I've gotten several requests over the years for Jerry to write another guest post, but when I mention it to him, he said he has no idea what to write about. Since I've been having trouble coming up with things to write about lately (per groundhog day quarantine), I thought I'd do a Q&A with him.
I asked on Facebook and Instagram for questions that you might have for Jerry.
Now, I have to say, that I am DYING to take control of this post and write little asterisks about pretty much everything that he says so I can explain (more about his answers)... but I'm going to restrain myself and let him take the reins. I cannot be blamed for anything he says! ;)
Here goes... (and remember, a lot of what he says is tongue-in-cheek! He's not a very "serious" person. He was even voted "class clown" in high school, if that helps. Which is actually one of the things that made me most attracted to him!)
Q: What is the status of your
stomach/spontaneous vomiting issues?
A: I don't know how or why it stopped, but it hasn't happened for the last month or so. I have indigestion and heartburn, but the vomiting just stopped randomly.
Q: What kind of work do you do?
A: I work for a major glass manufacturer in the department that makes the glass. It's a very hot, busy, and complicated environment.
Q: What advice do you have for husbands wanting to support their wives during their weight loss/wanting to become a runner journey?
A: Just get on board with it--be as supportive as possible. Don't feel neglected and if possible, join them on the journey.
Q: What is your favorite memory?
A: Going to the
Star Wars celebration in Chicago last April--seeing all the nerds, displays, collections, actors, and characters from the entire Star Wars universe.
Q: What is your favorite meal that Katie makes?
A:
Pork Chops & Rice
Q: How has Katie's bipolar affected your relationship? Can you feel when an episode is coming on? Do you feel like the boys are aware of it?
A: I don't even know how to explain that *laughs*. It's a constant worry and a constant adjustment. It's hard not to take things personally. And I have to choose my battles when it comes to what to argue about or when to speak up about things. Mostly, I just go with the flow. I cannot feel when an episode is coming on, because I don't feel like they are "episodes". It just happens like hitting a switch. I don't think that the kids notice because it's always been like this, but the more education you have on it, the more aware you are. Everything happens so rapidly. The kids just know what they have always known.
Q: Pirates or Ninjas??
A: Pirates. Because of the booty. And because they're on boats. And they have hooks. And some of them have swords.
Q: How are you doing with your depression? Is it under control?
A: It's still there... It's under control, but
it's still THERE. Knowing that it's still there is worrysome. I know it's there and I feel it's there, but I keep myself busy to try to keep my mind off it.
Q: How do you feel living with someone that I consider "famous" (
from the documentary "From Fat to Finish Line", magazine features, and popular blogger)?
A: It's just Katie. I know that people know Katie, but it's not like we have paparazzi sitting on our lawn. The closest thing to "celebrity" we have is when we go to Kroger and she doesn't smile at everyone when we walked by and later she gets a comment on her blog about
how much of a "smug c*nt" she is because she walked through Kroger and "gave me a dirty look".
Q: What is your best advice for someone who supports someone going through a mental health crisis? Do you feel like you've made mistakes, or is there anything you would have done differently?
A:
Throw strikes. (*inside joke*). My best advice is to read up on it and understand it. Don't take things personally, and it's not about you. You're going to make mistakes because everybody does--I make mistakes 30 times a day. Via text message. Learn to listen; learn to
validate feelings; and learn how to meme, because
memes cure everything.
Q: Do you have any running or fitness routines?
A: No. But not for lack of wanting (or needing). I looked at myself in the mirror the other day and I looked like a bowl of potato salad (round on the bottom and lumpy on top).
Q: How do you support Katie when she is depressed?
A: I pay extra attention to massaging her feet and I make sure she always has ice to chew. I try to do little things around the house (dishes, etc) to try to help out.
Q: What are your top five bands from your high school years?
A: Ooooooohhhh...
-Rage Against the Machine
-Korn
-The Mighty Mighty Bosstones
-Incubus
-Alice in Chains
Q: What is your favorite brewery and why?
A: Griffin Claw Brewing from Birmingham, Michigan. I've never had a bad beer by them--everything has been excellent. If you've ever have the chance to try Norm's Raggedy Ass IPA, that's my go-to.
Q: What do you like to do on your days off of work?
A: I like to lounge around the house, catch up on TV shows, and catch up on gaming if I have the chance.
Q: What are your thoughts on The Rise of Skywalker? (Specifically Ben Solo/Kylo Ren)?
A: Oh, man. Katie, you can't type this, I have to type this one...
"I loved TROS and I feel like I'm in the minority. The movie was excellent from start to finish. I can nit-pick through the whole thing like some self-righteous fanboy. I loved the turn of Kylo to Ben, saw it coming from day one but I didn't see it like that. I wish he would've lived through the whole thing but I get it. I am, admittedly, a bigger fan of the Expanded Universe. I love the movies for what they are but I prefer the written stories."
Q: Are you excited for The Mandalorian season two?
A: YES! I need some live action Ahsoka! The first season was excellent!
Q: Which of Katie's home projects is your favorite and why?
A: I LOVE the island. I love the fact that she built the entire cabinet from scratch and extended the island three-fold and there are
so many memories behind it.
Q: Would you do a marathon or a Ragnar with Katie in the future?
A: No, because she'll never do another one ever again! Ever.
Q: Where is your vacation dream spot and why?
A: I would go to Germany, just for historical reasons like WWII, concentration camps... (and, of course, Oktoberfest).
Q: What are your favorite hobbies?
A: I like reading Star Wars novels, video games, softball, disc golf, and listening to music. And watching wrestling.
Q: If you could live anywhere in the world for six months, where would it be and why?
A: Portland, Oregon... to see what the big deal is. It would be a good place to try out because of the weather.
Q: Do you like cats (and dogs and squirrels) as much as Katie? Which cat is your favorite?
A: Yes. But she doesn't love doesn't love dogs. Just Joey. I am predominately a cat person, and even though no cat will replace Chandler, these kittens are pretty damn entertaining. If I had to pick a favorite it would have to be Duck.
Q: With all the crafts and home projects that Katie jumps into, what are some of your favorite hobbies/outlets? Also, is your family close by in Michigan?
A: I like playing softball with friends from work and I disc golf with friends from school. My entire family is in Michigan--most live in Petoskey, which is just south of the Mackinac Bridge (to the upper peninsula).
There you have it! I bit my tongue and just typed out Jerry's answers however he wanted, even though it was hard not to write anything myself! ;)
