Friday, March 20, 2009

And I Am Awake...

Another Blog...
This one comes from Prague, but i'll will get into that later...

So i been spending all my free time in Staten Island. While there, i take everything is my life that can somehow cause me drama, and i put it in my personal back seat. no, not even in the beatseat, i basically duct tape it and leave it for dead in the trunk. My computer (myspace aol, facebook, this blog), my phone, my career, is basically forgotten and i spend all my time on what matters to me most at this point in my life and thats building my relationship with my Bf.
I have talked all this shit about Staten Island but, it funny, this is the place where i have found alot of personal space and peace. Granted i think that most of this is due to the fact that most the people on Staten Island are such materialisc slobs that a gay porn star can go easily unnoticed. Yet if i drove a nice car, was wearing a fresh new pair of 300 dollar jeans or had some sort of new gucci ascessory, i would have most the people around me's undivided attention.
But trust me, this is not me complaining. As much as i detest materialism, i enjoy just being James alot more. This place has become a great escape, this place has let me relax.
And beyond my overdue need for sense of self, the time here has been more valueable than just starting to feel like myself again, but its been allowing me to continue building a relationship that seems to get more solid as each days passes. Of course there has been plenty of bumps in the road, some more serious than others, and some completely stupid and rediculous, yet we have endured them all and realized how much we honestly mean to one another. Its began to feel like a light that will never dim and a love that will never die. The weird part is i never thought i would ever be so head over heels in love with anyone ever again, infact, i dont think i have ever felt this way about anyone in my past. I have always given up so easy and for some reason, i can't let this one go, i dont think i'll ever want to. I have began picturing a healthy life, starting a family and growing old together... this is so unfamilar... just letting someone completely in... letting my selfish ways become a thing of the past, i dont know. It doesn't feel like me but its alright and it feel like for once its gonna be alright.
I'm trying to stop myself right now, from writing... "i could be wrong" , i really dont want to, but i could be. It wouldnt be the first time i see nothing but good things ahead of us as a couple and they just see the relationship as quicksand at the end of a rainbow. Like always, thats bvasically always my fault, but this time around, i'm stepping away from the edge, turning around and relying on him, for arms i can fall into. I actually trust in the fact that he is gonna be there for me and for once in my life i'm gonna make damn sure i am there for him.
The funny thing about the relationship, is that it really took awhile for me to take him seriously, i didnt expect much, i didnt think i would learn anything, i wasn't sure it would go anywhere... i was completely wrong. I'm not sure if he even does it intensionally, or maybe it just the way he is but he without even trying is making me into a better person.
If he ends up leaving me, i'lltake more from our short relationship than he'll ever know.

(Sorry about the spelling my spell check wasnt working)

52 comments:

Martha's Prodigy said...

yay congrats, you definitely deserve to be happy :)

Brock said...

Erik, I am so very sorry that you are going through such a painful time. But please try and understand that the comments, however negative, that may come your way are a result of other people's jealousy and insecurity. My lover, who died quite awhile ago, used to refer to it as: the tyranny of the weak. The struggle for happiness is a lifelong struggle. No one should be able to negate your own sense of value as an unique, irreplaceable human being. You are a beautiful man and I am a huge fan of yours. Have faith, if in nothing or no one else, then in yourself. I wish you everything good in life, my friend.

WildCuddler said...

Glad to hear things are working out well for you, but what are you doing in Prague?

Jarron said...

I'm not gonna pretend that I'm some kinda shrink or that I have some connection to you. But one thing that stands out to me is that you never seem to mention any good relationships with friends who you are not having sex with. Its cool to be happy with your bf and all, but you need close non-sexual relationships. That's probably just as important or maybe even more that focusing on bfs all the time. That way if you guys don't work out you're not totally fucked.

Maybe its just me but I couldnt be happy with just my relationship and thats it. I need my boys especially when my relationship can be a fuckin headache, like they all are at times. Anyways that just my two cents.

edmcan said...

James, your spell check never works.

I'm really happy that you've found this space. God knows it's been a long time coming. Even your writing sounds so relaxed.

sngarey said...

1/10
Your blog posts are much more interesting when you're miserable.

Blaine said...

I'm happy to see that you have found a happy place that you can spend time with your BF.

Still interested about Prague.

Jeremy Feist said...

I know it's easy to say "I could be wrong", but then again, there's always "I could be right". If your happy and your thinking of taking it to the next step, then who the hell is gonna stop you there? Just try to believe that there's a good reason as to why you're happy right now, and hold onto to it. That, and no one spells anything right on the internet anymore, so who cares? If Webster ever gets wifi, fucker's probably gonna cave in his own head with a dictionary.

Tom Gaylord said...

Prague rocks............ went to my first gangbang there lol *blush*

Glowing said...

Congratulations! This is the happy ending we all have wanted!!!!! And of course, your blog posts are much more interesting when you're happy.

Joey7777 said...

Every relationship has bumps (even rip-roaring fights). That's normal. I HOPE what you're saying is true and that it works out for you./////Maybe you should consider moving to Staten Island and out of silly Manhattan.

geekluve said...

i'm very excited and happy for you james it's so great to hear that you're doing well and finding a better part of you and time for yourself and believing you deserve good things. doubts are natural just don't let them get the better of you. again i'm very happy for you it's great to hear all this.

peace

lonelyboy17 said...

congrats bro im glad u found happiness

jq2002 said...

I am rejoycing to read your Blog, James. My only wish is that your new happiness will last forever.
You DESERVE it.
A HUGE hug to you kiddo.
Bruno

10001 said...

Good for you, but advice from one non-porn type (in a 17 year relationship) is to enjoy it, take it day by day, being in love is what being Human is all about, but wait for the two year mark before writing anything down in stone because the first two years are basically the honeymoon. It will take a min. of Two years to really know each other: good and bad. Very happy for you though.

Mao Lei said...

It's so nice to know that everything is fine for you, James. U deserve to live a happy life, have a good weekend.

edmcan said...

What a world. When you're upset and angry, over 100 posts. When things are good-16. Kinda reflects the world at large, doesn't it?

just that guy said...

"Rip yourself open. Sew yourself shut."

I know you're not much of a reader, so I figured this would be something new for you. It's from the book Invisible Monsters by Chuck Palahniuk. There are tons of other amazing quotes from the book that I think you would appreciate. I figure you probably won't read the whole thing, but can maybe google for quotes.

I am glad to read that you have stuck with this. I know last time we talked you were struggling with a budding relationship. It is good to hear that you have taken the time and put your all into it. Congrats!

One more quote to close (sorry, I'm kind of obsessed at the moment)

"Another thing is no matter how much you think you love somebody, you'll step back when the pool of their blood edges up too close."

Spherical Time said...

Good to hear from you James. Nice to hear that you're doing something for yourself.

ahawaiiguy said...

well, all the way from taiwan, saw ur porn and googles u which leads me here. enjoy reading ur thoughts and love ur music selection. and love the pic "i wish i believed in god."
ur the man bro. tks for the blog

Da Slickness said...

Well it sounds like you might have found someone who is there for you through good times and bad and is not there to use you or take advantage of you, and most importantly he likes you for who you are.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you!

Luis said...

You and your boyfriend Anthony were mentioned and photographed being at the GayVN awards in San Francisco.

http://www.thesword.com/index.php/skintrade/2355-gayvn-2009-tailgate-parties-in-the-castro.html

Luis said...

Here's a pic of you with your boyfriend Anthony on the red carpet of the GayVN.

http://www.thesword.com/index.php/skintrade/2357-gayvn-2009-the-red-carpet-fashion-glamour-gay-lebrities.html

DTNZ said...

HI James / Erikh

Ive been a long time reader of your blog - and sometimes harsh critic - but I have to say I am heartened by the change of tone in your latest post.

"I could be wrong...." doomed more of my own relationships than I can conveniently count. The "what if's" will surely doom it - avoid those.

Enjoy it - learn whilst in it - and if it continues, then give thanks every day - if it ends, realise what you learnt from it.

Some people are there for a reason, others for all of our lives.

The only truth in life that I learnt if that you get back what you put out there.

Put out shit - youll get a tonne of the stuff flung at you - put out the good stuff - it will come back ten fold.

Youre on the right track finally - keep up the good work.

Cheers

Damien
NZ

NU3V4MUSIK said...

hey erik i am so sorry about this times youre living but the time doesnt suspect we be sad all the lonely time we have
we really gotta get up and see our life with all the happiness you have cause inside of you happiness is a really big term, cause youre unique theres no another erik rhodes out there theres only you and its your life its your gift you can do what you want with it , just please dont be sad you know i have lived 3 months trapped in a hospital and almost die and here i am writing you this cause i think no one deserves to be treated like a shit, cause life is so beautiful and you can be part of it just smiling and been cheerful its all, life is not only money,guys or cars its about how many true friends you have ok? so plz b happy
bye!!
<3 ya!
netO cObra

the yen man said...

ok ... so I never imagined that I would actually be posting here, but here it is. I was actually on your flight back from SF - JFK today ... yup, I was that asian guy in a black blazer, white and blue striped shirt, jean ... computer bag, starring at the monitor hoping that i cleared the upgrade list ... and yes, i noticed you and your bf ... and yes, i thought about doing the whole "fan" thing ... but ... well, I'm glad I didn't. What i noticed was that you and your bf looked so happy, calm, and peaceful together ... and it was very sweet. I'm glad that you're finding space and peace ... good luck in continuing to find those spaces. ~ C

Joey7777 said...

James : The pic of you and boyfriend at the GayVN Awards looks good, but...otherwise, oh man what a collection of train wrecks! Dreadful-looking characters. Let's hope that's your last visit to something like that.

Brian said...

did you delete your myspace? boooo

Cross these oceans said...

Welcome to Staten Island. It's not so bad here, I promise.
There are plenty of materialistic people, but everyone is nice for the most part. Just make sure you don't lose your car, the buses really suck (unless your boyfriend is near the SIR, then it's not too bad).

Let me know if you ever need good restaurants to go to, and enjoy Praha while you're there!

Dean Grey said...

James!

It sounds like taking some time out for yourself has done you some good.

I think this is the first somewhat positive post I've read from you in a while.

That's a good thing.

Hope things continue to look up for you!

-Dean

Nekozawa said...

Please take my mail , I must talk you ............ (I'm french)

Cladion2@hotmail.fr

theviirus said...

You think "I could be wrong." How often do you think "I could be right?"

Glad to hear you are out living life. Do not be scared of it. It is something you have to cultivate.

You are the only person who can make you feel bad about you. Period.

billygoat4 said...

what do you really want? you're sexy, funny and smarter than you give yourself credit for. take care of yourself - you need to be around for a long time

me said...

erikk!
i was very glad when i read that text written by you!!
it is a happy ending!!!
it's what you and all of us deserve, time always helps, i think it can fix, cure, heal every or almost every wound or problem. i rely on time more than you would think...

don't think that you are living a lie, a dream.. just enjoy it for the moment, then time will tell
for now (like Sheryl Crow says) if it makes you happy it can't be that bad
kisses!!!

pd: no wonder i couldn't find you on facebook, haha

Luis said...

Showing your abs and commenting on Janice Dickenson pre-awards night

http://www.thesword.com/index.php/skintrade/2385-video-gayvn-tailgate-parties-in-the-castro.html

geekluve said...

that is the funniest shit i've ever fucking seen!!!

Alfonzo said...

There was so much better energy coming from this blog than any of the others in the past. Who knew crossing the water (literally and figuratively) would have such signifigance.

Stay content.

billygoat4 said...

blog goddammit - you have something to say - heard you on Derek & Romaine and you're a funny and self-aware guy - don't know why you tear yourself down - take 5 mins away from sex and cheeseburgers and talk about what you're thinking. . .please

Nekozawa said...

Here I do not know if it is really you which read your articles but...

It is necessary that I speak to you...

It is absolutely necessary that I speak to you. But am not wrong you, I am not one of your fan.
And I absolutely do not know you. But it is necessary that I speak to you.
It is very important!
Here I do not know if it is really you which read your articles but...

It is necessary that I speak to you...

It is absolutely necessary that I speak to you. But am not wrong you, I am not one of your fan.
And I absolutely do not know you. But it is necessary that I speak to you.
It is very important!

I am sorry of step you given more information
Use MSN hushed up?
Here is my MSN address: Cladion2@hotmail.fr

my english is not very good and I apologize for it.

Thanks .
I am sorry of step you given more information
Use MSN hushed up?
Here is my MSN address: Cladion2@hotmail.fr

my english is not very good and I apologize for it.

Thanks .

Peter C said...

Good job.

william said...

Prague is ridiculously gorgeous. Don't you keep thinking of "Hostel?"
Good stuff. Glad you've taken opportunities to get out of dodge.

Marc said...

Way to look out for yourself, James. That's how you do it, one step at a time, doing whatever you have to do to focus on and nurture the happiness you've always deserved. Keep it up, kiddo.

SirPercy said...

HE'S BAAAAAAAACK!!!!

from one of the many that has anxiously awaited the return of your blog, i want to say this was exactly what i was hoping for: some GOOD news about you and your relationship. i know there are many people who want nothing but the best for you. (if i'm wrong, i can at least say there are 2: me and "just that guy." he's pretty awesome, great guy... not biased at all.)

based on what you wrote, i doubt you're gonna read this anytime soon. i just want to say i'm really happy you've decided to take some time away (both by spending time on staten island and by cutting off communication from the outside world) and i think it's awesome that you are building a serious love relationship. i believe you'll be so much happier this way, sticking with the one guy and putting your time and effort and love into him. thanks for giving love a chance, man, i've been dying to see you in a happier, healthier place. [please ignore the idiot's comment about this being a bunch of shit, some people are so shallow.]

much love to you, all the best, hope you keep this updated, but really, there's no need to, live your life and enjoy it. do the right thing this time.

bigdog said...

Dear Mr. Rhodes....
I Am Going To leave you some good words...
1.Get Some Real Friends Not Yes Man
2.You Are In Love Now Enjoy It
3.Fuck What People Say Only You Can Make Yourself Happy.
4.Be True To Yourself...
5.Enjoy The Love Your Partner Is Giving You Because It Not You Anymore You Have Someone To Help You Throught The Good And The Bad.
6.Like My Mama Says Don't Let The Right Hand Knows What The Left Hands Does

gavin said...

Good for you.

It's nice to see you share about happiness on this blog!

Jason Ridge said...

It's good to have a time a space for yourself.
It is always a pleasure of seeing you when i can. I'm happy for you and wish you well


J-

BGSUguy518 said...
This post has been removed by the author.
BGSUguy518 said...

Erik,
I stumbled upon your blog this evening, and have been reading your entries for about an hour now. You have some very powerful emotions and events happening in your life. I understand that only so much can be said in a blog at one time, so Im sure Im missing out on ALOT of what is going on in your life. I would really like to talk to you via email, I feel like we have a few things in common when it comes to dealing with problems. If not, thats OK too. I would also like to recommend a book to everyone called "Chasing Adonis, Gay men and the pursuit of perfect" Written by Tim Bergling. Its all about gay men and body image, both of their own, and others. Anyway, if you feel like emailing me, that would be great. You can reach me at DarkReaperXarc@yahoo.com. Thanks for your time Erik.

guillermo said...

i am very happy for you, apparently your boyfriend is a great help for you, and you are getting over your own depression. it's no easy, i know but i you have a wonderful person next to you. right now i am trying to get a reason to not fall in depression myself.

you deserve this happiness

guillermo said...

i have a question... did you eliminate your myspace, or did you eliminate just me? -_-

Haute said...

Erik,

I'm also 27 and originally from NY. Yes, lies hurt.

But, they're not entirely bad. Use them to your advantage. Keep lying to yourself that you'll redeem your family, engage in activities that will give you esteem, no matter how retarded it sounds. So long as you keep repeating it to yourself, things will change gradually.

When you see your haters, don't fight back, 'cause remember if you hold someone down, you're also down. Just smile, nod, and know in your head, that hating is a form of flattery, and success is the best revenge.

Marcel Duvoix said...

Hi Erik,
I loved this post, because you were so much in tuned with your thoughts and almost in a zen mode here. I'm happy for you here, and you deserve so much to be happy.

All My best, and hugs. Sincerel, HRM King Marcel. (Author of the book: "Holy Legacy.")