Jason Edding's loss reminded me of something

Apparently Author Jason Edding's life partner has passed away. I admit I do not know him, but I did leave a message of support for him during this horrible time.
I'm going to publish the link here and on goodreads if any of our friends are interested in leaving him a message.

http://jasonedding.com/2010/05/06/you-are-not-alone/

His loss has reminded me to tell all of you something. I want to tell all of you, thank you for being such fabulous friends and Jack and I adore all of you. We appreciate the love and support you've give us this past year. We've been lucky to to have all of you in our life. Go hug and kiss the ones you love. I know I am, even the worthless dogs.

Have a Fabulous Day Today!

This week has gone by semi-fast. Now, that my BFF will be out of town for the rest of the week, I'm sure time will slow down and drag. LOL!

Monday Jack and I went out to eat and to a piano bar afterward. Now, I like to cook, but I LOVE eating out! There's no mess to clean up and I get to eat things I normally don't cook. I'm more of a Southern style Cook. So, when Jack says "Honey, lets go eat Mexican." I'm game.

The Piano bar was fun. There wasn't much of a crowd, and the music was fab. Jack and I felt comfortable enough to be affectionate there, and that's always nice. It's really good to be able to hold his hand, or give him a sweet kiss. We don't always feel safe to do that and the few people at the bar could have cared less, so that made our experience better.

I made Chicken and Dumplings last night, along with Mac and Cheese. After we ate we read Another Dream by Addison Albright, watched Dancing with the Stars. (Yes...I admit it's the ONE show I adore to watch) and had a fabulous time just hanging around each other. You would think after all of these years together, we wouldn't have anything to talk about, or get tired of each other, but for us it's just not the case. I love him now more than I did all those years ago. Maybe that's what true love is about. As you get to know your mate or even your friends, the love you have for them grows as time goes by...at least I think it does.

Today is the first day of Shawn's Vacation. GO HER for pampering herself and doing something for HER for a change! I miss her like crazy, but I'm happy she's treating herself.

I want all of my friends to have a fabulous day today! In honor of my BFF and as a treat for all of us, I give you more eye candy of Ashtyn Long. YUM! He'll be gracing my post all week. If we can't have Shawn, we'll at least get to drool over Ashtyn instead!

MUAH!

Thanks for the support you've given us

Thank you for all of the sweet and thoughtful notes you've sent to both Jack and I. Your kind words and loving support has meant a lot to not only me, but to Jack as well. Thank you. I know I'll never forget it.

For the majority of my life, Gay Marriages have been a pipe dream for many of us. We're friends with several long term gay couples who have wanted to be married for years. For a long time, I think I put the thought of marriage out of my mind because I didn't believe that it would really ever become accepted. The pessimist in me sometimes still thinks that it will never be. The hopeful and more optimistic Shayne says that patience is a virtue and one day everyone will have the right to marry who they love, no matter the gender.

Only time will tell on his controversial matter. In the meantime, I'll proudly wear the ring he gave me, and know that we have all of the support from our friends here. We'll keep hoping that one day it will not only be official in the eyes of our family and dear friends, but in the eyes of the law, too.

We love and appreciate you all.

Thank you. I really do have the most fabulous friends.

Thank you for being Fabulous!

Jack and I had a busy holiday. I spent two days cooking. I don't think I left the kitchen unless it was to let the dogs out or to take a quick bathroom break. Lucky for us, I love to cook! But, by the time I was finished baking pies, casseroles and so on, I can honestly say I was over it!

This is the first year Jack and I had Thanksgiving at our home by ourselves. In the past, we've gone over to his families house, but this year we decided to start our own Thanksgiving Tradition. I have to say that I really enjoyed it.

We still went over to some of our friends house and celebrated a belated Thanksgiving with them. Instead of a big meal, we had dessert and coffee. (tea for me) It was nice to just sit and visit for a while.

Jack wrote a very sweet post on what he is thankful for. There is no way I can be as eloquent as he is, but I will say this year has been a year of ups and downs. It's amazing how much things have changed in our lives just from a year ago. We've had family move away, illness, conflict and other crazy things happen this year. But, we've also had some fabulous things happen this year, too.

Jack and I have formed a stronger bond between us. We've had some trying times, but we have worked through them and come out better and happier than before. Jack has proven time and time again how much he will always be there for me, whether it's good or bad times, he's always supportive and loving. I couldn't ask for a better life partner. We are very lucky to have each other.

When Jack convinced me to join goodreads last year, I admit I was hesitant to do so. Basically, I'm a pretty private person. I've had bad experiences with people in general, just like many other people have. I had no idea by joining a book/reading site that I would become acquainted with and become friends with several of you. I am very thankful for that.

The best surprise was I met my best friend at goodreads! I NEVER in a million years would have thought I would find my kindred spirit there. Shawn has brought many things into my life in which I am most grateful for. She has been my voice of reason and has enabled me to learn to trust again. I will always be thankful for that.

So in hindsight, in many ways this year has been one of the best years I've had in a long time.

So, between Jack, Shawn and my friends online here, thank you for being there for me (us) this year.

Simply put...Thank you for being FABULOUS!

I'm Having Withdrawals

I should be resting. I know I'll probably get into trouble for blogging instead of doing as I should, but I thought I would take my chances and say a few words anyway.
This has been an interesting month for Jack and I. Just when we think things are starting to smooth out, both of us have gotten the flu. Grr!

I've been sick for about nine days now. Fever, upset stomach, cough, sore throat and sniffles have been on the agenda at our place.
The really bad thing is I've had to cut down on some of my favorite treats. Sweets aren't good for an upset stomach. I haven't had a Starburst in over a week! Talk about Hell on Earth! Grr! I swear I'm having withdrawals, but Jack and Shawn swear to me that I'll survive. I'M NOT SO SURE!!!!

Lucky for us, we've had some good friends who will leave us food at our doorstep so we are being taken care of. Jack is starting to feel better, but I'm still sick. Of course, I've always been the puny one between the two of us. Damn it.

On the bright side, my Dear Sweet Shawn Lane is posting free updates on some of our favorite heroes that she has written about in the past. This week is Jake and Damian's turn from Jake's Regret. She's posted two of the three installments about them and so far it's been fabulous. If you haven't read Damian's feast check it out here:

http://smlgr8.blogspot.com

I don't know about everyone else, but I simply adore it when we get to read how our favorite characters are doing after everything is said and done. It's always fun to glance into their lives long after their story is over, even if it is a quick. (Hey quickies can be VERY good! :-)

I hope everyone is safe and stays healthy for this upcoming holiday season. I've got to go drown myself by drinking more Mint Tea and some gag worthy Theraflu is in the near future for me. Yum. NOT!

I've been bad

It's been a while since I've blogged. I've had numerous complaints from several of you, because I've been neglecting my time honored duty of blogging at least a few times a week! I'm sorry my friends. I promise to try to do better. :-D

Here's a little Eye Candy as an apology to my friends...isn't he fabulous?!

To be honest, these past couple of months have been hard. I've noticed that it's just not Jack and I that's had a difficult summer. Many of our friends are having troubles this year. I don't know about you, and I know it's only September, but I'm ready for this year to be over. I'm ready to start fresh.

I had pneumonia for over a month. I was beginning to think it was going to be a permanent affliction there for a while, but luckily with Jack's nurturing and Shawn's constant pep talks and hovering, I got over it! Thank God, for them. They are always my truest and most devoted fans. It's good to have someone always on your side, even when things aren't always going the way you want.

Jack and I are planning on moving to Dallas next year. We're both very excited about this. It will be good to reconnect with some old friends, and be return to the place where we really belong.

Thanks for hanging in there with me these past few months my friends. I really promise I'll do better at keeping y'all informed.

Your Friend,

Shayne

It's Been A Very Long Month

So, it's been a month of Sunday's since I've posted anything. I didn't mean to go this long between posts, but I haven't felt up to it.
For the past several weeks, I've been sick. It started out as bronchitis, and it progressed to pneumonia. So, I've been quarantined to the bed or couch, and was told to do as little as possible.

Some day's it's taken a lot for me to even get online because of the little energy I've had. But, I feel better now. I have a Doctor's appointment next week, and I know he'll be telling me that I am on my way to being fabulously healthy once again.

Jack's been a trooper throughout all of this. He doesn't cook, so I've had more than my share of sandwiches and soup out of a can. But, he's brought home some really good take-out, and has hovered over me like a good partner should. He has even, are you ready for this, put dishes in the dishwasher, emptied the dishwasher, did the laundry, swiffered the house and gave the dogs a bath! I KNOW he's ready for me to get back on my feet again. I can tell every time he grumbles as he is doing household chores.

I tease him about it of course just like he deserves!

Today some of our friends are having a Movie and Game night tonight. I've insisted that he go and have some fun tonight. After some persuading, he's agreed to go, although he is reluctant to leave me behind. I told him he needed to have some fun and just be Jack for a while, instead of nursemaid to his partner.

The good thing about him being gone is I'll have total control of the television and computer. GO ME! Unfortunately, there is never anything on television on Saturday night, so I bet I curl up with a book instead. Shawn Lane's new book is being released this weekend, plus Ava March's book was released this week, too! So many fabulous books to read, so little time!

Other than Jack, there has been one other person that is always there for me. She's been my sunshine when I've had some very dark days. I never knew I would be so lucky and blessed to have such a sweet and fabulous friend (sister) in my life. Thank you for being you, Gorgeous, you know I love you. MUAH!

I hope my friends here have a safe and FABULOUS weekend! To thank y'all for hanging in there with me, I thought I would provide some delicious eye candy as well!

Your Friend,

Shayne

Just A Quick Note

We have had a good weekend so far. Jack and I went to several Yard Sales yesterday which was fun, and did most of our running around yesterday.

Today is a day just for us. No family or friends, just quality time together.

We plan on reading, listening to some good music and just enjoying one another's company. It's always good to connect with our loved ones, isn't it?

I just wanted to write a quick note to my friends here and say that I hope everyone has safe and happy weekend.

Your Friend,

Shayne

Thank You

Today was a good day today. I sent Jack off to work, did TONS of laundry and read most of the day. Actually, it was Heaven compared to some of the days we have had this past week.

My partner's Father suffered a heart attack several days ago. We have spent many days and nights in the hospital, offering and receiving comfort and support from our loved ones. We are so lucky because Jack's father is recovering and will be going home tomorrow.

The possible loss if our loved one has made me make a decision to appreciate the people who are in our lives. We often take those we love for granted. I have decided not to do that any longer.

For those of you who follow this blog (I still can't get over that...lol) I want you all to know how much I appreciate you and all of the comments and joy you bring me in my everyday life.

Thanks to every one of you for being such great friends...particularly Shawn, you have been a happy surprise in my life and one of the best friends I could ever have asked for, you know I love you.

Love,

Shayne

Friendship

Yesterday, Jack and I went over to some of our friends house. Every month or so, our friends Karen and Toby, have a get together at their home. There are always several of our friends that attend, so we always have a great time.
Movie and game night usually means potluck. Jack and I brought our famous cheeseball and barbeque ribs, and since everyone else brought their favorites, we all ate like kings, talked through the movies they had rented, and played a cut throat game of monopoly...lol.

Today, has been relatively quiet. Jack has been napping all day, which leave me lost in my own thoughts. (not always a good thing...lol) I have been thinking about the different kinds of friendships we have in our lives.

There are work friends. Work friends are nice...at work. I admit I have a couple of work friends I will hang out with (some) outside of work, but most of the time, once I clock out, I don't speak with any of them until the next work day. If I quit, usually the friendship is over just like the job.

Jack and I have mutual friends. Jack and I are different. I can be more outrageous and loud at times, but basically I am a pretty shy person. Especially, if I don't know the people I am around. Jack on the other hand, is very outgoing. He is comfortable in his own skin and people seem to gravitate around him. He is beautiful inside as well as outside. and others recognize and appreciate that beauty.

When we hang out with mutual friends, usually they are Jack's friends that I have gotten to know, or/and I get along with their partner or spouse and we hang out and like one another. They are fun to be with and are pretty much a staple in our lives.

There aren't many friends I have on my own. I have a best friend from school, Pam, that we call and talk with one another. We know both of our secrets and the struggles we had during our younger years, so we have that in common. There is something about childhood friends, that can't ever be replaced. They know you in ways others never do. They are around you while you are finding yourself and your place in the world. I guess that is why I always think Pam will know and understand me like no other.

I think I mentioned that Jack is the one who has encouraged me to branch out online. In doing so, I have an internet (best) friend. Funny, how that happens. When I got online I never expected to connect with another person, but I have. I find myself telling my friend things I don't tell others. For some reason, I trust this person not to hurt me. It amazes me how much we have in common. I find myself worrying about my friends well being, I am excited to see how my friends day has gone, and she has become important in my everyday life.

It's funny how friends come and go. I wonder why we let go of some people's friendship so easily and move onto others. I know we grow and change, but how come we don't try to stay connected with the people we invested time with?