Wow, I can't believe how long it's been since I've blogged here. So much has changed in my life! I will give the Cliff-notes version, ok...maybe I'll just post the highlights. Basically, I've quit drinking and life is so much better. I switched jobs back in July of 2009. I'm a cashier at a grocery store. I quit drinking January 20th of this year. Jackson and I still live at the same place. He's doing awesome. I've decided to go to college and have been taking college prep classes this past summer and fall. I will begin this coming January. I plan on getting my AA at the community college that's a block away from where I live, then I'll transfer to the University in 2 years to get my BA. I plan to major in Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations. My ultimate goal is to become an Entertainment Coordinator at a tribal casino and book bands/concerts/events. Who knows, maybe I'll change things up during the course of these next 4 years. I've also decided to apply at the new Wal-Mart Supercenter that just opened this past week. My current job has cut everyone's hours. I'm down to 4 hours a week and there's no way I can live on that. Since my last post, I got rid of the hoopty car, bought a Jeep Cherokee and have recently sold that. I gotta start thinking like a poor, college kid. This year has presented many new opportunities for me. It started last Fall and Winter. I fell and hurt my knee last December and was finally able to be seen by a knee specialist. They took lots of x-rays and have discovered I have extensive and severe Osteoarthritis in my knees and feet. With that, I am now involved with Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. They will help with my college costs. I'm also getting financial aid. I have been seeing a Doctor all year and I'm getting my cholesterol under control with meds. I take 2 pain pills a day. I also take alot of vitamins and I'm trying to get in shape. I just started going to the dentist and he's working on my smile. I just had a root canal, and I need 3 fillings. I'm also seeing a counselor once a week to help me sort my life out. He's basically a sounding board who offers excellent advice. His help has been an integral part of my recovery. Oh yeah, I went to rehab this past Spring for 3 weeks and graduated. I had already been sober for a couple months at that point. I'm actively volunteering in my community. I started with the food bank. Then the Red Cross over the summer. I just got certified in CPR/First Aid/AED. I plan on volunteering at the Chamber of Commerce, in hopes I can learn more aboout Event Planning. At school I've joined the Creative Writing Club and was made Vice Pres. I'm also in the Rock Solid Wellness Club. I'm interested in attending a couple Toastmaster Club meetings, to better myself with public speaking. All these things tie-in together for my future. Life is good, my friends. I haven't been looking for love this year, not actively anyway. I'm working on bettering myself. The kind of man I want should also have a good woman and I intend on being good. Does that make sense? i won't settle for less but first I need to "fine-tune" myself. I've been working on making my home nice and cozy. This coming june i plan on going up to Alaska to get my stuff outta storage. Yup, this kid has gone through ALOT of changes. I'm doing alright. Alrighty, that's it for now. Just thought I'd come here and check it out. I spend alot of time on facebook, not so much myspace. I hope all is well with you. Drop me a line sometime. Take care and God Bless. Oh yeah, Happy Halloweenie!!

Holy Cow ~ I guess it's been awhile since I've been on here. All is good in my life. I've been on myspace daily. I signed up for Facebook too but rarely visit there. I'm stil at the same job. During Christmas I was working long hours, now I'm putting in around 24 hours a week. I'm not complaining, with times as tough as they are, I'm grateful for what I do have. I'm still living at the same place. I love my 1-bdrm. duplex. I figure, I'm doing pretty good...rent is $425 and I have a job. Some days I price rent in other cities and it's crazy high. My hoopty car is on the fritz right now so I've been riding the bus and on occasion, taking cabs. As soon as it gets nice, I can ride my bike. We had a harsh winter but lately it's been sunny and in the high 40's. I'm being lulled into a false sense of Spring but I should know better. More snow is in the forecast. No new loves. That's all I'm gonna say about that. My cat, Jackson, is doing great. He's a little ornery sometimes but lovable. He still plays like a kitty. I've had him for 11 months. Well, that's about "it" in a nutshell. How's everyone doing here? If ya wanna see some recent pix and read my daily blog on myspace it's at ~ www.myspace.com/jrluvsme. Take good care y'all!

Has it really been 2.5 months since I've last blogged here? Wow. It seems like all I do lately is work and sleep, lol. Actually, I had a really nice summer. I was 2nd runner up to becoming asst. manager at my store but was promised the next promotion. My boss says he's prepping me daily to become an Asst. Mgr.~ he and I have become tight. I absolutely adore my co-worker/asst. mgr. Kari, we're pals. No new loves. I've gone out with some nice guys but I always seem to find guys from out of town, here on business. Don't ask me why? Sept. 21st I saw Geoff Tate Band in concert, in Spokane. Rocktober 4th I'll see him again, with his band, Queensryche in Lewiston, ID. I'm so excited! Other than that, I spend alot of time on myspace. I've reunited with lots of friends from my past. I'm working more hours, usually anywhere from 30-40 hours a week. For awhile I was working 40 hours...but we've hired some more people and need to share the hours. I'm in charge of training the cashiers. My home life is good. Jackson, the cat, is still entertaining me and the daily walking traffic (people who walk by my huge picture window everyday). I'll try to post some recent pix. I've downloaded them but don't know what to do after that. Well, it's way too early to start my day. I just woke up and felt like surfing around for awhile. I'll try to keep in better touch. Hope y'all have a nice Fall. Love Ya!

It's been so nice and hot out....whew! How's everybody doing in the Stream? Great I hope! Well, I've been cashiering in one of those Dollar Stores. I know, not very glamorous and I don't make tips but I'm having fun. I work around 26 hours a week. I kinda like only having to work p/t in the summer and having nights off. I get 2 days off a week and I'm just chillin' like a villian. It's been in the 90's and I'm still not used to the heat. Hey, it could be worse. Anyhooo ~ Life is good. I'm thinking about going to my first motorcycle rally this coming weekend (18th & 19th). It's called The Rosalia Rally and it's a pretty big event. Last year a few of the Captains from the Deadliest Catch were there. That's what's drawing me there this year, in hopes some will show up. Not working much is nice but lack of funds isn't. I clean a couple immaculate houses every other week, they pay me $20 bucks an hour for 3 hours work. It's so f'n easy and the cash is nice. That helps out alot. This Fall I'll look around for a bartending gig, unless I become an Asst. Mgr. at the store. That's another possability. It would mean another dollar an hour and a f/t schedule. Sweet. ALrighty then...I think I'm going to wander down to the pub and have a cold one. See wassagoinon. Drop me a line sometime. Love Ya! MWAH!

My pal, Kyle Weaver was drafted into the NBA by the Charlotte Bobcats last night! I'm so proud of him and happy! I called his Trainer, Mike, and he said they'll be back here next month and I can't wait to see them!!! How cool is that! Life is good for this kid. Just working and enjoying hot summer days. I only work p/t, which I don't mind at all in the summer. I'll be looking for a bartending gig, always. I miss the tips but love the easy job I have now. Let's see...Junior got his win recently and all in all, everything is fine. How's everyone in the Stream doing? Y'all take 'r easy! Trixie