Honeymoon Travel log - Vol 1

 Either he is trying to kill me or thrill me... Not so sure which.

 We had been "living proper" (Mama phrase) since the ceremony in Jordan. The boss let my church hold the (Christian) ceremony in the woods on his property. It was the brother I call Arba'ah (the security guy) who pointed out too many of our neighbors can look into the family's property in Amman. That meant too much risk for that venue. I have explained before while Jordan is an open city, It is not quite marriage for same sex couples open... YET.

 While the family was returning to the compound in Amman, Zahir took the American side of the party straight to the airport. I got a nose rub and a kiss on the forehead and a command, "Obey and be good." Then he left me in my family's care and we loaded the jet to Tampa. For the record I was freaking. 

 Stacy explained we were on our way to the next venue. Pawpaw said it was a modern take on an old family tradition, a shivaree. Abducting the groom on the wedding night to torment the bride. I was about to point out I was technically the "bride" in our relationship when Mohsen said Zahir wanted to do things "proper." Translation no "intimate contact" until the final ceremony.

 When he finally arrived in our wedding village (a week later) I attempted to squid wrap him with my arms and legs. I forgot how fast Moe was. "Patience little one. Things must follow their course." Hard to do when you want to rip the buttons off your husband's clothes.

 I told you about the Islamic ceremony in my previous post. Graduation was so lit. Baba arranged with a friend to have a lunch off campus. I was a bit concerned when we pulled up to the new strip mall but the inside space was amazing. 

 The best part was meeting dispatcher John again. Poor guy looked terrified opening the door to see the crowd. He gave me a wrapped box with a cool pen set. The pen doubles as a stylus for my iPad. 

Then he asked Zahir if he could give a gift to his mother. THAT raised eyebrows. He quietly thanked her for finding and caring for me after my kitchen "incident." He gave a lovely blue and white silk scarf. She in turn thanked him for helping me.

  He and officer Mike hit it off, cops and dispatchers, go figure. The big surprise was that he and Zahir started talking fighter jet stuff. I thought I knew all about my friends. I guess I have much more to learn.

  The BIG legal civil ceremony took place the next day at Disney again in our wedding suits. Yes, I wore the head scarf, tiara and veil! Zahir wore his red and white shemagh. This service was more intimate. Close family and of course the boss. Most of the graduation guests were told to go off and enjoy the parks.

 Our wedding reception was also in the park. The Disney cast was so great. The kids had a visit from one of the park princesses at our reception. She was eyeballin my crown. 

"Some people care too much.
I think it's called love." 

 The "bride" and groom got a visit from Winnie the Pooh and Tigger too. Damn you Stacy, it was perfect. I thought about my mom and yes, for a moment I cried. There have been so many days and things recently I wish she could have seen. That day I was wrapped in love and I felt her. 


 About Disney... Disney has been a place of sadness for me in the past. It was the last thing Mom and I did together before she left me in Miami. It took a long time to understand she was trying to build a perfect memory for me to carry me through my life.

  Some on the left and right bash the house of mouse for not going far enough to their side. I would argue Disney is on the BEST side, their own. It is the side of fun and LOVE! Disney does not have STRAIGHT weddings. They do not have GAY weddings. Disney has WEDDINGS! Simply put Disney loves LOVE, and I love Disney. *end of unsolicited product endorsement.

For the record: He's my Pooh Bear!

 As we danced Zahir asked if he was Tigger or Pooh. I reminded him I am Christopher Robin and he was both to be. Sometimes Z is the energetic tiger when I need to play. Sometimes he is the cuddly teddy bear when I need to cry. He is my world of more than a Hundred Acres.

 After the reception we headed straight to the airport. I balked about leaving our things back at the hotel. This earned me a, "Not for you to worry."

 We were welcomed on board by "Muffin" and the flight crew and took our seats. For the first time since he bought the jet, he did not climb into the cockpit. No sooner had we gotten off the ground and leveled off he pick me up princess style and carried me back into the private salon. The bed was already made and dusted with rose petals. I could be wrong but I think he missed me.

 When we finally emerged from our love cage, the flight attendant had a very tasty dinner laid out. I asked when we were getting back to Jordan.  Zahir asked why I thought we were going home. 

 I replied that we were heading to the east. He pointed to the blank monitors and asked how I knew we were flying East? I replied it was easy to tell when you're flying away from the sun. 

 "I am not taking my baby home. We are going on our honeymoon. Where is not your concern. I will care for you from this day on. It is my obligation as husband." 

 We spent five days in Switzerland. I learned how to ski on snow, kind of. OK, I LEARNED HOW TO FALL! A LOT!!! I still hate the cold. Zahir warming me up was AWESOME as always! 

 Second stop was in the Netherlands. The fishing village of Volendam to be precise. A client gave us the use of his summer house as a wedding gift. It was so beautiful, a little cold and damp. The people were so sweet and warm. Did bump into a lemon sucker or two but those were the exception. 

  We did a few walking tours of the harbor area. We stopped in at a wooden shoe factory and took the tour. Z made an impulse buy for me. After a hot chocolate with rum he bought me a pair of wooden clogs called klompen. I could be wrong but I think the rum may have caused the purchase. 

 Speaking of shoes, during our walk on our last day in town the sole blew out on my favorite pair of Vans. I tried to muddle through, to make it back to the hotel. As it got louder, Zahir picked up on the telltale "flap-thwip" sound coming from my left foot. He steered me immediately into the first shoe store he saw. 

 The college guy sat me down to measure my foot and he was flirting. I admit he was cute, not my type but fun to look at. I am normally oblivious to flirtation, THIS was THAT obvious. It was very clear the sizer had not been used in some time. I could almost hear Z's teeth grinding as he growled my shoe size to the boy. "Sizes are different in Europe, must make sure for a proper fit."

  An older associate saw our shiny new rings and Zahir's darkening mood. He zipped into the back and returned with the size Z was muttering. Fit like a glove, my guy knows his boy. The older gentleman took over the sale, college boy was not happy.

 Zahir was not happy either as we went for lunch. For the first time I ate as he picked/stabbed at his food. I put my hand on his. I told him that he had REAL stamina. The strength to carry me at my lowest. The power to guide me safely. The courage to stand and defend me when I was at risk. I ended with, "Think of my favorite position... Do you think that twig of a boy could pick me up and THEN light me up like you do?"

 My man had that check paid and us back to the house in no time.

  Currently at our final venue. Hint there is a VERY warm beach involved. We will be back in Amman too soon.

 Chase

I Have A New Name!!!

 The trip back to the Sunshine State has had a few surprises for us but I'll get into that a bit later. 

 We have rented four vacation homes connected by a winding path. It is at an undisclosed location near the I-4 corridor. The "bridal party's" house is a bit crowded. Moe and Stacy (acting mom and dad), Aunt Meghan (Maid of honor) and her girl friend, Pawpaw, Memaw, and I. 

 The boss rented a house too. He is sheltering the officiants; the Imam for the other religious ceremony in the morning and Officer Mike (the cop who saved my life) who is performing the civil ceremony on Sunday. The civil ceremony is the legal one. It will take place in a theme park in the area. Lets just say "I'm a princess bitch!" 

 The groom's party takes up the other two houses. I love our big family.

 The first surprise was graduation. I SCREWED UP! It turns out I am gonna miss out on the walk for my chemistry degree. That one is Friday night and NOT concurrent with the school of Engineering graduation. Oh well, I still earned the degree.

 Our next surprise was on the wedding front. The second marriage ceremony is in the morning just after sunrise, two days early. Mohsen's Imam had a family emergency so it was either move the event up or scrap this part.

 Stacy and Mama had a henna party for me Wednesday night. My hands and feet look so pretty. All of us look like we are wearing delicate brown lace gloves, EVEN Memaw. Mama gave me something at the henna party, a beautiful (not overly feminine) headscarf and veil. The scarf matched the pattern on my hands. 

 I had just stopped gushing when she gave me a green velvet box "Your king sends this..." It was a delicate platinum kokoshnik style tiara set with tiny diamonds and emeralds. It looks like a crescent moon all by itself. I am not saying it was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen but there were tears involved. Mama showed me the proper way to wear it with the headscarf. I'll be, "I GUESS I AM A PRINCESS!"

 The "legal" civil marriage license is done. So technically in the eyes of Florida we are married once we sign on Sunday. Had to jump through a ton of legal hurdles but we are ready. I have chosen to take HIS family name. 

 About the name change, to solve certain issues back home, Zahir will adopt me (ok that part is creepy but this way I can be his somewhat openly). Looking forward to the day when the whole world recognizes LOVE IS LOVE. Until that day, he is all about keeping me safe. 


 Headed out to dinner at the lodge.


 SOOOOOOOO HAPPY!!!!!!


Chase 


 ****Update 12/13/2019****

 The second faith ceremony (the Nikah) is complete. I just woke up from a nap. Poor Zahir is still sleeping off his "bachelor's party." My poor baby was up all night with his brothers, two of my uncles from Paducah, Mohsen and Mike. The boss and Pawpaw played chess until early in the morning on the front porch. 

 The Imam chuckled as the groom's party shuffled (there may have been a momentary stagger or two) up the path to the bridal house. Sarah (my uncle's wife) said it reminded her of an opening to a zombie movie. 

 Zahir and I were dressed in almost matching white and gold silk suits with high collars. The only skin exposed was Zahir's face and my eyes. I couldn't help notice the golden embroidery on my jacket matched my scarf and henna markings. It seams Z's Mama put a lot of thought into my attire.

 The groom's party met mine in the gazebo behind the bridal home. I was shocked at the sheer number of well wishers and witnesses. Many of our clients were there to witness the signing of the Nikaahnama (wedding contract). Zahir kissed my cheek three times and my forehead once during the ceremony. Afterwards we walked the path to the groom's house and Mama said a blessing over me as she held the Quran over my head. "Now you are MY baby too..." I have a real Momma again.

 My uncle Mark surprised me with a check at dinner. "This isn't our gift to you two, it is just a bit of overdue business." He has been managing the property my grandparents had set aside for my Momma and I when I was born. When they thought I died with Momma he took over ownership. He gave me a check for the current value of the property. 

 Mark's wife Sarah is a portrait painter. She gave me a portrait of my mother holding me as a baby. Yes, tears flowed! I swear I could feel Momma here today. We are having a reception on Sunday after the "legal" ceremony. The next hurdle is commencement tomorrow.

I damn near fell over when Zahir showed me the deposit of my "bride price" in my OTHER bank account. Some brides use the money to complete their education, set up the home (like he has EVER said no to a purchase), some start businesses with it. I have no clue what to do with it. I have never had to handle money.

Jedidiah Lives!!!

The long awaited Chapter 05 of Night Of The Wolf has been uploaded to Nifty. I hope people like it. The link SHOULD work when Nifty publishes. My mind went to a lot of dark places (especially chapter two). Zahir wanted me to just walk away from the story. "My baby's thoughts should only be of good things now..." I just can't leave anything half done. 

Getting things arranged for our understated, low key and VERY ILLEGAL Christian marriage next week.

Baba is letting Pawpaw give me away and Baba is Zahir's best man. Location is in the air right now. I hope we can do it in our garden. Alternate sites are being considered. (safety/security issues).

We fly to the states for commencement. Then we have the Islamic service with Mohsen's Imam (Moe will be daddy for that one) and then the civil (legal wedding) the next day. Then off for the honeymoon to?!? 

I still don't know where, Z won't tell me. He says it will be in one the top 10 nations of fan traffic for this site... All but a couple places in the U.S. are cold, and all but one of the nine other nations are cold as well. COME ON WARM WEATHER!!! Not that intent on leaving the bedroom wherever we go.

Chase

Thanksgiving....

 I was ready for Zahir to come home Tuesday. Imagine my surprise when the door opened and he walked in with my Grandma and Grandpa. Baba and Mama flew them over to have an American style Thanksgiving in Amman Jordan. I am so happy.

 There was an unpleasant moment. Grandma was the first to notice the fresh scar on my arm. For the record she didn't buy the cooking accident story the family told her.  I told her that I don't remember actually doing it. There was just so much stress, pain and pressure in my life. For one moment I just gave in to a dark impulse. She said she understood and hugged me in our garden.

 Thursday morning Aunt Meghan arrived. She couldn't get away on Monday. We have had a long talk. We share a little bit more in common. She knows something about depression and self harm. Turns out she did what I did when they found Mom's body.

 Aunt Meg will be returning to the States on Sunday. Meemaw and Pawpaw will be staying with us until we fly to Tampa for commencement. PawPaw had a long private "chat" with Zahir in the garden last night. When they came back Pawpaw has asked if he could give me away to Zahir when we have the Christian ceremony in the garden next week. I got weepy and said yes. I wonder how many people have three wedding ceremonies for the same person?

 This has been the best Thanksgiving in my life.


Chase

Why So Quiet?

Zahir and the boss have me traveling. Something unpleasant happened at the house. I am visiting some of the active out of country construction sites and going over designs and precision measurements.

A threat was made, but I am safe.  On the upside, I am doing some writing
 
---Yes, I have a bodyguard with me.

For the second time in three years I'm traveling without Zahir. He was needed back in Iran. Something to do with the earthquake at a construction site.

Not going to lie, I am very afraid.

Baba and the family promise things will be sorted by the wedding date. They think they know who was behind it. I am told this is only temporary...

I'm starting  to think my friends back in the states were right. Maybe I have been making too much noise here. But, graffiti can be painted over, and a guard dog can be replaced. Yes, someone killed one of my babies, not Kaeleb but one of his brothers.

 Chase

Another Year in the Books... and A New Chapter Begins!

 Yep, I am a teen no more. The BIG two zero. When one of our clients found this out he and his wife arranged a party. WOW! I will leave it at that. Our host clearly does NOTHING half way. There must have been fifty couples there. Zahir and his brothers were even impressed.  

 Betey has been on full alert since he arrived with the new pilot. Yup, I got my favorite bodyguard back. Z was in a meeting and his brothers took yours truly to the zoo. For the record "I" knew exactly where I was. My soon to be brother in laws however were "misplaced." 

 Grown men do NOT get lost we get separated from our party. We were on our way to see the monkeys. I was following the signs, they were following what was attached to the skirts. When I could not find them I asked an employee for help in English. (As I have said before this Miami boy speaks very little Spanish, and ZERO Portuguese.He too me to security. I texted Z and told him I was in security waiting for the brothers. They were pissed when they found me. That night it was decided I needed a dedicated minder (AND the brother's temporary numbers in my cell).

 Betey gave me a long list of rules to avoid issues like what happened on our last trip.

 Sorry for the text only post. We are at the Brazil vs Angola match. Typing while trying to look excited is hard. Soccer is not MY sport. Still there is a tremendous excitement here and the Brazilian team is doing great I am told. U.S. team... not so well.


Chase

Back in the Western Hemisphere...

 Just landed in São Paulo, Brazil. Two pilots (in addition to Zahir), one flight attendant and two brothers on the jet. I have now experienced something new. Whatever Z paid for the jet and the renovation... it was worth every single penny!!! All I will say is that I am grateful for a soft (quiet) voice. That and the crew rest area and main passenger saloon is in the front of the jet... AWAY from the suite.

 Zahir is pitching a deal in the morning. I get to play tourist with his brothers. We are mixing business with pleasure during this extended trip. Z's older brother (in a rare state of excitement) forgot my Arabic is improving and let the cat out of the bag. We are in country for the duration of the FIFA matches. Bouncing (pun intended) between venues and meetings. The local partners have arranged limo/helo travel between venues.

 As most of you know sports are NOT my thing. I am happy to just be with them.


 Chase

Good Day!!!

 The boss had Zahir and I in a private meeting Sunday. He told me my internship would continue so long as I also continued therapy. Of course I agreed to the stipulation. Zahir is NOT happy that on occasion I will have to intern with the other departments. The boss wants me double certified, and Z "...has no head for chemistry..." Clearly the boss hasn't seen Z in the shower. My man sizzles and oozes chemistry.

 We also discussed my engineering internship. The past two years count towards my four year apprenticeship for certification! Then he said I had a mandatory meeting with the senior partners Monday (after group).

 Today Z was beaming as the senior partners honored both Saleh (not his real name) and I. The incident in Kiev was acknowledged and we were praised and rewarded privately (let's just say it was a piece of paper with a lot of zeroes). I wanted to show Baba, but Z made me deposit the check on the way home and show the certificate instead. "Money is NOT the prize little angel..."

 We had a team meeting with the rest of the design and engineering teams. Also present was the president of the Ukrainian construction company, it seams our "gift" was from both companies. It was streamed to all of the company offices around the world. Pictures and videos of the deflection damage and subsequent repair were played. 

 The video of the recent Hard Rock collapse in New Orleans was played as well. The boss said "his boys" saved our company from a similar fate. I just heard his view about the lessons from the Jordan Gate Towers and took it to heart. Ten years after the disaster they are still unfinished. The boss would rather walk away from a "BAD" project than be a part of a tragedy. I used to think our boss was a bit of a creepy guy. With his four wives, dozens of kids and a VERY happy houseboy it was hard to understand at the time.  Now I see him as just another father/uncle to me (I am collecting a lot of them).
 
 
 Chase


P.S. Answer to fan question: I am up to 115 pounds. I feel fat. Z says I am now at a minimally healthy weight...

No more pencils... No more books...

 Well it's all over but the crying... Just kidding I did very well on my last exam. Final grades won't be posted for a while but I think I did well. It's so weird knowing I have no more work to do. I am (for all intents and purposes) a college graduate. Zahir's father has already had the, "What are you thinking of for your postgraduate studies" talk.

 I think I just want to be a houseboy and intern for a little while. Simply put, I want to be Zahir's boy for a while. I hope that doesn't disappoint Baba. In the meantime I have RSVP'd for graduation in December at the "beer hall." 

 I should have known one of Baba's friends teaches for USF. He picked up and shipped my regalia (a cap & gown) to Baba last semester. Baba and Mama surprised me with it after supper tonight. The "honors" accoutrements (sash and medallion) will be collected as soon as final grades are posted. Yes, I am a member of a Honor Society (surprise UBER NERD). Baba said as a joke I should apply for a foreign student sash. That sash is for foreign students studying IN Tampa not American students who study abroad.

 Zahir is off, courting future clients. The past couple days I have been with his parents. Our boss wants "US" in his office Sunday morning. To discuss the engineering certification process (It is not school but feels like it).

 Wedding plans are continuing. In December I will be a graduate and a Disney Princess!!! The actual site is a closely guarded secret but Mohsen and Stacy say it is perfect. I will be staying with my Grandparents for the signing of the marriage contract before the civil ceremony.

A Big Week of Big Changes

 Well I am alright. Zahir and I have been to six MENA region nations in four days. It has been grueling. We have been in non-stop meetings. I have one last final next week. My proctor is scheduled at the University.

 On the Zahir front, I walked in on a private conversation between Zahir and my therapy partner. It was John who led me to an international support group for male victims of rape. After my suicide attempt the group pulled him as my partner. They said it was for his protection. As a result John has now severed his ties with the group.

 John said, "Enough people have walked out and abandon this boy. I'm not going to be one of them." I know what he went through, I feel ashamed for being so weak. Without getting too in-depth because it is his story not mine, he survived two years as a victim of human trafficking. I can't even imagine. I know he tells me not to compare his trauma to my trauma.  He says pain is pain regardless of the source.
 
 Although he tells me I shouldn't, I am worried that my friend has now lost his therapy outlet. He told me not to worry that new opportunities will present themselves as needed. "My church family will watch over me too Chase."
 
 I'm hoping John will come to my commencement in December. He was rolling on the floor when I told him Mama says my commencement is taking place in a beer hall. The USF Sun Dome was renamed Yuengling Center.

 I am so lucky to have so many people in my life who love me.

New Update in Journal Therapy

 I have referred to the "incident" in a few posts. Looks like I didn't spell it out well enough. Here goes, I let life overtake logic. It only took a fraction of a second to make a near fatal mistake. I almost chose a permanent state of being to a temporary issue. For that dear readers I am sorry.

 Here is a link to my most recent Journal Therapy Update. I have made the same error twice before. This is not a mistake I plan to repeat again. 

 Zahir and the family have been as clingy as warm Saran-wrap. I think it is going to take a long time to regain their full trust again. The important thing is that I AM still here to try.

 Chase

Guilty Pleasures

 Ever since I was in the hospital back in March, I have developed a guilty pleasure... Webtoons. 
 
 Zahir caught me a while back hiding my browser page. He demanded to see what I was so embarrassed about. I handed the iPad to him to scan my browser history. I think he was expecting to find porn... That was when he was introduced to "Small World." He thinks it is cute when I do "real boy things" like reading comics. 

 When I told him Robin and Julian were like us he laughed. "I have not been small like Julian for many years." When I got more basic pointing out the tall/small paradigm he corrected me again. "My baby is NOT small, he is like those chocolate bars you Americans give out on YOUR birthday (Halloween). You are not small, you are fun sized!" Oh how I hate feel good euphemisms! I AM SHORT!!! Not compact, vertically challenged, of limited stature, wee one, petite, or fun sized.

 I have a new story I am following... Heartstopper. It takes place in a British all-boys grammar school. The story revolves around two characters:

1.  Charlie: A highly-strung, openly gay, slightly neurotic, over-thinker. Charlie is in a bad relationship when the story opens.
2.  Nick: A mellow easygoing, cheerful, soft-hearted jock. Slowly opening Charlie to a new world and experiences.

Sound familiar? (Z doesn't see the similarity)

 I read today's episode and I am sad. I think Nick is just now discovering who he is attracted to. I don't think that is going to be a pleasant discovery. In my experience, some alpha jocks with gay "stirrings" (realizations) will over compensate trying to prove to themselves and the world they are not gay.

 I told Zahir I wish I knew him when he was in grammar school. He told me that would not have worked out well. He said he thought of nothing but girls and flying then. "No, I would have been very bad for you then. I would not have seen you fully."

 Hang on Charlie I think you are in for a bumpy ride.

Z and I are on the way back to the office. The senior partners took him (and by proxy me) out to lunch. At these events I sit, am silent and attempt to blend into his shadow. I don't fit in with most of the "trophy" interns or the "real" interns. Both sides think I belong in the other camp. 

There are exceptions to every rule but none of those people were there. I ate and followed the conversation. Z pecked my cheek in the car and told me I did well.

Chase

Working Weekend in the Woods

 Zahir's star is on the rise. Since he made partner he has become a center of attention. With him being a driven extrovert alpha jock it is heaven (me not so much). One of the senior partners invited us to his cabin in Jerash. It is so pretty here and not what most would expect to see.
 
 The older partner's wife was occasionally giving me the stink-eye. That ended when our host started telling his older son about my adventure in Kiev. Z told me the partner's wife and kids were likely hanging on our every word in the kitchen.
 
 The company is like a family, and not much is more valuable than family honor. The fact I was injured after defending that image has value. Yes, I know the incident with the junkie had NOTHING to do with the crap the interior designer and the property developer pulled. I have learned folks LOVE stories and at times some will embellish the tale to draw others in.

 We were given separate bedrooms connected by a sitting room. It was weird not sleeping in his bed. This is one of those times we are treated as "brothers." Z has promised to make it up to me.

 I was enjoying morning coffee on the deck. A tiny blue tit caught my eye and full attention. "You notice the tiny things..." I was so startled by her voice I almost shot coffee out of my nose. Somewhere there MUST BE a spousal ninja academy. If so, I will have to attend to learn how to stealth in and out of areas like wives do here. When I regrouped she apologized for startling me. She finished her thought, "I see you notice the tiny things. Life happens in the tiny details most do not see."

 She laughed when I told her how the contractors in Kiev called me Krykhitna Ptytsya (the tiny bird). I went on to say most people don't take time to look at the small stuff. Overlooked things are where failure happens. She said in her world most of the young do not understand this.

 She asked if it was true that I "knock on tables" during meetings. Looks like the boss failed to mention our code to some of the other employees. I didn't realize that was a point of irritation among some of the managers. I told her I can only be heard when it is quiet and explained it was the boss who came up with the "table tap" as a way to get around my weakness.

 This of course led to the "what happened" talk. I gave the short version. I was injured and my voice was damaged. That explanation still earned me the broken boy pity look (BBPL). I hate the BBPL, next time I think I'll try to make a joke of it... "My voice saw my personality and ran away."

 Her husband came out on the deck and patted my head. His wife quickly departed. "I will tell the rest of the staff about the tap, and WHO mandated it's use." We chatted for a bit longer. I told him how beautiful his "cabin" and property were. His chest puffed out a bit. 

 Then Zahir stumbled out and asked how long WE had been up. I damn near died when the host said I had been a good boy, just quietly viewing his wife's tits. With my very red face buried in my hand I muttered, "You couldn't just say we were looking at the birds."

 We just finish dinner (lunch to most). The oldest son is taking Z and I for a walk in the forest. Heading back to the compound after supper.

  Only one final scheduled this week and three projects due (done already, going to polish them a bit more though) a light week. I have run the numbers, summa/magna cum laude are NOT in the cards. Baring a terminal bought of cranial flatulence I am on track for a respectable cum laude ending in both degrees. A couple professors dropped a few of my projects by a full grade. I turned them in late when I was sick earlier this year. Z was angry, "Meningitis B was a good reason to be late!"

 I reminded him the University didn't make me sick and they didn't have to take the projects at all. They were in fact turned in late. I made the joke; Of those who graduate very few students come in summa cum laude, some reach magna cum laude, more just cum laude and others come in shouting "lawdy, lawdy we likes to pawty..." all get the same degree. He didn't laugh. He smiled when I added, "Daddy, is life fair?"


 - Christopher

Okay I'm Easily Confused...

 The boss and Zahir spent all day Tuesday discussing a long calendar of events that Z would have to be present for. Included in that list was three weeks in December for our wedding and honeymoon. It seems the boss is trying to step back away from the day-to-day operations and he's looking at Zahir and the other parters to step into his sizable shoes. I was grateful for the break when the boss's tea boy took me to a session with my therapist.

 At home I have a flurry of "tutors" from around the family. Every single day of the week I will be meeting with either one of his brothers or one of his sisters in law. They are assisting me with the completion of my college education. I don't need help with my labs, but apparently speed is now of the essence.  

 My final course is supposed to close out on Wednesday the 23rd of October. Zahir is trying to get me to finish by the 21st. I don't know why or what the hurry is about. He says we have a long company business trip in San Paulo and Rio de Janeiro beginning that week and he wants me finished with school before we depart. "If possible I want to finish our business before the 26th. There is something special I wish to show you."  I have a feeling this may be one of those carrot or the stick moments.
 
 I also found out three of his older brother's will be accompanying us to Brazil. As recent events have proven, I am not the most brilliant person in the world but I think something else is going on.

 Yesterday he spent most of the morning at the airport with "Muffin" (Muflih) teaching him in the other pilots the upgraded flight systems on the G550. Zahir's jet is both in and out of the company fleet. Z pays for parts but the routine maintenance and crew training is handled by the company.
 
 For long private flights (like our wedding and honeymoon) he can reimburse the company for the use of additional pilots and crew as needed. I have to admit that is a killer perk. Our boss must have been really concerned about Z leaving to start his own business. I am also starting to understand how long he has been grooming Z. His presence in Miami on the agricultural side of the parent company is starting to make sense.

 During their training I discovered why you have to put your cellular devices into airplane mode. When a cell phone pulses on an airplane, attempting to reach a cell tower, it makes a god-awful noise over the aircraft's radio systems. It is THE single fastest way to annoy the crap out of your pilot. After chastising me (then finding out that my devices were in airplane mode) Muffin checked his own cell phone... oops.

 More on communications... Thank God the Wi-Fi on the jet rocks. Z was a little embarrassed when he found out I was actually trying to take one of my finals while he was doing systems and "taxi" training with the pilots. Some of my humanities do not require the use of a proctor for on-line tests. 

 In-spite of the noise, I only missed ONE question. THE TEST WAS WRONG!!! I had just composed my challenge of the question when I heard a chuckle, followed by a nice shoulder and neck rub. Zahir said "Let it go baby, it is a very good score."

 Z told me if he had known I was taking a final, he would have sent me to the university with Baba to take the final in peace. He still doesn't understand, as an introvert I can be alone even in a crowded room, as long as people leave me be.

 We have another full day today. we have our couples session with Doc. I have a follow up for my arm with the surgeon too. Side note on therapy; Kaeleb got his staples out, and his hair is filling in again. Although anytime I go near the knife block in the kitchen now he whines. I feel stupid and guilty. I hurt a lot of people.


 Christopher (I think I prefer using Chase)

Zahir likes walking into the room
to find the three fur babies snuggling on me.
He knows I am safe.