You're my community

Sorry Jim, too long a story to rehash, but you didn't miss much.  Hope you are having a good time on your trip!  I just got back from a business trip as well. I'm 40 pounds down from my last one in December 06 and it was a pleasure this time!  The weight I wasn't carrying made a huge difference.  I'm sure you'll have a similar story when you get back.  Ken

great stuff Ken. very eloquent. as Scott said, required reading. i felt creepy too and it was starting to bring out the bad side in me. why disrupt this great site and chase off the good guys? I started to get a little mean in my posts about this and I apologize ONLY to the guys on the board who know me better than that. It had nothing to do with ones lifestyle, I could care less, just don't stir a pot that's doing so well! Other than that Ken, I'm here for ya anytime......Carbonblob

Same here blob!

ken: Thanks for the wisdom... you have always been an inspiration and I thank you... Kev

Thank you, and you as well Kev.

Excellent post Ken,
I too, got an uneasy feeling over the past few days.... It's not something that I'm used to here. And, when similar stuff spilled over into the Tuesday night online chat, I just had to bail.
Hopefully this business is all behind us and we can get back to regular ol' Locker Room support & occasional shenanigans.

Be Well,
A.J.

AJ, Yes I am in need of a good shenanigan! Ken

Hi Ken,

I'm with the others, great post. My approach the other day was a little different. I didn't feel too roused by the complaints, so I spent my time trying to show that the joke was of innocent intent and typical of those circulated by the gay community. Well, while my behavior did not occur out of animosity, it certainly did not help, nor did it make any of the offended feel any better.

I hope you and everyone feels welcome here and will be around to enjoy the great support.

Thanks again for the great post,

Dave

Dave, I absolutely got your intent and knew exactly where you were coming from!  It was appreciated. Ken

Thanks Ken - from my perspective you hit the nail on the head.  I pretty much walked away from this board a few days ago deciding it wasn't worth my serenity to watch and experience what I was happening.  At the same time I stood at the exit, kicking at the door, because I didn't want to stay and I sure as hell didn't want to go either.   For the last 9 months I have gotten a lot of support from men on this board.  I think it is from them that I learned 90% of what I really needed to know before having this surgery and living with it after .  I have read this board every morning and night.  Most days I laughed, most days I was educated, some days I disagreed and just moved on.  This past week I couldn't do that - probably for a lot of reasons - "men"opause??      perhaps...(yep, complete with the hot flashes for a week!)...    but I think more for the reasons that you have been able to so eloquently explain. With a little prodding to come back and read this post, as well as my own desire to be a part of this community, I came back.  I want to be here.  I want to continue to laugh, be educated, get p*ssed and move on when I do, and provide support and encouragement when I can.  With all that said, I'm sure hoping we are all back to being there with each other and for each other. Steve