Change is good!

Hi all,

It's been way overdue to make another posting to my blog. I initially used this tool to keep my family and friends around the world up to date on my health and recovery from open heart surgery for which I will have my 3 year commemora this February 26th. Thankful to say, the surgery is a success and my heart is still as full of love as ever, even if it is a bit of plastic in parts bit it in no way creates a blockage of allowing love to flow freely! And this blog was a terrific way to share the event of real life happenings of what one experiences in such a life altering ordeal.

So now I'm continuing with my blog to continue to share with family and friends from around the world especially since I'll be living in a new country next year. So this will be a perfect tool to continue to share my life with all of my familiar friends as well as new friends that I have met and will meet on my continued journey in this lifetime.

Over the past few months I have been guided to open up my life to share intimate details of what my journey has been and how much having faith in God. Family, friends and strangers alike. What has amazed me more than anything is that people appreciate when someone can open their heart and stand naked as it were, to show exactly who they are and not be ashamed by what life has served up onto their plate.

With that said, mine has been a plate so full at times that I could feel the pressure threatening to burst my belly button way open. But thankfully I've been fortunate enough to know when to reel myself in and to take control of those things that I could and to pray to God for strength and will to go the distance in time of strife and disparity.

This first of many post to follow is in response to my high school friends question on my Facebook page. Another reason to ask questions when making one line remarks or post since so few words can leave much to interpretation and misunderstandings. But this time my dear friend Phyllis gave me the permission and guidance, of which I was already prompted to do by my intuition, i.e. God's voice on my heart, to share my story from the start. So here goes...

It was in 1983, I was working in Reno at Harrah's Hotel and Casino dancing in a cabaret show called "Hot Streak". It was one of the best shows I had ever seen. Full of fast moves and funky music and beautiful dancers. It was a small cast of 12 dancers along with the header act The Fercos of which was comprised of a family of 4. We did 2 shows a night and 3 on alternating Fridays and Saturday. We shared the stage in tow hour shift with such star bands and musical groups as "Peaches and Herb", "Paul Revere and the Raiders", "The Tower of Power" and of course "The Mamas and the Papas". It was with this last group that I had learned of the death of my friend Charles De La Barra. Charles was a good friend of mine but I hadn't been in contact for over a year.

It was McKenzie Phillips who shared the news with me. She and Chuck had been close friends in Hollywood for years. We were all sitting at the cabaret bar after the show when she laid the news on me after asking how Chuck was. "Chuck died, didn't you know that?" She started to cry when she told me how horrible his death was. Withering away to nothing and having the life sucked out of him as the HIV virus took over his body.

I was scared! I was numb, Then I just zoned out. He was the first man that I was ever intimate with. I knew deep in my heart that I had been infected with the HIV virus. What was I going to do? How could I go on living my life knowing that in the back of my mind that I might have infected others? How was I supposed to live with the thought that I might die?

Shortly there after the first of many test of will and perseverance would present itself to me.

more to follow...

Something to help keep everything else in perspective

My Aunt sent me this and I got a big kick out of it. Hope it brings a smile to your faces!
I edited in some photos, the ones of here are not HER... This is for FUN only...

XOXO, Jesse

If you read this without laughing out loud, there is something wrong with you. This is dedicated to everyone who ever attempted to get into a regular workout routine ...

Dear Diary,
For my birthday this year, I purchased a week of personal training at the local health club. Although I am still in great shape since being a high school football cheerleader years ago, I decided it would be a good idea to go ahead and give it a try.

I called the club and made my reservations with a personal trainer named Christo, who identified himself as a 26-year-old aerobics instructor and model for athletic clothing and swim wear.

Friends seemed pleased with my enthusiasm to get started! The club encouraged me to keep a diary to chart my progress.
________________________________
MONDAY:
Started my day at 6:00 am. Tough to get out of bed, but found it was well worth it when I arrived at the health club to find Christo waiting for me. He is something of a Greek god-- with blond hair, dancing eyes, and a dazzling white smile.. Woo Hoo!!

Christo gave me a tour and showed me the machines... I enjoyed watching the skillful way in which he conducted his aerobics class after my workout today. Very inspiring!

Christo was encouraging as I did my sit-ups, although my gut was already aching from holding it in the whole time he was around.

This is going to be a FANTASTIC week!!
__________________________________
TUESDAY:
I drank a whole pot of coffee, but I finally made it out the door. Christo made me lie on my back and push a heavy iron bar into the air then he put weights on it! My legs were a little wobbly on the treadmill, but I made the full mile. His rewarding smile made it all worthwhile. I feel GREAT! It's a whole new life for me.
_______________________________
WEDNESDAY:
The only way I can brush my teeth is by laying the toothbrush on the counter and moving my mouth back and forth over it. I believe I have a hernia in both pectorals. Driving was OK as long as I didn't try to steer or stop. I parked on top of a GEO in the club parking lot.

Christo was impatient with me, insisting that my screams bothered other club members. His voice is a little too perky for that early in the morning and when he scolds, he gets this nasally whine that is VERY annoying.

My chest hurt when I got on the treadmill, so Christo put me on the stair monster. Why the hell would anyone invent a machine to simulate an activity rendered obsolete by elevators? Christo told me it would help me get in shape and enjoy life. He said some other shit too.
_______________________________
THURSDAY:
Asshole was waiting for me with his vampire-like teeth exposed as his thin, cruel lips were pulled back in a full snarl. I couldn't help being a half an hour late-- it took me that long to tie my shoes.
He took me to work out with dumbbells. When he was not looking, I ran and hid in the restroom. He sent some skinny bitch to find me.
Then, as punishment, he put me on the rowing machine-- which I sank.
_________________________________
FRIDAY:
I hate that bastard Christo more than any human being has ever hated any other human being in the history of the world. Stupid, skinny, anemic, anorexic, little aerobic instructor. If there was a part of my body I could move without unbearable pain, I would beat him with it.
Christo wanted me to work on my triceps. I don't have any triceps! And if you don't want dents in the floor, don't hand me the damn barbells or anything that weighs more than a sandwich.
The treadmill flung me off and I landed on a health and nutrition teacher. Why couldn't it have been someone softer, like the drama coach or the choir director?
________________________________
SATURDAY:
Satan left a message on my answering machine in his grating, shrilly voice wondering why I did not show up today. Just hearing his voice made me want to smash the machine with my planner; however, I lacked the strength to even use the TV remote and ended up catching eleven straight hours of the Weather Channel..
________________________________
SUNDAY:
I'm having the Church van pick me up for services today so I can go and thank GOD that this week is over. I will also pray that next year my husband will choose a gift for me that is fun-- like a root canal or a hysterectomy. I still say if God had wanted me to bend over, he would have sprinkled the floor with diamonds!!!



Feel Free to share this site with a friend or anyone who needs to laugh. We all need a good laugh after all. Music for the soul! Love and Light, Jesse

On the serious side of this all is that we really need to watch out health by what we eat. Bless everything that we eat and focus on only positive energy whenever we are doing something for ourselves, loved ones, be it a family member, friend or our pets. Do everything we do with LOVE, it will be felt in every bite that is eaten of the home made dinner that we've prepared, Note that we wrote, or just words conveyed.

LOVE is all POWERFUL!

XOXO Jesse

Thanks for the LOVE!

So many of you have touched my heart with your messages of love and remembrances of Rudy and all three of our little furry companions.

Here is the one photo that I had hoped to post of Rudy, Cody and Athena in a Christmas card that John and I had put together, wow, 7 years ago. I didn't have access to it while on the road and without even telling anyone, except for John and Brett about it, my sister Punkin, always moved by Spirit, sent it to me so I am sharing it with all of you as one last testimony of how much joy our pets bring to us.

I will also take this time to let you know that Brett was offered a job to dance for one of the Top ten Ballet Dance companies in the world, the Netherlands Dance Theater. He is slated to start with them mid August so this springs performance with Lines Ballet will be his last and the last chance that we'll be able to see him in SF. He will be touring in Northern California sometime next year performing in Berkeley so we will have opportunity to see him gracing the stage with his amazing talent, but please if you can come see Lines April 17-26th.

Once again thanks for all the love and care and words of comfort in our loss of Rudy but he, Cody and Athena will forever bring smiles to our face and warmth to our hearts!

Love and Light, Jesse

Rudy's transitioned

Our Little Rudy has gone to doggie heaven. He had a seizure last night and had to be put to sleep. He was 16 1/2 year old. He had a great life and gave lots of joy to all who knew him. As I was reminded “Rudy was an unpretentious bundle of Love touching everyone’s life who met him.

His soulful eyes were unlike any dog I’d ever known. “It’s like he’s a person” people would say.

I got Rudy as a gift in 1993 from my BF Mark Smith when we lived in NYC. He was a curious little dog who would gallop like a pony whenever he had a toy or ball to play with. He never barked and never growled or said a mean thing to anyone. He would love strangers, friends and family all the same. Love unconditionally. That’s what he did and that was something that he reminded me to do every day of my life.
He had his share of tough battles his whole life. He was born with epilepsy, which I discovered when he was 2 years old. It freaked him and me out the first time he had a seizure. He got very disoriented and it would take me some time to let him be reassured that he would be ok. Eventually giving him medication would help to keep his seizures in check.

He was twice attacked by a pit bull, hit by a car, stolen then returned 2 days later. He had food allergies for which I had to watch that he wouldn’t eat red meat but if he got the chance he would devour an entire roll of Rolo Chocolates and Red Vines if I weren’t watching.

He had developed congestive heart disease the last couple of year and was on medication for that too. Needless to say I was the typical over protective parent when it came to his care.
Rudy and I have had lots of great times with many friends from all over the world. My Dear friend Robbie Browne in NYC was one such person with whom Rudy and I had the pleasure of creating memories. Taking a great ride along the Long Island expressway with the top down on Robbie’s 54 convertible was a special treat. Rudy loved his eyebrows blowing in the wind with one paw on the back of the drivers seat and the other on Robbie’s shoulder.


Rudy has been there for me through all of my life’s battles and triumphs. Dealing with health issues, relationships, family, travels and career. He always made me realize how blessed I really was to have him in my life reminding me that there are things in life more important than anything material could bring.


I need to thank my dear friend Doug Graham for being there on Rudy’s last day. Doug has known Rudy since he was a 1 year old pup in NYC. Doug came up from Palm Springs to care for Rudy and Bitsy while I've been away working. He's had the unfortunate but blessed opportunity to take Rudy on the journey to doggie heaven. It breaks my heart that I couldn’t be there to assist with Rudy’s transition but I guess that Rudy was already clearly absent since his last seizure 2 years ago from which he never fully recovered. Maybe this was Rudy’s opening to help me to let him go.

He will be greatly missed. John has been a great daddy to Rudy. He has helped me care for Rudy even while our relationship evolved, Brett too has taken to role of stepfather taking the extra care needed to help Rudy down the stairs to potty and for long late night walks.

Rudy I love you and you will always be in my heart and a part of my soul!



Love and Light, Jesse

January 2010

Here we are in a new year and a new decade. One that I feel is going to bring lots of change and growth in so many positive ways!

It seems as though Spirit has been moving a lot of loving, positive energy through so

many people this past year. Many of you, my close family and friends, have found renewed faith

and energy in a Power greater than any one of us. It's a Power that is strengthened by bringing us all closer together.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTbpuQzMnxA

This last year has made me appreciate even more, all the

challenges that I’ve had to deal with in my life. Having to face life threatening illness, having to deal with life altering accidents, having to adjust to taking life saving medications, life after several surgical procedures, the loss of loved ones, changes within relationships while still being able to maintain and build a friendship to be even stronger than before.

Almost anyone else would have just let go and succumbed to the path of least resistance, but it is my spiritual beliefs that help keep it all in check.

All is going very well with me. My personal training career is growing faster now and I’ve been learning a lot of the business side of owning my own personal training business. Let me tell you, it’s a lot of work! Not only have I had to create my own website and learn about advertising, but I also have to keep tight records for each client. Everything needs to be documented. It’s like working in a doctor’s office.

Being certified as a personal trainer also necessitates having to take continuing education courses (CEU’s). It’s required for my certification and it’s a requirement by Diakadi Body where I work exclusively with my clients. Each year I have to have 1.2 CEU’s for Diakadi and a total of 2.0 CEU’s for my NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) certification.

This is all good because I want to be one of the best in the field of Personal Training, and that’s a tall bill to fill. Everyone at Diakadi is so proficient in personal training because the owners of Diakadi (Billy and Mike) demand such and for that I am especially thrilled that I have been blessed to be a part of their team. I’ve been learning of many different styles of exercise, different teaching techniques, as well as how to use all the different apparatus that are available. It’s an exciting time to be a personal trainer. Helping people recover from injuries, surgery, helping to correct years of postural misalignment, or to just getting into better shape and setting themselves up for a life of optimum health and wellness for the long run! I love his work!

In October I was asked by Muttville.org to foster a rescue dog. I was walking Rudy down the street in front of the home of the organizations founder. She said that there was a little girl schnauzer that was coming to her that evening that looked like Rudy and that I should come meet her. So I returned that evening with Brett. We left with the little girl, Bitsy, agreeing to “foster” her to see how Rudy got along with her. She has actually helped Rudy to focus his 16+ years old eyes and has helped keep the spring in his step keeping his body moving in the right direction. Needless to say she’s a sweetheart and we adopted her November 25^th, just in time for Thanksgiving Holiday.

Brett and I drove down to Palm Springs to celebrate Thanksgiving with John, Rudy and Bitsy. John is doing and looking great by the way. John’s dad, Paul, and his girlfriend Jo, came to spend the rest of that weekend with the 5 of us. We had a great time and enjoyed the last of the warm weather of the year. We even had a fun trip to Home Depot that weekend too… lol.

Please hold positive healing thoughts and prayers for Jo’s health as she has been receiving treatments to rid her body of Cancer. She’s a wonderful woman and I’m so glad that we had a chance to spend some more time with her and Paul and John!

We’ve all got so much to share in this life and this is a great time to be alive. Don’t just listen to all the negative shatter that’s out there. Look beyond that and look deep into your heart. Slow down and quiet your self. Take 5 minutes to breathe deeply in though your nostrils and our through your mouth. Keep doing this as you focus on your breath and free your mind of all thoughts. Then after 5 minutes listen to what your mind is telling you. Write out your thoughts. Write from your own experiences. Maybe there are some things that you have written that you hadn’t realized. Maybe there are some thoughts that you can share with others. Don’t just follow, lead by example.

A great story that was recently shared with me by my niece Nena was of my dad. When she was young my dad showed her how to pour coke-a-cola into a glass so that it wouldn’t foam over. She shared that knowledge with her granddaughter. And just this past weekend she paid a visit to her granddaughter with whom she went to a restaurant. He granddaughter orders a can of coke. She poured it into her glass and said. “See grandma, just like grandpa showed you.”

It’s not what you do but how you do it that you’ll be remembered for.

Whether it’s on a daily basis or just on the periphery I am blessed to have you all in my life. We are all a part of one earth, one universe and ultimately power that is available in us and to us all.

In the health and wellness or on the path to being whole I send you Love and Light.

Always, Jesse

Weekly Updates

Hi Everyone,

Well it's that time of year again when the Holidays are upon us and we'd much rather have our teeth pulled than have to hear all those Jingle jingle's all the day long, but to keep our spirits bright all we need to do is remember that we are loved. Not only by those pesky credit card companies who've resorted to gouging our pockets (they'd probably gouge our eyes out if it would turn a profit) but loved by our family and friends. It's more important and much more cherished to give the gift of love in a hand written note card rather than any prepaid gift card or some unwanted nick-knack, paddy whack, give a dog a bone kind of senseless gift.

My gift to all of you is to keep my blog current on a weekly basis. I've had so many people, friends and family alike as well as fans from past photography projects who have asked that I keep everyone updated on my health status and journal my spirits journey because it's inspired people to take care of themselves and to be introspective. I found that people are encouraged to see someone go through what would otherwise seem the worst of time and life situations and pull through it stronger and healthier than they were before the tumulus events.

I'm no super man, I’m not a Hero. I’m just a man who loves life, a man who loves his friends and family. A man who has touched by the hand of God in the midst of life’s failings. I will always do my best to be here to share with you my truth and the life that God has given to me. A messenger I guess is what I am.

I'm not rich in the worldly sense but I am rich in the fact that I have always had the support of the familiar and from strangers alike. So to that end I find it my responsibility to continue to grow and nourish my own body, heart and soul by keeping it clear, clean and strong so that I am able to share with you what inspires me so that it might inspire you.

Life is happening all around us. Take the time to appreciate the beauty in all things big and small, because before we know it, all that we know and all that we love could be gone within an instant. Anything we’ve accumulated will mean NOTHING to anyone when there is nothing on their table to eat and not table to put that empty plate on. So put away those "Santa list" and start to give to those who really need our help the most, the hungry and the homeless. And remember pets need loving too. Volunteer or Give to charities, especially to those that are within your local communities. The Arts are a vital source of reaching out to touch the hearts of people, so don’t forget them either. Help others help themselves. Don't give a hand out but give a hand up.



God has given us this lifetime to share our lives and to leave our positive imprint on the face of the earth.

Nourish your soul and your spirit will soar. Keep your body healthy so that you can be at the ready incase ANYONE needs your assistance in a moments notice. If you're ailing, the readiness that you have will help you through the rough times!

I don't mean to sound preachy and if I do well then I guess it's something we really need to hear so my post from here on out will be ones that I hope will encourage, enlighten and enliven all who decide to take the journey with me.

God knows it's been a bumpy ride for me but I had purchased an "E" ticket years ago, when Disneyland used to require them... lol.

Be well and Happy Holiday. Until next week!

Love and Light, Jesse

9.09.09 I'm Back!

It’s now been 18 months since my open heart surgery and 11 months since my 7th and last ankle surgery and I’m doing great!

It was a bit weird going through the Labor Day weekend celebrating milestones for friends birthdays while the memory lingers of the loss of my dear friend Peter Baez on this weekend 2 years ago and my little schnauzer Athena only one year ago. I miss them both dearly. But I was also reminded of how lucky I am to have had them in my life and how grateful I am that all of you are in my life still.

Recap-

The beginning of January I started studying to become a certified personal trainer through the NASM, National Association of Sports Medicine, with a exam date of late April.

The end of February I went to Australia with my dear friends Steven, Graham and Marc and had a great time. It was my all paid invitation for a vacation from last year that had to be canceled because I had to get new heart parts put into my chest. What a great change from last years birthday celebration to be able to go “Down Under” not having to be “put under”.

After Australia I came back for 5 days and then I was off to Lyon, France to visit and work with Brett and the cast of Alonzo King’s Lines Ballet. It was amazing! The dancers were all so grateful to have me working on them as their massage therapist and I was in awe of their incredible talent and art form. Alonzo was an inspiration to watch as he created a new dance piece while these dancers were also performing nightly shows to sold out audiences. I never had cried so intensely watching a dance performance. It still touches my heart to recall those days this past spring.

I was studying as much as possible while in France to make sure that I passed my exam for NASM slated to be taken the end of April so I could start my Personal Training Buisness, tightandfit.com.

Needless to say, I was pushing the envelope a bit too far. I was exhausted by all the travels around the globe, but also because somewhere along the way I had ingested a parasite from food that totally kicked my ass, literally. I had lost 10 pounds from diarrhea by the time I returned to San Francisco. I was a little freaked out because I had planned to compete in the summer. I had no energy and had lost a lot of muscle mass. Not from a narcissistic point of view but from a general health standpoint. People were commenting on how “thin” I looked. Not a good thing to tell someone who really tries to just keep weight on for health sake! So then I started to feel like I wasn’t going to do what I had told myself I wanted to do. I had a business to start I couldn't slow down now.

I passed my NASM exam and started working at Diakadi Personal Training gym and wellness center mid May.

I entered my first bodybuilding competition less than 2 weeks ago on August 30, 15 pounds lighter than the weight I usually compete at, but I felt that I was in as good as shape as ever. I went into the competition with the goal of just getting up the courage to be back onstage, challenging myself to stay on top of my health, and to share with anyone who is struggling with weight issues or health issues or general self worth issues, that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. Do the work and focus your energy in a positive manner.

I was so honored to have had many of my family members and friends in the audience in Pittsburg, CA for the Contra Costa Bodybuilding Championships, that it was difficult for me not to get emotional. Two of my uncle, both of whom had major bypass surgeries, and their wives were in the audience. I could see their faces in the stage lights reflection out glistening their smiles as I flexed and posed. Their teeth shining brighter and brighter as each passing moment of my posing routine to music played on. I could especially see my aunt Jenny holding here breath, maybe out of hope that I wouldn’t fall on my ass, but maybe more so because she couldn’t believe that she was watching her nephew, who carried her wedding rings down the aisle when he was 5 years old, strutting around in his brief attire after having had his chest cut open wide from collar bone to sternum to fix a faulty valve caused by a genetic disposition. Is that possible to have a genetic disposition and look like an anatomy chart for great symmetry and proportion? I guess that’s where the hard work comes in! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsP9UG46DFo

I know it’s been awhile since I’ve updated my blog but I intend to try to keep things updated at least a couple times a month since there are still quite a lot of news to report. I’m planning on going to Germany again to compete in the Mr. Universe competition in Hamburg the first week of December. My dear friend Angie Pacaldo is sponsoring me to go. She has been a shinning star in my life, and the life of my friends and family over the past year, and if anyone hasn’t had the chance to meet her, well, you’ll never forget her once you do! And that’s a good thing!

I need to acknowledge Brett Conway. He’s been so encouraging and supportive and watchful in helping me to do all the things I need to and want to do. He wants me to succeed and to be the best I can be. Thank you Brett!

Another person I want everyone to know about and acknowledge is John. John Ferrare. He’s an amazing man, an amazing human being. He’s gone through some tremendous growth this past year and it’s all good. He read Eckert Tolle’s, “A New Earth”. It’s opened up his heart to the life that he and I have shared over the past 8 years and his appreciation of it. We are the best of friends and we are glad to still be a big part of each other’s life. He has embraced my relationship with Brett whole heartedly as have all my friends and family who have met him.

It’s not been an easy road to take dealing with surprise after surprise in my life’s challenges but if it wasn’t for all my friends and family (whom I love and love me in return) I couldn’t have done it so easily. “You” are my prize! “You” are my strength. “You” are my inspirations for living and for striving to always be the best Jesse that I can be. Put your faith in God and His plan. With encouragement from and to one another we can all help to make this world a better place one step, one moment and one day at a time.

Love and Light, Jesse Garcia