Midwest Obersvation #1: Marriage in your early 20's

Observation #1: People Like To Get Married

After living in the Midwest for a couple of weeks, I'm starting to notice some trends. Most of which, makes me feel like a fish out of water. Throwing an out gay guy in the Midwest is kinda daunting, but I'm doing well.

One thing I'm noticing is people are married in their early 20's. It's kind of shocking. I know 2 people married from high school. Two. I think there are like two people that aren't married or in serious long term relationships at the Google Ann Arbor office. So you often hear stuff like, 'I'm going to paint my house this weekend with my husband.' Rather than say, 'I'm going with my clubbing with my girlies.'

Even when you go out, you see people with their kids in their early 20's. I feel like as if this is because people either met their significant other in high school or in early college. Stayed together for 4 or so years and decided to get hitched.

I think people in California refuse to get married before 30. Even if you're in a long term relationship, I see people break up because they're commitment-phobic and would rather be single than married.

I don't see myself getting 'married' before 30. Possibly a long(er) term relationship.

Midwest Clubbing with 'My Team'

I've been living in the Midwest for a little less than 2 weeks now. It's been pretty nice. To some extent, I feel like I'm on vacation. I guess this is what happens when I'm in a new environment. I can roam, get lost, do new things, meet new people... all on my own pace.

There aren't too many guys at the Ann Arbor (A2) office that are out. I think that's the benefit of living in the Bay Area. So I'm gonna have to go experience whatever is gay in A2 either by myself or bring some of my girlies on occasion (some have already offered to go). I don't mind clubbing or bar hopping with the straighties every so often, but I do find it pretty boring.

I don't mind going out by myself. But it is weird going out and not running into anybody you know. Like I can go out in LA or SF and run into people every single time. Even if I don't run into people, I feel more comfortable introducing myself to people or I get introduced to others from my current set of friends. I guess it's just a matter of building those relationships and friendships up in the Midwest.

I also think I'm not very proactive when I'm by myself as far as introducing myself to people. When I'm with others, I have no problem. When I'm solo, it's not so easy. Maybe it's because I don't have a second opinion. It's a bit weird and something I need to work on.

So with that being said... I dived into the Ann Arbor gay scene last night. It was surprisingly fun. Where did I go? The only gay clubbing night in the city is held on 'Pride Friday's' at the city's hottest club, Necto. It's typically a straight club, but it goes gay on one night of the week. The layout of the club is pretty nice. It's like basically 3 stories. Top Level is High Energy dance music. The middle level is an outdoor area to hang out and chill. The bottom level, called the 'Red Room,' is more like a bar and the music varies. It can go from hip hop, to the latest tracks you haven't heard, to those tracks from the 80's and 90's you hate to admit you love.

Some things of note:

• Midwest gays really like to smoke, not that the west coast kind doesn't. But it's pretty gross going into clubs in which you can smoke. I also think it's because 18 to 21 year old kids like to rebel and think smoking is still cool.
  
• Ann Arbor guys are surprisingly attractive. It's partly because it's a college crowd, but I was impressed. Definitely not LA cute, but better than average.
• The club was sort of ethnically diverse. Mainly white and black folks. There were sprinkles of Asian and Latino guys. There was one slightly older Asian guy who I thought was hot, wearing a red hat, a shirt from Ruhel, and a blue American Apparel track jacket. It's too bad I never introduced myself to say Hi (just as an experiment in proactiveness). Before the night was over he made out with some fugly white dude and probably went home with him. There were also some cute black and white guys.
  
• It's nice living close to a club. 10 minute street drive home. SCORE.
• Straight girls in the Midwest love gay boys, just as much as everywhere else I've lived.
• Pride Fridays are known to be the best night at the club.
  

Necto on Yelp!
Public Photos of Necto on Flickr

Top Chef: Miami Finale

I know this entry is super late, but I'm very happy to see Hung with Season 3 of Top Chef on Bravo.

I was rooting for him throughout the season, even though people thought he was a major a**hole. He's a cocky son-of-a-b*tch, but at the same time, he's very passionate about his food.

I personally wouldn't eat a lot of his stuff (he's into fish and duck), but I do respect him as a chef. I would probably eat more of Dale's stuff. So I'm glad he was in the top 3

The reunion show is tomorrow at 10pm on Bravo. See what's cookin'. :)


Hung Wins Top Chef

All is Well in A2

So I arrived in the state of Michigan on Monday afternoon. I made a pit stop in Salt Lake City, Utah, before I got into Michigan. That town looks lovely, too. I finally got to see what that lake actually looks like. Some of it looks like swamp land.

I picked up my rental car. They hooked me up with a 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix. It's a fucking boat, but it's classy inside and drives well. My apartment is pretty swanky too. We even have weekly maid service, but I kinda find it annoying cause things get placed in awkward areas.

My roommate, Kevin, is from our Dublin, Ireland office. It's like getting to go on a free European Vacation, but without having to deal with the flight. We've bonded over trashy American and UK television. He's originally from Cork, so his accent is a bit thicker than a typical Irish one.

I also think I like working in a small(er) regional office. Although, it's hard to tell after only a week. It's like the difference between going to a small liberal arts school or going to some huge state school. Would you rather be noticed or don't really care because you're just a face in the crowd? It's nice interacting with the managers in this office too. They're all very approachable and down to earth. Also, the director, Grady is a wonderful guy. Very personable, down to earth, and genuinely friendly.

I'm so glad I'm getting to see more of America. I'm trying to remove this 'California is the only place in the universe that is livable' mentality from my head. I mean, I see myself living the vast majority of my life in California, but I also want to experience every place I can.

Part of me is still shocked I decided to leave for Ann Arbor, Michigan. But I know I made the right choice. I feel so much less stress. There is no pollution, no traffic, no road rage, and this overwhelming sense of friendliness in the Midwest. It's like if you're not friendly, you'll stand out like a deer in headlights.

But there is some observations from my first week here:

• There are no toilet seat covers anywhere. It's a bit weird.
• People are surprisingly trusting. For example, my first floor apartment back door goes into open grass and the street. But I still feel safe.
• Guys don't make an effort to dress here, probably because it's a college town.
• The town is very liberal. Although the college kids seem to be into Ron Paul.
• It's still okay to smoke in bars and restaurants here. Blah.

Crazy Week Ahead

So this next week is gonna be a crazy time in my life. I'm not sure I have the time to pack in everything I want to in this short period of time.

Today: The Big 24. Yowza. It's also the start of Fall. I love the smell of fall. :)

Monday through Wednesday: Try to have lunch and dinner with some of my buddies. Also throw in a workout here and there. It's going to be a crazy week at work for me. It's one of my busiest 2 weeks of the quarter. *le Sigh*

Thursday: My last day of Work at Mountain View Headquarters until 2008. My team is having an offsite in the late afternoon. Wine tasting and a nice dinner in the South Bay. Woot! After that, I'll most likely be driving down to LA. Don't worry, I won't be drinking. :P

Friday: If all goes well, I'll be waking up in my bed in Los Angeles. I'll probably run a few errands during the day. I'm hoping to have a dinner with my family in the evening. Somewhere near the 'South Bay' or the 'Westside.' After that, I'll probably spend some time in West Hollywood with some friends.

Saturday: Drive to SD. Spend some time down there.

Sunday: Last Minute errands. I'm sure I'll forget stuff.

Monday: Arrive at Burbank Airport. Leave for Detroit, Michigan. It isn't a direct flight because I have a stop in Colorado. I should be in Michigan around 4pm. Pick up my rental car, drive to Ann Arbor and go to my housing. My housing is available after 5pm.

Real friends have your back

I don't really like relying on anyone else. Becoming dependent on others makes me feel a bit awkward. I always go to the worst case scenario. What if they don't follow through on what I'm depending on them for?

I guess by not relying on others and being independent, It helps me from not thinking about that 'worst case scenario.'

So last night rolls around. I had a fantastic time with some friends after work playing poker, eating a bit of pizza and playing a karaoke game on the PS2. I came in 3rd of 6th place in poker, in case you were wondering. I lost on a full house with the winner having a four of a kind. :/

Anyways, a few of my friends who i was playing poker were going back to SF. I wanted to go to a club in SF because I would get to see some of my friends who I haven't seen in a while (John, Devon, Milo) and some of my friends who I will be seeing less of because of going to Ann Arbor and other circumstances (Ty, Evan, Eddie.) Heej was kind enough to offer me a ride up to SF. I called Alex and Joe, because Joe was in the city and heading back down to where I live in the Silicon Valley. So I could get a ride back home from him. At least I thought that was the case...

When it came time to leave the club, Joe was plastered (I can't drive his car because it's a stick), Alex didn't give a shit that I was stranded, and I now had to deal with that 'worst case scenario.' Ty, one of my good friends and co-workers who I was hanging out with at Dragon, came to the rescue and asked Fred, who was heading to San Jose, to see if I could get a ride back to my apt. in Sunnyvale. Fred was kind enough to give me a ride, even though it was a little out of his way. I was rescued by real friends. Before I left, Ty said 'I Have your back, Girl!' Now he needs to know I have his back anytime, too. Also, before I left, Devon said, 'Anytime you need a place to crash in the city, You're more than welcome at my place.' My friends know I have their back and I know I have theirs.

I guess I learned my lesson. Either (1) Don't depend on others or (2) Only depend on your real friends.

I had a great time last night. It will most likely be my last club experience in the San Francisco Bay Area until 2008. I can't wait to go to A2 but I have a sour taste in my mouth from last night

Big News, Big Move

I know this seems REALLY random.

I'm moving to Ann Arbor, Michigan.


Google's Ann Arbor Sales Office.

So it's not long term. But it will definitely be a change in my life. I'm moving for the entire 4th quarter (Oct. to Dec.). The opportunity popped up this week and I was lucky enough to be accepted. I'm excited, a bit nervous, but ultimately it will be a major refresh in my career.

More later...

Sex In Suburbia: Edition # 1

Any potential with a relationship with anyone who I've been on dates with in the past few months has come and gone.

It's back to the drawing board. I get most of the signals guys pass when they're 'just not that into you.'

I mean, I'm guilty of the same thing. Not calling you back as much, etc. It just sucks when it happens to you. I guess I expect some sort of reason for cutting off contact completely. Not responding to calls, etc. after everything is appearing to be going well.

If two months goes by after talking to each other almost daily and then all of a sudden things end without closure, I tend to wonder, wtf?

Yes, excuses like 'I'm busy' can be the answer, but even that isn't good enough of an excuse in my book. If you have time to brush your teeth, you have time to respond to a phone call, taking 2 minutes out of your day just to say hello.

Another Sea, Another Fish, I say...

New Rule: Express Lanes

So I was at Target today grabbing a couple of things. I walk into the 10 items or LESS lane.

I didn't really inspect what people had in their basket, figuring they'd at least come close to the 10 Items or less part.

Well, the lady in front of me had like 30 things. She said 'I'm sorry, I didn't see the sign.' Okay, maybe I'll believe you. But, don't you think there was a reason why that line was shorter than the rest? Just maybe?

Biatch, please.

New Rule: 10 Items or less doesn't mean 'Eh, I don't see signs, I'll run 30 things through the express lane.'

Friday Night Socialite: Dinner at Zazie San Francisco

I don't normally go out to dinner as much as I should. I guess I just grab something quick from a quick casual place (a la 'Plutos' or 'El Pollo Loco') nowadays. I guess it's the routine in me.

I probably should be exploring Bay Area restaurants more like when I first transplanted myself here. It's like a foodie's heaven.

On Friday I went with Joe to a quaint French Bistro in Cole Valley (SF) called Zazie. It was super delicious. I guess they're known for their brunch, but their dinner was spectacular. They're also known for the garden patio, which I didn't experience either. I guess there are more reasons to go back. :)

It's Michelin Guide rated and is well received on Yelp, too.

When you first walk in, you notice the winding staircase to your right and the brick interior. Joe was smart enough to make reservations, something I never do. So we were seated right away.

The waiter was a nice guy, with what I can only conclude is a British or Welsh accent. He knows his food and wine.

After looking over the menu, I was trying to decide between the Steak Au Poivre and the Ravioli with Lemon Sauce. The waiter said it comes down to delicateness. I wasn't feeling anything super heavy, so I went for the Ravioli. It was very tasty. The flavors blended well in a light and airy kind of way.

Here's what I ordered:

Drink: French Cider - Really Tasty. Slightly sweet. :)
Starter: French Onion Soup - Superb!
Entree: Ricotta Ravioli in a Lemon Sauce with Crab and Aromatic Peas - Amazing!
Dessert: Vanilla Creme Brule (One Bite Only!) - Wish I had more. Haha. ;)

UCR San Diego Reunion 2007

Last weekend I spent my weekend in San Diego, California.

I had a nice mini-vacation with several of my fellow UCR Business buddies. It was a nice way to catch up.

What did we do? Here are some highlights:

• Rented a 10 person speed boat and cruised around Mission Bay.
• Chris proceeded to get pulled over from the Ocean 'Police' pretty much as soon as he took the wheel. Haha.
• Loads of stories from Cindy that shocked pretty much everyone.
• Salt water in eyes = Ouch.
• Dinner at Black Angus. I hadn't been to a Black Angus is years...
• Loads of silliness in drug stores. I think we almost got kicked out of one store.
• Random Hotel Antics. Pretty much the worst bed I've slept on in a long time. Go Ramada. Haha. But we made the most of it.
• Late breakfast/brunch at Denny's. I hadn't been to Denny's in years either. Dan and Mike ate wayyyy too many packs of sugar. That's what happens when too much testosterone is at the table.
• A lovely stroll and picture session in Balboa Park.
• Drove back up to Irvine. Got loads of Fro Yo at Yogurtland. Coolest Fro Yo concept yet. This is the longest line I've stood in for food in a while. You pay by the ounce. As much yogurt and toppings as you want. You can totally go overboard... like me... haha.
• We departed ways after taking some final pictures.
• Drove back with Dan to his Apt. and played with his doggie Smokie. Cutie pie. :)

Pictures can be located here.

Silicon Valley Real Estate: Le Sigh

This is pretty much the reason why I'll never be able to afford real estate in the Bay Area. When strolling around the valley this weekend, I see the vast amounts of wealth in the forms of pricey clothes, expensive cars, and the latest high tech gadgets. I'm pretty sure some people must be into crazy amounts of debt to afford any sort of lifestyle here. *Le Sigh*

As Seen in the San Jose Mercury News:

It's time once again to check in on Silicon Valley's real estate market - which, actually, has turned into two markets. In super-pricey communities such as Palo Alto, Los Altos and Mountain View, housing sales are doing just fine, thank you very much. (After all, those Googlers have to live somewhere. And when you're busy changing the world, the closer you are to the Googleplex, the better.) In more, shall we say, working-class communities, sales are plummeting. As prices throughout the valley climbed over the past few years, those of us without tech stock options pretty much needed, shall we say, creative financing to qualify for a mortgage. The trouble is, with the growing subprime-mortgage mess, those creative loans are suddenly impossible to find. With fewer buyers able to enter the market, inventories are building. In fact, at the current sales pace, it would take more than a year to sell all the homes listed in parts of San Jose.

Link

Hot Music Track: Duran Duran's 'Night Runner'

I was tipped off from a few music blogs about Duran Duran's new track called 'Night Runner.' It's a collaboration with heavy hitters Justin Timberlake and Timbaland.

Hot. Here is a low quality tease on Entertainment Weekly's website.

Cool Google Maps Mashup: Walk Score

A few blogs today went crazy for Walk Score, a new Google Maps mashup that lets you know how 'walkable' your residence is. Its tagline is 'Find A Great Neighborhood.'

Not surprisingly, my LA home was the least walkable and my Washington DC pad was the most walkable. I miss DC for that reason alone.

What is the 'Walk Score' of your residence?

My Los Angeles, CA Home: 49
My Riverside, CA Apartment: 82
My Washington, D.C. Apartment: 100
My Sunnyvale, CA Apartment: 78

Of course their methodology isn't all that perfect. But it's still impressive. Learn what's nearby your place. Maybe you'll discover something fresh and new within walking distance. :)

Close to Home: Minnnesota Bridge Collapse

I woke up this morning shocked to hear about the bridge collapse near Downtown Minneapolis, MN.

Turns out that one of the trainees' I'm working with, sister, was on the bridge when it collapsed. She's actually in the picture on the front page of the New York Times on the bridge. Thankfully she survived and is okay.

Apparently, an Oprah episode helped save her life. There was an Oprah episode (that I've also watched) about worst case scenarios. One of the scenarios was how to get out of a car submerged under water. So even though her car plunged into the water below, she was able to survive because of knowing how to get out of a submerged car.

Oprah saves another life. :)