Morals?

My definition of being moral: cherishing your best friends' baby and the sister and countless friends that take care of those kids. Loving your family more than anything. Honoring mom, dad, grandma, grandpas, aunts and uncles and the village. Twenty years of loving the best people God could bring to your life. . . um, to change you for the better. Caring for a home, four beautiful kitties and one amazing man who shares the home with you. Working hard and sharing the reap of the harvest. Taking time to enjoy the view. Respecting the human everyday. Having manners and being kind.

Below is a picture of a goat. I know this doesn't have anything to do with the topic, but I had to share a picture.

Love to, as my Texan friends would say, ya'll.

38

I must say I hate getting older. Physically getting older really sucks more than I thought it ever would. It's been awhile since I've blogged, so I thought this would be the most appropriate time to write as I reflect on my life.

With every birthday I always reminisce about Family, like we all do I am sure. One thing I have always loved about my life is my fantastic and fabulous relationship with all my family. Whichever side, whether it's the Sweeney's or Piccolotti's, I fit in and totally understand the difference between nurture and nature and how it all relates.

Sweeney nurturing: Me with Aunt Linda and Cousin Amanda. They are from my dad's side, which I am not biologically attached to, but we are bonded by the Sweeney name/family. I was raised by Sam Sweeney and am his son by adoption, but you wouldn't know it. I define nurture as traits inherited by those around you during childhood. Who knew Sweeney would suit me so well. Here's me Linda and Amanda at dinner in Dallas, TX.

Fun and free spirited.

Naturally a Piccolotti: My mother is a Piccolotti and I had this last name for the first two years of my life. I mentioned nature earlier and know now more than ever that genetics also have so much to do with our character. Here's a picture of me and my Cousin Joey.

When I am around Joe I always think of my Grandpa Lou. I always wondered why??? I think it's because in some strange way he reminds me of Grandpa. There are traits in all of us that is linked to our family. I think about my aunts, uncles and grandparents and how much they really are like each other. . . like me.

Quiet and reflective.

Now I am thinking about my sister, Mom and Dad. The perfect combination of the nature and nurture. I thank them all for making me Sean Sweeney, a humble, grateful man.

What I know for sure: Appreciate the ones who have made you who you are. It really does take a village.

Not Smoking

I am going to start the process to quit smoking today. It's going to be a tough journey, but I am confident I can do it. One of the reasons I am choosing to quit is so I can live long enough to see my nephews and my friends' children grow up.

Congratulations to all the new and old parents in my life.

Victoria, BC

After four months of working in Canada I finally was able to get up there for a holiday. I spent three days last weekend in Victoria for Victoria Day weekend. Here's a picture of me at the Inner Harbour.

Below is the statue of Queen Victoria facing the Inner Harbour. Originally the statue was supposed to face the Parliament Building, but the artist was so upset by the fact that her hind end would face the harbour, they placed her to face the harbour. He still wasn't happy as she was too close to the street that anyone that wanted to look at her would either fall into the ocean or be hit by a car. He still didn't go to the unveiling ceremony. Artists can be so stubborn.

Below is a picture of Rebecca and I at Butchart Gardens. Behind us is the Sunken Garden the highlight of the visit. Breath taking! There is also a Japanese Garden on the estate, but I must say Portland, OR has a much better Japanese Garden that I am not going to publish those photos. Rebecca and her husband Jay have become great friends, and I must say after months of unbelievable stress it was so nice just to take it easy. . .

Butchart Gardens Pictures. . . Sunken Garden, Fountain, and the brilliant Greenhouse. . .

Stained Glass: I never thought of myself as a stained glass fan, but after visiting the BC Parliament building I must say I am convinced this is a fine art. State tribute to Art, Honoring the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee and original BC Crest. . . lots of history behind all of them. . .

BC Parliament Building. Brilliant architecture. . .

Victoria, BC is an amazing place located just north of the great of Portland, OR, about 5 hours north, you all must go visit.

Lungs of a 69 year old.

. . . not good. I am going to quit smoking the first week of June. I have to let it known. I am thinking of hosting a ceremony. It needs to be a big deal. My doctor is going to help with it all, naturally.

My blood pressure is under control and I must say the doctor was quite pleased with my tracking log. I am taking it seriously.

I had a stress test on Thursday, and that went well, although it was quite apparent I need to start working out. I still have some youth in me, as I will remain taking only ONE blood pressure medication. So happy. I could write a book on how strange the appointment was, ask me sometime.

Sweeney is going to get better. My friend Alberto branded it, "How Sweeney got his groove back."

Today made me realize how precious life really is and not to take youth for granted.

Spring can really hang you up the most. . .

After the longest winter of my life I must say I have never been happier to be in Oregon and live in the house I call home. The Garden is looking better than ever!

The thought of getting older has never bothered me until two weeks ago. I have had some real back pain issues, actually the worse pain I've ever experienced. So, I scheduled an appointment with a new doctor at my Medical Clinic last Monday to check it out. Well come to find out my back is the least of my worries. I have extremely (scary) high blood pressure and am now on medication to get it under control. By her request I bought a blood pressure machine and have started recording my blood pressure daily. As sad as all this makes me I understand I can reverse it and use this as an excuse to get my health back to where it was years ago. This will include quitting smoking, seriously. It all ties back to my post below about being huge. So my new, wonderfully nagging doctor is going to see me every few weeks to help me live my best life. Mark my words, "Sweeney will get his groove back!"

My doctor: She's young and hip, has great fashion sense, is very tough and you know I can't say no to a strong, intelligent powerful woman, with class. I won't get away with anything.

After being home for nearly 14 hours and seeing the beautiful gardens and the kitties I feel blessed and want to make sure I have a long healthy life for years to come.

Huge

Okay. I am going to throw it out there. I am big and I hate it. About two years ago I lost 30 pounds at the request of my doctor and I did it. I went from 232 to 202. Hurray! Then I allowed work to stress me out to where I ate and ate and ate and ate. The irony is that while I cut and cut and cut the $$$ because of my work obligation, I grew and grew and grew.

Two days ago I walked by a scale and thought I'd just check it out (don't know why the scale was there) and well guess what? I am now at 254 lbs. What?!? What?!? Again, What!?! 254!?! How did that happen? When did that happen? Why did that happen?

Then my mind flooded with memories of when I was a thin dancer, actor, and sexy guy.

Years ago I used to mock and make fun the idea of dieting and how if you don't stick with it you'll gain it all back again and more. Well, I'll tell you what, I am eating my words (or the pizza sitting next to me). Oh no, I am now one of those?

I recently joined Facebook and have decided to go to my 20th High School reunion. Again, what? 20 years!?! Oh, yes. I need a reason to lose the pounds and am proud that I even want to attend the reunion. I have learned the last few months that not only have I evolved, but many others as well.

Anyone that reads this please encourage me and share any story you may have.

Love to you all.

--Sean