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Dear Jack,

It is the day before Valentine's Day, and I am blessed to be celebrating it with Michael again. I must admit that I feared that Michael and I would not be together this time last year. If you recall, he had not come out yet to his parents, and we had to hide our relationship from them. So much has happened since then, and we are open, and together and I am the happiest man alive.

This past week Dean P. drove up in a U-Haul with his friend Amy (cool woman). He found an apartment right above us in the same building. It has been great having a good and friendly and funny friend living so close by. I hope he doesn't get annoyed with us ;-).

This past weekend brought on a blizzard. I loved it--but then again I don't have to shovel it or drive in it. Dean remarked "I always wished it would snow up to my ass, I just didn't think it would ever happen." This was the biggest snow on record here in New York: 26-28 inches they say. There is also word that more snow is on the way. Yeah Winter--about damn time you showed up.

Prayers for Grandpa Hohne, Joe, Bobbie, Wanda, Tommy, and Jason.

FINALLY

Dear Jack,

It has taken forever to finally be able to post on this board. Everytime I have tried to load Blogger, it would not load, and it made me really sad.

Well I'm in NYC still, having a good time working at Belleveue Hospital as a chaplain. I am making a lot of good friends from the program of the other Chaplains and am learning a lot.

Michael and I hang out a lot and it is great--I'm really in love with him. It is nice that we will be spending the rest of our lives together. I thank God daily for this true Blessing.

I miss Joy and Caleb and Kevin a lot--I also miss the internet (I don't have it for the summer--finances suck). My cell is working for those who want to chat. I also have MySpace and Friendster and Facebook profiles.

There is not a lot really going on for me.

I'm worried about my nephew Kristopher as his father has gone to jail and he is stuck in a house with my Uncle who works late nights. Some positive signs are that he has decided to take Karate--seems to be a safe hobby.

Hopefully I'll be able to post more.

Moving Sucks Lemonheads

Dear Jack,

Today at 1 I was called and told that I am moving at 1:30. I was a bit surprised as I was scheduled to move out this coming Wednesday. They said it may rain and so they had to do it today. So... being wholly unpacked, I began packing. Luckily Marta gave me some boxes before she left. About 2:30 they showed up to start taking things. I was a little flustered by then, having nearly packed my entire apartment in two hours. They took a load to my new room. They came back (about 3:15) and said, "Well we need to know what is essential for tonight, cause we'll have to get the rest tomorrow...so what do you need us to take now?" Well I had no idea. I had packed in such a hurry that things were in various boxes throughout two residences now. I had them take my mini fridge and my futon, and my linens over to the new place. I started getting worried, as the reason for the move today was because they could not do it Wednesday because it is supposed to rain Tuesday and Wednesday. That got me wondering... how are they going to move me on a day when it is raining? When will I actually get moved? So getting frustrated I called the Chaplain to talk to her and see if she had any insight or way to relieve my stress.

She called the lady in charge of housing, and we learned that the people had misquoted her. She had asked them to move the "Non-Essential" but they moved the "Essentials". She understood my frustration. Yet there was nothing that could be done except to move everything back to my old room because there are women living on the hall where I am moving to who have not moved out yet. And they don't want to go to the bathroom and risk me seeing them in their nightgowns. It doesn't matter that the bathroom is a one-occupancy bathroom with a lock, or that I have no interest in them whatsoever. It's policy. And Policy is a demi-god apparently.

So here I sit now, in my old place on a beanbag chair. I have no idea when the rest of my stuff will be moved, as they do not move when it rains. I have decided that it is ok. I went over to my new place and unpacked all that was taken over there. It actually is working out over there--much more friendly and welcoming than this drab empty place.

Prayers:

Brandon - For healing and good spirits.

Bobbie - For healing and good spirits.

Wanda - For healing and good spirits.

George - For healing and good spirits.

Tommy - For healing and good spirits.

Joe - For curing of addictions.

A New Year

Dear Jack,

Well I did not post much since November. I guess there's not been much to say. I went to London with Jason. We stayed at Regent Palace in Piccadilly Circus. It was not that bad of a trip. I was able to see the Tower of London, St. Paul's Cathedral, a concert at the Royal College of Music, The Producers (staring Nathan Lane), and go to various restaurants and bars and clubs in London. All in all it was a good trip.

After that I had exams. The exams were not that bad. I threw a party for my friends, but many were not able to come. Ms. Kim was the only city friend who was able to attend, as the others were out of town or busy. I also did a bar trip with some of the seminary people the night before I left. It was all good.

Back at home, my parents were given a couch for Christmas from my brother Kris so it wasn't until it arrived on the 22nd that I could begin decorating for Christmas. On the 24th Aunt Lucy and Uncle Darry showed up and helped finish things before Jordan and Kris came in from Kansas. Jordan has really grown.

Christmas Eve wasn't too bad, although Fr. Dan brought the maggoi to the creche before the shepherds. I sang in a quartet that night too. The next day we got up early, opened gifts, and then headed to Fr. Newell's church on the other side of of Atlanta. There Dad and I did the music, and he had me preach. It was my first sermon. I preached on the Incarnation, and how we as the body of Christ are now compelled by the idea of God incarnate, to take Christ into the world.

Then we came home and I cooked Christmas Dinner. Joe and Mike joined us. It was a good meal. This was probably one of the best Christmases we have had in a long time.

I made some online friends who many I've met now and one whom I sort of like. Eric, Tommy, Dean, Javier, Justin (not J-Lo), and Mike are the people. Mike is the person I sort of like. We'll see what comes of it.

I was also able to hang out with my best friend in the whole world, Joy E. R--d. It was sure great to see her. I miss her so much.

On New Years Eve I went with my parent's to Paige's house for a party. Dad started acting real odd. He didn't want to be there and made it clear.. VERY clear through "taking naps" and sitting in a corner with a frown on his face. I took him home and returned to the party.

Over the next week I met with several people from my parish who showed me their support. It is nice to know how many know about my sexuality and support me. Fr. Dan, I don't think knows, and I am not sure he'd support me.

Maggie died too over break. It's ok, but I know it is hard on mom.

I recently have read a new book, Angels in America by Tom Kushner. It was pretty good. I then watched the entire version of it done by HBO. I highly recommend it.

After finally returning to NYC I met up with a special friend for coffee. I don't want to sound to eager, but it was a great time. We sat at Chelsea Square for a good four to five hours talking. He is a good person, and I look forward to our next date on Monday.

Well I hope to update more often, but who knows.

1996 Olympics

Dear Jack,

I have no clue who is taking the picture.  Grandpa Pease had come down for the Olympics, and we all got together.  I attended several baseball games, and also sat at St. Simon's with their hospitality booth.

Kris Got Married

Dear Jack,

The wedding was held in Pennsylvania.  This is a picture of the grandparents and the grandchildren (those what were able to attend of each).  I was an usher.

Three Brothers

Dear Jack,

Here I am with two of my three brothers.  I loved that sweater I was wearing.  It is so ugly now. LOL.

My Baptism

Dear Jack,

This is a picture before my baptism, on Holy Saturday 1982.  I'm the one in white.