Personal

A couple weeks after Katie and I moved into this apartment, what I thought was 2 younger guys moved into the apartment upstairs. No big deal. Over the last month or so we have noticed there was a lot of noise, especially after 11 and at times we were woken up at 1am and later. Last week we were woken up at 2 by kids throwing stuff at their window while standing by our window.

When they moved in, Katie told me they were just kids and not to stress. We had both had our first apartments and been excited and a probably a little louder. I agreed and let it go for the most part, but when it really started getting to Katie also, things had to be done. I asked them a couple times to keep it down, not pound around, etc. Then we had to resort to the pounding back on the ceiling with the broom . (I know, seems like a movie cliche’) Finally, when it didn’t stop, I called the leasing office. They said that they would send a complaint letter to the tenants. Cool, a little scare would help.

So, this afternoon, two of the tenants knocked on the door and asked to talk. It seems that one of the kids father was the guarantor on the lease and the leasing office called him directly. The kid looked pretty shaken and wanted to know what they could do to alleviate the situation. After a g nice chat I found out their were 4 guys living up there (Three just out of High School) and going to art school. They admitted to dropping their supplies when they get home, hence the pounding. It turns out the one I had asked a few times to keep it down never relayed it to the others.

In order to head it off in the future, they gave me their number so we can call before we have to call the office. Something we would rather do. I would much rather be the cool guy downstairs rather than the mean old man. Good thing we don’t have a lawn

I just got a message from an old friend, who when I met him was pretty straight edge even when I was drinking and drugging. I used to help him out as his drum tech, and had many good times with him. About the time I got sober 16 years ago, he started dabbling in pills and hard alcohol, then a few years later he went off the deep end. I watched him spiral downward, and every so often he would resurface, looking worse and worse. I tried to give him every opportunity I got when I was trying to get on my feet, but he wasn’t ready. He still had some good ideas left. After not hearing from him for quite a while, myself and others figured him to be dead.
A while ago another friend who moved to Wisconsin informed me that he had looked her up and they were helping him clean up. I was very happy, but due to his track record, I was a little skeptical. It has been a couple years since then, and I hadn’t heard much about him, until that same friend made a Facebook page for him.
I just received a message from him saying that he has been clean three years and would like to get back in touch. It brought tears to my eyes for a couple reasons. The main reason is that he is not suffering and fighting the battle I know too well and that he has a second chance due to some humbling experiences and a little divine and not-so-devine intervention.
I am excited to actually talk to him this afternoon.

There is no such thing as a problem without a gift for you in its hands. You seek problems because you need their gifts. -Illusions – The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah” by Richard Bach – 1977

There is a lot potentially overwhelming things in my life today. My lead position at work, the economy, my marriage, daily interactions with people. If I let it, it could crush me. But I won’t let it. What will I do instead? Let it out, and keep moving on in faith. This entry is mainly for me, but if any of you readers wish to comment, or can relate, I welcome it.

It is well known that economically, things are shitty. Banks are failing, jobs are harder to come by, and the cost of living keeps going up. Recently, in spite of knowing these things, we have made some major decisions and have to do our best to keep moving forward. Mainly, Katie has quit her corporate job to go to school to get a certificate in a field she loves. What does that mean? No $40/hr a week steady paycheck. She still will be doing the equine therapy to offset some of the costs, but it is not the same income we had. Will it be tough, yes. It has taken me a long time to be comfortable with this. I created lots of financial insecurity in the past, and have worked hard to clean that up and get ahead of the game. Living in Orange County does not make it any easier. The cost of living is outrageous compared to some other places we would like to move to. Those are things we are planning for, but we have to take certain steps now so we can make the move right (Saving some money for the move, rent, etc..) Can we live through the 3 months she is in school until she can get another job? yes. She already has had offers for jobs, she just needs certification. Anyway, her other job was making her life miserable and I would rather cut out some “wants” and see her quality of life go up than make her stay there. I am a big believer of do what you love, the pay in the long run is better.

Am I scared that things might not work out economically? A little. If things get tough, there are things we can cut out, like cable TV, etc… (But not internet …der and we could cut that if we really had to) I have learned that as the saying goes, money isn’t everything. It can help, but when I learn to live with the basics, everything is a bonus.

I am overpaid every day with the life that I have, and have everything I need. Sometimes it takes moments like this to remember the simple things. I have people around me that love me, and more importantly that I love them, a roof over my head, food to put in my stomach, and a spiritual connection with a power greater than myself which gives me that faith.

No one ever said life would always be easy, and the next couple months will be hard, but the payoff will b e worth it, no matter what. I could chose to pull the covers over my head and hope it will go away (which was a favorite thing to try years ago) or I can trudge through it with my head held high. I chose the latter. I am a firm believer that if your not living, then your dying.

Honestly, I am a little scared about the next couple months, but am excited.  

“Avoid problems and you’ll never be the one who overcame them.” ―“Running from Safety: An Adventure of the Spirit” (Richard Bach)