*Ben's voice* Hey you've reached Ben, *Michael's voice* Michael, *Hunter's voice* And Hunter. *Michael's voice* Sorry we can't come to the phone right now, but call us back *Ben's voice* or leave us a message and we'll get back to you as soon as we can possibly can. *Hunters voice* Bye!

It's me. I was wondering if tomorrow after school you guys would like to go pick out a Christmas tree. Or we could go another time, whatever you guys want to do. I'll see you later.

So, I guess it's my birthday.

I forgot. Justin called and wished me a happy birthday. Thanks Justin. Happy birthday to you too.

Ben

Let me just say that a lot has happened in the last couple weeks with me. I got taken off my HIV meds and I got a little sick. Not too bad tho, my viral load went up really high. But it's starting to level out now. I should be back out in another week (Thank God. It's so boring here by myself. That is, when Hunter is at School and Michael is at the store and I have nothing to do... no one to see. Not to mention the fact that I feel guilty that I haven't been working and Michael has... I'm making him take a vacation or something... Get Hunter to look after the store.)

So I'll be back at work in a week, and within two-three... I think I should be better than ever. Granted, that is that I don't get sick. I pray that I don't. I'm doing everything in my power to ensure that I don't get sick.

Michael and I have been talking about having another baby. Mel said there was this... method that could remove the HIV from the sperm, and with invetro firtilization... neither the mother or the baby will get HIV. Mel wants me to be the father. I'd have to really see how Michael feels about it.

Michael is really worried about me. And I'm doing my best not to worry him more by getting sick or anything like that. I'm going to stay well for him. He's all that matters.

Ben

Honestly, I've been sitting here the last ten minutes debating on what I should say. I just don't know any more. I've got a lot going on in my head, and I've been too busy to get a lot of it sorted out.

We (Michael and I) went to Babylon's reopening. Brian, might I say it looks very nice. Michael and I had a wonderful time. Everyone ended up leaving the VIP room before the party even really started. Michael and I left for a while, to dance and other things.

To ease my own worry, I'll put this down, I'm worried about Hunter, about my health, about this... life changing choice Michael and I need to make here soon, and everything else I usually worry about.

(hopefully I get the chance to talk to Michael before he reads this) I had an anual check up with one of my doctors a couple days ago. My t-cells are low right now. There's a new medicine that should help raise my count and the doctors are going to switch me to that. But I've got to clean my system of the one I'm taking now, so they are expecting me to get worse before I get on this medicine. To tell you the honest truth, I'm petrified. I'm so scared of leaving Michael. I gave my word, the day I married him, that I would try my damndest my damn hardest to keep myself here for him. I owe a lot to him right now. So much.

Ben

okay, first up guys... Babylon Reopens FRIDAY NIGHT!!! so be there or be square (and yes I know I'm square for using that phrase). No spacific time. Just Come if you get the chance! I'm off on Friday so expect to see me around if you have any questions... of course you'll have to add my IM name. lol. it's ben_bruckner05 (Yahoo)

Secondly, we have a new member! Let's give a warm welcome to TED! rigoletto_major (Yahoo!: rigoletto_major)

I hope you enjoy your stay here at every_9_seconds!

K, I think that's it... anything else anyone wants to share? if not... meeting adjourned.

I've been so busy with work and things here that I haven't had much of a chance to update lately.

I feel like I haven't seen Michael or Hunter much lately. I'm either at school, or in my office grading, and when I get home, I grade some more and fall asleep.

I think I need to cut back a little on all the volenteering at school. I'm sure that the suicide hotline can handle a lot without me, I'll put Rod, department of social sciences, on that if he'll take it.

I got an email from Mel and Linds today, asking if I could come up a little earlier before JR and Gus came down, I told her I'd look into my schedule for that week and see what time would be best for me to miss.

The freshmen are a little wild this year. I'll notice when I'm going down the hall to my classroom that they'll be runing and laughing and causing hair loss in all us older people.

Phil, (Microbiology) was saying during lunch today that he found a grey hair. He's only a year older than I am. It's scary when your collegues get old.

Michael and I talked the other night about having a child. We're ready for it. We just need to talk to Mel about when a good time for her is. We'll probably talk next weekend when we go to take care of things with Mel and Linds.

I suggested last night to Michael, that he, Hunter and I go for a little vacation. Somewhere nice. Michael and I could rent our own room, and give Hunter some space, yet while being together away from home. I think they would enjoy that.

Well, I'm going to go make Michael a special dinner. Actually, Hunter is making it, but I'm going to go help him in the kitchen.

Ben

A lot has been happening here lately. Michael and I have been talking about having another child, and Mel said she would surrogate for us. I'm thankful yet worried at the same time.

Michael and I haven't talked a lot about it, but we have talked some. Especially the other night when he was drunk.

School has been a bit hectic. Kids are starting to take Gay and Lesbian studies more than what they usually do. I'm use to having maybe five or six students in a class at a time, now I've got about fifteen to twenty. I like keeping the classes small, if only so I can talk more openly toward my students about what effects our lives.

I've actaully got a couple of straight ally students to join our class. It was strange because they didn't come right out and say that they weren't gay, lesbian or bisexual... they kept quiet and in the back. I really respect that they are trying to cause a change in our society.

Well, Michael just woke up, so I'm going to go and cuddle with him for a while. Have a good day, everyone.

Ben