With Jays new job, he’s got a later work schedule, so we get up together, and go to Starbucks together, before he drops me off at the bus stop. What little bit of conversation we can muster in the mornings is special and gives me an extra boost fer my day.

Jay and I took to the woods last week, taking a Monday off to get lost and be together. We decided to run through to the Kinzua Bridge, which was toppled by a tornado in 2003. Not being content with the view from the top, we went down the gorge and went exploring…

Built from wrought iron in 1882, the Kinzua Bridge was once the tallest and longest railroad bridge in the world.

At the highest gap, the bridge stood 300 feet tall, and spanned over 2000 feet.

The bridge’s foundation eventually lent itself to disaster as the F1 tornado ripped it right from the ground in 2003.

tons of iron supports simply bent and folded as they crashed into the gorge.

We could have hopped the fence and walked to the edge, but the view from below was much better.

it was like climbing over a giant Erector set that God had trampled.

I think rusted iron is one of the most beautiful things in the world.

i couldn’t resist climbing on some of it.

check out the rest of the photos here on flickr

Dating an outdoorsy guy has taught me that stainless steel water bottles are the absolute best thing ever. They’re rough, and tough, the strong steel won’t ding or bust, and makes a great weapon (just kidding… maybe)!  CamelBak is known for their innovative Better Bottles, and wearable hydration featuring their signature Big Bite valve. Previously only in plastic, Better Bottles now come in single and double walled stainless steel, with Funky designs for the trendy hiker. The water bottles come in .5L and .75L,  single wall or double walled (insulated), priced at $25-$30 each.

The month of May has been a time of change for me, and I suppose its time to let you in on some of the things that have been going on.

First of all, I’m sure its apparent by now that I’m no longer dating John, AKA Scranto. The choice was hard to make, but it was the right thing to do. I uncovered and embraced a part of my life that till recently didn’t make any sense. I’m polyamorous, and that pretty much means that you don’t limit your emotional connections to one partner. For some, being poly means you can have multiple relationships, maybe a triad or a few separate lovers. The difference that makes it not so slutty is that there is openness and communication across the board. For me, being poly means that I don’t have to be afraid to express my care and love for my closest friends, mentors, “daddies,” and I don’t have to hide it from my partner. I don’t wanna date 3 guys, I can’t handle it, I just don’t want to have to hide how I feel for someone and ensure my partner knows I love him just the same.

For a month, I’ve been discovering this about myself, figuring out what to do, how to make this work in the current situation, but I couldn’t. The choice I made was to break up with John, start fresh, and start growing up in 2009. It was tough, it hurt, but I feel 100% about the path that I’m on today.

Fast forward to now. When I refer to “the boyfriend,” I’m referring to Jay (see above in 8bit). He’s sorta the catalyst for it all. Its hard to explain, but for a time I thought I could date John and Jay, and keep it all perfect. That wasn’t going to work, but I took my time with Jay and he is the best partner for me as I walk down this path. I  love this guy, he keeps bringing out the best in me, and anyone that can put up with me deserves a fucking medal.

How did I meet Jay? Eh, its complicated (involves twitter, being thrown up against a wall, grumpybear, Forest Lawn, Westboro Church, a trip to Darien Lake, and a month long case of blue balls)… but it wouldn’t be my life if it wasn’t. I’m happy, real happy.

P.S. – It’s now totally cool to date someone you meet on twitter.