The Cage

Can a lion and a bull share the same cage without killing each other?

As you know Tonio and I moved in together and it’s been little over a month now. We’re in the “adjustment” phase. We’ve had our bumps here and there but we’re jellin’. We (Junior included) are really settling in to this comfortable family life and things are a lot easier. I’ve noticed a change in Junior. At one time he was jealous of Tonio and now he realizes that he has a place in both our lives and he knows we both love him very much. He’s more relaxed around us and settling in. Tonio has been great also. As someone who hasn’t had a lot of experience with children, he’s assumed the role of 'parent' and stepped up to the plate and is doing a fantastic job. I notice he’s careful not to fall into the ‘buddy’ role. All too often that role can get overshadowed with misinterpretations and disaster is sure to follow. In the parent role, Tonio is able to be seen by Junior as someone in the authoritative light, but knows he means what he says and will be there for him unconditionally.

We're coming along very well. Before everyone was going their own way (myself included) we’re now moving in the same direction. We have a common goal and we’re actually learning a lot about ourselves as well. We’re understanding, respectful and mindful of everyone else. As with every family, there will be hiccups along the way, but I feel we’re on the right track to really being a great family. Communication, respect, trust, humor (a lot of it) are all thrown into the blend. Heck if it works this well, we’ll even bottle and sell it!

So I ask the question again – Can a lion and a bull share the same cage without killing each other? Absolutely. In this cage, everyone is treating as a king.

Guns: No Toy

I may be the only one who thinks like this, but regarding the 4th grader who brought a “gun” to school; I do agree that it definitely went too far. I do believe the principal had every right to tell the child it wasn’t a good idea to bring it to school and take it away from him. Suspend from school? Probably not. I say this because, where do we draw the line? If the gun was a little bigger but smaller than an actual gun, would that have been ok? So some cop could mistake the gun for real and call out to the child to drop it and when the child turns around (of course pointing the gun at the cop) the cop retaliates and fires a round, killing the child instantly only to hide behind him saying “It looked real.” What would the mother say then? Then she’d ask why the principal didn’t ban ALL guns. In this day and age of technology being what it is, guns can and do come in all shapes, sizes and materials. It’s not inconceivable for a gun to be smaller than what we know as average. As small as the toy Lego gun? No…well not yet anyway. If you want your child to play with guns, that’s on you, but don’t let he or she bring it to school. Someone has to take a stand and say “no guns period.” Yes I do think this particular situation was blown out of proportion and the media of course didn’t help but hey, maybe it’s just me.

Journey

I've been on a long journey. Starting perhaps even before I knew there was one. As I am about to embark on the next tier of my life. I do so full of nerves. Scared. But not a scared that I don't want to. A scared that you get right before something wonderful happens. The butterflies you get in the pit of your stomach that lets you know you're alive. It's definitely a good thing.

I've learned that you can't stunt your growth by allowing guilt to keep you from having it all. You shouldn't punish yourself for living your best life when those around you didn't have the opportunity or drive to live theirs. Everyone has a choice: they had theirs; you have yours. Choose wisely. Live better, fuller, richer. Don't let history repeat itself. You be the trailblazer.

Nothing Can Stop Me If You're My Goal

For You

Tell Him About It

If you're feeling it, share it. Tell him how you feel.

I Knew I Loved You

Dedicated to anyone who's fortunate enough to have found their soul mate.
Baby, this is our song.

Man In The Mirror

Looking at the man in the mirror, do you like what you see?
Looking at the man in the mirror, is that who you want to be?
It's not too late, there's time to change.
Or stand your ground, be confident, stake your claim.
Embrace your "you" be proud, don't look back.
Learn from the past, step up and get on track.
Looking at the man in the mirror, do you like what you see?
Looking at the man in the mirror, is that who you want to be?