Groundhog Day 2013

Guess what everyone?

Yep, that's right... I'm going to try to get back into posting things here...

I finally re-established myself in the land of the employed and couldn't be happier. The company that chose me is awesome (I will probably reveal the name after I get through the 90 day probationary period) and has been on scored 90-100 over the past several years on HRC's Corporate Equality Index... 

While going through orientation this past week, one day was dedicated to "Creating an Inclusive Environment" and wouldn't you know??? I kinda "outed" myself to the whole class...

We had a healthy discussion (the instructor was very engaging) going on about the "N" word (after one black gal had a hard time using the word "white" when referring to us white folks). Another black guy stated that he didn't mind being called the "N" word if it was used in conversation by another person of color... Before my brain engaged, I said "I totally understood" and while I have never used the "N" word, I felt the same about the words FAG or FAGGOT... For some reason, I don't mind the word if it comes from a fellow gay, but if it is used by a straight person, it bothers the heck out of me...

What are your thoughts?

Over, "Out", and back online from Portsmouth, VA

Taking a Break...

It's probably obvious already to some, but I have temporarily lost my writing "thingy". I guess with trying to get back into the workplace, I kind of feel potential employers may be "googling" my name and finding this.

While there is nothing posted here (in the past 7 years) I am ashamed of, I just need to eliminate a potential offense to some unknown future employer...

I am going to leave things up for a bit, but block all access/deactivate in the short term.

For those who know me (or of me) personally, Facebook is your best bet to keep in touch... Thank you all for following along with me on my journey.

Over and (temporarily) "Out" from Portsmouth, VA

"Grand" Times... Part 2

The twins, Hailey and Haiden, are definitely a handful... They are fine for the the most part until Mommy or Daddy come into their view and then all they seem to want is to be held. The photo above is Haiden and the one below is Hailey.

Hailey is the talker... da-da, ma-ma, etc... and has what we all refer to as "lip-a-tude", her bottom lip is always a bit pursed... Haiden has the motor skills and crawls like a race car, pulls himself up to his feet, and has the funniest laugh which he does with his face all scrunched up.

Yesterday was my day to experience the 24 hour bug we have been passing around to each other. I quarantined myself in my room (in between mad dashes to the bathroom). I was supposed to meet a good friend up in Ft. Lauderdale for lunch today on my way up to visit my Mom up in Melbourne Beach. I thought I might be ok this morning, but I am still just not feeling great and don't want to pass this thing on to either of them... I will head up to Mom's tomorrow and hopefully get together with my friend on the way up or on the way back down to Miami on Monday.

My flight leaves Tuesday to head back to Virginia. I will welcome the cooler weather at home. It's just too damned hot and humid down here...

Over and "Out" on another hot day here in Miami, FL USA

"Grand" Times...

I am still in Miami. While the circumstances I am down here for are heartbreaking, most of the tears and consoling are fading... Every now and then something comes up and reminds someone of my first wife and starts the sobbing again... I'm sure time will heal the hurt and preserve the memories...

The picture above is of my grandson Tristan. I have been spending some time with him (to give his mom and dad a break from having to deal with a 2 year old AND 9 month old twins). We have been having a grand time... Took him to Matheson Hammock Park with it's enclosed beach on Biscayne Bay, and to a local park and playground where we watched some neighbors shoot rockets off (he thought that especially "cool"). For a 2 year old (he will be 3 in May), his vocabulary is phenomenal and I love kids that can communicate their needs (unlike the twins that just grunt and cry) and usually have a reason for being upset that they can express in words.

I will post about the twins later but for now I am:

Over and "Out" from Miami, FL USA

Family Update...

I am down in Miami to give my two oldest sons a little support after their mom (my first wife) passed after having a stroke while fighting her battle with cancer...

It has been a stressful week and a half so far, but they seem to be coping. Fortunately her family and I have remained good friends and I have been welcomed with open arms...

Hard to have a positive outlook when I have lost both my wives to this horrible disease while they were still young... Sometimes I think someone (deity of choice here) is picking the wrong people to move on to the next adventure. They were both such vibrant and strong women and I sometimes feel inadequate in comparison...

Funny thing is, both of my wives became great friends and supported each other through all the family dramas... I know they are both somewhere enjoying each others' company again, sharing a bottle of champagne, keeping an eye out for all their loved ones, and enjoying pain/suffering free existences...

RIP Michele, have a toast with Diana for me!

Over and "Out" from stormy Miami, FL USA

Show What You're Hiding Below...

Ok, this is not only Politically Incorrect, it's funny and accurate... Remember, only 44 days until WE choose the next group of politicians representing US in Washington DC.

Sorry if it offends any of my Republican friends (not really)...

Over and "Out" from Portsmouth, VA, USA

ReBoot September 2012

I am in the process of re-booting myself... Believe it or not, it was just ONE thing that got me on my way... 

OWL CITY...

Also: Asher Monroe:

I have posted the first in the past I'm sure, but I recently watched several of the Owl City videos available on YouTube and became even more obsessed with Asher's upbeat melodies and lyrics... Listen to the link above then let it continue with some of the other songs... You'll get what I mean... (He is kinda cute too)...

More to come...

Over and "Out" from Portsmouth, VA USA

ps: This post is my 57th birthday present to myself... 09/18/1955 (a few days early)