Reflections on the year that was...2012

     As I look back over the last year...(and better do it quick because time definitely flies) there are some things I accomplished and some things I learned about myself (good and bad) and some things we are going to have to try again in a seemingly endless battle.  I tested the "grass is always greener" theory when I took another job and found out that I was happier (although sometimes I didn't feel that way) where I was.  The crazy schedule and hours involved in event security is the reason I like it so much.  Being behind the scenes and inside the ropes is the place I want to be.  It comes with built in down time (move-in and move-out) and the flexibility of the schedule allows me time to do some travelling and play golf.  The thing I learned is that you can't take work too seriously...you need to when you are on the job (security and people's safety are important) but there is no need to take it so personally.  The feeling of being taken advantage of is a two-edged sword.  More work and more responsibility sometimes feels that way but it also shows trust in your ability to get the work done. The key is to communicate when the job gets too much and not internalize the feelings (something I am guilty of but working on).  Letting the bosses know when it gets to be too much is not a sign of weakness, but a call for assistance so the work quality doesn't suffer.  I expressed these thoughts when I returned to the fold at the Convention Center and my boss and I have an understanding now.

     Coming back to the Convention Center was a good idea...I have been welcomed back over and over by the employees of my company and by the Convention Center staff.  Everyone is very pleased that I have returned (or so they say) and I intend to restore the reputation of my company that my leaving seemed to have tarnished...(rumors that it went downhill after I left).  I am looking forward to the challenges of 2013 and plan to succeed.  Living the dream is contingent upon doing what I enjoy and I believe I have found my niche.

     You better sit down for this one... Guess who went out a jogged an entire mile yesterday? No, it WAS me!  I have been working out and I decided to test the war torn knees on a "test run".  It is exactly one mile to the Circle K down the street (coffee) and I laced up the old running shoes (after getting the cob webs off them) and set off on the road.  Believe me, Usain Bolt has nothing to worry about, in fact, his grandfather could probably win a race with me but I was able to make it the entire mile without walking (although my pace wasn't much faster).  It was cool and sunny and it reminded me of the fall and winter races back in Central Park.  It felt so good to be out there again.  Today, my legs are screaming worse than the teenage girls at a Justin Bieber concert, but the soreness is all muscular...no apparent knee damage.  So, I plan to make 2013 a "running " commentary of sorts. 

     In a recurring theme, I am single again...(technically, I've always been single).  The friendship with my woman golfer has not gone any further, so that friendship will remain exactly that...golf lessons and the occasional round of golf.  I have not given up hope that this might be the year (2013) I finally meet my match, but I refuse to waste any time worrying about it.  If it happens, it happens, if it doesn't, oh well.  No more online dating sites...no more "singles" clubs.  I'm going old school.  I work enough events to meet someone...(heck, I meet more people than most).  And again, I'm not going to sweat it.  Everyone has that "single friend who can't seem to find someone" so I will be that friend.  In the meantime, I will take the "me" time and continue to work on a new improved version of myself...

    

The Lord works in mysterious ways...

     And sometimes he puts the answer right in your face.  I have not been "feeling" the Christmas spirit this year, not sure if its the job uncertainty or what, but I have been indulging a bout of the "poor me's" and have not been able to shake a depressed mood and general malaise.  And then I got my work schedule, including a 4:30 am start on Christmas morning for the event at the Convention Center today.  I am not complaining about the work, it's what I love.  The event is the Salvation Army Christmas Dinner and it is open to anyone who can make it here.  They serve a sit down dinner and have entertainment and gifts and toys for those with children.  It is almost completely staffed by unpaid volunteers who have been here since Saturday, cooking and setting up the building.  There is a drive through set up in back of the building where volunteers collect food bags and deliver them to the people who couldn't come out of the house.  It is a very humbling experience to see the volume of people (over 1500) who have come today and it made me realize what a fool I am...(not that I haven't been reminded on numerous occasions).  There is a saying in the AA program "There but for the Grace of God go I" and that is the truth.  I have nothing to complain about. I have a roof over my head, a job that pays the bills and a life back that I almost drank away.  Sometimes you need a kick in the ass to make you realize how blessed you are.  And also it gave me the idea that this is something I want to do when I don't have to work anymore.  These volunteers bust their butts to put this event together but it is so rewarding to see the gratitude on the faces of the attendees, the smiles on their faces as their children pick out a toy and visit with Santa...I wouldn't mind being on the giving end. 

     So Merry Christmas to one and all and many blessings for the New Year... (since the Mayan calendar thing didn't happen).  I feel like Ebenezer Scrooge waking from his bouts with the Ghosts of Christmas and realizing he didn't miss it after all.  Many thanks to those who sent me updated pictures of the kids (they are getting so big) and thanks to Anna and Mike for the book (LOVE IT!).  Thank you all for being my friends and reading my ramblings in blog form...(guess its easier than listening in person, eh?). "God bless us all, everyone!" (smart kid that Tiny Tim).

J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets...

     After last night's fiasco, my opinion of the team playing against the Tennessee Titans is correct.  The words "playoff contender" and "keeping playoff hopes alive" should never be uttered by anyone about the New York Jets without some kind of fine or slap in the face for being stupid.  That hideous display of ineptitude last night by the "San-chize" capped off a season where MY team was the laughing stock of the league and all the reporters covering them did their best not to laugh out loud at how horrible they were.  Fireman Eddie was right.  It's time to distant ourselves away from them before their disease becomes contagious.

     J-E-T-S... Just End The Season, Just Evict The Sanchez, Just Enjoy They Suck, Just Eliminate The Sadness, Joke Everything They Say, to name a few...

     I have reached my limit.  Year after year, they toyed with my emotions and stabbed me in the back with their end of season collapses and backing into the playoffs and just plain losing.  As of today, I resign as a fan of the New York Jets.  I will remain a fan of football but will no longer have a favorite team.  I will not watch their games when they are on out here...(and after last night, I doubt they will make another appearance on national TV).  I realize that this will not effect ticket sales or cost them anything because there are still plenty of fans to replace me, but they have just lost a fan of 50 years.  I refuse to root for the Cubs of the NFL (sorry Cub fans, but you know the pain I feel) anymore and in the next year or two I will probably pick another team to root for...(don't worry Victor it won't be the Giants).  Or I might just enjoy the games as they were intended...as entertainment. But one thing I will not do is be a fan of the New York Jets.  Thanks, Fireman Eddie.  Thanks Rex and Sanchez and Woody Johnson for another crappy season of unfulfilled promise.

     J-E-T-S... Jim Ended The Stupidity.

I forgot the best part...

     I did forget the best part of my last blog.  To those of you who have been following this blog since the beginning...(can't believe it has been 4 years), first of all thanks for staying awake, I mean, reading them, and you know that I have been reassured on occasion by certain songs and signs that I am doing the right thing or making the correct decision.  For example, the sermon in Kansas City at my cousin's church about hitting the "reset" button and starting fresh (notice I said MY cousin, Anna! :)), the song by Sugarland, Something More, that says I'm gonna take my chances, taking a chance I might, finding what I'm looking for, there's gotta be something more... Well, it has happened again.  I took that other job because, like every other human being and living thing on the planet, I am getting older (and better) and I'm going to need medical insurance down the road.  You also know that I applied to the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) to try and get a job working at Phoenix airport.  They contacted me for an airport assessment (the next step in a long list of steps) for Virginia, again.  But, this time a representative called and asked if was still holding out for Arizona... I told her I was and she directed me to call a number and change my primary airport to Phoenix.  It seems that the first airport you apply to is your primary airport, so I called and now when an opening comes up in Phoenix, I'm on that list.  It's a permanent part time position (about 20-25 hours), but it offers full time benefits.  I discussed this with the new boss...(actually the old boss who is new) and he is more than willing to work around my schedule at the airport if and when it happens.  And that is the "sign"...the representative called out of the blue (in fact when I contacted TSA about a question I was told to relax, eventually the testing would come up).  Because of that phone call, I now can revert to the old plan and work both (3) jobs if I want... with the other company I couldn't work for anyone else in the security field.  So, I am soooooo glad I decided to go back to the Convention Center.

     I can't begin to explain how much I enjoy what I do...to be able to get paid for a job you enjoy makes work (that damned four letter word) so much better.  Hanging with the Detroit Lions this weekend was a blast...(even though  the Cardinals woke up and spanked them on Sunday).  And seeing my friends at the convention center who all said that are so glad that I am back...(they don't know me at all, do they?).  There is genuine relief that I have, yet again, made the correct decision.  So, tonight I will go out and perpetuate one of the terrible decisions I have made and can't seem to get rid of...rooting for the NY Jets.  Once again, they have a back door open with a possibility of making the post season and I am not sure which game will insert the knife and tear my heart out this season.  If they follow tradition, they will win tonight and then, with destiny in their own hands, fall flat on their faces and drag into bitter disappointment again...(eternal optimist I am not with this team).  The best thing about tonight's game is the food menu at the place I will be watching it.  Ah, the woes of being a Jet fan. And with the Mets trading away last year's Cy Young winner for prospects, it looks like a bleak baseball season for the Amazin's.  But that's a rant I will save for later, after all the trades and free agent signings are over.  Have a great day!

Living the dream....NIGHTMARE!!

     As the title suggests, the Living the Dream Part 2 became a nightmare of tedium and outright boredom.  But let me tell you how I really feel...As you know, I left my job(s) as "Security Man" (superhero of event security) for a full time position at another security company.  I left because of the uncertainty of scheduling (never knew when I would be working) and the general feeling that I was being taken advantage of and under appreciated.  That, coupled with my need (I thought) of a job where medical benefits were available, because of my rapidly advancing age (I thought) and my need (I thought) of a more stable environment (I thought).  I now know what the major concern should be...STOP THINKING!!!  I couldn't have been more wrong if it was the only answer available on a test!  And Wah! Wah! Wah!... who doesn't feel under appreciated and taken advantage of from time to time at their job?  So, I found my "big boy pants" and did something about it... I got my old job back with some clarifications and new understandings with my old Boss.

     But first, the nightmare...I was hired to go to work at the airport, because they needed someone who could handle "high profile"areas.  I thought it meant in the terminals assisting travellers and securing the shop area, etc.  Oh no! I was trained to watch a gate in a guard shack outside of the terminal where about 12 people came by in an eight hour shift...(and that includes people coming out for a smoke).  And I went from supervisor/event manager to low man on the totem pole.  I was told the hours would be flex...(night shift one week, day shift one week, etc.) and that they would remain constant during that week.  Oh no! The shifts remained constant but they plugged me in wherever there was a need.  I worked 1pm-9pm, 5am-1pm and 9pm-5am all in the same week.  It seems I "misunderstood".  I was "flex" not the position.  And I was scheduled to work as "guard in the box" for two weeks before I moved to another position.  And when I "trained" 8 hours to learn a new position (which I could have learned in 2 hours), I was paid minimum wage for that shift.  Another thing I "misunderstood".  And there was a mistake on my first paycheck...So after 5 days "in the box" I called my old boss for a sit down.  We met, hashed a few things out between us and I accepted an offer to return.  I told him I didn't want to be a salaried employee because I can make more hourly and with the extra money I could purchase my own health insurance.  So, tomorrow I don the uniform of "Security Man" again as I help keep the fans away from the Detroit Lions' players at their hotel in downtown Phoenix.  Our company also secured the Barrett Jackson Auction again in January and I will be able to walk with the golfers at the Waste Management Phoenix Open.  The best thing about a dream (nightmare) is waking up.  The coffee was on and luckily I smelled it and was able to right the ship before I died of intense boredom...Lesson to us all... Don't burn the bridges if it might be the only way back to happiness.  I missed the excitement and uncertainty of event security more than I "thought" (reminder to self...STOP THINKING!!!)

Let's test some more...

     I don't think I tested this much in school!  I was hitting practice balls on the driving range with Karen when the phone rings and it's the job.  Can you come down to the airport?  Your fingerprint info came back and there are some videos you need to watch to get your security badge.  So, instead of making a tee time, I go to the airport and four and a half hours later, (including seven videos and tests), I now have security clearance to be at the airport.  I didn't get out of there until almost five o'clock, so I made it just in time for rush hour... (still nothing compared to East Coast or LA traffic).  I was helping Karen move back into her house on Saturday when I get another call from the job.  Can you begin training Saturday and Sunday?  No, last minute Louie, I had plans for this weekend.  So I will officially begin training at the airport on Tuesday at 1300 (1pm).  I have to go in uniform but I still don't know what I'll be doing or where or when I will start...(this company is so secure even they don't know what's going on).  In the meantime, I have a tee time for Monday morning and I'll let you know about future developments on the job.  Leisure time was well appreciated and much needed, but the bills ain't going to stop coming and Jimmy needs to go back to work.

     Another reason to go back to work is that I am becoming a slave... (my fault) to the television.  Thanks to the disastrous season both the Cardinals and the Jets have put together, my Sundays are free to pursue outdoor activities.  My bicycle was stolen...(someone cut my security chain and made off with the bike I bought from Craig for $1).  I went to Wally World (Walmart) and got a cheap mountain bike to replace it, so now I'm back on the road peddling my ass off.  Sons of Anarchy has its season finale Tuesday, so I will be free...(the show is on FX and is phenomenal!).  I have vowed to DVR all other shows and devote one day a week to "catch up" on my stories.  It's not like I have a rainy day to sit inside and watch TV... (hasn't rained since mid-October).  Every day has been 80's and sunny and crisp and cool at night... (in other words, absolutely perfect).  I wouldn't feel right if I didn't remind you guys how beautiful it is here in the fall, winter, springtime...(if you visited, you would know!).

     Sheba (aka. Mrs. Wafflepuss) will be five months old this December, and she is healthy and completely crazy.  Sleep, eat and play, play, play!  She is definitely my cat, because her favorite toys at the moment are a golf ball...(which SHE removed from my golf bag) and a plastic golf tee that she hides under the front door mat which Daddy finds when walking around barefoot.  Next month she goes under the knife to be spayed, but I hope it doesn't slow her down any...she is truly a trip to have in the house.

     Good luck to Fireman Ed (official Jet chant leader) on his retirement.  Took a lot of years and heartbreak to finally realize that rooting for the Jets just isn't worth it.  Give it up and root for the other team in the building, the one that knows how to win and run an organization. 
                                                         J     Jesus,
                                                         E    Everyone
                                                         T    They
                                                         S     Stink!
     Have a good weekend.... Talk to you soon.

More background checks...

     I went to orientation at the new job on Tuesday and got my hire packet and benefit information and took some company specific tests and received a supply of uniforms for the job.  Unfortunately, my manager for that particular position...(I will be working at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport but have no idea what I'll be doing) wasn't in so I'm still in the dark about when I'll start and where.  Oh well, more down time.  I was giving blood today... (I donate 2-3 times a year) and the job called.  I needed to be background checked to get security clearance for the airport.  Could I be at the airport at 1:30 to fill out paperwork and get fingerprinted because they were closed Thursday and Friday...(some kind of holiday going on or something).  It seems I can't begin work until THEY do a background check on me.  So that will take another 7 to 10 business days which brings us to to the second week of December.  There is nothing like trying to get to the airport on the busiest flying day of the year.  But I made it and found the Operations Center and filled out my paperwork and got fingerprinted again.  Not to be gross, but my background has been checked more than a busy week at the proctologists.  And to add to the fun, next Wednesday I will go to class to renew my guard license which involves, you guessed it, another background check.  I will sit through an 8 hour class (that I taught at the old job about a dozen times this year), but it is a necessary evil in my chosen profession.  While waiting for the fingerprinting...(sort of like being at the DMV with less surly clerks), I got an offer to work Thursday night from 11:30pm until 7:30am at a Macy's store in Mesa.  So I took it.  I have worked on Thanksgiving the last four years so why not this one too. 

     I explained why I made this move but there is more to it than just the medical coverage.  I have a nasty habit of being a work-a-holic.  And when you enjoy what you do it tends to blind you to the fact that it slowly takes over every aspect of your life until it becomes your life.  As a daily survivor of alcohol and drug addiction, you would think that I would know the warning signs.  That is the major concern of an addict.  You have the tendency to replace one addiction with another.  My addiction to golf is more of a love affair and I believe it contributed mightily to saving my life 17 years ago and still keeps me sane to this day.  But a job shouldn't control your well-being or be the major component of your existence...  I left New Jersey to escape that and I took this job to go back to what I enjoyed the most about being in security...dealing with the public.  I'll miss the trips to NYC but all I ever did there was work, eat and sleep and not all of them every day (except work).  I didn't really get to see any of the events I was working.  And let's face it, 109 hours worked in a seven day period is not conducive to good health at any age.

     Which brings me to Thanksgiving (that holiday going on).  I have much to be thankful for this year.  I am thankful that friends and family (even the ones I don't get along with) survived Superstorm Sandy... I am thankful for the ability to get out from under a bad situation and find a job that I am excited to begin (whenever that is)... I am thankful for the opportunities I have had in the past two years to work some really cool events and meet some really cool celebrities and people... I am thankful that I will be able to remain in this desert paradise I call home.  And mostly I am thankful to God (yes, I mentioned God!) that he has given me the strength and guidance (somebody better be driving this ship besides me) to remain clean and sober and with that the ability to enjoy this crazy life (the resumption of a life) that I have out here.  Happy Thanksgiving to all and God Bless each and every one of you!!

Living the Dream... Part 2

    Hello...This is a little more like it.  I have found my voice (my writing voice, I guess) and with renewed energy (see below), begin the blogging on a more frequent basis.  Things have gotten a little out out of hand lately... (actually since I got back from New York in September) and some drastic measures needed to be implemented.  The dream (part 1) was turning into a nightmare and more than I bargained for... (mostly my own fault) but still more than I was willing to continue.  My health and mental well-being (truly an oxymoron in my case) was being jeopardized and changes needed to be made.

     After nineteen straight 12 hour days of work in NYC at the US Open, I came home exhausted and looking for a break.  Unfortunately, it was busy at the Convention Center so the DAY off after the trip was not enough to say the least.  My schedule was oppressive and my inability to say no didn't help. That and the fact that the branch manager's wife had just given birth meant more of my time was being asked for.  I was working every weekend and really had no input into my work schedule so that any plans I made were last minute when I could make them at all.  I really wasn't allowed to be a "guard" anymore... (as a manager I had to schmooze with the client and post guards and handle breaks).  Being a guard and dealing with the public was why I became a security guard in the first place and now I wasn't able to be one.  Damn me for being so freaking good at my job...(obviously my humility was not affected by my schedule).  Then the weekend from hell happened... I was scheduled to work 6am to 6pm and then 6pm until midnight on a Saturday.  I had Friday off so it wasn't too bad, right? WRONG! The second part of the shift was a concert (gangsta rapper named Tyga) and we had a problem with the promoter after the show and I was called into a post event meeting that lasted until 1230am.  Then I found out that everyone had left and no guard was scheduled to stay for the move-out.  So I had to stay and the move-out continued until 330am.  But wait, it gets better.  I was scheduled to be in on Sunday from 6am-6pm also.  I couldn't call anyone at 4 in the morning to cover my shift, so I went home, showered and changed and came back to work.  Several gallons of coffee and constant motion kept me alive until the end.  All in all it was 36 hours straight... (counting getting up and commuting back and forth).  I wouldn't wish that shift on anyone.

     So, I decided to test the waters for another employment opportunity.  I applied to another security company in Phoenix that offered full time hours (I know...not the original plan).  The big incentive was that the pay was almost the same, my schedule would be flex (some days, night and swing shifts) and they offered a complete benefit package (medical, dental, eyes, paid vacations, personal days, etc.) and I would be working at Phoenix Sky Harbor airport which is very close to home. They wanted to hire me on the spot.  The kicker was that I couldn't work for any other security companies.  I mulled it over and then, following my sister's lead, I gave notice to the company taking advantage of me and joined the new company!  I go to orientation tomorrow and will learn more about the job and report to you when I get home.  So, for the past week and a half, Sheba and I having been bonding, my golf clubs and I have been bonding, and I have eliminated "soup" and "doors" in my life... (that last was for Sheryl and Mrs. Daddy).  I am a single father of a hilarious, crazy little cat and I'm am well rested (first time in a long time) and loving life again.  I am excited to begin this new adventure and excited to share it with you.  Wish me luck!

The Prodigal Blogger returns...

     Hello? Is that you, Jim? Yes, it is. The Prodigal Blogger has returned from self-imposed exile in the desert, (I'm still in the desert, but you know what I mean).  I can't believe that I haven't put fingers to keyboard since September...(it doesn't sound as good as pen to paper, does it?).  So this dive back into blogging is a catch me up on all the things that I have missed since my last blog and I will try to remember them them in chronological order.

     Birthdays: Happy belated Birthday to Cousin Beck (Sept. 30), Veronica (Oct. 8) and Natalie (Oct. 21), although I did go to see them in October for my annual Virginia visit, Loretta (Oct. 26) and Victor (Nov. 4), Molly (Nov. 15), and Cathy, aka Mrs. Daddy (Nov. 16).  If I forgot anyone else, I apologize for being a dumbass, although after 50+ years of BEING a dumbass, I really shouldn't have to apologize anymore.  Being a dumbass means never having to say you're sorry (Sorry, Love Story).

     Natural Disasters: Holy crap! After surviving Hurricane Irene in 2011 and the remnants of Isaac this year on my trip to NYC, the East Coast is hit by Superstorm Sandy AND an earthquake. I am just glad to hear that everyone survived the loss of power and heat and that things are slowly getting back to normal.  Don't mess with Mother Nature indeed!

    Loss: My condolences to Victor and his family on the loss of his father after a prolonged battle with cancer.  Big Victor was not only my best friend's father but he was also a friend.  I know he has a special place in heaven waiting for him and I want to thank him for letting me have the honor of knowing him all those years growing up... I know that I am a better man for knowing him.  Also lost this year was my friend KC's Mom.  I didn't really know her all that well but I love her son like a brother and his loss is also mine.  Rest in Peace, my friends.

     Congratulations:  Sister Sheryl has embarked on a new journey with a new job on her career path.  Even though she is continuing this career path without an organ (gall bladder removed recently), I wish her all the best. I, too, have made a career altering decision, but I will go into it in detail in the next installment...(hopefully before the end of the year).  I hope you have missed my blogs because I have missed sending them. I will be back with new adventures.  The Prodigal Blogger has returned...slaughter the fatted calf and let's party!

I have crawled out from under my cactus...sort of

     Welcome back my friends to the blog that never ends...(although they have been scarce as of late).  I have been busy this last month (aren't we all!) and there was numerous opportunities to blog, but the desire wasn't there.  So I am returning to the Internet airwaves with renewed spirit and hopefully more accounts of what the heck is going on out here in the desert...(perfect metaphor for my non-communication).  My blogs have been as scarce as standing pools of water in the desert. 

     I spent 20 days in New York City again this summer at the US Open Tennis Tournament...(19 days of work and 1 day of flights).  As most of you know, this is not a vacation.  This is a jaunt to the Big Apple to refill the coffers for the winter golf season...(Prices go up after over-seeding in late September and October).  I always enjoy my visits back to Queens, but yet again had no time to do anything but work and I apologize to my New York metropolitan area friends for not being able to visit.  Of course, the Mets are involved in yet another lost season and even though I was within walking distance of Citifield every day, I had no desire to spend my hard-earned money on them. God, they STINK! And of course, the weather failed to cooperate as the remnants of Hurricane Isaac came through the last weekend and postponed the men's final until Monday...(I was already in the air back to Phoenix by the time they played).  The hazy, hot and humid days and torrential downpours reminded me of how much I missed Arizona.  Nothing like a shot of East Coast weather to make me glad I moved yet again...
    
     I now a have a cat in my household.  My boss' "male" cat...(that is what they told him at PetSmart) had kittens and I am the proud owner (she really owns me) of an 8 week old kitten I named Sheba. Her code name is still Mrs. Wafflepuss (thanks Veronica and Natalie!), but Sheba is easier to say. She is a crazy wild woman who just wants to eat, sleep and play...(just like her Daddy).  I am going to attempt to post a picture on this blog of her, but I'm not promising anything.  One thing I know is that she hates being in the travel crate.  Most of the city of Phoenix and Tempe know that also.  I was on my way to Buckeye to pick her up at my boss' house when my car broke down on the 10.  After sitting in the car during rush hour traffic (and 104 degree heat) for 90 minutes, the tow truck showed up.  I had the car towed back to Chandler (thanks AAA Plus!).  My boss brought the cat to work and I rode my bicycle to light rail with the cat carrier on the back.  After work I put her in the carrier and the screaming began...(hers not mine).  The screaming continued on the way to train station, continued while waiting for the train, increased in volume on the train, and never stopped the whole bike ride from the train station to the apartment (about 4.5 miles).  It sounded like a French police siren...(ME-OW! ME-OW!).  Needless to say, heads turned when I rode past. She continued to scream a few minutes after I let her out... (Post traumatic stress, I imagine).  I took her to work last Saturday in the car and she didn't like that either... I am travelling to Virginia in October and I may have to sedate her for the plane ride or they may never let me fly again! (or maybe I'll sedate myself and get even for all the baby screaming I endure during flights!). 

     So, welcome back to the long running...(it will be four years this October), long winded...(because that's how I roll), missive that is Jim's blog.  The weather out here is turning from oppressive to "OMG, it's beautiful here!". By the end of this week we should be in double digits...(still 90 but the humidity is gone).  Welcome back my friends to the blog that never ends...we're so glad you could attend, come inside, come inside...

Oh, what a tangled web...

     What a tease!  In my last report I said I had found my mojo and would be blogging more and the next thing you know, it's almost another month before I'm sending you this blog.  The slow period of the summer is over I guess, because I'm back working almost 40 hours per week.  We had a couple of big shows and we're staffing for the river regatta in Bullhead City (I have been told I will not be enduring the 125 degree outside trip...I will remain in Phoenix for this trip so the new event manager can experience an off-site event).  So I cancelled the 55 gallon drum of sunblock and will look forward to ONLY 100+ degree days here in Phoenix.  I got my plane tickets for the US Open Tennis Tournament.  I will be back in NYC from August 22 until September 10.

     In the meantime, I am in upstate New York as we speak, visiting my friends from Newburgh and playing a little golf (I have a set of clubs here).  My friends who usually go to Aruba every year the same week I do are not travelling there this year so I wanted to at least see them on this last minute vacation before 3 straight weeks of 12 hour days in NYC...(sorry I missed you, Toni.  I hope you're feeling better today).  I flew in on Thursday night late and drove up to Newburgh and have spent the weekend with the Daddys, catching up and playing golf Friday, Saturday and Sunday...(now I know why I left those clubs here. I played terrible).  We all got together on Sunday night for a dinner at one of my favorite restaurants and it was great to see everyone again.  John and Denise are beginning a new adventure and I wish them all the luck in the world. No details until they give me the go ahead in a couple of weeks.  I am going to visit Cousin Lynn on Long Island this evening and have dinner with her and Bob.  They were nice enough to put me up for the night and then I am spending the day in the "city" before flying back to Phoenix.  Sorry I can't visit everyone this time.  It was a last minute trip and I got a good deal on airfare.  I am hoping some of you will meet me in Manhattan for dinner while I am here later this month.

     I will continue to fight the blog block that has plagued me this summer.  I have some exciting plans for the fall and winter (still in the works, but I need to spice things up a bit).  I don't want to fall into too much of a routine because that was not in the plans when I moved out to Phoenix (believe it or not it will be 4 years this November).  I will continue to be available for visits for all who want to come out (no snow, highs in the 80's and 90's, cool evenings, no rain, all "winter").  The dream remains alive and I will continue to live the dream.    

I was lost, but now I'm found...

     No, I haven't found religion or been born again... (once was enough, no?), I have found my blogging mojo and my desire to keep you informed of my comings and goings as... like Moses, I wander the desert in search of the Promised Land.  I kind of like the religious reference tone of this piece, however.  It has been over a month since I last "spoke" to you and that is ridiculous.  So, like the Prodigal Son, I have returned to the blogwaves and my readers.  (I will not however, write blogs for 40 days and 40 nights, although it sounds like a challenge I could be up for).

     So, what have been doing in secret the past 32 days?  Much the same that I do during this time of year, survive 100+ degree days and a new wrinkle this year, increased humidity. I know... I have been watching the East Coast suffer with record temperatures and high humidity and believe me I understand, (it's one of the reasons I moved away), but when you are used to intense heat and no humidity, even a little bit kicks your butt.  When it is 115 degrees and 15-20 percent humidity it is downright nasty.  Throw in the occasional thunderstorm (it is monsoon season after all) and unlike back in New Jersey where the rain sometimes makes it bearable, out here it evaporates so quickly it just makes everything stickier and hotter.  So, have I been hiding inside and whining about the weather?  Au contraire!  I have been revelling in this weather.  Because work has been spotty this summer... (very few events here in Dante's Inferno) I have been spending much quality time with my "kids" aka my golf clubs, which brings me to some pretty awesome news and a parable of sorts (can't shake the biblical undertones)...

      There are search engines that find discount tee times and with 200+ courses vying for your cash and with greens fees very low for summer, there are many bargains to choose from.  Along with that there are bonus points for free rounds.  I used my bonus points last June 14 and played a course I haven't played since I first moved here.  I was playing by myself (my favorite foursome) when I caught up to a twosome waiting behind a very slow group of four.  It was a woman and a man (I assumed a couple) and we played the rest of the round together.  It turns out she used to work at this particular resort and she asked if I would like to play in a tournament with them on June 23...(the were in need of a ringer and I was happy to oblige).  As the round progressed, I came to find out that they were friends and actually boss and employee.  I also found out that she was playing golf even more than I was! And she was quite good and playing from the men's tees.  That fact that she is pretty and funny is a bonus, but she plays GOLF!  It was like the golf gods had arranged for me to use the free round for this particular course and to send 4 slow players out in front of me (and many thanks to those guys for being terrible).  I invited them to play my golf course on my birthday (June 21 and another free round for Jim) and they took me to their restaurant for a birthday lunch. We played in the tournament together and have played golf together many times since.  We started dating and went to a concert/fireworks show on the July 3 (Miranda Lambert and Darius Rucker rocked the house).  I look forward to many more rounds with the lovely Karen...

     There may be a kitty in my future...my boss has a male cat (or so they told him) who is pregnant with kittens and I think I will take one female when they are weaned...(and prove to me that she is indeed a female).  The apartment needs a woman's touch and I'm sure she will take it over within days of arriving.  Not sure on the due date, but I will keep you posted... The Timeless Ink Tour is happening this weekend at the Convention Center.  Many long hours for Jim to work (green fees are coming).  Speaking of work, they have hired a new event manager and I was able to give up my "Crackberry", so I am back to one phone and enjoying peaceful nights and uninterrupted sleep.  I don't know if it will remain this way (they may purchase another one), but for now I am enjoying the peace and quiet.  Road trips are coming for work also... Bullhead City in the first week of August (it was 125 degrees there last week) for an outdoor regatta down the Colorado River and then on to NYC for the US Open at the end of August.  More to come...I have come down from the mountain and have broken the silence.  A plague of blogs is coming your way... (OK, I'll cut it out).

Out in the West Texas Town of El Paso...

     Just when I thought I would be consumed by the mundane existence I fled from back East, an opportunity arises for travel and a new adventure.  The regional vice president of the security company I work for here called my branch manager and wanted him to go to El Paso, Texas and work a boxing event in the Sun Bowl.  He had a personal commitment so he suggested that I take his place.  And as of this writing, I will be going to El Paso for a few days this weekend to work the Julio Caesar Chavez, Jr. boxing card.  After working the Bridal Show this past weekend, a boxing match will be a welcome change (although they are very similar!).  The convention center was invaded yesterday by thousands (yes, thousands) of future brides and grooms and guests and bridesmaids and parents for the one day Bridal Expo.  It was packed and the noise level was incredible.  There were fashion shows and event planners and caterers and every possible thing you could think of to plan your "special day".  As a conscientious objector of the whole marriage deal, it was a pretty awesome event to witness.  The 12+ hour day just flew by and by 6:30pm (the show ended at 3pm) all that was left in the hall was the decorator and pipe and drape and tables.  It was as if a horde of locusts (or piranhas) had swept through and just left the bones.  I am always amazed at how quickly a convention or event breaks down when it takes days to set up...

     Remember how excited I was about how well the Mets were playing this year?  Nothing like a series with the Yankees for a brutal reality check.  After a 3 game sweep by the Yankees, the Mets have to play the Tampa Bay Rays next.  Let's see if they can help the Yankees by beating the Rays (no, I am not drinking).  Still over .500 in June is more than I expected (and all of the experts predicted a last place finish) so I will continue to root hard.  They come to the Valley for 4 games at the end of July and I hope to make a couple of games.  Unfortunately, my Celtics lost to the HATED Miami Heat and in true ABL form (Anyone But Lebron), I will be rooting for the Oklahoma City Thunder to take the NBA crown.  I had predicted the winner would come from the West, but I thought it would be the Spurs.  OKC does have Arizona State grad James (Beard) Harden, so there's another reason to root for them against the "next Michael Jordan" (the most ridiculous statement ever made).  There will never be another Michael and to compare him to anyone is an insult.  And tonight the Devils will attempt to tie the Stanley Cup Finals at 3-3 with a victory in Los Angeles.  It would be great if they could get it to a Game 7 at the "Rock" in New Jersey.  With only 3 teams left in New Jersey after the Brooklyn Nets leave (the other 2 teams still have New York in their names), it would be great to have the Stanley Cup in the Devil's hands again.  LET'S GO DEVILS!!!

OMG, I've become B-O-R-I-N-G!!!...

     I just been reading over my last few blogs and I found it hard to stay awake.  I have fallen into a rut of epic proportions!  All I've been writing about is work (yuck!), my bad knees (yuck!) and the freaking weather (no control over that...it's hot).  Why didn't one of you tell me I was this BORING!?  I can take it. I'm a big boy.  The reason I started this adventure was to be able to relate some interesting stories for you guys to read and for the most part I feel that I was holding up my end of the bargain.  But since I re-injured my knee and the weather jumped up over 100, I been making excuses (mostly to myself) to become one with the couch and become a slave to the electronic brain sucker (aka the television set).  The "boob tube" had me in its grips and I finally regrew a pair (sorry for the vulgarity) and got my lazy ass out of the house.  When I started looking forward to going to work (heaven forbid!) it set off the alarm bells that something needed to be done.  So for the past few days I have been up and venturing out into the blazing sun with the golf clubs and the bicycle, trying new courses (playing the same places contributed to the rut) and riding for hours exploring my neighborhood.  There are so many trails to ride and the canal path is right next door and the increased riding has been just what my knee needed (hard to say fast--knee needed). There are so many rider friendly advantages here in Arizona that I feel guilty not taking advantage.  And it sure feels good to work up a good sweat.

     I was listening to radio today and had to pull over because I was laughing out loud.  I don't know if you guys are familiar with the "mayhem" commercials put out by Allstate insurance, but we have one now for Arizona.  "I'm the Arizona sun... when I'm not burning your retinas or melting the asphalt, I'm beating mercilessly on your car, bringing the temperature inside your rolling oven to a balmy 150 degrees.  And while you're struggling not to have heat stroke as you pull out of your parking space, you don't notice my latest gift...I have turned your seat belt buckle into a molten hot branding iron.  As you flinch from the pain you accidentally floor the gas and ram into a Pontiac Sunfire...and if you have cut-rate insurance it may not cover it."  Could be the funniest (and the truest) commercial ever.  It's a lesson you learn once and it's a painful one.  Parking is a science out here and you need to carefully plan your spots and use your head.  Another of the perks of living on the outskirts of Hades...

     I renewed my lease in the apartment here in Tempe...there was a rent increase, but it's still cheaper than moving...(I did extensive research).  Tomorrow is a new golf course and the best news is that it is June...which means I can play 5-6 rounds of golf for the price of one round back East.  And this year I get to play for free on my birthday because it's on a Thursday and I don't work on Thursdays... Speaking of June, Happy Birthday to Denise, Deidre, and Toni Ann and there are more to come (myself included)...  If all goes well, I have an adventure planned for next week...I will be "standing on a corner in Winslow, Arizona, hiking through the Petrified Forest and maybe going to the Four Corners...  Enough of this everyday crap.  I didn't move 2500 miles to do the same things I left New Jersey for...Let the games and adventures begin again!!!!

Miscellaneous ramblings from the desert...

     Hey, y'all...sitting in the apartment here at 8pm in the evening.  The temperature outside is a balmy 100 degrees.  The lows this week have barely gotten into the high 70's and the highs are around 106 during the day.  The usual abundant sunshine (feels like its sitting on your shoulder) signals a pretty warm summer coming to the Valley...(let's face it, the only seasons here are hot and not so hot).  But the heat is part of the deal when you sign up to live in the desert.  Made it to 109 in parts of the Valley this past week (a little hot for May...can't wait to see what July and August bring!).  Everything here is going well and I hope it the same for all of you.

     As I write this, my favorite hockey team (NJ Devils) is still trying to beat the hated Rangers and make it to the Stanley Cup Finals.  The Phoenix Coyotes made a valiant effort to move on but the LA Kings are on a tremendous roll and seem virtually unbeatable.  But I'm rooting hard for Marty Brodeur to make it to the Finals one more time in his Hall of Fame career.  It would be a fitting end to a great career as the greatest hockey goalie of all time (my opinion).  And here it is the end of May and the NY Mets are still playing competitive baseball and are 3 game back of the Washington Nationals.  Numerous injuries plague them (as they do all teams), but the young team, and I have to admit I know very few of these guys, are playing pretty well.  The Celtics are still in and the Lakers are out (good riddance) but the series to watch is going to be Oklahoma City versus the San Antonio Spurs.  I don't know if the Celtics can beat the Heat in the next round, but I think the NBA champion will be coming from the Western Conference.

     Phoenix Comicon is starting tomorrow so I will be busy this weekend making sure the attendees (complete with their costumes) remain safe and secure.  The other night I had the television on the preview channel and there is a movie about Comicon in San Diego coming out and during the previews I think I heard my voice in the movie.  Back in 2010, I spent a week doing security in San Diego for Comicon and one of my duties was to greet guests with a bullhorn at the entrance.  I was filmed and recorded numerous times by local TV and others.  I think the voice in the movie preview welcoming people is mine.  So I'll have to see when it comes out and whether I'm the voice in the movie.  Pretty funny...

     My balky left knee is healing very slowly but it is getting better.  I can no longer use it as an excuse for my poor golf performance of late.  I seem to be giving shots away at an alarming rate.  My consistency has faltered and is quite annoying.  Next week will be spent working on fundamentals and if I don't improve I may break down and try a lesson or two.  I don't want to but we'll see.

     On the work front, the job for Sky Harbor (Phoenix) has been sending me daily emails that they are "reviewing applications" so the process is on-going but as slow as the healing of my knee.  I was on the web site again and a job at Lihue Airport was open so I put an application in for that too.  For those of you who don't know, Lihue Airport is on the island of Kauai in the Hawaiian Islands.  The opportunity was just too sweet not to try.  I don't know what the deal is on transferring once you are hired, but let's get me hired first.  I would really like to remain here in Arizona (the job is part time to start and I could still work some gigs with my other companies) but the thought of living in Hawaii for a time was too good not to apply...

     Happy birthday to Bob J. back in New Jersey... We are coming up on a lot of June birthdays (my NY friends in particular) myself included.  Vacation plans for the summer are still up in the air.  I may be going to San Diego again in July and will head to NY in August for the US Open unless something happens with TSA, but other than that I may be doing some "stay-cations" here in Arizona to escape the heat for a couple days.  Weather up in Prescott and Flagstaff and Sedona is significantly cooler during the summer and if my midweek "weekends" (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursdays off) continue, I will go and stay up north for two nights and hike and explore the north country.  But you never know where I might turn up if airline rates are favorable...

Happy Mother's Day and other things....

     Wow... what started as a blog every day has turned into a once a month thing.  All my fault of course.  It is not for a lack of something to say...(you all know that).  It is negligence on my part and I will continue to remind myself to be more forthcoming with this missives.  As you know... (and if you don't I'm telling you now), I have returned to a work schedule that I originally envisioned when I embarked on this "career" here in Arizona.  The summer is coming and the heat (love it!) will be here and the work in security (which is very seasonal here) will slow.  We have a couple big events but nothing like last summer when we had two huge religious conferences and the All-Star Game.  I have been invited back to New York for the U.S. Open in August for three weeks...barring anything new in the TSA employment front.  So, days off are at a premium these days and lazybones here just isn't writing enough.  So, I am starting today with this blog and am trying to write a little every day to get the book idea I had off the ground.  The plan is to turn my balcony in my writing studio (if you would have visited me out here, you could picture it yourself).  Since you didn't... my balcony in back enjoys shade all day and is very quiet.  There is electricity (for my computer) and a nice view of the golf course next door.  I only work tomorrow (teaching a guard class) and Sunday (working a comedy festival) then I am off most of next week.  The plan is to lay out the chapters and then add notes and then finally get to it... I will keep you in the loop (hopefully more often) through the blog, which I plan to continue ad nauseum (I think that's Latin for forever...wink,wink).

     Speaking of future employment...I was checking the website for TSA and an opening just came about for Phoenix Sky Harbor airport (which you would know is my local airport if you visited).  I quickly put in my application and resume and will keep my fingers crossed.  A job at Sky Harbor would allow me to keep my security job for special events like the golf tournaments and such.  And I live very close to the airport (which you would know if you visited).  It would be a win-win situation for me.  More on that as it develops...

     Back to the main theme of this blog... Happy Mother's Day to all you Mom's and future Mom's.  This Hallmark holiday is worthy of a celebration and not just one day.  Not only is the pregnancy and actual birth of a child WAY more than I could stand in terms of physical pain, it really never ends after the birth.  Mothering is a 24/7, 365 day job that lasts Mom's lifetime.  She constantly puts her child's needs ahead of herself and endures the backtalk and arguments when her decisions for her child contradict with the child's desires.  She eventually lets the child go to live their own life but the worry and concern never leave with the child.  It seems to me that a one day celebration of this ultimate sacrifice and lifelong commitment is a little shabby.  That's just my opinion and everyone is entitled to their own opinion...(especially when you are the one typing on the computer).  So, God bless all the Moms out there (especially you, Helen) for putting up with us all these years and suffering the trials and tribulations associated with the title of "MOM". 

    

Happy Birthday to Me, sort of...

     Happy birthday to a wonderful guy who turns 17 years old today... my sobriety.  It's hard to believe that my sobriety is now old enough to drive...(could have used a driver back in the day...would have saved a lot of money on cars and fines and surcharges and insurance etc., etc., etc.).  It's hard to believe that I have not had an "adult" beverage in 17 years.  Very little credit should be given to me for this accomplishment.  The bulk of the credit goes to my higher power (God) and my highest power (all of you).  I could not have done anything like this without the strength and courage that I received from my support system.  Never has a "cliche" meant more than it does today.  "One day at a time"... I heard it in AA meetings, group therapy sessions, and calls with my sponsor.  Back at the beginning, I thought, what a bunch of crap!  How am I supposed to quit drinking forever?  That's impossible.  And that is where the concept and purpose becomes clear.  No one can be expected to stop drinking forever, but everyone can stop drinking for one day...today.  And then when you wake up again, you repeat the cycle... "I will not have a drink today" and so on and so on.   Having a sober and clear mind...(for the first time in a long time) made me realize that my drinking and drugging was not a personal issue but effected so many others.  It wasn't until I got sober that I realized how much I hurt family and friends who watched while I pointed the bottle at my head and pulled the trigger time and time again.  The endless worrying when I didn't come home or disappeared for days on end.  The hopelessness they felt when they tried to convince me that I needed help...

    That was then and this is now... I will never be able to repay the love and support I received over these years.  All I can do is pay it forward every chance I can.  I can promise that I will be here for any and all who are going through what I did or know someone they are trying to help.  I have been blessed with another chance...(so many that saying a second chance is ludicrous) to live my life.  I have been blessed with friends and loved ones who didn't give up on me...(even when I gave up on myself) and stuck with me through it all.  I have been blessed with good health...my liver was pre-cirrhotic and enlarged at one time and now is completely healthy and functioning normally.  At one time I weighed 245 lbs and had cholesterol and blood pressure through the roof.  Through exercise and diet I am now under 200 lbs and my cholesterol and blood pressure are normal.  My mind and brain are a different matter, but hey, some consequences had to be suffered. 

     So, happy birthday to "sober" Jim...it is been an extreme pleasure to see you born (April 28, 1995) and watch you grow up.  I look forward to growing old with you.  God Bless all of You and thank you so much!!

Rainy days and Thursdays...

     Never get me down...it's raining today!  It's been almost a month to the day since our last shower out here...(unlike the freak snowstorm that hit the Northeast earlier this week.  Serves you right for living in Buffalo).  It is deliciously cool and windy and all the windows are open.  This may be the last opportunity to do this because we are right back in the 90's this weekend.  We had a couple of 100 degree days this week...(a little early even for me).  But overall it is still my favorite time of year. 

     After the "vampire" incident, I was considering how the heck I could top that, but then I remembered that Phoenix Comicon is coming Memorial day weekend!  Geek Fest 2012 is a "can you top this" event with wacky costumes and even wackier costume wearers.  The march of the pasty white people (coming out of Mom's basement for the first time since last year) is an annual event here and gets bigger every year.  My favorite is the "Zombie Parade" through the streets of downtown...(those who live in NY can see this every weekend as the after hour clubs let out at 10am).  The detail that some of the attendees put in their costumes is truly amazing and a little scary at the same time.  The "peace bonding" table is usually packed, putting ziptie bonds on all the light sabers (Star Wars) and machine guns (Tour of Duty) and various other "weapons" that are allowed in the event.  Scheduled this year is both Captains of the enterprise: William Shatner and Patrick Stewart  (Kirk and Picard).  No offense to Captains Janeway and whoever Scott Bakula played but Star Trek is Kirk and Picard.  (OMG, my inner geek is coming to the surface...fazers on stun!). Should be a great time...

    On the personal front, next week I will be in Las Vegas enjoying a free 3 day 2 night stay compliments of my timeshare company...(free, as in I must attend a one hour "beg fest", I mean owner's update).  But still, a free stay is worth an hour of my time.  Let me practice for next week..."No, no thank you, no, I have enough points, no, no, no... okay, I think I'm ready.  Probably going to rent a car and keep my Jeep home. Speaking of which, after turning 172,000 miles, the Jeep is running beautifully still.  Found a great hand wash car wash...(can't run it through the machines because the drivers door lets in a waterfall ever since the door was re-welded) and my mechanic is phenomenal.  I would love for baby to hit 200,000 and beyond.  It would be 2 cars in a row for me...(my little Saturn coupe, aka the Batmobile,  made it to 203,000 before finally giving up the ghost).  Barring any "haboob" damage (dust storm) or some idiot crashing into me (a more likely scenario), it looks like a good possibility.

    So, I am going out on the balcony to enjoy the rain and cool weather...then I am going to set up a tee time (or two) for tomorrow.  One month until golf prices plummet and the weather heats up...

It's been too long...

     It's been too long since I last spoke at you...(you know I like these one-sided conversations).  Much has gone on since I wished you all Happy Easter back on April 6...but the real reason I needed to reach out occurred last Friday at the Glenn Beck happening at Symphony Hall.  You all know that I work security because of the unique opportunity to meet interesting people, but Friday night is the quintessential example of why I do what I do.  The following story is true and I have the witnesses to prove it.

     Glenn Beck, the controversial radio and television personality, was coming to Symphony Hall for a show.  We met with his personal security and were going to do wanding and bag searching and weapon searches for the event.  I had my crew and post orders and we were all searching and wanding for weapons (many knives were taken to coat check that night).  It got backed up and eventually the client relented and we just did bag searches to get the people in because if we didn't the show would have been delayed.  The show began and we had 4 guards along the stage, 1 by the dressing rooms, 1 in the lobby and myself roaming the entire venue.  Around 9 pm, I received a text from Mr. Beck's security team asking me to go up to the balcony and handle some hecklers.  I went up there, warned them that this was not tolerated and they calmed down.  Then my guard downstairs calls me on the radio ad says she needs me to come to her.  "What's the problem?, I'm up in the balcony", I return.  "A patron just accused our guard of being a vampire."  ?????? Hold on, I couldn't have heard that right.  I retreated out to the hall and asked her to repeat the message.  "A patron just accused our guard of being a vampire." I'm busy, quit fooling around.  "I'm serious and she just hit someone else."  I headed down to investigate and I am met at the door by a man who says "you have to help me, I can't control her, she's drunk".  I walk in and this blond woman is gesturing to my guard and he points to me.  She turns and I wave her to me.  "You have to let me on stage...I have to save Glenn Beck from the vampires and werewolves in the audience".  She is wild-eyed and totally serious and way beyond drunk... (as you know, I KNOW what drunk looks like...I saw it in the mirror every day for 20+ years).   She is circling the planet on some kind of drugs and alcohol mix.  I turn to the boyfriend and tell him "we need to talk out in the hall".  I take her gently by the arm and tell her I need to talk to her outside.  As we ascended the stairs to the lobby area, she rips her arm away and starts chasing two people down the hall saying, "you two are so obvious, you know you are, and you're not going to get away with it!"  I tell the boyfriend that he better bring her back here now or my next call is to PD and they are both going to jail.  He manages to drag her back over to me and she grabs my jacket and repeats over and over "you have to close your eyes, that's how they get you!"
 
     After she refuses to be quiet, I tell her... "I will close my eyes, but you need to shut the f%^$ up right now while I talk to your friend here."  Both of them shut up and I tell him that he has ten seconds to take her and exit the building before the police get involved.  It took them 4 seconds...My phone goes off. It's Beck's security. "What was her problem?"  She needed to save Glenn Beck from the vampires and werewolves in the audience.  "Are you serious?" Absolutely...she accused my guard of being one of them. "Jeez, that's one for the record books."  I agreed. You'll never have a better story than this one.  She's outside right now howling at the moon.  "What?" Just kidding...lol.  I go down to the dressing room area and tell the event manager about my "ejection" and he just stares at me. It's all true, I said.  I also relate the story to the cop at the dressing room door (I will relate this story to everyone, it's too good not to share).  The cop asks for a description.  I tell him medium height, late 20s, blond, dress, on the chunky side...(sorry, is big boned better?).  He gets on his radio.  "We picked her up outside accusing people of being vampires...she was on xanax and washed it down with some booze."

     So after I share the rest of the story with my guards, my boss calls and I tell her the story...I also tell her that Sunday was going to be my last day as a security guard.  "What?" I told her that I would never be able to top this story, so it was time to move on to a new career (just kidding). I hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed writing about it.  What a great night!!

Happy Easter and all that jazz...

     Mister "I promise to write more often" here...  Hope everyone has been okay...(no news is good news, right?).  I am pleased to inform you that I am alive and back loving my life and all it contains.  I write to you today not only to report this news, but to give you some updates on the changes I was claiming that were coming...I first want to wish you all a Happy Easter and all that goes with it.  I am coloring eggs as we speak, and believe me, I have been hitting my knees (the good one anyway) often lately to seek strength and guidance through the rough patch I endured.  My faith in a higher power remains strong (you can't live here without being constantly reminded of His presence) even though my faith in organized religion is gone.  I am still searching for an alternative to the original religion I was brought up in and have found some that I like (my sister's church in Virginia and Cousin Anna's in Kansas).  But have no worries...my belief in God (or however you choose to name Him) will never waver.  I could never have accomplished anything close to what I have without His protection, guidance and strength.  To say I didn't have help is just so arrogant...(and you know how much all of you helped and continue to do so).  So a happy and holy Easter/Passover season to everyone in blogdom.

     Back to the updates... as of today, the diet is still in full swing and while I have gained a few pounds back (4), but I continue to work hard and to quote a great poster I saw... "Nothing tastes better than skinny feels".  The knee trouble has curtailed my return to running, but I am frequently riding the bike (for exercise and to save some cash because of the ridiculous gas prices!).  Chuck Norris (Total Gym) and I have begun a love/hate relationship...( I love the way it feels but hate working out) and I have a one month unlimited membership at a boxing/fitness center (got it for 9 dollars on dealchicken.com).  Now that the knee is sloooooooowly coming around, I will be stepping up to do that.

     The major news is on the job front...I believe I told you that I applied for a job with the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) as a Transportation Security Officer (TSO)...who has more acronyms and alphabet soup than the the government?  Anyway, I applied for some openings being offered and have been receiving emails every day saying they are reviewing applications and that the positions are now closed...(not accepting any more applications), but Friday of last week I received one that said I had met all of the requirements needed to continue "the process" and i needed to schedule a computer based testing appointment...which I did.  I went and took the test on Wednesday and received an email the same day... (amazing!) saying that I passed the test and have now received a contingent offer of employment...(meaning I have no job yet but get to continue the process).  But it is good news and I am a little excited.  The test results are good for 2 years so I will continue to scan the website for future postings.  In the meantime, I will continue to keep my fingers crossed that the next steps...(and there are 10 to 12 more) will not take forever to complete.  In the meantime, I am enjoying my new work schedule (3 days on and 4 days off).

    Going out to ride the bicycle, now... have a great day and weekend.  To be continued...

   

What is up with my teams??...

     It is almost a separate blessing to be living in Arizona because my football and baseball teams (NY Jets and NY Mets) are with each passing day, becoming a total joke.  The Mets, who had to pay off debts in the Bernie Madoff scam, are losing players left and right to injury.  Their center fielder right now is a 24 year old kid who has never played above the Double AA level.  David Wright, the one bonafide superstar is nursing a torn rib cage muscle, their ace pitcher is coming back from major shoulder surgery, and every team in their division has gotten stronger and better.  What is left is a group of young unknowns who are going to take it on the chin day in and day out in a very competitive division (except for the Mets, that is).  So what do we have to look forward to this summer? The trade deadline and how many prospects Johan Santana, Jason Bay and David Wright are going to bring back.  I'm going to need a program because I won't know who the heck is on the field come August.  The question isn't whether they lose 100+ games, it's will they do it by the All-Star break? 

     Then there are the Jets...I was genuinely excited by the chance that Peyton Manning might come to the Jets and get us over the hump that is the New England Patriots (and their "hump" of a coach).  It would have been a good thing to see which Manning in New York commanded more back pages of the Daily News with the off chance that they could possibly pull off an All-Manning Super Bowl...(although it could happen with the Giants and Broncos).  Then the Jets sign Mark Sanchez to a five year deal.  Okay, positive reinforcement that he is the franchise quarterback and maybe give him the motivation to take the reins of the team and put them on his back and become the player everyone (except me) thought he would be.  Peyton signs with the Broncos and then the Jets pull the ultimate bonehead move and trade for the biggest distraction in sports...Tim Tebow.  They give a five year deal to one of the lowest rated qbs in the league and then trade for THE lowest rated qb in the league.  WTF? (Sorry, the fan in me slipped out).  What are they thinking?  A special wildcat package will be added for Tebow.  So Sanchez drives them down the field and then goes off the field in the red zone?  Tebow takes over and scores the touchdowns?  And what happens if Sanchez continues his not so stellar play?  Will the fans...(and I hope New York fans are smarter then the yahoos in Denver) start calling for Tebow to take over?  What does that do to Sanchez's confidence if that happens?  And another thing...Drew Stanton at least had the backbone to demand a trade or release after the Tebow trade.  He knew his situation was going to be bench quarterback.  He wanted no part of it and he got his wish. Sanchez says nothing... You just signed a five year deal.  The team said you were the man and then they go out and trade for Timmy. No comment? This is going to be a circus situation for the Jets and the media frenzy is going to be non-stop.  Just what the doctor ordered... more nonsense. 

   In closing I would just like to say that the Arizona Diamondbacks are looking more and more appealing with every report I hear coming out of Metland... I may have to go back East and slap some sense into those teams...

I am so behind in keeping up...

     That title sounds like my road racing career... Here it is, officially spring everywhere and I will "spring clean" my activities for a fresh new season.  When last I left you, I was in a black mood, complete with a god awful funk that I couldn't shake.  Well, leave it to beautiful weather, a freak knee injury and a large dose of guilt...(at least I hope its guilt) to snap me out of a "poor me" phase and into a "leave the pity party because no one's coming".  The black mood was brought on by sheer exhaustion from working ridiculous hours for too long.  Let's face it, none of us is getting any younger, and working like I did will age you fast.  The large dose of guilt was my bosses finally realizing that Jim is not a machine and needs his rest.  As of right now I have 3 days off (and sometimes 4) per week and it couldn't have come at a better time.  I still work every weekend, but having those days off really rejuvenated the spirit.  The beautiful weather is here and glorious.  Remember when I said I couldn't remember the last time it rained?  Well, it was last Sunday.  March 18 roared like a lion...so much so that Flagstaff received 29 inches of snow, Anthem, which is in the valley, got snow and I got hailed on walking across the street in downtown Phoenix.  It was cold and overcast and nasty.  Then Monday came and by Wednesday it was 80 with abundant sunshine and cloudless skies...

     The freak knee injury was so freakish that I can't remember how it happened.  For those who don't know, my left knee is running on empty (of cartilage, that is) from arthroscopic and micro-fracture surgery.  It has already developed some arthritis in the joint and has been a mild pain in the butt for many years.  Last week, I awoke with swelling and intense pain everywhere.  It was probably a combination of too many hours on my feet and golf and neglect all rolled into one.  The pain was excruciating and nothing I tried seemed to work.  One boss was in Napa Valley for 4 days and the other was in Italy... (nice having me around, isn't it?) so I hobbled around and iced and elevated when I could.  Sleep was a problem also, because any movement caused me to wake up.  So when three days off in a row came up, I shut down completely and iced and re-iced and elevated and rested and knee braced the whole time.  After a week, it started feeling better and I played a round of golf today without the knee brace and I am happy to report that no new pain has developed.  It is still achy and sore but very manageable and I have an ice pack on it while I write this.  Needless to say (never understood this expression) it scared the bejeebers out of me.  It also made me realize that you can't take anything for granted.  It kick started my rise from the depths of despair and made me a man of action, not reaction.  That is why I have updated my resume and have applied to jobs in the valley (and some NOT in the valley) that have medical benefits attached to them.  While I enjoy being "Security Man" (most of the time), if a medical situation arises, I am up the proverbial creek...

     So, I have decided to remain in my current job and continue to seek a better employment opportunity.  If and when a new career path comes into view, I will evaluate it and proceed accordingly.  As always, I will keep you informed. 

A-hunting we will go...

     A-hunting we will go... job hunting that is.  Updating the resume and filling out applications is how I am spending these days off before returning to work tomorrow.  I will not make a rash decision, this is something I want to be careful about, but a change is coming.  If Uncle Sam doesn't take all my money in taxes...(and He can be an ornery cuss), then one decision could be to just leave and take some time off and reclaim the life and lifestyle that I have grown accustomed to, before the "career monster" swallowed me up...but enough about work.

     Spring is in the air...(which is redundant in Arizona).  This is the time of year when the beautiful weather becomes spectacular and the days and nights are truly magnificent.  We have reached another stretch of "I can't remember the last time it rained" (it was sometime in late January or early February).  April showers may bring May flowers, but not in the desert.  But the spirit of spring lives on in different ways out here...(but some are the same everywhere).  The boys of summer have returned for Cactus League Spring Training  and there are games everyday and all over the Valley.  I went to the new home of the Dbacks and Rockies and enjoyed a two inning nap on grass in the outfield...(grass! that didn't have thorns or burrs or anything to bite or scrape me...it was fantastic).  Great time to come out and visit and see your favorite teams play. (hint, hint).  The average ticket to sit on the outfield grass and sunbathe is 8 bucks so you can enjoy a bunch of games and tour the valley at the same time.  Another sign of spring (Loretta will like this) is the return of the snowbirds to the great white north.  All my golf buddies from Canada (good shot, eh) and Minnesota and the Midwest will be heading back to the frozen tundras to miss the heat of summer down here.  That means more tee times and less fees for yours truly.

     Another sign of spring is the football news...although it only ended a month ago, free agency,aka the Peyton Manning Sweepstakes, is in full bloom and Arizona is one of the teams in the hunt.  I'm not a big fan of his, but he needs to go somewhere else.  Our quarterbacks last year took a pounding and Peyton needs to go to a team with a good offensive line and strong running game, my prediction is the Titans.  Good running game and strong offensive line and Jake Locker is a young kid who could learn much from Manning.  Plus there is the Tennessee connection.  Peyton has a home in Chattanooga and went to Tennessee for college. And I think he should stay in the AFC and set up the possibility of an all Manning Super Bowl...(let's face it, Elite Eli is not done yet and the Giants are going to be around the playoffs for a long time).

     My Mets are in an injury induced shambles...(like they were going anywhere this year) and are going young to rebuild (again).  Look for Jason Bay, David Wright and Johan Santana to be in the news around the trade deadline as the Mets season fizzles around the All-Star break.  Bobby V will provide some great rivalry fodder for the Yanks vs. Red Sox this year.  Jose Reyes will have an all world season (as leaving the Mets seems to bring out the best in players) and I'm interested to see how Prince Albert (Pujols) does in the American League.  My prediction is that the Tigers will roar in the AL this year and Phillies will reign supreme in the NL (God, I hate the Phillies).  So for my cousin George I say, GO TIGERS!!  Have a great day...

Change is in the air...

     Spring is just around the corner, the boys of summer have returned to the desert for spring training, "March Madness" is upon us once again...(Hey, Geek, are we having a pool this year or has Get Back Loretta hung up her hoop shoes), and the Arizona Kid is itching for a change...(the last time I got this itch I moved across the country).  The bad place I was in when we last visited has been replaced by a quest for new adventures.  While I appreciate the confidence that my bosses have shown in me to promote me and move me into the office, I find that it has taken away the reason I got into this business in the first place...to meet people and work the events themselves.  Several returning clients who met me originally as a guard at their events were glad to see me but unhappy that I wasn't actually "working" the event.  I miss the meet and greets at the entrance, getting to know the vendors, and interacting more personally with the guards.  I actually miss being outside patrolling the Ostrich Festival or the Salsa Challenge and long for another go at Country Thunder.

     My "hobby" has come full circle into a job, and I didn't move 2500 miles to get another job.  I need to work, but I need to do something that I enjoy and I want to do it on my schedule.  When I was a starving guard, I had the ability to set my own schedule and work when I wanted to.  Now, my schedule is set and my days off are few and with spring just 2 weeks away, I want to travel and play golf and resume the life I planned when I came out here in the first place.  You guys don't want to read about my job...(you all have one of those already), you want to read about my adventures, my travels, my romantic trysts...(okay, maybe not those), but you know what I mean.  And I, don't want to fill my blogs with job stories, either.  I want to regale you with stories of fulfilling my golf bucket list, of places I visited and the people I met, of reconnecting with family all over this country, of crazy odd jobs I grab for "greens fees".   That was plan from the beginning and I apologize for "falling off the wagon" and repeating past mistakes.  I have relapsed into the addiction that fed all my other addictions.  Letting myself get into a bad situation at work caused me to become angry. Rather than dealing with that anger and changing the situation, I drank and drugged myself to dull the pain.  Finally woke up (in jail) and started to embrace change and with each new change...(after the ULTIMATE change of getting sober), I became stronger and better.  But old habits die hard (or not at all) and here I am in that bad situation and angry at myself.  But have no fear...no drinking or drugging will happen here (hey, I rhymed!). 

     There are many ways to change and many degrees of change.  I am blessed (cursed?) in the fact that I only need to worry about myself at this time (although that is a full time job in itself) and my possibilities are limitless (although joining a circus is NOT one of them...clowns make me uncomfortable).  But I truly believe my tenure with my present job has run its course.  I am researching many potential avenues by which to continue travelling through life and of course you will be second (I will be the first) to know when and what will become of me.  The possibilities are endless... "Tis a far, far better thing I do, then I have ever done before" (A Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens)

The BAD place...

     This is not going to be a pleasant romp for those of you who are living vicariously through me or those of you who are following me through this blog...  I have descended into a funk brought on by my job and need to get a few things off my chest.  There will be a happy ending... I just haven't written it yet.

     As all of you know, I stumbled upon this line of work (event security) in 2009 answering an ad to work at a golf tournament.  It became apparent to me right away that I was good at this...interacting with people at events while making sure they followed the rules of the events.  I moved quickly up to a supervisory position and expanded into a second company in the same capacity.  I really enjoyed the work and the opportunities it provided to see and experience events I couldn't afford to go to.  Which brings me to my current situation.  The past two months have worn me out both physically and mentally and there appears to be no end in sight.  In the eight weeks of 2012, I have been on the job over 480 hours...(the 40 hour a week employee would have worked 320, not counting the holidays they have off).  It hurts just writing down the numbers and most of it is my own doing... (the inability to say no) but it has exacted a toll that has clouded my head and made me lose sight of my goals for moving here in the first place. 

     I write this blog after 14 straight days of 12+ hours working down at the golf tournament in Tucson and the convention center.  This is the first day off I have had since I returned from Virginia and the madness has to stop.  I am broken...I didn't enjoy being on the golf course at all during the tournament; I disliked having to cow-tow to self-important windbags who treated us like something stuck to the bottom of their shoe; I hated the sleep deprivation caused by sheer exhaustion and I find myself uncharacteristically angry at the most meaningless things.  I am most angry at myself for allowing this to happen but I am equally angry at my employers for the empty promises and the further promises that "things will slow down eventually".  In the meantime, I am in the process of rethinking this whole "career" that has happened despite my efforts to keep it as a hobby to keep me in greens fees.  I have played one round of golf since Virginia and my game was horrible.  I am tired all the time.  Something must be done and I will do it.  But, I won't do it in the emotional condition I am now.  Right now, I would like to throw my hands in the air and yell "I quit" and just walk out, but that wouldn't solve anything.  I need to come up with a plan in the next few weeks and if leaving the job is what I decide, then it will be on MY terms and MY timetable.  They may have broken my spirit (and my body), but they don't fully realize who they are messing with...(sorry, there's that anger again). 

     There is no need for phone calls or urgent emails.  I will be fine in a week or two.  It gives me great peace to know that you are out there and allowing me to vent this way.  The Arizona Kid will work his way out of this dilemma like he has done countless times before...one day at a time.  Thanks for listening. 

M.I.A. (missing in action)...

     That's what I feel like... I've been missing in plain sight (read that: working too much) and the end is not in sight for a least another 10 days.  My fault for being so darn good at my job...(just hurt my arm patting myself on the back).  January and February are usually busy but this year has been insanely busy.   Plus the week long events on top of the everyday stuff just adds up to many hours of work for "Security Man".  Next is a week long jaunt in Tucson, Az. at the Accenture Matchplay Championships.  The good thing is I don't have to commute because the company puts me up in a hotel not too far from the course...(the Ritz Carlton would have been nice, but beggers can't be choosers).  Another good thing is that the shifts are ONLY 12 hours (compared to the 15, 16 and 17 hour days I put in this week at the Convention Center).  And I am near the golf course and outside (a tad chilly in the morning, Arizona wise) so I can work on my tan.  It's not as bad as it sounds, just a lot of hours...if I can survive this run of 15 days in a row I will be stronger in character and endurance and fatter in the wallet (because I have no time to spend the money I'm making).

     When you last heard from me I was walking the golf course with Bubba Watson at the TPC Scottsdale and then right back into it at the convention center.   I managed to get away to Virginia for the weekend following the Phoenix Open to visit my sister and her family and my beautiful nieces.  It was a quick (and way too short) visit, but I got some quality time at the basketball games (both girls are on teams) and the indoor field hockey game (Veronica).  I also got some well needed rest and reconnected with my Virginia friends.  I flew back on Monday and went to dinner with Melissa and gave her the Valentine's gifts...(as you know I am not a big fan of that Hallmark created holiday, but she puts up with me and that alone deserves a gift).  Then I followed jet lag Monday with 17 hour Tuesday...(that included a celebration party for the state of Arizona--happy 100 years as a state).  Wednesday through today I worked a variety of shows (AAA travel show, Infiniti (the car co.) launch conference, Az Sunrays gymnastics tournament and the Sports Inc Convention (sporting goods trade show).  Tonight I must do laundry and pack for Tucson because I leave from work tomorrow afternoon and go there directly to the hotel.  I will be able (I think) to catch up on some sleep this week. 

     Update on the 5 resolutions (see the 12 blogs of Christmas).  They have been on hold during this busy period but I am pleased to announce that the weight I lost before the New Year has found a home elsewhere and has not returned.  28-30 lbs (depending on the day) remains off at this writing and I can't be happier.  The gym resolution and the extension of the family (kitty) are slated to begin in March and I am still a positive and upbeat member of society and filling my good karma bank account with a multitude of good deeds for my fellow humans.  Got to go for now...I need to go and pick up the vans we rented for transporting our guards down to Tucson.  Keep reading.  Great things are coming my way and you'll have the inside scoop on all of it...

The return of the human cheeto...

     Yes, it's the return of the "human cheeto"... due to abundant sunshine and temperatures in the mid 70's during the golf tournament, the human cheeto has resurfaced...(and his surface is sunburned).  Numerous coats of sunblock and chap-stick fought bravely but Mother Nature and the Sun were too much and we got a little overcooked.  It was well worth the tight feeling skin and stinging in the shower to have enjoyed a week like last week.  I can't remember when the weather was so nice... (oh, wait...that was two weeks ago).  Had to throw that in for all you cold winter people out there.  One of my favorite quotes about living in Arizona in the winter is "you don't have to shovel sunshine".  So instead of applying layers of clothing, I apply layers of sunblock and chap-stick.  It really was great to be outside for work.  The best move of the week was when I substituted my golf shoes for my sneakers to walk with the golfers.  They provided better support and traction climbing hills and negotiating the desert along the rope lines.

     Not much rest for your intrepid blogger this week... After a short day off today I am in the office working Tuesday and Wednesday and fly to Virginia to visit my sister and her family until Monday...(Uncle Jimmy's coming, Vee and Nat!).  Quick visit because when I get back it's another golf tournament down in the Tucson area from February 20-26.  I will be staying in a hotel for this one, so the commute is much easier.  I will be running the clubhouse security at the course, making sure the players and VIPs are the only ones getting in.  The Ritz Carlton owns the property and the golf course and it is a spectacular venue...(I was lucky enough to play there with my friend Jenny in a charity tournament in 2010).  There is no on course player security because the venue is less fan accessible.  There are plenty of places to watch the action and a multitude of corporate sky boxes and hospitality tents.  It is unique in the fact that only 64 players participate and it's a head to head match where the soring is hole by hole instead of stroke play.  Each day the field is reduced until only 4 golfers play on Sunday (championship and consolation match).   On Wednesday all 64 players play and the field reduces to 32... on Thursday, it goes to 16...on Friday it goes to 8 and then on Saturday the final 4 are determined for the 18 hole playoffs on Sunday.  The field is bracketed like the NCAA basketball tournament and the golfers are seeded 1 through 64. 

     I may be able to sneak a round of golf in Virginia...(I have a set of clubs there and the weather is chilly and rainless according to weather.com)  Friday, there is a tee time available in the morning after the girls leave for school and I will finish before they get out in the afternoon.  I need to test my golf tip I picked up during the Phoenix Open and see if I can add it to my game.  It will be a welcome respite from the workload I have shouldered so far this year.  I worked 23 of 31 days in January and 5 of 6 so far in February... (not bad for a "part time" employee, eh?).  I will recharge the batteries in Virginia...

What a difference a year makes...

     As the title suggests...(and I hope you read the titles, because a lot of thought goes into them.  OK, not a lot, but some thought nonetheless), what a difference.  Same event, totally different conditions.  Last year, freezing (really freezing, not Arizona freezing) temperatures below 32 degrees heating up to only the mid 40's made conditions unbearable and golf almost impossible.  The Pro-Am tournament was canceled and frost delays caused so many problems that they didn't finish the tournament until Monday.  This year, the low temperatures were in the 40's and we have had sunny skies and 70's most days, although frost delays (about an hour) have disrupted play, but not anything like last year.  I have once again drawn Bubba Watson as my player security assignment and he is playing very well.  In fact, a couple of friends saw me on the highlights of play today as Bubba made his move up the leader board.  By shooting a 67 (-4) he moved into third place and into the final group of the tournament along with the two leaders (-17 and -11 respectively).  So, if you want the chance to see me on television...(and who wouldn't want that?) tune in Sunday afternoon (before the Super Bowl, that is) and watch the final round of the Waste Management Phoenix Open.  They have moved the tee times up so that the final round will be over before the Super Bowl starts...

    Maybe this year I will actually see some of the game.  I didn't get to see one down played last year and I will be working tomorrow, but there is a chance I can catch the second half if I don't pass out on the couch... (and all indications are that is exactly what will happen).  I really love working these events but they take a toll on you.  Sleep deprivation is a constant, but walking the course every day and seeing some awesome golf being played is more than enough reason to lose some sleep.  The latest "soup du jour" (thanks, Sheryl) is not too thrilled that I am working so much but I am what I am and this is the life I lead... (love me, love my schedule).  So, whether I see the game or not, I am rooting HARD for the New York Football Giants to hand the HATED New England Patriots another Super Bowl defeat.  Eli and crew must put a hurting on Bellichek and Brady and bring another Championship to New Jersey (that's right! it's the state the Giants play in).  Of course the other tenant in New Jersey is not holding up its end of the bargain, but Let's Go Giants!  And let's go Bubba!  It would be be such a thrill to walk with the winner of the tournament...