james nunn | blog

Continuing on the need to finish the challenge, here is the next part of this challenge (in a nutshell).

Day 20: Something that stresses you out

Things that shouldn’t. I don’t tend to get overly stressed out over big things, but the little things will eat me up from the inside. I have been working to control this more and I’m stressing less … but it does come out every now and then.

Day 21: 3 Wishes

As corny as these may sound, these probably don’t come as a surprise to anyone:

• peace (at all levels of the world)
• equality – the knowledge that everyone is accepted for who they are
• good health – not just for me, but for everyone.

Day 22: Your favorite song

First one that popped into my head was “This is My Life” by Shirley Bassey. I’m not sure why, but this song has always resonated with me, and really stated how I feel about life in general.

Day 23: Your favorite book

I’m trying to get back into reading. Right now, I’d say my favorite book was “The Hunger Games” which was recommended to me by my Little Brother and which I devoured.

Day 24: Your favorite quote

“Live, and let live.”

So I got really behind. But I’m going to play catch up. I’ve decided I need to blog more and use this site to continue to share my journey — wherever that may lead. So, here are the responses for days 15-19.

Day 15: Something you miss

My family. I miss the option of just getting in the car, or hoping on a plane and spending time with my family. While I could do this, it’s not practical. I try not to think about the things that I have missed over the years with my family, but do look forward to the future that I will share. I have my family here in the US, and that keeps me sane, but there is something about just hanging out with your mother or brothers that can’t be replaced.

Day 16: Nicknames

I’ve had probably three nicknames that come to mind. Growing up I was “Jamie” (in the tradition of making names younger while growing up). I moved away from that in my late teens, and was giving the nickname “Lash” by my ex’s ex (to this day I’m not really sure how or why this name established itself) but that is what he called me. My ex and I each called the other “Chap” and “Other Chap” (or OC). It’s still a nickname that I use from time to time.

Day 17: Favorite Picture of yourself ALL TIME. Why?

I’d have to say this one. I think it is one of those natural pictures of the two of us (Chris and I), taken over a Thanksgiving break in the country. I think it shows we are relaxed and happy. Besides I look thin in that picture!

Day 18: Something you’ve learned

I have learned a lot. Not sure I could share just one that I have learned that would be overly profound. I guess the one that I can share is that we are sometimes our own worst enemies.

Day 19: Your Dream Wedding

A legal one with family and friends, on a beach in a tropical place.

Here is the dilemma with this one. I like to eat, and living in the Dallas ‘burbs there are an abundance of places to eat So I guess my favorite place to eat will depend on what I am yearning for. So here goes, my listing.

• Mexican: La Hacienda (been good for a long time)
• Thai: I’d say Samui (I like the way they do their tofu), but Silk Road is a close second
• Burger (turkey): Mooyah’s (there is just something amazing about their turkey burger). Great chips (er, fries) as well.

I know there is more, but they were the first few that popped into my mind

Part 13 - Something you’re looking forward to

This one is easy. I’m looking forward to my mother and sister (and possibly my aunt) coming to visit at the end of this year. My mother has never been to the US, and not only will she be here for her birthday, but also for Christmas as well. This is probably going to be the highlight of my year (with apologies to anything else that has happened or will happen during the year).

Of course, I think it will be a major highlight for many of my friends as well who are excitedly waiting to meet my mother, and no doubt learn all the more embarrassing things from my past. Thank goodness most of my friends know me fairly well, and will have equally as many embarrassing things to share with my friends.

I’m also excited that we will be doing some traveling while my mum is here, and I am looking forward to sharing with her and my sister parts of the country that I’ve been too, and others where I will be visiting for the first time. As the trip gets closer, I’ll be posting our itinerary for comment and suggestions.

Hmmm… I really need to re-look at these topics and maybe do a few different ones. My dream home is one that has my family in it. I know this may sound pretty “icky” to some, but I really do have a belief that home is where your heart is. Right now, my heart is here in the US with Chris and my dogs. As anyone that really knows me would tell you, the dogs are my number 1 priority right now as they have yet to learn feed and take care of themselves.

I guess to answer the question, my dream house has room for us all without being cramped, which is pretty much what we have right now in our new home. Great neighborhood, good neighbors, and space. So I guess I’m in my dream house right now

Part 11 – Bible Verse

Not being a practicing follower of any one faith, this one was a little more difficult. I can’t say that I have a favorite Bible verse but I do have a favorite reference to the Bible and all other religious texts which is what is often referred to as the “golden rule.”

There is a reference to this in Matthew and Luke (Christian religion) which suggests that you treat others as you would like to be treated (do unto others, as you would have them do to you) [Matthew 7:12 and Luke 6:31].

There are also references in other world religions, many of which can be found here.

Part 10 Something you don’t leave the house without…

This will come as a shock to no-one: my phone.

On the rare occasions I have left without my phone, I have gone back for it. The same cannot be said about my wallet or other things.

I guess technically if I left the house without my keys, I would not get far, so I think this will be something that I would also go back for — unless someone else was driving.