Lethal Luau

Finally! We went to a Murder Mystery! Something we've wanted to do forever. Perfect theme for us.........Lethal Luau. I was Suzy Curl, fashion model/surfer deeply concerned about the environment and Chris was Gil Agin, our happy go lucky skipper who did everything the Captain wanted her to do. So much fun!

Recently I started the world of continuing education. A world very strange to me as the most challenging course I have taken since graduating from College many years ago has been cooking. And a Ms Fix-It class. Nothing challenging to the brain and certainly nothing requiring homework.

Since November I have started working on becoming certified as a Travel Consultant. My current Module is Travel Products and Administration. I finished the Tourism Professional course with a mark of 94%. I'm enjoying the challenge of studying and working on projects.

So much fun exploring the world of travel and if there's one thing we like to do it's travel!

From Benson

I'm feeling much better thank you. Although I really didn't enjoy my visit to the hospital the nurses told my mom I was gentle and quiet. I am back to my old self of playing hockey in the kitchen with bottle caps, chasing my brother down the hall, cuddling up with Mommy C and chasing the monsters away from the front door.

Benson

Our sweet little boy Benson had (what we think) a seizure last night. He was curled up in bed with Chris and I was in the office when all of a sudden I heard her yelling my name. I went running into the bedroom and saw him all curled up and rigid. He was completely out of it. I have witnessed many people seizures and after effects so what I saw with Benson made me think this was a seizure.

Chris went into the kitchen to find a phone to call an emergency vet and I held Benson. He began moving his head and looking around and licking his lips. As I held him he began moving again and wanting to get off the bed.

He walked around looking quite lost for about half an hour and not acting like himself. Finally we all went back to bed and he curled up between us and went to sleep.

This morning he seems like his old self, quiet and gentle little Ben. He's a tender hearted cat and easily scared.

Pets are wonderful additions to our home and it's hard to watch any one of them suffer. Say a prayer for Benson today ok? Thanks.

New Years 2011

We had a fabulous time at the Oregon Coast. Although I have been there many many times I have never been in the middle of winter. It was sunny and clear and the coast was as amazing to see in the winter as it is in the summer. We may have had to dress a little warmer but it was worth it. There were still lots of people walking and riding their bikes, walking their dogs and children, sight seeing and enjoying time together.

We stayed in a little condo on the beach and it was comfortable and warm. What a relaxing time.

Every morning I opened the blinds to see the sun shining brightly on the water. Waves crashing onto the shore. At night we saw the most spectacular sunsets as the glow of the bright orange sun lingered on the horizon.

We celebrated 7 years together and talked about our future as we shared new goals and dreams together. It's good to go away and just spend time with each other without outside distractions.

As the door to the closet opens wider and wider in my world I am thinking of just bursting it wide open on FB. I am pretty sure of the reaction of some of my former Bible College/Church friends from Hawaii and expect that many of them will unfriend me. Some may write to me to preach and tell me to turn from my wicked ways. There may be those who will accept me as the friend they've always known and loved and who cares about my sexuality? I don't care about theirs.....but that's a whole other story.

Here's to 2011..........a new year. Living life out loud.

Happy New Year!

We're off to Oregon for a few days to watch the waves crash along the coast, walk the promenade, celebrate 7 years together and ring in the new year!

Here's to 2011 being a great year for all of us.

Christmas at our house 2010

It was a quiet peaceful Christmas around here with both of us being sick and not wanting to leave the house. Becky is visiting which is always nice because then at least one of us (me) is forced to get dressed and take her out. The cats are happy to have us around as we gave up our plans to go away and leave them all alone (oh the tragedy) at Christmas.



We have a lot to be thankful for as we reflect on our peaceful home with lots of food and drink, our pets, our loving relationship, our friends and our family. Life is good.



As we approach a new year I pray blessings and peace on your home and all those that dwell inside.

1. What do you add to your coffee?
nothing, don't mess with my coffee.

2. What are you reading now?
blogs, email, facebook, i like to keep it simple.

3. Do you own a gun?
nope.

4. Are you registered to vote?
of course.

5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments?
yes I do.

6. What do you think of hot dogs?
I like the ones that the vendors at Home Depot sell cuz they're big and plump.

7. Favorite Christmas Song?
Oh Holy Night

8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning?
Coffee.

9. Can you do push ups?
can YOU do push ups?

10. What was the name of your first boyfriend/girlfriend?
Norman/Paula

11. What’s your favorite piece of jewelery?
I'm not sure I have a fave, certain pieces are special because of the person they're related to.

12. Favorite hobby?
Scrapbooking.

13. Do you work with people who idolize you?
Sometimes. I have clients that tell me they love me and want to marry me. Then they lick the windows on my bus.

14. Do you have ADD?
Sometimes but I try to overcome it with my OCD

15. What’s one trait that you hate about yourself?
I am full of self doubt.

16. What’s your Middle name?
Joan

17. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment.
I hope Chris is feeling better.
I wish my back felt better.
I'm going to make home made cookies for dinner.

18. Name 3 things you bought yesterday.
bottle of wine
turkey dinner in a restaurant
gas for my car

19. Name 3 beverages you regularly drink.
Coffee
Diet Coke
Water


20. Current worry right now?
that my shoulder/arm won't heal enough for me to work at my job again.

21. What side do you dress to?
Ummm, what kind of question is this? I put my left foot in my sock first. Left foot in my pants, my shoes...so maybe that's the answer?

22. Favorite place to be?
Home, with the ones I love

23. How did you bring in the New Year?
I don't remember.

24. Where would you like to go?
somewhere warm

25. Name three people who will see today.
Chris
Diana
cashier at the grocery store


Cool questions. Play along. It was fun.

This afternoon Chris was playing guitar and she sang me the cutest little song of all..."Baby, you're my love, the love of my life. Someday, I'm gonna make you, make you my wife. In 5 more years! we'll drink some beers! Baby, you're ..........." ya, it ended there. funny no?

In the past few months we've heard of more and more ss couples getting 'engaged' after only meeting each other a few times. Don'tcha think you need to know someone "just a leetle beet better than that?"

As Andre Crouch would say.........'through it all.......through it all.....i've learned to trust in Jesus, i've learned to trust in God.'

6 years

it's been 6 years already since God called my brother John home. i still miss him. his big voice, his big heart, his love of all things vw and his huge love for his family. he raised 3 really great kids who live on to tell stories about him that reflect their love and respect for him.

Christmas Dinner 2010

12 Days of Christmas Hawaiian Style

(The 12 Days of Christmas local style)
- by Eaton B. Magoon Jr., Edward Kenny, Gordon N. Phelps

Numbah One day of Christmas, my tutu give to me
One mynah bird in one papaya tree.

Numbah Two day of Christmas, my tutu give to me
Two coconut, an' one mynah bird in one papaya tree.

Numbah Tree day of Christmas, my tutu give to me
Tree dry squid, two coconut,
An' one mynah bird in one papaya tree.

Numbah Foah day of Christmas, my tutu give to me
Foah flowah lei, tree dry squid, two coconut,
An' one mynah bird in one papaya tree.

Numbah Five day of Christmas, my tutu give to me
Five beeg fat peeg... foah flowah lei, tree dry squid, two coconut,
An' one mynah bird in one papaya tree.

Numbah Seex day of Christmas, my tutu give to me
Seex hula lesson, five beeg fat peeg (that make TEN!),
Foah flowah lei, tree dry squid, two coconut,
An' one mynah bird in one papaya tree.

Numbah Seven day of Christmas, my tutu give to me
Seven shrimp a-swimmin', seex hula lesson,
Five beeg fat peeg, foah flowah lei, tree dry squid, two coconut,
An' one mynah bird in one papaya tree.

Numbah Eight day of Christmas, my tutu give to me
Eight ukulele, seven shrimp a-swimmin', seex hula lesson,
Five beeg fat peeg (that make TWENNY!), foah flowah lei, tree dry squid, two coconut,
An' one mynah bird in one papaya tree.

Numbah Nine day of Christmas, my tutu give to me
Nine pound of poi, eight ukulele, seven shrimp a-swimmin',
Seex hula lesson, five beeg fat peeg, foah flowah let, tree dry squid, two coconut,
An' one mynah bird in one papaya tree.

Numbah Ten day of Christmas, my tutu give to me
Ten can of beer, nine pound of poi, eight ukuklele, seven shrimp a-swimmin'
Seex hula lesson, five beeg fat peeg,
Foah flowah lei, tree dry squid, two coconut,
An' one mynah bird in one papaya tree.

Numbah Eleven day of Christmas, my tutu give to me
Eleven missionary, ten can of beer, nine pound of poi,
Eight ukulele, seven shrimp a-swimmin', seex hula lesson,
Five beeg fat peeg, foah flowah lei, tree dry squid, two coconut,
An' one mynah bird in one papaya tree.

(Numbah Twelve day of Christmas the bes', and the bes' stuff always come las'...)

Numbah Twelve day of Christmas, my tutu give to me
Twelve TELEVISION, eleven missionary, ten can of beer,
Nine pound of poi, eight ukulele, seven shrimp a-swimmin',
Seex hula lesson, FORTY steenkin' peeg,
Foah flowah lei, tree dry squid, two coconut,
An' one mynah bird in one papaya tree!

Music and lyrics published by Hawaiian Recording and Publishing Company, Inc., and copyrighted in 1959.

Lovin' the Fall

I love the fall on a sunny day when you can almost see your breath.



Went for a walk last week in the crisp fall air.



I love it when the rain stops long enough to get in the car and drive down to the lake and snap some shots.



It's been a few years since I was at this lake despite it not being very far away from where we live.

Change of Career

Chris and I have been chatting about a new career for me that would require less physical work than driving a bus and assisting clients in wheelchairs. As much as I love driving the DART I have injured myself quite severely and feel like I should look at other job possibilities.

So what is it that I/we love to do? Travel! We love travelling, near, far, anywhere in between. So with that in mind I have started on a 2 year program of getting my CITC certification. It's what you need 'in the biz'.

I look forward to the next 2 years of (part time) schooling and seeing where God will lead us in this new endeavor.

Stop the Spam

Just so you know.......do not bother to send me spam to publish on my blog. I write this blog for myself as a journal of my life. Your spam does not belong so cut. it. out.

There, I said it. I mean it. Stop it.

Kit the Tool Man

It's been 7 years since Kit went home to be with Jesus. Memories of him still flood my mind sometimes when I'm driving. I can't pass a road crew wearing bright orange vests without remembering Kit having to be reminded to take it off before going to bed. Measuring tapes? He had 14 when he died. Tool belt? At least 3. Work boots? one very worn pair, one semi worn, one just getting broken in and a brand new pair in his closet.



Kit had to be kept busy or things would 'disappear' somehow only to mysteriously reappear in his room upon inspection. Then he would vehemently deny knowing anything about the items or how they got there. It was always a big mystery.





When he'd visit my house and I'd have to use the washroom I'd let him play my guitar. That way I knew as long as he making noise his hands were busy.




The thing I miss the most about Kit is the way he prayed. If you were the recipient of his prayers you really knew you were prayed for. He would demand God for His attention because a friend of his was in need.

I miss you Bud. You were the best.

Chris and I went to Kamloops for the weekend to 'mend fences' with my brother and his wife. Because of some misunderstanding and past hurt feelings we haven't visited each other in several years.

The first time they met Chris was when my brother John passed away and hardly a good time to a) tell him I'm gay and b) introduce him to my significant other.

Years went by and we hardly spoke and then it became nothing at all.

Then in August I got an email and that started things rolling in the right direction. Emails passed back and forth and Chris and I made plans to go and see them.

It was a great visit. The feeling of awkwardness disappeared and we were back to just hanging out and laughing. My brother and I have always laughed a lot together and teased each other and bantered back and forth. Chris kept saying 'you're so much alike'. I had forgotten how much alike we really are.

Today my mom called and asked 'so what's new?' and I told her we went to Kamloops. Things got quiet. My brother and mother never speak and basically I've laid down the ground rules.

You 2 talk to each other and leave me out of it. I am NOT getting in the middle. I will have a relationship with you (Mom) and I will have one with you (Ralph).

And that's the way it is.....families.

My Nephew Ricky

Ok, is he not the most adorable? I met him for the first time this weekend when Chris and I went to visit my brother and sister-in-law. He was a rescue dog, left for 16 hours at a time in a laundry room because his people got 'too busy' for him. Can you imagine?