Graduation 2009 - Congratulations Jessica !!

Wow ! What a week !! It's been a whirlwind !

On Wednesday, June 3, Jessica performed in her Senior Showcase @ Weaver Academy. On the way there, the most horrible storm came up. It was absolutely horrible ! It was the worst storm I had been in years. I have attached a link, so you can see some of the mayhem in left in Greensboro. Jessica's concert had to be postponed for about 45 minutes, while the maintenance crews HVAC'd the water that got into the building near the stage. However, the concert did go on...and it was wonderful....Of course, i got all teary !

http://www.myfox8.com/wghp-pg-june-3-storms-090603,0,3923815.photogallery

My beautiful Daughter, Jessica, graduated from Weaver Academy for the Visual & Performing Arts on Thursday, June 4, 209 at Odell Auditorium at Greensboro College. It was absolutely beautiful ceremony. She had a graduating class of 63 kids.

I had cleaned all day and cooked for about 15 members of the family and friends who would be attending after graduation. As we were walking out of the auditorium, my 82 year old aunt fell in Odell Auditorium's Foyer. She had a wound on her elbow and her back hurt. Therefore, rest of my evening was spent in an Urgent Care ! I don't want to appear totally childish, but I was totally disappointed. I couldn't believe, on one of the most special days of my daughter's life, I was not celebrating at home with her. Instead, my ex wife and her husband, basically, hosted my party at my house....and I did all the work for it ! Don't get me wrong...they were great. I was just totally disgusted I couldn't be there. It wasn't anyone's fault...It was just an accident. However, it totally ruined the evening. I, finally, get home around 11 PM. The kids' friends were still there, so I sat up and ate while they played cards and chatted. However, to add to the nights fesitivities, it stormed all evening, and my kitchen sprung a leak !! I have lived in that house 20 years and have never had a roof leak....but of course....tonight will be my lucky night !!

However, with all the Drama....I can't be any prouder of my daughter. Jessica graduated "Cum Laude", and we didnt' even know it, till that night. She didn't even know it !

I LOVE YOU , JESSICA !!

LET's GET HEALTHY !!

Well, the days are longer and warmer ! It's time to be getting outdoors...working in the flowers and vegetable garden. Soon it will be time for swimming, hiking, playing yard games....I just haven't beenn in shape for the last few years....I'm tired of it...I complain about it...I try to ignore it...and avoid situations where I have to be half dressed publicly...i.e., swimming pools...etc.

So last Tuesday, I began eating right...and exercising....To date, I have lost 7 lbs....not bad for 5 days. Let's hope I can keep the momentum.

Currently, I feel very, very motivated to eat right and to exercise. It's not a chore at all..

A Late Goodbye to my Childhood Best Friend !

GOODBYE KERRY !!

Around Christmas, my kids insisted that I get a Facebook Account, convincing me that I would enjoy getting in contact with all my "long lost friends"....the jury is still out on that ! However, I have been the good 'Facebooker' and have logged on a few times and been making 'friends' with old and current friends.

Last Saturday, I was sitting at my computer and my childhood friend, Kerry Buffkin, came to my mind. I thought I would locate him on Facebook, with no success. I, then, "googled" him. Initially, I found nothing, but after a couple of minutes, I came across his mother's obituary. It stated that ...."she was preceeded in death by her husband, William Horace Buffkin and her loving son, William Kerry Buffkin...." Suddenly, I felt like I had been punched in the stomach. I just sat there...staring at the computer and thinking of many of the childhood memories that I had with Kerry. I sat thinking about the last time I talked to him...maybe 4 or 5 years earlier...He had married and had a son.

I was left with so many questions....When did he die?.....How did he die?.... What happened to his son?.....Where is Donna, his sister?

I started "Googling" his name, his mom's name...anything to get more information. Finally, I came across Legacy.com. After paying a small fee, it will locate any published Obituary for you. I found Kerry's:

William Kerry Buffkin

Mr. Buffkin, 38, of Charlotte, died Friday, January 23, 2004. A private memorial service was held at Eastway Baptist Church on Monday. Rev. Richard Howie officiated.Born in Charlotte, he was the son of Jo Ann Buffkin and the late William Horace Buffkin. A self employed Physical Fitness Trainer, he is survived, in addition to his mother, by his son, William 'Will' Kerr Buffkin, Jr. and Will's mother, Alison Buffkin; sister, Donna B. Perry and husband Joseph 'Mike' Perry; nephew, Justin C. Perry and niece, Cammie V. Perry.

Memorials may be made to the charity of one's choice in memory of Kerry.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Midland is serving the Buffkin Family.

Wow....Kerry has been gone for 5 years....and here I sit grieving over my friend. What happened to him? It's a strange feeling to have been so close to Kerry and discover he has been gone for 5 years and no opportunity to say goodbye.

I contacted the family church the following Tuesday and they contacted Donna for me. She returned my call that afternoon. She told me how coincidental it was that I was contacting her. She told me that the prior Saturday, she was in Charlotte, going through her mom's belongings and discovered a family photo album and saw pictures of Kerry and me. It's ironic that the same morning she is looking at photos of Kerry and I as kids...I'm sitting home, being compelled to look for Kerry on Facebook !

It was so good to talk to Donna. We discussed Kerry's death. I choose not to discuss it here. However, it was a senseless death and a total waste of a wonderful human being. Donna has married, has 2 children and lives in Wake Forrest now. We discussed the 'good ole days' and when Kerry and I were such close friends. I told her about Kerry spending the summer with me in 1985....2 years after high school. It was an awesome summer !! We were young and mischievious. Donna didn't know that I had even named a cat after Kerry. I named him "Buffkin". He was a siamese mix.

Donna and I talked for a couple of hours, promising to keep in touch. It was really hard to say goodbye. I'm not really sure why? Maybe, I feel like talking to Donna is like my "Memorial Service" to Kerry. I'm just not ready to say good bye...for a couple of hours, I've been transported back to my childhood, remembering my best friend. I'm not ready to come back to 5 years after his death.

Kerry, my friend, it is terribly difficult to say goodbye to you ! I hope you know...I cherish my childhood memories with you. Thank you for teaching me to let go and be a kid !!

I will never forget you, Kerry !! May You Rest in Peace !

Significant Snowfall in NC ?

Sunday, March 1.....Finally, a Winter Storm Warning !!! Therefore we have a chance for Significant snowfall....possibly 4 - 6 inches forecasted !! The Only downfall, is I have to work tonight. It's not that I mind driving in the snow....It's just sad I have to work and can't enjoy it.

WHAT A ROLLER COASTER OF A WEEK !!

Finally, the current economic crisis has hit the company I work. Layoffs were inevitable and announcements were made this week. I knew at least 10 -1 5 of the impacted people. How terribly sad ! Several of the impacted people were folks I have considered friends. In fact, one was a guy I had dated a couple of years ago. Most of these people were high tenured people with the company, having given15 - 20 years of their lives. I'm sure they are feeling of a sense of betrayal. I know I would. It's hard to imagine that some of the people I have worked with and socialized with, will no longer be apart of our company.

However, the big news in my life.....I have reconnected with an old flame. He's someone I have not stopped caring for since our relationship had a sudden end in the fall. Brian made the initiative to contact me last weekend. He asked if I would have coffee with him on Monday, of course, I accepted. I was really interested in seeing him and my reaction. Well...My heart skipped a beat when I saw him standing in front of Barnes & Noble. We decided to have dinner, being neither of us had eaten. I really sat back and listened to him. He apologized for the fall and we discussed if there was enough between us to pick up and see where this relationship would lead. We, both, decided we wanted to move forward. We made plans for Thursday.

On Tuesday, Brian texted and wondered if I would be up for going to dinner. Of Course, I was up for it ! We had dinner at Carrabbas . Afterwards, we went to Starbucks and cuddled in the car. On Thursday, after work, we were back at a Starbucks again, and cuddling in the car. He asked if he could go to church with me. I am flattered, excited, nervous...etc. He's beginning to enter my world. After church, we will go to lunch and then he plans to spend the afternoon with me until his super bowl party.

I am trying hard to contain my feelings. It's funny. I cared for him deeply last fall and still do today. I truly believe in the goodness within him. I'm looking forward to seeing what the future holds for us.

Where Does the Time Go !!

Wow ! It's been almost 3 weeks since making a post. Where does the time go ? ! Mainly, I have been working ...I've spending alot of time in software development training with my company. So, I have been working on my days off. I've really been enjoying it and feeling like I'm starting to catch on !! Finally !!!!! Of Course, I still have my part time job at Pier One. I still work their about 15 hours a week. The sales have been great...and I've spent quite a bit of money on Christmas for 2009. What can I say....75% off ....then I get 25% off that with my employee discount !! I'm a sucker for a sale !

It is January 19 and I still have the Christmas Tree up !! Most of the ornaments and lights are still on. I began undecorating last week, but, with work and all....didn't get it finished.

The weather feels alot like winter, now. Friday and Saturday morning, the temps were around 8 degrees. Brrrrrr !!!

I went to church again today. I really enjoy College Park. Jeff and Mark invited me to lunch again...They are the cutest couple ! I really like them and wish them the best. Christy and Jessica are another couple whom I have gotton to know. They have made me feel so welcome.

I'm looking forward to the week. President-elect, Obama, and vice president-elect, Biden will be inaugurated on Tuesday, Jan 20. It looks like the crowds are going to be of historic proportions. I am keeping the kids home from school so they can watch it all on TV. I feel that their schools will not spend the necessary time on the event.

HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!!! 2009

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Welcome 2009 !! What will you bring ? ! I pray for a year of health and prosperity. I pray for the health, wisdom and safety of our New President Elect, Barack Obama and his family. I pray for an Incredible Year of positive change in our economy and government !

I do know that 2009 will bring a High School Graduation in our family. Jessica graduates in early June !! She's grown up to be a beautiful, young lady. Not only beautiful on the outside, but on the inside. Also, College for her in the fall at UNC-Greensboro.

I am hoping for a family vacation in the summer of 2009, if my job holds out ( no layoff). Jessica and Andrew have never been to Washington, D.C. and really would like to go. So, I'm planning to take them to DC this summer for a few days, fly Elliot down to be with us, and then we will all drive up to NYC to stay with Elliot for a week. I hope it will be a wonderful vacation !!

I, also, hope to get much more of the house remodel, completed before Jessica's graduation. I imagine we will be doing a bit of entertaining around that time.

If you look back, I deemed 2007 as the "Year Of the Tear". Looking back over 2008...How do I wrap up the Year? Hmmm? It was a good year....but it was a Year of Goodbyes. During 2008, My Aunt Katy died, as well as other friends: Cliff Bailey, Barry Shoemaker, and Betty Crotts. Each one of these people were wonderful in their own way. It was not only a loss for me, but for many. Good people, they were !

In 2008, I discovered a wonderful church to be apart. College Park Baptist on Aycock Street in Greensboro. It's a progressive church in the sense that it accepts all people....whether gay or straight. It's just not an issue there !! In so many ways, it feels like I've come home....but it's been kind of hard getting to know people. I work such an odd schedule...so of course, it's difficult to hang out with anyone.

We elected a new President in 2008 !! BARACK OBAMA !! The Country seems to want change. I pray he can provide the change necessary to make us a great country again !

As of yet, there is no significant theme for 2008...nothing clear cut. However, it will be a year to be remembered.