The New Guy on the Island

So maybe someone can explain to me how two people that have known all of the same people and grew up (well kind of) in the same town can go 28 years without meeting each other? Ha ha well I can, Fate. God has incredible sense of humor, or maybe he just always knows better and when exactly to put someone in your life. He tends to do it, especially when you need it... smart guy that God. So yes, there's a new beau in my life. He sure is special... gets me all giggly. Funny thing about this one, he's totally different from any route I've ever gone, in the best way ever. Simple, humble, non-judgmental, talented beyond all reason, handsome, and best of all he spoils the crap out of me. Not with fancy dinners, or expensive gifts but by giving me all he has to offer, especially his time and my own. He's a man, a real one, who works with his hands, and isn't afraid to get a little dirty to fix something, build something, or stand up for the girl he calls his own. He won't complain or whine when he's hurt, but he knows how to show his emotions when he needs to. He acts like a kid, but knows how to be a man when he needs to be. He isn't about showing off even though he's got a lot to put out there, he'll hug a stranger, and be your best friend by the end of the night the first time he meets you. His family is amazing, truly like my own, loving, adoring, affectionate, and welcoming, doting both my daughter and I with the kindest affection we've ever seen. Now I know what I've been missing, and found it all wrapped up into one. A man who lets me be me, doesn't tell me how to dress, or fix my hair, or how to put on my make up, one who loves hanging out with my friends, and my family and no matter how bad he feels he still puts on a happy face. He's seen me at my worst and still thinks I'm amazing. How lucky am I? Guess you gotta kiss a lot of frogs before you find a prince. The frogs just make you appreciate the prince even more when you finally get him. Funny thing about this one... most guys in the past would try to buy their way into my daughters heart, bargaining with getting her a treat, or buying her this toy, and she would be excited to see them, not for them though... and first words out of her mouth would be "what did you get me," "did you bring me something," yeah that doesn't really work for me. See he's different, he actually gives her his time and nothing else, and she can't wait for him to come home, not for some gift she's expecting, but the gift of his hug, or for him to sing her a song, or dance with her, makes my heart sing. And it hasn't sung this loud ever...Yes, there's a new guy on my island, and I'm pretty darn sure this ones gonna last a lot longer than a three hour tour.

Gilligan, signing off....

A Long Time Coming...

It's been a long time since I sat to spill my words out on the white screen of my lap top. But I believe its long overdue. Its healthy for me to go back and read my online journal so to speak and reminisce about where I've been and how far I've come in my own personal growth. So much has occurred lately it's hard to know quite where to begin. The holidays have come and gone and its time to return to the reality of life...the nine to five. The hustle and bustle of the end of this year and the beginning of a new one. And this new year holds so much promise for a better life for everyone. With opportunity and joy. Since my previous blogs about my old living circumstances so much has changed. I'm HAPPY. Genuinely happy. I made the best decision in my life to return to the one town I thought I'd never be so happy to see. To my hometown, my old Alma Mater. Some people have argued the point that moving to an old cow poke town is the last place they would expect to see me, but that is the most unrealistic depiction of my hometown any one could convey. And let me tell you why... Yes, it's a small town and gossip and speculation and conjecture are very common here. But that gossip and "chisme" are great things to have when you're child is a teenager and it's the only way you're going to find out what they've really been up to when they're not in your sights... But there's also family... not everyone is a homebody, this I am aware of. But let me tell you, I am! The tradition and unity of a small town wether for a high school sports event, or when someone is in dire need, this town unites. In a way no big city ever would or could. That feeling of belonging somewhere is what brings people back; generation after generation. My little Kira is the fourth generation in Devine to wear our maroon and gold. And I couldn't be any prouder. Things down here are so much simpler, where a hug and a handshake take you back to a day when people really were who they said they were. Where instead of sitting around playing video games, we sit around actually talking to each other trying our luck at a card game, or warming our selves by a fire pit. Where the simplicity of the town you grow up in keeps your humble, and sane, yet teaches you the meaning of pride. So many wonderful things about this town, and though most don't see it through my rose colored glasses, I finally feel at home, and my daughter reciprocates this simply perfect feeling. The evenings spent on the front porch playing my guitar, drinking a beer with my amazing roommate, while the neighborhood kids all run around playing outside just like the good ole' days, before internet, before people were afraid to let their kids play outside for fear of predators, before video games, before parents were just too tired to spend even a moments time with their children... if this is what small towns have to offer, sign me up, I'll take it. Signing off for now...