Fuck!

There is no other word to say but FUCK! A good friend of mine started her treatment today for cancer. This is maybe her 4th time. First it was breast cancer, then it came back in her spine.... She is a strong woman. But damn, enough! She's a grandmother of one, with another on the way. So those of you who pray, those that don't, send good thoughts to Carol.

RIP Pete Nugent

Peter Daniel Nugent

Peter Nugent, beloved son, husband, father, and teacher, departed this life on March 1, 2007, at St. Luke's Hospital in Kansas City, MO. He left peacefully, surrounded by his family. Pete was born on March 29, 1938, in Kansas City, MO. He attended St. Peter's Cathedral grade school and in 1956 graduated from Bishop Ward High School in Kansas City, KS. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in anthropology from the University of Colorado in Boulder in 1969 and a Ph.D. in Labor and Industrial Relations from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1976. Pete taught at Stockton State College in Pomona, NJ and Cleveland State University in Cleveland, OH. In 1979 he and his family moved to Kansas City, MO where he took a job at Rockhurst University. Throughout his 25 years of teaching at Rockhurst, Pete was known as a tough teacher who had high expectations for his students. But Pete's true vocation was as a mentor, and his devotion to his students was expressed in many ways. He counseled many through difficult times, often on the front porch or in the living room of his home. He saw many students into adulthood, marriage, and beyond, and many of them became lifelong friends. Pete was a practical jokester whose sense of humor could light up any room. He loved a captive audience and was a charismatic and spirited storyteller. Throughout his life, Pete loved photography and spent endless hours taking pictures. His curiosity and joie de vivre led him on trips all over the world, from where he would always return with countless photographs. Toward retirement Pete looked for a way to continue to be involved with young people. He began to volunteer as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for Clay County, MO. He was devoted to the children whose cases were entrusted to him and made many new friends in the agencies he worked with. Pete is survived by his mother, Louise Nugent of Independence, MO; Ashley, his wife of 37 years, of the home; his son and daughter-in-law, Matthew and Rachel Nugent of Kansas City; his daughter and son-in-law, Megan and Esteban Galicia of Austin, TX; many friends and former students; neighbors in Brookside and the Westside of Kansas City; and his cat McGee. His sudden departure has left a large, empty space in the lives of his family and friends. However, we all know that after a broad-ranging conversation with St. Peter, he moved on to his new life. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 1001 East 52nd Street, on Thursday, March 8, 2007 at 11 am. A visiting hour will precede the service at 10:00 am. Friends are invited to celebrate Pete's life at a reception following the Mass. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Christian Children's Fund or Clay County MO CASA. Published in the Kansas City Star on 3/4/2007.

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Dear Nugent family,My deepest sympathies on this sad occasion. I'm in shock, heart broken. I can't believe that he won't be dropping by my office. Usually with an iced coffee or a fresca in hand. Pete's my favorite curmudgeon. His sense of humor, his teasing, and his heart are what drew me to him. As so many others have been drawn to him. You were all so kind to share him with us. Know that we loved Pete, and we grieve with you.

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Friday was a very sucky day. Lynn R. came by in person to tell me that Pete Nugent had died the night before. She knew that I cared a lot for him. I had done an independent study on Photoshop with him. Plus all the lunches that we had at the magic table. I still can't believe it. Good bye dear friend. I won't forget you. How could I with all the great memories I have?

Another sucking day

So I haven't cried this much since someone died. Today was divorce day for me & my work husband. Yep! He left me. The dog will get to work from home. May his house be flea infested. I can't remember ever clicking with someone this much & we never even had sex. Our spouses are happy about that I'm sure. I mean I looked forward to work because I knew he had my back. Religion, politics, music, warped sense of humour (did I just spell that the Canadian way?), even food (except for me being a vegetarian). Speaking of which we converted more people to Don Chilito's today. Going away lunch was there. If there is one thing that I won't steer you wrong at it's food. Within the first 10 minutes of work today I was crying & we (me, my hubby, and my now divorced work hubby) walked out together so I ended the work day crying. And of course when ever someone would say anything to me it just turned the water works on. I had to try & keep my head on work just to get through the day. Another sucking day!

Monday

Today was a sucky day. Home sick with a bad cold. Did get to finish reading The Book of Bright Ideas by Sandra Kring. Got a call from my buddy at work who said he put his notice in. Yup! My work husband is divorcing me. I'm heartbroken. I have to say that he is one of the nicest, caring, hard working person I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. Some people don't know him the way I do. When you work 7 years with someone as close as we did you can't help it. Some may see a quiet man. I know him as a music lover. Under that quiet exterior is a rocking soul. Thank you Jim for introducing me to the music of Bob, Jeff, Norm, and last but not least John. And when I've had a song stuck in my head I could always pass it on to him. (Du du du, looking out my back door) He is also been my cohort in my love for gadgets. He is very dangerous to my checkbook. I have to truthfully say I have never been mad at this person, not once. There are two men in my life ( Papa & mon oncle Omer) that I compare all men to. Jim, you're right up there. I can't say enough about how much I love & respect you. Good thing our spouses understand. I'll close now as I have to go get some Kleenex.