and manage my existing lifestyle around the event.

I have been driving down and spending time with a friend who owns a bed and breakfast which has been awesome. I forgot that I had history in SD long before I created one in LA. And though my history has been while a tourist, I have always felt that SD is amongst the cities that I have felt loved me back. So, I remain hopeful that this will work out. I am, however, concerned about my big yellow dog, Bruno who just turned a year old and weighs nearly 100 pounds. Gosh, when I brought him home at 4 weeks he fit in one arm and weighed only 5 pounds and now finding a home for the both of us will be an effort and may have to leave him in LA with my ex while get re-established and find the right place. Which is a story of it's own. I have also started to date a new guy in SD when I am in town which has been fun and again another story of it's own. I will, of course, let you know what's up with that when I see where it goes. San Diego also has one of the best kite boarding camps on the west coast so you know what I am going to do this summer. I already have Elaina teaching me to surf so I guess I will really be busy - probably so busy that I will wait til the end of summer before I think about working full time. I can't wait. Maybe I can catch me a surfer boy to go with my sk8tr boy. Actually, it's just the difference between blond and brunette. And on that note I shall say good night.

Peace,
John aka la_snowboy

Well, we were snowed in during this last storm we still managed to enjoy a cool happy birthday. I actually boarded my neighbor hood with Bruno pulling me up hill. It was soooooooooo coooooooool! I had bit of an audience by the end of the session. Unfortunately, I was having so much fun that I completely forgot about all the snow shoveling as well as taking pics. We should note that Bruno and I share the same birthdate......March 26th therefore, I am now 44 and very happy. Back to Bruno!

I have to confess that when they say that pets and their owners often look alike - Bruno is pretty damn handsome to say the least smart. Their is nothing we can't teach him quickly. Lately, we have been working on protection skills and can now with a single word will walk the entire property looking for intruders or he can stop a person in their tracks. However, that being said I highly doubt he would ever bite anyone. And you got to see his confusion of "the little people" which I actually mean children where he has been so gentle and respectful. And he actually smiles. You can actually see it.

So, please allow me to share the story of how Bruno came into my life:

I have a girlfriend who owns 10 acres of land in Apple Valley where she has managed to rescue both domestic and non domestic animals - some in quantity. She knowing me to be a dog person without a dog for over 10 years had been egging me on about getting on dog. Of course, there is this other point about my Ex having so many stipulations before I got a dog and even when the stips were met - came more. So, finally, I called her one day in April last year and said "Let's get to it". So, I drove to Apple Valley meeting up with Lisa and Kelly whom both went to same high school as I only 2 years back and we headed out to three different shelters Lisa regulary visits. I really wanted a puppy rather than an older dog and I was really wanting a medium sized dog as I have always had the big dog. At the second shelter Kelly who wasn't looking for a pup ended up with this tiny cockapoo In any event, the third shelter turned out to be a nitemare with Kelly walking down this isle where a dog with Parvo threw up on her. She actually, saved the dog however, she had to go so far as bleaching the lawn as the parasite lives for like years. While we were at the third shelter we met a "cat lady" who was taking digital pics to assist in their rescue told us about a woman in adelanto who rescued two pregnant female dogs who were tied to a joshua tree in the middle of know where with a bucket of food/water. These two dogs gave birth to 10 pups each 24 hours apart. One litter a St. Bernard mix the other Lab mix which we now believe to Bruno to be primary Yellow lab and Malamute and and scondary Shepherd and Chow. His temperment is excellent and response level to command right on. So, we got a good mutt mix on the index. Back to the story, so me made the 30 mile drive to the woman where met her entire family who were so incredible and had such sad stories about just how often people drive their unwanted pet out to the middle of know where and ditch them. If they don't get hit by a car or eaten by coyotes, without rescue they wouldn't survive. So, Bruno was the one yellow one with blue eyes. I picked him for beauty and his friendliness. He was one month old. I didn't ween him on a bottle. He just seemed like he would be ok and he is, I could hold him in one arm and he weighed 5 pounds. he was so adorable and so happy and I gotta say he's got a great life and everyone loves him, wants to dog sit him or walk him. He's really never alone. and as far as my Ex is concerned - he so loves him and spoils the shit out of him. He even goes to his office with him and is spoiled there by so many. Now Bruno is can actually stand up as tall as I and weigh 90 plus pounds. His markings are white and match that of a Malamute and his yellow like a lab. His head is square like a lab however, has the Malamute nose. He loves snow and snowballs though he still can't figure out where they go when I through them. Though I am yet to get him in the pool he has no issues jumping into the lake and will fetch in four feet of snow making his own trails through the snow. I love him so much. He is my best bud.

So wish us a Happy Birthday and have a great day too!

Peace,
John aka la_snowboy

Well, much to my surprise I discovered a new mountain never explored next to Mammoth - June Mountian. On Superbowl Sunday we did an overnite to Mammoth and last minute decided to hit June Nountain half day. It was sooo frikn awesome. No one on the mountain (all watching football) and it was as if it were so meant to be. It was more an intermediate to black diamond experience. We took three double diamonds from the top which were condensed with moguls The experience was so full of speed (36 mph+) it was a buzz withn itself. We pushed ourselves hard and it was the mountain for that. It was one of my most aggressive snowboarding days ever. At end of day a Bud slipped off an edge resulting in me goin in after into an area which was not trail nor within park managed area. I felt no other choice but to go in after hime however, by the time I got to him I was laughing so hard that I forgot I was asking how he was at the same time. I just couldn't beleive I made a choice to go down the least traveled trail. It was a total trip and of course, you would have to be there (or not) to experience it. After all was said as I stood at the bottom of the mountain looking at where I had been and my knee simply buckled and I damage cartlidge in my right knee. Shit! I didn't even realize I had any left considering the past surgeries. In any event, here I am nearly two weeks later and unable to walk. So, I am down for boarding however, got some rad days in and who knows........... In the mean time, I am concentrating on new work and a relocation to San Diego. Kite boarding here I come! Peace to All! Hi to my boyz in Riverside and thanks for the hookup.

That's right folks! Not sure why it turned out as only serious rather than ctritical since I WAS NOT WEARING A HELMET. Yes I realize how stupid and lucky it turneed out. Also I have to deal with the fact that snowbording will not be a part of my life this season as well as working. And I am unable to drive until my CT Scan improves - at minimum one month. So what to do? Well one thing is to re-negotiate my roll and function at the resort. I am hoping that this will all turn out ok. If not....well I have my life and the good luck which keeps it alive.

By the way.....there is a special person out there I wish to say hello to. I know the reasons we are not together....I could have let alot go than to have made it so important if that is what it took to still have you in my life. I apologize for being selfish and mean. That's not what I wished to say though important....I think of you every day - I love you - I wish you a happy belated Christmas and more importantly that the New Year will bring you that special person who will fill your heart the rest of the way...you do a good job on your own! I hope that we meet again and this time....hug goodbye. PS Bruno is so handsome, 95 punds, 9 months, in heat and humping his bed pillow...he so loves the snow. Miss you

BEING SINGLE IS TRULY THE NEXT STEP..........

Well it has been a struggle the last two years and while I am saddened by my former partner's choice to party with his friends and lose nearly eleven years of relationship - I am ready to move on past it all in order to have the life I choose for my future. Though I am relationship oriented I am currently enjoying time with new peops without any strings or committiments. It also seems that the "dating scene" has embraced me like never before or perhaps it is I embracing it. Instead of jumping into bed (though it sometimes just can't be helped) I am actually getting to know without feeling the need to commit. I suppose I've come to accept and enjoy who I am...............I AM A RESPECTED, CHARISMATIC, SEXY MAN, PASSIONATELY CELEBRATING LIFE AND LIVING MY DESIRES NOW! This is especially true after surviving a life threatening illness. I certainly believe this also effects how I am reacting to all this change in my relationship(s). While I feel hurt - it in no way interferes with my choices to celebrate my life as well as the realization that there are peops out there in the world who share my passions and will come to impact me and my life in ways I've never allowed myself before. For I know I have grown into the potential of myself and that the choices I am making now are the most healthy and insightful ever. This time while at moments are grey - will come to pass and there still exists in my future a love I've never allowed myself. Wow! Did I just say all that. Damn right I did! Each day is a new experience and another step forward. For those of you that do not know - I have chosen to work at a ski resort in SoCal as the first job I've done since I became ill in 2003/2004. It's all so different - yet so fun! Beside the fact I get to work with an incredible crew of peops - I am around so many beautiful people from all over the world who are so incrediblibly physical however, I get all my snowboarding expenses for free! Damn right! The sport I consider to have saved my life is the choice I have made as a vehicle to my future. It's a "WIN-WIN" for both snow sports and myself. My passion will impact the industry and my future. The synergy is inescapable!

So to my former life - I wish you well and thank you for all the lessons and of course the awesome memories. I walk into the future without regret.

This is my first blog on MySpace and certainly the most personal I've put out into the universe yet. Thanks for taking the time to read and I hope you find strength and inspiration from my word.

Happy Chanakah, Merry Christmas and Peace to all.

I got out of bed, showered and at Snow Summit by 9AM. I met up with Steve who I met online and just meeting in person. He ski's and I boarded. And boy did he give me a run for my money. By 11AM I have completed six runs before Steve had to leave for work. I took a bar break and headed over to Bear Mtn where I boarded a couple more runs with some dudes I just met and hung out. It was a hot time with hot guys! YEaH! I am so living the life and what a perfect way to distract me from the recent changes to my relationship. It also helps to be dating left and right. I am so having the best time of my life.

My friend Lisa showed up with her two dogs in tow. Boy how much fun it was for Bruno to have some friends of his own. We drove around the lake checking out properties before hitting the grocery store. Later I grilled a tri-tip with my secret rub and from there we had the first cooked dinner in my new home.

Of course we had planned to go out for drinks however, it's been a long day. So we called it an early nite and rested for The Block Part Saturday.

Life is great!

Live...
Eat........
Breath...
and Dream
of the
Action....
the chill and
thrill of the
extreme.

The wild
adventure of
SNOWBOARDING
is like walking on the
edge of
the HORIZON,
knowing
whatever is at the
END I will have
given to the sport
EVERYTHING
I HAVE.

Not necessarily bad news rather the end to a long struggle. My partner of eleven years and I have made gentleman's agreement with a handshake agreeing to be the best of friends possible, that there is no turning back and the intimacy is over. I spent my last night at the house and left the next morning at 4AM with my pup, Bruno, in tow. As I drove up the mountain to my home in Big Bear Lake I realized that I had been singing to the radio. Didn't feel normal however, I wasn't feeling bad. Rather I realized that life felt lighter and brighter and I was looking forward to snowboarding and new experiences without restraints of the relationship. Perhaps it should have been decided long ago however, it has been difficult to let go of a man who helped me to bury the last of my family, stood by side during my addictions as well as my life threatening illness of 16 months. All said and done I want to celebrate my being alive not the continued stagnation I had been experiencing. I wish him the best in life and remain hopeful he can get a handle on his personal issues. I am now a resident of the Inland Empire..........wow............and I live on a lake and next to a ski resort..........wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks to all those who have contributed both good and bad to the concerns and realities of this relationship. For some of you it has been long and difficult - thanks for hanging in there. Now let's snowboard!

Peace,
John

So, I've gotten settled into the new digs and have been here a couple weeks. Life is so much different up here on the mountain. No white noise. It's dark at night. The squirells are louder (maybe it's because there's no white noise). Tha water is drinkable from the tap. There is no smog. And everyone knows everyone on a first name basis. Hell, I've sat at the cafe counter with the mayor of Big Bear Lake three Sunday's in a row. And I cannot get Bruno to come inside at night. He just loves it. I've made some new friends.....one is quite the hottie sk8tr boy. I am loving it. I can't wait to start work in December.

More coming on this subject..........

Is now. I awoke in my new digs in Big Bear Lake to the most incredible morning. Besides the noticably sound of nothing except nature - the view from my windows could not be more inviting. There was no way I was going to miss out on the day. My friend James and I walked down to my favorite cafe and then to the lake after breakfast and the weather could not be more perfect. The feeling of "life" is so over-whelming it's almost too incerdible to believe. I feel like the luckiest man on earth and could not be more thankful. My passion for snowboarding is greater than my passion for art framing. Knowing who I am - I know that I will succeed in a career in snow sports. Of course not as a pro-boarder rather the sales end of the industry. I haven't stopped smiling in nearly two weeks.

So, I spent the day with James riding the backroads checking out the history and views of Big Bear Lake. Now, I am off to L.A. to pick up my dog, Bruno and bring him to his soon to be winter wonderland home. I am looking forward the the tree lighting in The Village the day after T-Day. This is my last trip to L.A. for a while. Perhaps till next year. It's gonna be a rad winter with The Crew stomping the slopes of Bear Mountain. I am so ready!

Until the next time, Think Snow!

If you are a snowboarder/skier in Southern California or planning to visit So. Cal and are interested in spending time at Big Bear Mountain Resort - hit me up. In addition to the potential of sharing space in my own cabin, I have rental cabin available which can house up to eight people. The invite is open to day trippers as well. Always into making new friends into snow sports.

Wow! what an evening. A group of Betty's and Handsome Pants we are. It's even obvious when we off the mountain. We stomp it wherever we go. Pizza and beer at the house followed by a trip to the local dive for some pool. The energy only matched by the high we get from shredding freshies. It was bitter sweet just saying goodbye. However, I know it's just a matter of two weeks and we back together stomping the slopes. YEEAAAHH!