Good morning to my followers,
It has been quite some time since I last posted to this blog. Many, many things have changed in my life since the last time I posted.
Unfortunately, my fiance and I did not work out. About 9 months ago we decided that this was not working and it was time that we called it a day. We have since gone our separate ways, he has moved out of state.
I now live in North Minneapolis. I know, I know. North Minneapolis, what are you thinking. Yes, it has it downsides, but I have a great house, with a nice front and back yard. I never thought that my free time would be devoted to getting the lawn green and weedless. Last weekend I cleaned the gutters, cut the grass and hung another piece of gutter. My neighbors are very friendly. After I moved in I am sure they were thinking "Oh god, what just moved in." One day I was cutting the grass with my favorite drink...a martini. Picture this, me pushing the self propelled lawn mower around the block so I could cut the grass on the curb with a martini in hand. Thank God it was not a riding lawn mower or I am sure I would have gotten in some trouble.
What I like best about my neighbors is that we all watch out for each other. A few months ago I was home and not feeling well. I had my new Toastmasters officers over for some training and dinner. Since I was not feeling well they all left about 8:30pm and I fell asleep. What I did not realize is that I accidentally left the front door wide open. I did not realize it until the next morning, I came into the office and checked to see what had happened over night on facebook. As my friend Wayne says "It's not news until it is on facebook, Bonjour." haha. My amazing neighbors across the street Dan & Dennis had noticed it being open for two hours, came over, checked on me, heard me sleeping (I am sorry they had to hear my snoring...), shut and locked the door for me. Now that is a true friend/neighbor. Not many other neighbors would do that for someone.
Yes, our neighborhood does have it's crime. Just the other day I found out from my other neighbor Marta and Jose that my back yard is the favored place to catch criminals. A couple weeks ago as Marta was heading to work she saw a gentleman jump my fence and run thru my backyard, followed by Minneapolis' finest. They caught him near the garage. Just last week a similar situation. I am glad Bentley and/or my partner were not out there when it happened. I recognize that it can be dangerous at time, but that is the compromise I fully acknowledge with the area. As I have said to other people, crime is inevitable and it is every where. It may not be as published in other area's as it is in North Minneapolis.
Months back I needed the brakes changed on the Jeep (Yes, I own a Jeep Grand Cherokee now) I found a shop down on Emerson and 26th that does amazing work at a very resonable price. I dropped it off that morning and figured I would walk back home. As I left the shop I saw a women walking towards me. I try to have an open mind but not having experienced the neighborhood that long I thought "look straight ahead and keep walking" when out of the blue I hear "Good morning". I responded in kind. Ever person I met that morning said the same thing. I did not know if I was dreaming or in the twilight zone. It really changed my impression of North. There are good people, it is just that the bad overshadows the good.
About 6 months I met an amazing Man. Nes (Nestor) who has an amazing story. After coming to the US from Mexico he obtained a job, a life and then by a strange stroke of luck was pulled over and spent 5 months in jail. After going before a Judge he was granted his work visa. We have now built a life together. Aside from him cooking, cleaning and doing laundry I know he loves me. My favorite part of the day is after I get up for work, shower and get dressed. As I kiss him goodbye for the day he tells me every morning "Baby, you look amazing!" even if I feel like hell. I brightens my day and leaves me with a smile. We have a 5 month old son, Bentley. He is a little terror that loves to eat daddy's $200 Kenneth Cole shoes. We are working on breaking him of that.
Nes and I have been heavily involved in the Immigration Reform process. We have far too many brothers and sisters that deserve to live in the place that we (and they) call home. I was honored and so touched that my fellow Minnesotans finally agreed that we deserve the same rights and passed the same-sex marriage law last month. It was the most amazing thing that has ever happened in my lifetime.
I am hopefully, going to have some big news to announce soon (No, Gram I am not getting engaged just yet) but some super exciting news! Keep checking back.
