IT'S BACK! Secret Santa 2: Rudolph Strikes Back

PaPa-John

        If there is one thing I have learned through my recovery from addiction its that good people are good people no matter how you communicate with them. I have spent my entire 11 month sobriety here and not only have I learned a great many things about modeling allowing me to become way better than I should be in 11 months(dont get me wrong I am no superstar). I have also had an amazing amount of support in my quest to be a good man and a good father. On december 19th I will have had 1 year without any drugs or alcohol and I couldnt have done it without three influences, My loving wife, my beautiful son and this forum.

       Regarding the issue with your health, I give you all of my prayers and hope. I have a small amount of experience with your situation. Growing up playing national level hockey I was in the best shape you could be in, I got out of high school at 16 to work during the dot com boom. At 16 I was a star hockey player with more money than I could spend. Thought I was invincable, started partying and doing a lot of drugs. My health as you can imagine took a nose dive and at 18 I took a hit in a hockey game that turned me into a cripple, all the nerves and muscles in my back went banzi and my hockey carrer was over. I tell you that, to tell you this. (I will apologize to everyone for the too much information you are about to receive). At 19 I found two hard masses, one on each testicle, I knew in my heart it was testicular cancer, I knew I wasnt gonna be able to have kids, I knew it was just another wrench in what started out as a good life. I was so scared, so sure, I refused to see the doctor, I just let myself go deeper in depression and use more. That was, until I met Pink Chevelle, my beautiful wife. Within 2 months of knowing her, she had me at the hospital........Non cancerous cysts, calcium deposits. Within 2 years she had me out of my dark dark world of depression and addiction, Working 40 to 50 hours a week loving the boy and wife I had known in my heart I never would have. Never lose hope, never give up. At 24 years old, I have counted myself out and felt I have had nothing left more times than a lot of people will ever experience. With support, love, faith, hope and all the other cliche words you could think of, I pulled through my dark days and we will all be here to help you through yours. 

Now since a picture is worth a thousand words we will do some before and after(addict and sober) of myself and some progress shots of my builds over the last year since I have been back.  

BEFORE

AFTER

FIRST MODEL TO PROGRESS OF CURRENT BUILD

Dont lose your stride my new friend

to this build, PaPa-John!

I'm kinda like a "gatecrasher" here in the SSGB since I mainly build helos and figures and this is actually an aircraft build; but I must say the feeling of friendship and family you can feel here can hardly be found in any other section of this forum or other forum.

Cheers to all of you guys (and gal)! 

Avus wrote:

to this build, PaPa-John!

, and

Bud

TheLastPriest wrote:

PaPa-John         If there is one thing I have learned through my recovery from addiction its that good people are good people no matter how you communicate with them. I have spent my entire 11 month sobriety here and not only have I learned a great many things about modeling allowing me to become way better than I should be in 11 months(dont get me wrong I am no superstar). I have also had an amazing amount of support in my quest to be a good man and a good father. On december 19th I will have had 1 year without any drugs or alcohol and I couldnt have done it without three influences, My loving wife, my beautiful son and this forum.        Regarding the issue with your health, I give you all of my prayers and hope. I have a small amount of experience with your situation. Growing up playing national level hockey I was in the best shape you could be in, I got out of high school at 16 to work during the dot com boom. At 16 I was a star hockey player with more money than I could spend. Thought I was invincable, started partying and doing a lot of drugs. My health as you can imagine took a nose dive and at 18 I took a hit in a hockey game that turned me into a cripple, all the nerves and muscles in my back went banzi and my hockey carrer was over. I tell you that, to tell you this. (I will apologize to everyone for the too much information you are about to receive). At 19 I found two hard masses, one on each testicle, I knew in my heart it was testicular cancer, I knew I wasnt gonna be able to have kids, I knew it was just another wrench in what started out as a good life. I was so scared, so sure, I refused to see the doctor, I just let myself go deeper in depression and use more. That was, until I met Pink Chevelle, my beautiful wife. Within 2 months of knowing her, she had me at the hospital........Non cancerous cysts, calcium deposits. Within 2 years she had me out of my dark dark world of depression and addiction, Working 40 to 50 hours a week loving the boy and wife I had known in my heart I never would have. Never lose hope, never give up. At 24 years old, I have counted myself out and felt I have had nothing left more times than a lot of people will ever experience. With support, love, faith, hope and all the other cliche words you could think of, I pulled through my dark days and we will all be here to help you through yours.  Dont lose your stride my new friend

Brother- that is moving. Thank you for sharing that with us. What an awesome testimony!

God bless you and yours.

And I don't mean to sound sappy..... but this is the second year for this GB, and my second year on the forums, and you folks are just some incredible people. I am blessed to know each of you, and I have been blessed by each of you, with your friendship, kindness, prayers and encouragement.

Now all of ya come 'ere and give me a big old hug!

TheLastPriest wrote:

And 10,000 Ninja Bonus points for the Spitfire! Nice work!

jwb wrote:

TheLastPriest wrote: PaPa-John         If there is one thing I have learned through my recovery from addiction its that good people are good people no matter how you communicate with them. I have spent my entire 11 month sobriety here and not only have I learned a great many things about modeling allowing me to become way better than I should be in 11 months(dont get me wrong I am no superstar). I have also had an amazing amount of support in my quest to be a good man and a good father. On december 19th I will have had 1 year without any drugs or alcohol and I couldnt have done it without three influences, My loving wife, my beautiful son and this forum.        Regarding the issue with your health, I give you all of my prayers and hope. I have a small amount of experience with your situation. Growing up playing national level hockey I was in the best shape you could be in, I got out of high school at 16 to work during the dot com boom. At 16 I was a star hockey player with more money than I could spend. Thought I was invincable, started partying and doing a lot of drugs. My health as you can imagine took a nose dive and at 18 I took a hit in a hockey game that turned me into a cripple, all the nerves and muscles in my back went banzi and my hockey carrer was over. I tell you that, to tell you this. (I will apologize to everyone for the too much information you are about to receive). At 19 I found two hard masses, one on each testicle, I knew in my heart it was testicular cancer, I knew I wasnt gonna be able to have kids, I knew it was just another wrench in what started out as a good life. I was so scared, so sure, I refused to see the doctor, I just let myself go deeper in depression and use more. That was, until I met Pink Chevelle, my beautiful wife. Within 2 months of knowing her, she had me at the hospital........Non cancerous cysts, calcium deposits. Within 2 years she had me out of my dark dark world of depression and addiction, Working 40 to 50 hours a week loving the boy and wife I had known in my heart I never would have. Never lose hope, never give up. At 24 years old, I have counted myself out and felt I have had nothing left more times than a lot of people will ever experience. With support, love, faith, hope and all the other cliche words you could think of, I pulled through my dark days and we will all be here to help you through yours.  Dont lose your stride my new friend   Brother- that is moving. Thank you for sharing that with us. What an awesome testimony! God bless you and yours. And I don't mean to sound sappy..... but this is the second year for this GB, and my second year on the forums, and you folks are just some incredible people. I am blessed to know each of you, and I have been blessed by each of you, with your friendship, kindness, prayers and encouragement. Now all of ya come 'ere and give me a big old hug!

  Congratulations on winning your battle with addictions. I have had more than one person who was close to me battle the same addictions and only 1 ever won.

Well I cant take the credit and say I won, I did not stand up to the demon and wait for him to flinch first. I instead, had to submit. Had to finally admit that I was not perfect and couldnt do it on my own. I took my wifes hand and follwed her out. Though it was a winning result for me, I cant say I won. Im pretty sure its how a stick boy feels when his team wins the stanly cup 

I haven't been around very long, but welcome to this GB PaPa-John!

Today, the gift for my Santa-ee is on it's way to it's destination.

Azgaron

Oh man..... mine arrived today.....

I had to have my wife hide it, at least until we get the tree up. I just sat and stared at it.

I have a whole stash full of kits, and yet I'm being driven crazy by this one brightly colored box!

I love this GB!  

TheLastPriest wrote:

PaPa-John         If there is one thing I have learned through my recovery from addiction its that good people are good people no matter how you communicate with them. I have spent my entire 11 month sobriety here and not only have I learned a great many things about modeling allowing me to become way better than I should be in 11 months(dont get me wrong I am no superstar). I have also had an amazing amount of support in my quest to be a good man and a good father. On december 19th I will have had 1 year without any drugs or alcohol and I couldnt have done it without three influences, My loving wife, my beautiful son and this forum.        Regarding the issue with your health, I give you all of my prayers and hope. I have a small amount of experience with your situation. Growing up playing national level hockey I was in the best shape you could be in, I got out of high school at 16 to work during the dot com boom. At 16 I was a star hockey player with more money than I could spend. Thought I was invincable, started partying and doing a lot of drugs. My health as you can imagine took a nose dive and at 18 I took a hit in a hockey game that turned me into a cripple, all the nerves and muscles in my back went banzi and my hockey carrer was over. I tell you that, to tell you this. (I will apologize to everyone for the too much information you are about to receive). At 19 I found two hard masses, one on each testicle, I knew in my heart it was testicular cancer, I knew I wasnt gonna be able to have kids, I knew it was just another wrench in what started out as a good life. I was so scared, so sure, I refused to see the doctor, I just let myself go deeper in depression and use more. That was, until I met Pink Chevelle, my beautiful wife. Within 2 months of knowing her, she had me at the hospital........Non cancerous cysts, calcium deposits. Within 2 years she had me out of my dark dark world of depression and addiction, Working 40 to 50 hours a week loving the boy and wife I had known in my heart I never would have. Never lose hope, never give up. At 24 years old, I have counted myself out and felt I have had nothing left more times than a lot of people will ever experience. With support, love, faith, hope and all the other cliche words you could think of, I pulled through my dark days and we will all be here to help you through yours.  Now since a picture is worth a thousand words we will do some before and after(addict and sober) of myself and some progress shots of my builds over the last year since I have been back.   Dont lose your stride my new friend

Congratulations on your accomplishment.  Hats off to your wonderwife, a real treasure you have there.

I don't profess to be an expert on anything like this.  I did lose my mother to cancer in 2000.  We received a call on a Tuesday and the prognosis was that she had very little time.  My wife and I managed to get to my home town of Niagara Falls by Saturday night and I spent the entire time at the hospital.  My mother waited to she was able to see everyone and pasted away on Monday morning.

I can say that during my 35 years of police work (Royal Canadian Mounted Police - as you can see by by avatar of the Camaro I drove), I have occassion to help several people that were down on their luck and addicted to drugs and alcohol which got them into a consider amount of trouble.  Some of the addicted people had not fallen into area of crime.  I helped alot of these people by assisting them in getting help and support they needed without having to rely on the Court system.  Some changed their lives and unfortunately some did not.  If a person can save one, he has accomplished something,  Some of the people that turned around have gone on to do marvelous things themself.  They have even assisted other people that are addicted themselves.  I feel that during my tenure in the law enforcement field, I was able to assist and help people other than Court proceedings. 

Again congratulations on your success. 

PaPa-John

Welcome to the GB PaPa-John, glad you are with us on this one and looking forward to building with you.

Steve

Glad to have you as a part of this group PaPa-John We're looking forward to seeing your build and be part of this on-line family. 

PaPa-John wrote:

I can say that during my 35 years of police work (Royal Canadian Mounted Police - as you can see by by avatar of the Camaro I drove),

John, friend, that is a sweet mount!  When I worked LE, all we had were Crown Vics and a few Chevy Caprices.  I'm assuming your Camaro was a pursuit/traffic interdiction unit?

I'm the chaplain for our local PD.  I've been trying to convince command that we need one of these:

And I remember these from my childhood:

Loved LE!  Mostly good memories, but a few of the bad ones visit occasionally between midnight and morning.  Would do it again in a heartbeat if I could. 

Glad to have you in the SS-GB!

PaPa-John wrote:

Congratulations on your accomplishment.  Hats off to your wonderwife, a real treasure you have there. I don't profess to be an expert on anything like this.  I did lose my mother to cancer in 2000.  We received a call on a Tuesday and the prognosis was that she had very little time.  My wife and I managed to get to my home town of Niagara Falls by Saturday night and I spent the entire time at the hospital.  My mother waited to she was able to see everyone and pasted away on Monday morning. I can say that during my 35 years of police work (Royal Canadian Mounted Police - as you can see by by avatar of the Camaro I drove), I have occassion to help several people that were down on their luck and addicted to drugs and alcohol which got them into a consider amount of trouble.  Some of the addicted people had not fallen into area of crime.  I helped alot of these people by assisting them in getting help and support they needed without having to rely on the Court system.  Some changed their lives and unfortunately some did not.  If a person can save one, he has accomplished something,  Some of the people that turned around have gone on to do marvelous things themself.  They have even assisted other people that are addicted themselves.  I feel that during my tenure in the law enforcement field, I was able to assist and help people other than Court proceedings.  Again congratulations on your success.    PaPa-John

Welcome to the GB , PaPa John!  Just thought I'd share a pic of some of my Border Patrol rides from the "old days" prior to retirement and a move into upper management for the last 6 years of my career.  

"> 

"> 

"> 

Didn't fly them (officially) just got to ride in them a lot!

Brian 

Circuitrider wrote:

PaPa-John wrote: I can say that during my 35 years of police work (Royal Canadian Mounted Police - as you can see by by avatar of the Camaro I drove), John, friend, that is a sweet mount!  When I worked LE, all we had were Crown Vics and a few Chevy Caprices.  I'm assuming your Camaro was a pursuit/traffic interdiction unit? I'm the chaplain for our local PD.  I've been trying to convince command that we need one of these:   And I remember these from my childhood:   Loved LE!  Mostly good memories, but a few of the bad ones visit occasionally between midnight and morning.  Would do it again in a heartbeat if I could.  Glad to have you in the SS-GB!

Ah yes the good old days.  I also had the typical Caprice and Crown Vic in my fleet, however, I was fortunate at the same time that the Camaro was on strength to have a Ford Mustang on the Traffic Unit.  One thing I did notice with the Camaro and Mustang, people were hesitant on trying to run.  I had idiots (you know the small percentage of drivers), make the comment that they were thinking of running until they realized what we were driving.

These vehicles also made for Good Public Relation with the younger generation who always wanted to sit in one and it they drove, were dying to see what was under the hood.

I enjoyed my 35 years of police work and no doubt would do the Law Enforcement route again.

Even though I am retired, I have a job doing research for the local City Police Department.  I can take as much time off as needed which suits me as I do not really need another full time job, but still too young to stay home.  It I did, no doubt I would wake up one morning and find a brown paper lunch bag packed and on the table.  My better half's was of saying that I have been home to long..  I have taken up modeling to give me something to do. 

PaPa-John

brain44 wrote:

PaPa-John wrote: Congratulations on your accomplishment.  Hats off to your wonderwife, a real treasure you have there. I don't profess to be an expert on anything like this.  I did lose my mother to cancer in 2000.  We received a call on a Tuesday and the prognosis was that she had very little time.  My wife and I managed to get to my home town of Niagara Falls by Saturday night and I spent the entire time at the hospital.  My mother waited to she was able to see everyone and pasted away on Monday morning. I can say that during my 35 years of police work (Royal Canadian Mounted Police - as you can see by by avatar of the Camaro I drove), I have occassion to help several people that were down on their luck and addicted to drugs and alcohol which got them into a consider amount of trouble.  Some of the addicted people had not fallen into area of crime.  I helped alot of these people by assisting them in getting help and support they needed without having to rely on the Court system.  Some changed their lives and unfortunately some did not.  If a person can save one, he has accomplished something,  Some of the people that turned around have gone on to do marvelous things themself.  They have even assisted other people that are addicted themselves.  I feel that during my tenure in the law enforcement field, I was able to assist and help people other than Court proceedings.  Again congratulations on your success.    PaPa-John Welcome to the GB , PaPa John!  Just thought I'd share a pic of some of my Border Patrol rides from the "old days" prior to retirement and a move into upper management for the last 6 years of my career.   ">  ">  ">  Didn't fly them (officially) just got to ride in them a lot! Brian

Hey neat rides.  I never had the opportunity to ride in anything like that.  I was fortunate to finish my career off doing what I liked.  The last years were on a Traffic Unit (Highway Patrol) and this I believe was my calling as there was the freedom to get out and get away from the office.  There was six on the Unit out of a small City in the southwest part of Saskatchewan and I had a two person Satellite Unit close to the Saskatchewan/Alberta Border.  We were stationed right on the Number one highway (TransCanada).  Boy that was sure fun.

PaPa-John

GB Plasticholics.

Must be getting closer to Christmas.  My wife knows how I love Christmas Cake.  My wife and her sister get together every year to make the cakes, thats right they refuse to go store bought.  Takes then a whole day.  Usually in October.  They used a different recipe and the raissons alone weight 97 pounds.  Low and behold, double trouble.  Hey, there is so much RUM in the cakes, wouldn't dare give Santa or the Reindeer any.  He would never find your pads, let alone the chimney. So, they decided to try selling some.  The fridge is bare, hold on there are two 3 pounders left for me.

She broke down and opened one so we could sample it.  talk about delicious.  I'm walking.  Bet you can smell the sample sitting by my computer, sorry, the computer won't sniff it to send out.

All kidding aside.  You guys/gals are the greatest.  Wish I could have sent some, but maybe next year, a Santa will bring a sample.

Enjoy your time between now and the 25th.  I know there will be NO STRESS.  If you have a hankering to try and sneak a peak, beware, my 25 pound attack cat Cali is watching.

Your newest friend in modelling.  PaPa-John

Circuitrider wrote:

And I remember these from my childhood:

David, boy does that Javelin bring back memories! Alot of people wonder what kind of car that is, but not around here. They used to build them in my town, and they were everywhere around here when I was growing up.What is that, a '73?  They're even rare around here nowadays. A buddy of mine is almost a legend around here with his knowledge of and access to all things AMC.

I know its not model related, but you don't see pics of Javelins(let alone police Javelins) very often.

TheLastPriest wrote:

Me and the wifey got our presents out this morning, gee I hope we didnt get the boxes switched. Those were specially picked out. Even funnier, I had the wife wrap my recipients present with a small area not covered, by no means enough to tell what it is, but enough to get guesses going. haha, I guess im not as nice as I sometimes think I am

Looks like SS is going to be very busy this year.  SS shall prevail through rain, snow, sleet, heat, as he is superior to US Postal Service and Canada Post.  Seeing he is resides at the North Pole, does that makes him a crazy Canuck?  Canada lays claim to it.  .

PaPa-John

Hey - there's an idea for a group build: "AMC State Troopers"

Gremlins, Matadors, & Pacers (Oh MY !)

Bossman wrote:

Hey - there's an idea for a group build: "AMC State Troopers" Gremlins, Matadors, & Pacers (Oh MY !)

That you be funny.  Imagine a Gremlin decked out with red and blue bubble gum machine on top, with souped up engine (holly carb) and hurst shifter manditory. 

I remember an AMC we had on the Force.  Came standard with air conditioning which was a NO NO.  Made them rip it out.  Hows that for common sense approach.  Heck back then we were not allowed to wear sunglasses.  Oh well, the good old days.

PaPa-John

Bossman wrote:

Hey - there's an idea for a group build: "AMC State Troopers" Gremlins, Matadors, & Pacers (Oh MY !)

Believe it or not, the PD I worked with has a late 60s VW Bug striped and painted to use as a PR tool! 

MaxSheridan wrote:

David, boy does that Javelin bring back memories! Alot of people wonder what kind of car that is, but not around here. They used to build them in my town, and they were everywhere around here when I was growing up.What is that, a '73?  They're even rare around here nowadays. A buddy of mine is almost a legend around here with his knowledge of and access to all things AMC.

Max, I think that's a '72 based on the look of the grill.  Check this link for a blast from the past! http://www.javelinamx.com/JavHome/copcar/alabama1.htm

I'm making Christmas cards.

God bless you dudes (and dudettes)

Yeah me too, Christmas is comming fast now, I spent the whole day at stores picking up decorations etc. I am glad I got my box out in the mail as I am getting very buisy at work and at home. 22 day's to go until the big day.

Steve

Yep, stress level has been through the roof over the last week and the Silly Season (as some like to call it) is just starting to hit full gear.  Hopefully work will slow down for me this week and I can focus on helping out my wife with her stuff.  Thankfully the shopping is pretty much done already.  Tried to pick up a few household things at Wallyworld on Saturday and what a zoo!!!  Won't be going back there on a weekend until after the big day. 

Gee, can't wait until my SS gift arrives so that I can stare at it wondering what's in it.  

I spent the whole weekend shoveling white stuff, saying "Yes Dear." to all the insatious demands as the christmas decors went up. And I even got some modeling done!

Now I have a tree up, need something to put under it