Six Degrees of Ray

A story that started Jan 1st, 1980, as my dad first came to the US and stayed with his best friend Ray. $700 in his pocket, Dad started his new life. They became roommates, along with Paul, quirky guy, funny, smart, and loyal. This relationship led to so many changes that led to this years January 1st. From his roommate Paul becoming a great friend, to brother-in-law, to best man. With his best friend Ray, studying the veterenarian's license exam with my Dad. Although my Dad missed the California board by two points, it was enough to pass for Florida. Another January 1st becomes a new life in Florida for my Dad, where he met his Carol. Their relationship survived our teenage years, bad timing, other relationships, divorce, and it came back around again 20 years later. It's fitting that he picked the beginning of this year to start their life together. It shows that God does have a plan, and true love, always come around to full circle.

Christmas

It was great that Jason's family was able to come over and visit. It was great to see them. It's been a while since his mom came out. It was her first trip to see the house. Needless to say I went into PANIC mode and finally finished painting the house and decorated the guest bedroom. Storage boxes and old comforters will suffice for my father in law, but she gets the special treatment. Honestly I'm just grateful she did come, it gave me the motivation I needed to get things done.

I know it's difficult for Jay to see his family. He wasn't even able to spend that much time with them while they were in town. Towbin Dodge owned his time, and we weren't able to borrow too much of it. I know he misses them so much. It's hard to see him have to hold back the tears when they were getting ready to leave. Too bad David couldn't make it out. But he was in our thoughts. Can't wait to see him, hopefully soon... my little clubbing buddy.

Mesquite

We finally got our chance to just get away. Of course it's not the extravagant trip to some place exotic. But it was a nice change of pace. Just a quick bike trip to Mesquite. It started out exciting. I was a little nervous. So nervous that when I got on I-215, the gloves I stuffed on the side of my bag was starting to fall out. So here I am with my throttle hand trying to stuff it back in. Did I forget to mention I was in 5th gear, on the left hand lane, with only bubble barriers between me and oncoming traffic? Needless to say the bike stalls out and I'm praying I don't get hit by oncoming traffic and get hit by someone behind me. God always looks out. Since people were kind enough to go around. I got a few head shakes, then I walked my bike over to the shoulder. Some guy was nice enough to turn around and ask me if I was ok. I was little shaken up, but not too bad. Still alive. Of course Jay finally realized I wasn't behind him and headed back to check on me. Bike was fine, just need to learn to downshift.

So the rest of the trip went on with out any problems. It was a great time. Beautiful weekend, of course this was in October. We enjoyed the trip through the gorge to St. George. Discovered that Utah doesn't have any helmet laws. So we actually got to ride around with the wind in our hair, under 35 mph of course. Too scary if we go any faster. Man, I love bike trips. Can't wait till it gets above 60 degrees again.

always hopeful

Even as the day looks bleak, I love the optimism of this country. The spirit of hope, the desire for change. It's been dormant but it seems in the dark hours we always look towards the light. We hang on, we fight. The odds are great against this man, in this election. There are those that will continue to hang onto the familiar. But I still believe in the pioneering spirit that makes me proud to be an American. A choice made at 15, but must be exercised everyday. To go beyond myself and help make this place just a little better, One vote, One voice, One choice at a time.

Pick already!!

Arrrgghh!! Just venting my frustration with work. We waited a whole 3 weeks to get interviewed for the director position. Now we have to wait even longer. In the mean time I have to do that job, plus mine, plus another lady....

What?!? Is that a little whining violin I hear? Yes, I'm whining. I'm grateful for the opportunity. I also understand that if it's not part of God's plan, it's not going to happen. So no longer will I stress about it. Just go with the flow and enjoy this time and chalk it up to learning experience. But I do realize I have to go back to school, if I want to advance my career...

Wheewww, feel better... thanks!

Visit from Dave & Daddy K!!

It's always good to spend time with family. It was a nice surprise that they were able to come out. Went to Valley of Fire, trying to become one with nature. It was a beautiful day for it, not to hot, with a little breeze. We saw a little bit of the natural landscape, the colors of the landscape, it seemed unreal; reds, yellows, orange and purple. The best part is spending time with each other, exploring and being reminded how old were getting. Well, it's mostly Dad and me, the other two are little monkey people.

Took them out for drinks with my co-workers their first night in town. Still can't take Glenn out. Of course I ended up apologizing profusely to my coworkers after he initially molested Kevin. Then on our way out, I look over and he's got his hands around Sara's boobs, then down her shirt it goes with $20. It's a good thing she's got that sense of humor/starving student combination. Oi-vey... at least the Hefenveisen beer was good.

Funny how the competitiveness between Jay and his dad never seems to end. During the indoor go-kart race at Fast Lap, his dad knocked him into the barrier. Crazy!! Don't understand sometimes why it's like that between them. No matter the cost, I would always would want my child to do better. Maybe there lies the reason why.

B-day Fun

Yes, Jay's another year older. YEAYY! I'm happy we share the same decade. Of course he had to work, but that was just the beginning of his 31st birthday. I guess boys will always be boys, regardless of age. What started out as a birthday night out, for drinks and male bonding (almost, I was there), ended up with a crazy bar fight. We were sitting down minding our own business, next thing I know, the boys were all over this dude. I'm just happy Jay didn't hit him, but he did put his hand on his neck just to hold him back. Of course by this time it was too late. The guy already got beat up by the boys. Yes, they're straight up gangsta. I felt bad for the man, his friends just watch him get pummeled.

To make matters worse, after security, um "escorted" us out to our vehicles. They called the cops and questioned everyone involved (except us girls). Luckily, they let us go. But after food, more male bonding, and watching the sun come up, the day finally ended. However, what made it memorable wasn't just the stories, the fight, the cops, but the friends that he shared it with. It's not everyday that you are lucky enough to meet people that truly "have your back!!". That's the best birthday present he could ask for, to be lucky enough to have these kind of friends in PA and Vegas.