It's July 25, 2012. This post has been way overdue. I've procrastinated it on more than one occasion, and today it is eating me up inside.
The year was 1982, I had graduated from high school and everyone, I mean everyone was asking me what I was going to do with my life. I enrolled in a night school course at Community College of Southern Nevada for the fall, I was turning 18 in October, and I was scared to death of my future. Why you ask was I scared? Because I knew my inner secret and the impact it would have on my dear family...pretty active and devout members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I didn't dare tell anyone at that time of my secret.
I met with my Bishop who wanted to advance me in the Priesthood from Priest to Elder...I declined. I didn't know if I would be going on a mission for the Church, or if I would be going away to school to study for at-the-time my intended profession of being a Pharmacist. I waited several months to pass and we met again. This time I told him my secret...I was same sex attracted...gay. I cried and curled up into a ball in the chair, I couldn't look him in the eye. He asked those questions, to which I answered that I was still a virgin in every aspect of my life. He counseled me to serve a Mission to help cure me. I was called to be a Sunday School Teacher to the 16 year olds...I almost threw up. I read my scriptures, I read the Miracle of Forgiveness, I prayed morning, noon, and night. I waited till I was 19.5 years old to submit my papers to Salt Lake City to obtain a mission call. I was worthy in every way except my thoughts.
I was called to serve for 18 months in the Asuncion Paraguay Mission. I was to learn Spanish and to labor among the people there. I was scared, anxious, excited...TERRIFIED! I had known since I was about 6 or 7 that I was different, understanding about 10 or 11 what I was...GAY...A HOMOSEXUAL. I wondered how this would play out during the 18 months to be in such close proximity to another man for so long. I'm happy to say that it all turned out to be ok, no problems, no issues, no worries. I served with some great young men, who I grew to love in a Christ-like manner and still cherish the memories I have of my Mission.
I had struggles, it was not all ice cream and cake. I got sick, dropping from my entry weight of 175 LBS to around 120, and still dropping. Ten months into my service in Paraguay after a Doctor's appointment, when I was at 110 LBS, I asked to return home. I was told no by my parents, my Stake President, and my Mission President as well as the Missionary Council in SLC. I was transferred to the Montevideo Uruguay Mission. I gained some weight back, about 9 LBS, and worked hard to loose myself again. The Mission President tried to get me to extend for 6 more months, but I had again dropped weight, getting to my low of about 107, and weighed a whopping 109 when I actually stepped foot in the airport in Las Vegas, NV on March 15, 1986, 18 months later.
I met with my Church leaders to report, all was well. I confessed to my Bishop that I was still the same and he encouraged me to date...women, fall in love, get married, and have babies...it would cure me.
On 23 March, I reported my missionary experience to my Ward...the Ward I had grown up in all my life. It was there, my dear friend Janae, introduced me to Princess. I was smitten. So vibrant. So full of life and Joy. Her big smile, her bright green eyes and her light brown hair (dark blonde she would insist). We saw each other at dances and firesides and other events, but on the night of 7 February after Janae's wedding reception, we began to date. We dated every night until the night I asked her to marry me. I was full blown in love/lust with this beautiful woman and wanted to be with her...but how would she be with me...a homosexual...a gay man...should I tell her? Well, she said yes and we were engaged and set the date for 14 August 1987 in the SLC Temple. I never told her...my biggest regret of my life.
We married. Tried to have babies for 11 years. Had none, only one pregnancy, and we made do with our lives. I became so anxious, so bound up, that I could not take the pressure any more and I met someone and broke my marriage vows. The affair lasted about 4 months, then I ended it. Then I confessed to Princess, breaking her heart. I promised never again. I was excommunicated and spent years alone and together in therapy "finding my/our way". We moved from Vegas in 2001 to Waco, TX for my job, built a house and settled in making friends. I sat alone in the chapel during Sunday School (Princess was in Primary), and again alone in Priesthood. Eventually I was deemed worthy to be baptized again and in August 2002 after 8 arduous years repenting Princesses Dad baptized me into the Church...again. I was called to be the sunbeam teacher, the scout advancement chairperson, and choir director 3 months later. I loved teaching and I loved the choir, scouts was not my forte and most new it well. But Choir, oh how I loved it! Princess poured her heart into it as well organizing the binders, music, etc. We had anywhere from 34 to 40 choir members and we sounded terrific (yes, i'm not modest on this one).
Princess and I made do, living, and working, but not really loving. Our intimate life faded to the back seat and I became more and more agitated with me, us, the state i was in with regards to our/my life. Then the summer of 2009, I was called in to meet with the Bishop, who presented me with a letter from Church Headquarters. Since I had not had my Temple covenants restored, they assumed that I was back to my old ways. I wasn't. I decided that if it took me 8 years to repent, It should be double that for me to be worthy to enter the Temple again. The letter told me of the Church policy that because of my repeated (really, they knew) homosexual activity, I was not allowed to work with any youth under the age of 18. I was in the same category as a rapist, child molester and one who practices incest! My heart broke. That was the beginning of the end for Princess and I. I became depressed and planned how I would take my own life on a business trip and make it look like a car accident. I could never be forgiven...contrary to what the Church teaches about repentance.
June 2010, I travelled home to vegas for work. I was there for almost two weeks. I counseled with my family, and when I returned home to Texas, having their support for me as a person, brother, family, son, Uncle, I asked Princess for a divorce. We cried that night. We cried for quite a while over the next week. Sometime in July, I moved into the guest room, where I stayed until relocating to New Jersey for my job. Oh, I just jumped ahead. We stayed married for Princess to have my insurance due to other health issues that she had developed. In June 2011 I found out my job was changing and I would eventually have to relocate from Texas to another city where my employer had offices/plants. Princess decided to not come with me...I offered for us to live as roommates but remain married so she would have insurance. She said no. She contacted her old employer in Vegas, was told there was a job in January and that it was hers. We packed her up and moved her to Vegas on 23 December 2011. I was awarded the job in New Jersey 16 December 2011, made two trips here, one in January, one in February, and moved into temp housing in March 2012. Our house sold in May...that's another story for another entry. I moved into an apartment near work, and now Princess and I are navigating the best course for our divorce.
To all who will read this let me say the following:
1) My biggest regret is not telling her my secret so long ago.
2) For the rest of my life, I will carry with me the look on her face when I broke her heart due to the affair.
3) My love for Princess is deep and real. She is, was, and always will be special to me and I will hold her in the highest regard of any woman or human being.
4) If there is an example of Christ-like Love on this earth...it is Princess. She embodies true characters of the Savior for all man-kind, and animal kind.
5) Princess is the most talented woman I have ever known (next to my Mom), and is very modest about it.
6) She is my best friend and the amount of dignity she has shown is incredible.
There are many more qualities that Princess embodies, but I will keep those between her and myself.
I share this with the world so that all will know that my decision was not light, was not easy, but was necessary for her to find the man that will make her happy...and for me too.
J
Monday, January 21, 2013
As Time Goes By....
It's January 2013. Princess and I have been officially separated for 2.5 years, the divorce is not yet final, and we have navigated some very complex issues/situations during that time. The most amazing thing is that we continue to be very good friends and tell each other everything is happening in each other's lives.
I've settled into an apartment in New Jersey. Work is challenging to say the least. So far I've purchased a sofa, ottoman, chair, two end tables, two lamps, a mirror and some glasses! Yeah, I threw the glasses thing in there at the last minute!
Princess is doing well in Vegas, working, living with the "rents" (parents), and having a blast getting reacquainted with old friends while making some new ones. She has joined a gym and has lost over 30 LBS exercising.
We both look forward to the day that we get to begin dating and having the next chapter in our lives unfold. I'm happy. She's happy. We are both good. Sure we both have our down days, but there are more up days than down (at least when we speak, she tells me that and I know it for me).
Thank you to everyone who sent a Christmas Card. Hopefully I got one out to you before the holiday, otherwise, it's going to be until next year! LOL!
Jim
I've settled into an apartment in New Jersey. Work is challenging to say the least. So far I've purchased a sofa, ottoman, chair, two end tables, two lamps, a mirror and some glasses! Yeah, I threw the glasses thing in there at the last minute!
Princess is doing well in Vegas, working, living with the "rents" (parents), and having a blast getting reacquainted with old friends while making some new ones. She has joined a gym and has lost over 30 LBS exercising.
We both look forward to the day that we get to begin dating and having the next chapter in our lives unfold. I'm happy. She's happy. We are both good. Sure we both have our down days, but there are more up days than down (at least when we speak, she tells me that and I know it for me).
Thank you to everyone who sent a Christmas Card. Hopefully I got one out to you before the holiday, otherwise, it's going to be until next year! LOL!
Jim
Friday, June 03, 2011
Adjusting
Tomorrow will mark the two week point since Sasha passed away. It's been a hard two weeks. Lot's of tears, lot's of heartache, and lot's of longing.
After the whole ordeal, I had to travel to Boston on Monday. On one of my plane rides (had to go to Boston via Chicago) my seat mate, Will, and I commiserated on the loss of our friends. His had passed away two years ago and he still was "weepy" when he talked about Fritzy. Seeing this, I didn't feel so bad about being more than "weepy" talking about Sasha. When I returned home, we picked up Sasha (see previous post), and then Melanie left for Boise.
Melanie had a great time in Boise. She was excited to see the nieces and nephews, and to spend time with Kara before she left for her mission to South Dakota! She ate Taco Time, Iceberg, went to Winco (we love Winco), baked pound cakes, and had time to visit with family. I stayed behind to look after Sadie.
Sadie and I cleaned, we washed, we vacuumed, we dusted, we ironed the whole time we were together. I know, you're saying "B O R I N G!", but it was a way to keep me occupied. Plus, Melanie came home to a clean house and I have no un-ironed shirts in my closet! BONUS!
We're adjusting to only having one girl (the four legged kind) roaming around the house. It's not been easy, but it's getting better.
I wanted to say thanks to all of our friends that sent cards, called, dropped a note by, and kept us in their prayers. We both appreciated it and we both appreciate you so much. Thanks!
J
After the whole ordeal, I had to travel to Boston on Monday. On one of my plane rides (had to go to Boston via Chicago) my seat mate, Will, and I commiserated on the loss of our friends. His had passed away two years ago and he still was "weepy" when he talked about Fritzy. Seeing this, I didn't feel so bad about being more than "weepy" talking about Sasha. When I returned home, we picked up Sasha (see previous post), and then Melanie left for Boise.
Melanie had a great time in Boise. She was excited to see the nieces and nephews, and to spend time with Kara before she left for her mission to South Dakota! She ate Taco Time, Iceberg, went to Winco (we love Winco), baked pound cakes, and had time to visit with family. I stayed behind to look after Sadie.
Sadie and I cleaned, we washed, we vacuumed, we dusted, we ironed the whole time we were together. I know, you're saying "B O R I N G!", but it was a way to keep me occupied. Plus, Melanie came home to a clean house and I have no un-ironed shirts in my closet! BONUS!
We're adjusting to only having one girl (the four legged kind) roaming around the house. It's not been easy, but it's getting better.
I wanted to say thanks to all of our friends that sent cards, called, dropped a note by, and kept us in their prayers. We both appreciated it and we both appreciate you so much. Thanks!
J
Friday, May 27, 2011
Sweet Sasha
Sasha came to our house the last week of September 2001, having been born on 14 August of the same year. She and her sister Sarah were just the cutest little wiener dog puppies, running, cuddling, sneaking out of the yard under the new fence. We had just moved into our house after being without a four legged friend in our lives for five months. Sadie had stayed behind in Las Vegas with Grandma and Grandpa. We picked up the two little girls so that Sadie would have a playmate, and Grandma and Grandpa's pup, Little Foot, would also have a playmate.
Grandma and Grandpa arrived at our house on Thursday, 4 October to bring us Sadie, help us get settled, and experience a bit of the wide open space called Texas. At the end of their two week visit, we sat in the living room with the two little girls, we hadn't named them yet and one wore a purple collar, the other a pink collar. Grandma on one side, Melanie on the other, the two puppies in the middle. Next thing you knew, Miss purple (Sasha) crawled up into Melanie's lap, and Miss pink, crawled into Grandma's lap. They had chosen their own parents.
Over the years, we learned to love Sasha and her little quirks. Her head turns, the way her eyes looked at you, her furrowed little brow. We learned to look down before stepping. If I was home alone she was my shadow, if Melanie were home alone, she was Melanie's shadow. If we were home together, I could coax her to sit with me for a minute, but she had to be with her Momma at all times. We got used to her licking her front paws...for what seemed like hours on end. Oh how she liked to lick. We learned to take off our glasses before getting kissed, otherwise you were wiping off your lenses when you were done. Sasha was a great friend, and family member.
Last Friday 20 May, I'm travelling home from California, stuck with delays in Houston, only to have my flight cancelled. As I'm arranging a car to drive home, Melanie calls me frantic as she's on her way to the vet's office. Sasha had gone blind. We don't know why. We don't know what happened, she had gone blind. I got to the house around 10:30 and she kissed my face, glasses and all, wagged her tail, and ate some warmed chicken broth, little did we know it would be her last meal. During the night she became sick and started to pass a lot of blood. We took her to the vet, who told us that there was not anything they could do. We made the super hard decision to end her suffering and put her to sleep. I believe she knew it was time. She was so calm and laid there in her favorite Scooby Doo blanket so calm. They took her back and prepped her leg then brought her to us to hold and to kiss and to cuddle with. The staff and the vet were so wonderful, so caring, so loving. Within seconds, she slipped from this earth, crossed over the rainbow bridge and went frolicking into the fields with Little Foot and Duke. We cried, sobbed, and held onto each other for dear life. We held her one last time, and bathed her face with tears and kisses, and like that we were left the vet's office to go make arrangements.
On Wednesday, we picked up our baby, held so preciously in a beautiful stainless steel urn with doggie paw prints on it, her collar, and her Scooby Doo blanket. We brought her home, placed her on the mantel and draped her collar around the urn. She now is with us at all times in the house and we are better and blessed for having her in our lives.
For our little angel Sasha, 14 August 2001 to 21 May 2011. We love you and miss you with all our hearts.
Until we meet you again at the rainbow bridge Sasha.
All our Love,
Mommy and Daddy
Grandma and Grandpa arrived at our house on Thursday, 4 October to bring us Sadie, help us get settled, and experience a bit of the wide open space called Texas. At the end of their two week visit, we sat in the living room with the two little girls, we hadn't named them yet and one wore a purple collar, the other a pink collar. Grandma on one side, Melanie on the other, the two puppies in the middle. Next thing you knew, Miss purple (Sasha) crawled up into Melanie's lap, and Miss pink, crawled into Grandma's lap. They had chosen their own parents.
Over the years, we learned to love Sasha and her little quirks. Her head turns, the way her eyes looked at you, her furrowed little brow. We learned to look down before stepping. If I was home alone she was my shadow, if Melanie were home alone, she was Melanie's shadow. If we were home together, I could coax her to sit with me for a minute, but she had to be with her Momma at all times. We got used to her licking her front paws...for what seemed like hours on end. Oh how she liked to lick. We learned to take off our glasses before getting kissed, otherwise you were wiping off your lenses when you were done. Sasha was a great friend, and family member.
Last Friday 20 May, I'm travelling home from California, stuck with delays in Houston, only to have my flight cancelled. As I'm arranging a car to drive home, Melanie calls me frantic as she's on her way to the vet's office. Sasha had gone blind. We don't know why. We don't know what happened, she had gone blind. I got to the house around 10:30 and she kissed my face, glasses and all, wagged her tail, and ate some warmed chicken broth, little did we know it would be her last meal. During the night she became sick and started to pass a lot of blood. We took her to the vet, who told us that there was not anything they could do. We made the super hard decision to end her suffering and put her to sleep. I believe she knew it was time. She was so calm and laid there in her favorite Scooby Doo blanket so calm. They took her back and prepped her leg then brought her to us to hold and to kiss and to cuddle with. The staff and the vet were so wonderful, so caring, so loving. Within seconds, she slipped from this earth, crossed over the rainbow bridge and went frolicking into the fields with Little Foot and Duke. We cried, sobbed, and held onto each other for dear life. We held her one last time, and bathed her face with tears and kisses, and like that we were left the vet's office to go make arrangements.
On Wednesday, we picked up our baby, held so preciously in a beautiful stainless steel urn with doggie paw prints on it, her collar, and her Scooby Doo blanket. We brought her home, placed her on the mantel and draped her collar around the urn. She now is with us at all times in the house and we are better and blessed for having her in our lives.
For our little angel Sasha, 14 August 2001 to 21 May 2011. We love you and miss you with all our hearts.
Until we meet you again at the rainbow bridge Sasha.
All our Love,
Mommy and Daddy
Friday, April 01, 2011
Thankful!
I've been a road warrior for the past three weeks, working in New Zealand, performing audits for my company. It's been great, but today is my last day in New Zealand, it's 6:50 PM here, Friday 1 April 2011. When most of you read this, it will be sometime Friday 1 April 2011, I will be in the air over the Pacific Ocean en route to Los Angeles. Then I will get to experience Friday, 1 April 2011 all over again!
I'm thankful to be coming home, to be in my own bed, and to eat at any fast food restaurant I want to (while in NZ, my contact wouldn't let me have McDonald's!).
I'm thankful to drive on the right side of the street, on the right side of the car...be it known far and wide, I a humble American boy from Henderson, Nevada, drove for one week in a sport utility vehicle on the opposite side of the road, on the opposite side of the car, and I didn't kill one person doing it...and then at the end of the trip, I repeated that daring feat!
I'm thankful that I will get to hear and see American TV that isn't behind by one or two seasons or episodes.
I'm thankful for my girls, I can't wait to see them. Doggone it, I'm just thankful and happy to be coming home...and to mow my grass!
See you all when I return.
J
I'm thankful to be coming home, to be in my own bed, and to eat at any fast food restaurant I want to (while in NZ, my contact wouldn't let me have McDonald's!).
I'm thankful to drive on the right side of the street, on the right side of the car...be it known far and wide, I a humble American boy from Henderson, Nevada, drove for one week in a sport utility vehicle on the opposite side of the road, on the opposite side of the car, and I didn't kill one person doing it...and then at the end of the trip, I repeated that daring feat!
I'm thankful that I will get to hear and see American TV that isn't behind by one or two seasons or episodes.
I'm thankful for my girls, I can't wait to see them. Doggone it, I'm just thankful and happy to be coming home...and to mow my grass!
See you all when I return.
J
Saturday, March 26, 2011
An Update
Curves, as in road curves, baseball curves, life curves. So when you're busy making plans, life throws you curves. That's what has been happening at our ranch here.
The last six months have been very complicated. So complicated, I decided not to share them with the blogging world at large. Many of you readers are friends and family, and you know intimately what is going on. I thank you on behalf of Princess and myself for your continued love and support.
For those that aren't informed, the complexity is very intimate and I will not share it here at this time. No, no one has a terminal illness. No, we haven't lost our jobs, or family members. It's just been a lot of soul searching going on at the ranch.
Please bear with us, give us lot's of patience as we muddle through and find the answer to the curves.
Again, thanks so much.
J
The last six months have been very complicated. So complicated, I decided not to share them with the blogging world at large. Many of you readers are friends and family, and you know intimately what is going on. I thank you on behalf of Princess and myself for your continued love and support.
For those that aren't informed, the complexity is very intimate and I will not share it here at this time. No, no one has a terminal illness. No, we haven't lost our jobs, or family members. It's just been a lot of soul searching going on at the ranch.
Please bear with us, give us lot's of patience as we muddle through and find the answer to the curves.
Again, thanks so much.
J
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
Been Better
Hello all. I haven't posted in quite a while. Been Busy, but Been Better too. This may be my last post for a while as work is ramping up again and probably won't quit until the new year. Even then, I don't know if I'll be back to this when I do get some down time.
J
J
Monday, August 02, 2010
Coming to an end
Today is our last day of vacation, or our "staycation". We've enjoyed hanging around the house, doing some odds and ends, our day trip to Austin, the Apple Store, the Lego Store, lunch at California Pizza Kitchen, and Chuy's with Russell. It was a lot of fun mixed in with some relaxation and rest.
We would've loved to gone to Vegas and seen all (or as many as is humanly possible) our friends and family. Oh the places we would've seen:
We had great plans to visit our old Ward. To see Cardon and Karen, to see Janae, and Debra, and Jimmie Perry Jones. It was to be a great whirlwind tour of the valley.
Instead, we ate sandwiches, bought a new bedroom comforter set, going to buy paint for the bedroom, we ate peanut butter on crackers, watched movies - the last airbender, Killers, Salt, The Sorcerer's Apprentice, The Hangover, Valentine's Day, A Single Man, Everybody's Fine, and a slew of HGTV, Food Network, and DIY along with some HBO. We ate with the Mock's and the Lackmeyers and had a great visit from Russell for the day.
Princess slept in every day until at least 8:00 AM - she was in Heaven.
We cared for our Sasha, who is making small progress towards feeling better. The vet said it could take up to a month or longer, poor thing.
We are truly blessed and thankful for friends, families, and good times. Tomorrow we are back to work, it's going to be a long hot week here in Central Texas with temperatures above the 100 F mark all week.
I'll post some pictures later from our "staycation".
J
We would've loved to gone to Vegas and seen all (or as many as is humanly possible) our friends and family. Oh the places we would've seen:
- The Las Vegas Strip (new hotels and lights)
- The shopping (outlet malls, Big malls, and of course, Target)
- The Restaurants - Macayo's, Metro Pizza, In-N-Out Burger, Settobello, In-N-Out Burger, and many, many more
- The Hoover Dam
- The big Dinosaur on I-40
- Big Brown Mountains
We had great plans to visit our old Ward. To see Cardon and Karen, to see Janae, and Debra, and Jimmie Perry Jones. It was to be a great whirlwind tour of the valley.
Instead, we ate sandwiches, bought a new bedroom comforter set, going to buy paint for the bedroom, we ate peanut butter on crackers, watched movies - the last airbender, Killers, Salt, The Sorcerer's Apprentice, The Hangover, Valentine's Day, A Single Man, Everybody's Fine, and a slew of HGTV, Food Network, and DIY along with some HBO. We ate with the Mock's and the Lackmeyers and had a great visit from Russell for the day.
Princess slept in every day until at least 8:00 AM - she was in Heaven.
We cared for our Sasha, who is making small progress towards feeling better. The vet said it could take up to a month or longer, poor thing.
We are truly blessed and thankful for friends, families, and good times. Tomorrow we are back to work, it's going to be a long hot week here in Central Texas with temperatures above the 100 F mark all week.
I'll post some pictures later from our "staycation".
J
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Our Staycation 2010
As you know, we cancelled our trip home due to having a sick little puppy. Boy are we glad we did. Here are some of the highlights of our past week.
We went to the movie theater twice, saw about 6 DVD movies, and even ventured to Austin for a day outing.
Sasha threw up on me on Sunday (insert ewwh gross), then again on Monday, and again last night. We took her to the Vet again yesterday, and we are still watching her, giving her a low fat diet, and monitoring her bodily functions (you know the peeing and pooping parts).
I did accomplish weeding all the planting beds, then turning over the old mulch to add new fresh mulch to keep the weeds at bay. We also settled on a new comforter for our bedroom, now we've got to decide on paint so that we can freshen that room up with the new bedding. We're thinking a bold color behind the headboard, and then a more neutral color for the rest of the room.
While we did miss all of our family and Vegas friends, we're certain that if we would've tried to make the journey home with Sasha ill, it could've turned out worse.
Winding down our Staycation, we are trying to make the most of the next two days, cause then it's back to the grind of everyday living.
Thanks for your thoughts, prayers, and support.
J
We went to the movie theater twice, saw about 6 DVD movies, and even ventured to Austin for a day outing.
Sasha threw up on me on Sunday (insert ewwh gross), then again on Monday, and again last night. We took her to the Vet again yesterday, and we are still watching her, giving her a low fat diet, and monitoring her bodily functions (you know the peeing and pooping parts).
I did accomplish weeding all the planting beds, then turning over the old mulch to add new fresh mulch to keep the weeds at bay. We also settled on a new comforter for our bedroom, now we've got to decide on paint so that we can freshen that room up with the new bedding. We're thinking a bold color behind the headboard, and then a more neutral color for the rest of the room.
While we did miss all of our family and Vegas friends, we're certain that if we would've tried to make the journey home with Sasha ill, it could've turned out worse.
Winding down our Staycation, we are trying to make the most of the next two days, cause then it's back to the grind of everyday living.
Thanks for your thoughts, prayers, and support.
J
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Household Happenings
It was all planned out. We would leave around 4:00 AM, getting a jump on traffic, making our way through west Texas, into the Land of Enchantment, across the Grand Canyon state, and on into The Greatest Snow on Earth state. We were expected on Friday, the day after Spenser would get home from his adventure serving a Mission in Tampico, Mexico.
Like all good plans, life happens while we're making them. Clue Monday night, Sasha, whimpering and yelping in pain, ALL NIGHT LONG! Tuesday - vet visit - keep watching her, Tuesday night - call the vet - Wednesday more tests - Lots of $$$ later - antibiotics, pepcid AC, and a pain shot. Thursday, our d-day (departure day), and another visit to the vet - Sasha had Pooped twice, stomach clear, feeling better. Poor thing has confirmed pancreaitis, caused by too much fat in her diet (Us, we are guilty). Decide to head to home with counsel from Vet.
Us, racing to get gas, then pack the suitcases, car, puppies, prayer, and we pull out at 1:27. By 3:30, we were on our way back down Highway 6 to Waco. Sasha couldn't handle all the motion and bumps, she was too sore. Arrive back home at 5:30, unpack (really a lot faster than packing btw), have some dinner, and collapse in bed. What a day.
Sasha continues to have little bouts of pain and discomfort, but it is less and less. Our little Princess has had a rough week.
Vacation is flying, driving, sailing somewhere. Stay cation is working on projects at home, catching up on work and seeing some movies. Stay cation is not as fun as vacation, but can be a bit cheaper.
And that's our week in a nutshell.
J
Like all good plans, life happens while we're making them. Clue Monday night, Sasha, whimpering and yelping in pain, ALL NIGHT LONG! Tuesday - vet visit - keep watching her, Tuesday night - call the vet - Wednesday more tests - Lots of $$$ later - antibiotics, pepcid AC, and a pain shot. Thursday, our d-day (departure day), and another visit to the vet - Sasha had Pooped twice, stomach clear, feeling better. Poor thing has confirmed pancreaitis, caused by too much fat in her diet (Us, we are guilty). Decide to head to home with counsel from Vet.
Us, racing to get gas, then pack the suitcases, car, puppies, prayer, and we pull out at 1:27. By 3:30, we were on our way back down Highway 6 to Waco. Sasha couldn't handle all the motion and bumps, she was too sore. Arrive back home at 5:30, unpack (really a lot faster than packing btw), have some dinner, and collapse in bed. What a day.
Sasha continues to have little bouts of pain and discomfort, but it is less and less. Our little Princess has had a rough week.
Vacation is flying, driving, sailing somewhere. Stay cation is working on projects at home, catching up on work and seeing some movies. Stay cation is not as fun as vacation, but can be a bit cheaper.
And that's our week in a nutshell.
J
Sunday, July 04, 2010
America
This weekend has been pretty great.
I spent a little over a week at home in Vegas and one day in SLC for work. I was able to see family, friends, the in-laws, and get work done at the same time. I did however get very little sleep and I'm trying to catch up on that now.
Thursday night, we had date night. Dinner out and then to see Eclipse at the theater. We both loved it and met some new locals, accountants and teachers (shout out to Angela, Jessie, and Angie) while waiting in line for the movie.
Both Princess and I had a ton of stuff planned, but the weather did not cooperate with us. We had rain, more rain, and even more rain again (it did get warm enough today for me to edge and mow the wet grass), so we had a relaxing Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
What a blessed land we live in here in America. Freedom to pursue a job, religion, life, all without the threat of a dictator or other maniac threatening to jail or kill us for how we believe. I'm grateful for all the service men and women who have made this country so great, and those serving today to keep us safe and protect us from harm.
I'm grateful that we can choose to mow on Sunday, or let the weeds take over until we are motivated to mow them (although, that's just not my style).
I'm thankful for family, for good neighbors/friends, for a job that I love doing. I'm thankful that I can fly the American Flag today and any other day of the year just cause I want to!
I'm thankful for a merciful God, A Heavenly Father who loves each and every one of us and who weeps when we weep, and smiles when we smile.
I'm thankful for purple mountains majesty, for great plains, and rolling hills. I'm thankful for piney forests and for gulf coasts. I'm thankful that we have a government that is elected by the people, for the people, and not the other way around.
Happy Birthday America! Let us not forget our duty! Stand tall! Be Brave! Lift up the downtrodden! Work hard! Have Fun! Shake the hand of a soldier in the airport and bless him/her from the God on High!
Happy Birthday America - Land that I love!
J
I spent a little over a week at home in Vegas and one day in SLC for work. I was able to see family, friends, the in-laws, and get work done at the same time. I did however get very little sleep and I'm trying to catch up on that now.
Thursday night, we had date night. Dinner out and then to see Eclipse at the theater. We both loved it and met some new locals, accountants and teachers (shout out to Angela, Jessie, and Angie) while waiting in line for the movie.
Both Princess and I had a ton of stuff planned, but the weather did not cooperate with us. We had rain, more rain, and even more rain again (it did get warm enough today for me to edge and mow the wet grass), so we had a relaxing Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
What a blessed land we live in here in America. Freedom to pursue a job, religion, life, all without the threat of a dictator or other maniac threatening to jail or kill us for how we believe. I'm grateful for all the service men and women who have made this country so great, and those serving today to keep us safe and protect us from harm.
I'm grateful that we can choose to mow on Sunday, or let the weeds take over until we are motivated to mow them (although, that's just not my style).
I'm thankful for family, for good neighbors/friends, for a job that I love doing. I'm thankful that I can fly the American Flag today and any other day of the year just cause I want to!
I'm thankful for a merciful God, A Heavenly Father who loves each and every one of us and who weeps when we weep, and smiles when we smile.
I'm thankful for purple mountains majesty, for great plains, and rolling hills. I'm thankful for piney forests and for gulf coasts. I'm thankful that we have a government that is elected by the people, for the people, and not the other way around.
Happy Birthday America! Let us not forget our duty! Stand tall! Be Brave! Lift up the downtrodden! Work hard! Have Fun! Shake the hand of a soldier in the airport and bless him/her from the God on High!
Happy Birthday America - Land that I love!
J
Sunday, June 20, 2010
To Dads
Happy Father's Day!
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I'm not sure what your wives got you, but I got this from mine! A 64G Wi-Fi iPad! This weeks travel is going to be awesome!
For my Dad:
We wouldn't be here without you, we wouldn't be who we are. For all you do and have done, I give thanks for everything that I am because of you.
For Bill:
The greatest Dad-in-law you could have, even with the white hair and beard, I'm grateful for the things you have taught me.
For Rich:
Miles apart in distance, close in hearts, grateful for my older brother
For Bert:
Distance means nothing, hearts and spirits entwined, grateful for the example you are in my life
For Russ:
Wonderful little brother, great step dad, great future dad.
Have a great Father's Day
J
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Funk
*Warning* This post definitely contains some whining!
Yeah, I've been in a bit of a funk for the last two weeks with the blog. Maybe that's why it's been a while since I posted.
You see, there is lots going on in our world. First, I've been down two team members since January 1. I've had some help from them doing some part time work, but it's not the same as having a full team to distribute and carry the load. As such, I've really been travelling a bit, and trying to keep peace on the home front at times feels like I'm burning the candle (for the first time) at both ends. (yeah, I know I need some cheese to go with the whine... I warned you).
Also, next Saturday markes the 2nd anniversary of my Mom's passing. I've missed her a lot lately. Pressures from work. Pressures from Church. I could really use her counsel right now. She always knew how to help calm my fears and open my eyes to ensure the I could make choices correctly. I certainly do miss her right now.
I leave for Vegas for a week and a half. I've got some work to do there, taking some time off while there to visit with some friends and family. Hopefully that will help recharge my batteries and get the funk off my back!
Princess and the girls are good. Both the girls had dental cleaning and had to be put to sleep, and Sasha had some moles removed from the back of her head. Poor thing is spotty where they shaved her hair and then had to stitch her up.
We're all doing well otherwise, no health issues, our jobs are good, and I guess that means the world is still spinning correctly.
J
Yeah, I've been in a bit of a funk for the last two weeks with the blog. Maybe that's why it's been a while since I posted.
You see, there is lots going on in our world. First, I've been down two team members since January 1. I've had some help from them doing some part time work, but it's not the same as having a full team to distribute and carry the load. As such, I've really been travelling a bit, and trying to keep peace on the home front at times feels like I'm burning the candle (for the first time) at both ends. (yeah, I know I need some cheese to go with the whine... I warned you).
Also, next Saturday markes the 2nd anniversary of my Mom's passing. I've missed her a lot lately. Pressures from work. Pressures from Church. I could really use her counsel right now. She always knew how to help calm my fears and open my eyes to ensure the I could make choices correctly. I certainly do miss her right now.
I leave for Vegas for a week and a half. I've got some work to do there, taking some time off while there to visit with some friends and family. Hopefully that will help recharge my batteries and get the funk off my back!
Princess and the girls are good. Both the girls had dental cleaning and had to be put to sleep, and Sasha had some moles removed from the back of her head. Poor thing is spotty where they shaved her hair and then had to stitch her up.
We're all doing well otherwise, no health issues, our jobs are good, and I guess that means the world is still spinning correctly.
J
Saturday, June 05, 2010
Home
This past week has been pretty relaxing. I didn't travel cause we were having Lynn, our friend from Texas who lives up north and was back for a visit.
A couple of days in the plant working and having people ask who the new associate is (meaning me cause I'm always travelling), then Thursday and Friday off to spend time with Lynn.
We made a B I G Road trip from Waco to Brenham, home of Blue Bell Ice Cream. Yes, we did take the factory tour, well worth the five dollars because at the end, you get a scoop of ice cream of your choice! Education and sweets, now that's what I'm talking about!
From Brenham we made our way to Austin (I did forget one little detail, it rained like cats and dogs all the way from Waco to Brenham to Austin) for a little shopping and some Cheesecake Factory time. After dinner, we headed to Costco to buy some bulk essentials, only to be turned away. Seems they had some problems the night before when lightening struck their transformer. The young man told us it had been fixed, but with the earlier rains, it had gone out again. Rats! Bummer! Yeah, cause we really needed two years worth of Honey Nut Cheerios!
We did make it to Pottery Barn and purchased some drapes for the living room. I like them quite a bit. Princess really loves them. If you want to see, you are going to have to come by and check them out for yourself.
Today it is decorate Sydnee's cake, cupcakes, and then to bake Jenna's birthday cake - these kids need to stop having birthdays and growing up.
J
A couple of days in the plant working and having people ask who the new associate is (meaning me cause I'm always travelling), then Thursday and Friday off to spend time with Lynn.
We made a B I G Road trip from Waco to Brenham, home of Blue Bell Ice Cream. Yes, we did take the factory tour, well worth the five dollars because at the end, you get a scoop of ice cream of your choice! Education and sweets, now that's what I'm talking about!
From Brenham we made our way to Austin (I did forget one little detail, it rained like cats and dogs all the way from Waco to Brenham to Austin) for a little shopping and some Cheesecake Factory time. After dinner, we headed to Costco to buy some bulk essentials, only to be turned away. Seems they had some problems the night before when lightening struck their transformer. The young man told us it had been fixed, but with the earlier rains, it had gone out again. Rats! Bummer! Yeah, cause we really needed two years worth of Honey Nut Cheerios!
We did make it to Pottery Barn and purchased some drapes for the living room. I like them quite a bit. Princess really loves them. If you want to see, you are going to have to come by and check them out for yourself.
Today it is decorate Sydnee's cake, cupcakes, and then to bake Jenna's birthday cake - these kids need to stop having birthdays and growing up.
J
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Spring Cleaning...
A little late that is.
Yes, I know it's still May, but my travel has been so hectic that I just couldn't bring myself to do the cleaning when I was home last weekend. Knowing that this is a three day weekend to honor those who served, and our ancestors who worked so hard to make this country the great nation it is! So, I got up early and decided to clean.
Before I get into that, I want, no need to thank the many Military Men and Women who valiantly and with much dedication serve our great country! God Bless You All! You are in our prayers each night for protection for you and your families.
Now, back to the cleaning. I started with the closet in our home office. Gone are the 7 plus years of Martha Stewart Living Magazines. Gone are many, many tote bags, duffel bags, and a huge piece of luggage we just don't use anymore. And in their places, are a much more organized and neater closet with room to walk into! Imagine that!
Next, I tackled the Mickey room closet. You couldn't open the door for fear of STUFF falling out and hitting you. Not anymore! You can step inside the closet, look for the other STUFF that's left and not have fear to open the door! Princess woke about the middle of this closet and helped me finish. Now we have a bazillion empty plastic magazine holders that are going to Goodwill along with the duffel bags.
Then we went out and pulled weeds from the front flower bed. Next, I think I'll run and rummage through my closet and send some of that STUFF that is being worn to Goodwill also.
We're off to the movies this afternoon, some shopping/errands, then home to relax. Lynn will be here tomorrow and we are just ecstatic!
Happy Memorial Day! Be safe!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
14
Two weeks, 14 days, or 336 hours. That's how long Princess and I will have been apart when I return home on Friday.
I gotta say it, I'm missing my girls, Princess, Sadie and Sasha. It's been a very productive two weeks on the east coast, lot's of good food, great laughs, and a lot of work accomplished. I have had this car for the past two weeks. It drives good and EVERYONE at work has been oogling it!
I can't wait to get home to see the flowers, work on the flower beds with mulching, and just relax in my own chair!
The funny thing is that I'll be back here next week for another series of meetings. Then I'm home for a week cause I've got a couple of doctor's appointments, so I've got to be home! Thank Goodness!
Jim
I gotta say it, I'm missing my girls, Princess, Sadie and Sasha. It's been a very productive two weeks on the east coast, lot's of good food, great laughs, and a lot of work accomplished. I have had this car for the past two weeks. It drives good and EVERYONE at work has been oogling it!
I can't wait to get home to see the flowers, work on the flower beds with mulching, and just relax in my own chair!
The funny thing is that I'll be back here next week for another series of meetings. Then I'm home for a week cause I've got a couple of doctor's appointments, so I've got to be home! Thank Goodness!
Jim
Sunday, May 09, 2010
More Happy Mother's Day
This was what the front looked like before
After I surprised Princess for Mother's Day
This is one of the Gallardia, Arizona something or other
This is the other Gallardia, I don't remember it's name
Lessons learned
1) It's good to surprise your wife while she out of town on business
2) Pick a day when it's not a sweltering 92F and your house faces due west
3) I'm old, fat and out of shape, trust me, my body is killing me
4) I only plant perennials, I want to do it once and then maintain
5) I'm the luckiest man in the world. Princess loved them and was super happy.
To Mothers
On this day, the second Sunday in May, officially designated by the U.S. Government, set aside to honor our Mother's, I wish all Mother's everywhere a Happy Mother's Day!
How quirky is that?!
We owe everything that we were, are and to be in this lifetime, to our Mothers and they should be celebrated and honored every day of our lives.
In my life, I have the following to be thankful for:
My beautiful wife. Although denied Motherhood through her own body, she has positively affected and influenced the lives of countless children through her service to them at Church and in her daily life. She is the most beautiful of women, virtuous, honest, righteous, and the most Christ-like person I have ever met. She is intelligent, musically talented, crafty in the good way, and the best cook I have ever met (trust me, my waistline and multiple chins show it). She is "Aunt" to many, many children that we have come to know and love. She has served surrogate Motherhood to many missionary that has crossed our threshold. She is a precious gem, and one that I am privileged to know, love, and cherish. Yes, I am the luckiest of all men.
My Mother-in-law. If there were a merit badge in Heaven for super women, she would hold one. Over the last twenty plus years, she has stepped in and been Mother to me with advice, counsel, and love, such that usually comes from your own Mother. How grateful I am to have been blessed by her presence. She is all that is manifested in her daughter and more. She was born of modest means in Emery, Utah. She learned hard work at an early age, caring for the housework and some outside chores. When she was a mere 16 years, she moved with her family to Murray, Utah, just south of SLC. There she finished high school went to BYU, where she met the man of her dreams and they were married. They were blessed with two daughters and have been subsequently blessed with 4 grandsons, 4 granddaughters, and now one great-grandson. She is a pillar of faith, walking in harmony with the teachings of our Savior. I am lucky to have and to hear her counsel. She is another precious gem.
My Mother. It has been nearly two years since you were called from this earthly life, to allow your body, ravaged by disease a time to rest. There isn't a day go by that I don't think of you, long for your embrace, the soft stroking of your hand against my face, and the warmth of your breath. You were in my lifetime the most wonderful of women, cherished, loving, nurturing, giving and giving. You taught me the example of charity, both physical and emotional. You raised six children in modest and sometimes meager means, but through it all, you turned scraps of wood and material into doll furniture to sale, or into craft projects that became cherished gifts. Your talent for sewing, cooking, baking, and craft making are legendary still within our family and community. Your love and faith in Christ was evident throughout your life. You instilled service to your children, and loved and prayed for them that strayed. Mom, I am honored to be your son. I am privileged to know your example and to work to put it into my life.
My sisters and sisters-in-law. How blessed I am to be surrounded by such greatness. Two sisters, and four sisters-in-law that bless my life, and the lives of our entire family. What great women you are, in service to your children, jobs, communities and Church. How lucky are we, the men who have been graced by your abilities, love, compassion and examples.
So again, on this "official" day, may I echo the throngs of husbands and children as they greet you and say, HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!
J
Friday, April 30, 2010
Somewhat Normal?
Yeah, this post is about me...again!
So on Tuesday I underwent the drill to the tooth. Yep sure enough, it was dead and abscessed. The Dentist was stymied and I was stymied as to how a tooth with no problems just ups and dies, causing so much misery and discomfort. Now for the horrific part, because I was so swollen, and so infected, the dentist could not numb me. How is that possible I ask you? Human, Human tissue, NOVOCAINE, should equal numb! Apparently, when you are so swollen and infected, you can't really get numb, so the Dentist just drilled away.
She's no dummy this Dentist of mine. She knows I can not tolerate an iota of pain and forewarned me of the impending drilling with no NOVOCAINE. I hunkered down in the chair, grabbed the arm rests and held on for dear life. And guess what? That Dentist with all her schooling and knowledge was right! I almost didn't feel a thing. There was still some discomfort cause the ligaments and gum tissue were so inflamed, but no blood curdling scream escaped my lips while she drilled.
And now here I sit, returned home from a trip to Chicago, down to my last antibiotics, and no pain medication since Tuesday morning when I woke up! Again I reiterate the title of this post - I'm somewhat normal?! Yes, we all know what that means, especially when we reference me, myself, and I!
Now Princess and I are in for the night, we're having some leftovers and planning the menu for Saturday and Sunday. We've got some movies to watch, "It's Complicated" and "The Young Victoria". Yep, this weekend it's a chick flick happenin' place at the old homestead. Hope you're all doing well.
J
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Talk About Luck
This past week I was at our corporate offices in NJ for meetings, my meetings. This happens once every six months with my group and another group for strategy purposes.
The meetings went well. Everyone from both teams presented and we even worked through a crisis that happened while we were together. All week long, I was feeling tender on my upper left jaw. I dismissed it saying to myself "Oh you're just stressed and you're grinding". This went on all week long, and Friday morning came for me to leave NJ and I knew something was wrong - teeth related. See, I inherited allergies and teeth from my Mother. The allergies I've dealt with all my life and I'm currently undergoing allergy treatments on a monthly basis to build up my immunity.
I have also dealt with my teeth all my life and I'm usually much better at realizing that I have one dying...not this time. By the time I got home on Friday and arrived at the Dentist office the only thing they could do was take X-Rays, give me some pain medication, and give me some antibiotics.
Then on Saturday, at 2:00 AM I woke Princess up to this!
The meetings went well. Everyone from both teams presented and we even worked through a crisis that happened while we were together. All week long, I was feeling tender on my upper left jaw. I dismissed it saying to myself "Oh you're just stressed and you're grinding". This went on all week long, and Friday morning came for me to leave NJ and I knew something was wrong - teeth related. See, I inherited allergies and teeth from my Mother. The allergies I've dealt with all my life and I'm currently undergoing allergy treatments on a monthly basis to build up my immunity.
I have also dealt with my teeth all my life and I'm usually much better at realizing that I have one dying...not this time. By the time I got home on Friday and arrived at the Dentist office the only thing they could do was take X-Rays, give me some pain medication, and give me some antibiotics.
Then on Saturday, at 2:00 AM I woke Princess up to this!
Yes, that is me in all my glory, check out the left side of my face!
Another shot! Look at that lip! I'm tellin you I was in pain!
Almost looks like Princess took her cast iron skillet to my head!
And at 10:00 AM just before going to get the tooth drilled so it can drain!
So now, I've had the tooth (#11 as Princess and the Doc call it - for you and me it is my left canine) draining in my mouth for about 24 hours (and they did this without any anesthesia)! Princess has irrigated it with a warm bleach solution, and the swelling has gone down to about half of what you see in the photos!
Good Grief! I'm just lucky I have a DSW who works for a Dentist that would come in on a Saturday and drill into my head. So for now, it's take a pain pill and wait until I'm unconscious, then eat something, then sleep! Tuesday I've got an appointment to do a root canal on the tooth! Yippee!
J
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