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In Remembrance of Mukul Agarwala - My 9/11 Tribute

2010-09-11T08:00:00.000-05:00

Original Posting: 9/11/06 - 12:00 AM
Reposting in honor of all who lost their lives, families and those who serve to protect us.

Mukul Agarwala, 37, New York, N.Y.
Victim of WTC
Hometown: South Brunswick, NJ

Employer: Franklin Templeton Fiduciary Trust
Occupation: Software Research Analyst

Confirmed dead

Location: World Trade Center, Tower2, 94th floor
Attended: University of Pennsylvania

The second of four brothers, is survived by his wife, Rhea Shome of Wayne, N.J. Born in New Delhi in 1963, he immigrated to the United States with his family in 1972. He graduated from South Brunswick High School in New Jersey in 1980. During his high school years, he was a member of the South Brunswick High School tennis team, along with his brothers Sanjay and Atul.

His enthusiasms ranged from snowboarding to reading history to old movies, Casablanca being his favorite. Mukul Agarwala was known to have a sense of humor and having a contagious and infectious laughter. He is described to be a true human being, a man of exceptionally strong will and determination and a selfless individual with a gentle soul.

After he folded an Internet company in San Diego last spring, Mukul K. Agarwala moved back east to be near his parents in Kendall Park, N.J., because they were in failing health.
He was born in a religion that advocated ahimsa = Ahimsa is a Sanskrit term which translates roughly into non-injury to living beings or dynamic harmlessness.

Reading the above description of ahimsa and all that I have read on Mr. Agarwala, he lived and breathed it, he exuded nothing but warmth to all who he knew and didn’t know. I am a total stranger to this man, but I feel an overwhelming sense of love and caring from all that knew him. After reading several entries in his guest book, I am touched deep within to see how many lives he touched, perfect strangers and friends and their children… He was very loving and caring to all humans of all races and religion. There were no divisions of culture, religion, race or ethnicity in Mukul Argawala’s eyes and heart.

In two separate memoirs, I learned that it pained him to see people hurting, being hurt or alone.

Liz Hopp of Boulder, CO had just moved to San Francisco and was temping at UBS Securities, she didn't know a soul in the city, and Mukul befriended her, made sure that she knew all of the best spots in the city. He took her to Mt. Tam for a hike because Ms. Hopp had mentioned she was a little homesick for the mountains.

His widow said he had a strong sense of concern for others: not long after they met in Hong Kong in 1993, he saw a newspaper article about a mistreated domestic worker who, like his parents, had come from India. He went to the Indian diplomatic mission there and paid her fare back home.

Mukul was a man of exceptionally strong will and determination. I think if he could counsel us in our moments of grief he would tell us "I am beyond harm now.Remember me but do not let this defeat you…”
Peter Yorke
(San Francisco, CA )

He made a big impact on all his colleagues and friends and even to those he didn’t know. Andy Beaulieu was Mukul's friend and roommate in college and stated exactly what I feel from all my research on Mr. Agarwala; “He would have made an impact on people's lives and on the world, and will probably still find a way to do so.” In my eyes, he did make a big impact on every body’s life that he came across with and I feel that he still does today. I wish I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Mukul Agarwala in person, but somehow I feel I already have, here and now. It has been my sincere and great pleasure getting to know you spiritually.

Remembered by his wife, Rhea Shome, the Shome family, the Agarwala family, and friends.
All my love and deepest sympathies to Mr. Mukul Agarwala’s family and to all the families of 9/11…

The Loss of a Son Is Too Much for His Father
November 7, 2001
One day in October, Karta Agarwala lost the will to live.
The Kendall Park, N.J., resident simply could not deal with the loss of his son, Mukul, 37, a research analyst at the World Trade Center, his family said.
"My father said God's gift to him was that he had four sons that would one day be his coffin bearers," Atul, Mukul's older brother, said.
But in the days after the tragedy, their father was unable to find solace.
"He wanted to ask God why his son was taken from him ... He finally came to the realization that Mukul was gone, and it broke his will," another son, Ajay, said.
Their father died from heart failure last month at age 71.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In doing my research for my tribute to Mukul Agarwala, I ran across (as I’m sure many of you did) to some wonderful tributes created already, the following link hit me just as hard or harder. Very touching and heart wrenching… please, take a listen and feel the loss of one little angel and know that, that feeling, is what all these families and dear friends are living day to day… I’m not ashamed to say that this angel brings me to tears every time… May God Bless our Country and that we may continue to forge on with strength, courage, and brave hearts. Mukul Agarwala, you and all your colleagues and all 9/11 victims did not die in vain…
WE WILL NEVER FORGET!!!

Heaven 911

"Heaven 911" is a poignant and deeply moving song. Heaven 911 is the song "Heaven" remixed with a little girl's conversation with her father who she lost in the 911 attack.

Scroll down for other blogs until after September 11, 2006

Time to clean house

2010-06-10T10:35:00.004-05:00

It's been such an adventure the last year or two, going through personal enlightenments and experiences have lead me away from what I love best... blogging, informative, creative, personal or just nonsense, none the less, just plain putting thoughts out there.

Since marrying PC, it's been an adventure in so many other areas that I never fathomed I would journey.

So... it's time to clean house, blogspot house, clean out what's not active and activate my blogging again, be it in words or pictures or even quick comments. I'm hoping to get back in to my blogging.

Just a little on my latest adventures, the biggest one this year being that I accomplished my very first Marathon! 26.2 miles in one day to raise money for Breast Cancer Research through the AVON Walk for Breast Cancer event that was held in May of this year.

SpankyTown Look

2009-05-22T08:05:00.000-05:00

Something is stirring within

2009-02-22T17:47:00.004-06:00

For quite some time now, something has been stirring within me...

I haven't been able to place my finger on it. I haven't been able to distinguish if any of it is good or bad. I just know that something has to come from this, good or bad. I need to walk through these emotions with my eyes wide open and an open mind. Ready for a change of some form or fashion to who I am, or who I am supposed to be. There is much confusion within me, so much that I want to be, so much that I want to take me back to what I once was... very loving, caring, artistic woman, energetic, lively and yet... the stirring within me is pushing all of that away. It all seems unattainable right now, but I'm finding myself - trudging on for answers, for one answer even, just a glimpse of something that will make sense out of all of this.

I find myself on a search... a search for knowledge, worldly knowledge to anything I can get my hands on. I have one problem with this "want to know" mission, you see, I've never been really good at retaining things that I read, experience or even past memories.

I hope that I can make something of all of this in a good time frame... then again... it's all in Gods' hands isn't it. I have to be patient and just work with all of this day by day.

So... Long Time Blogging

2009-02-16T08:36:00.008-06:00

Funny how life can get the best of us...

Life at the Cathouse has been wonderful, yet very busy. Between coping and supporting with the diagnosis of Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL), getting married and going on our Honeymoon/Vacation, it's been hard to keep up with any blogging what so ever.

There are many things, that I'd like to get back to and blogging is just one of those things. For now though, I think I'll just blog about our wonderful honeymoon/vacation. PC and I went to Death Valley for our honeymoon and it was the most wonderful time that we both could have ever had! No sooner than we had crossed in to Death Valley from Las Vegas, we lost all communication to the world. Unfortunately it sent my sister in to a tizzy because she never recieved confirmation that we arrived safely. No cell phones, no internet... nothing. It was great! Just us, the peacefulness within Death Valley, the canyons, the trails... hopefully we can go back and do some more hiking at some point.

I'll close with some pictures, we took sooooo many pictures that the four to five day span of picture taking didn't fit on to a CD. So... I'll just post my favorites.

Enjoy...

Bookworm Meme

2008-11-19T22:32:00.002-06:00

HT to Katey's Kafe

Me me me me....
Bookworm Meme, stolen from Pandy, aka Dorkelina.

Rules: Pass it on to five other bloggers, and tell them to open the nearest book to page 56. Write out the fifth sentence on that page, and also the next two to five sentences. The CLOSEST BOOK, NOT YOUR FAVORITE, OR MOST INTELLECTUAL!

From Half Full(followed by the next 5 sentences):

"We spend so much of the day lost in making plans or trolling in our minds through the recent or ancient past. It's so easy to forget to immerse ourselves in the here and now. Really, we can't be anywhere else but here and now, but our brains will try like hell to convince us otherwise. Shut off your brain for a while and revel in the perfection of each moment as it comes.[There] will never be any more perfection than there is now."

As Katey chose to do, so will I... "I'm not going to tag anyone with this meme" only because I have not been blogging daily anymore due to life taking over and losing readers because of it. I just thought it would be fun to participate.

So much going on....

2008-11-13T21:31:00.036-06:00

So much has been going on this year...

Ever since May, we've had so much to deal with...

I lost two very dear friends to suicide and all within the same family! I think because of the pain killers and all the meds I was on due to my surger at the end of May, I didn't react as I probably should have. It hurt, but I couldn't react... I didn't show it. Even though we were very close, our family's hung out together for BBQ's, Dinner out at Hooters, Parties, our kids all grew up together. We were neighbors and even after divorces, we stayed in touch as much as possible, and even after I went through my divorce and we lost touch after I moved away, we always knew that all we had to do was pick up the phone and we would be there for one another. Things happen... I lost touch, but when I got the call that David (my girlfriends' ex husband) committed suicide by gun shot to his head... I was numb, even more so with the pain killers! Then a few months pass and I get another call from my girlfriend... This time... Julie committed suicide, her sister... I fell apart! I was at work and I couldn't understand, even working in a Psychiatric Hospital, where we deal with Depression, Suicidal tendencies... I couldn't understand. I still tear up and lose control! You see... they both had beautiful and wonderful children and grandchildren. Yes, they both went through divorces, but they were still close to their ex spouses, in my mind... they still had many blessings in their lives. I don't understand the sickness of depression. Depression that would bring anyone to the point of NOT wanting to live anymore. Especially when you have children and grand children. People that love you and look forward to seeing you and being with you. What could be so bad to make you want to take such a precious fift that was given to us, a gift that is NOT ours to take! I struggle with this every time I think of them. I know that they are missed dearly! I know that they are looking down from heaven and looking over their loved ones from above. I also know that we need to treasure the time that we had with them. We will miss you David Terril (RIP) and Julie Dearborn (RIP). We think of you often.

I had blogged about my niece and how she was diagnosed with Von Hipple Lindau about three years ago. We never knew which side of the family this genetic disease was inherited from. A few weeks ago, we learned that it is my family that carries this disease. Now... my sister has been diagnosed with Von Hipple Lindau Disease. My niece was found to have the disease attack her spine, her eye, her kidneys and her pancreas. My sister... my sister was found to have the disease attack her two kidneys and pancreas. The tumors completely took over her whole right kidney, she will most likely lose that kidney. They hope to save the left one, but can not assure us of that. They still do not know 100% if the tumors are cancerous, but they are 99% sure that the tumor in the right kidney is malignant. They will be performing a biopsy on her pancreas tomorrow. They ran MRI's on her today to check for tumors in her brain, her eyes and her spine. We have asked everyone and anyone for prayers. My sister has always been the strong one in our family and now, she needs us. This family has come together and it's just so unfortunate that this had to happen for us to do so. We lose touch and we get caught up with our own lives in our own towns and call once a week to check on family, but now... God has us coming together. All in all, whatever comes your way in life... "I Hope You Dance"... This woman is dancing all the way through her journey!

Jay and I were planning our wedding to be in El Paso and just because things were not meant to be that way, I think I see why. God had other things going on for our family. I just pray that my sister is healed. I have faith! God works miracles, he's worked many in my life since 2005. So now... I end my blog with some happiness, some joy and definitely a blessing that was brought to me by God:

MySpace Countdowns

Life after "Ike"

2008-09-22T10:11:00.003-05:00

Where to even start?

I know I haven't been blogging as much as I had hoped to. Life has taken such a change in direction for us here at the Cat House.

There is many good things to share and there are some sad things to share, but one hates to dwell on the sad. At least I don't like to. I always try to focus on the good. I find that counting my blessings makes life much easier and more pleasant to go through. I have learned to take time to sit outside in the back porch and just take in God's work. That helps me focus on all the blessings that I have around me. I still try to take many pictures every where I go for Saturday's Photo Hunts. I always had fun with those blogs.

Some of the things that I'm about to blog, will probably be blogged separately to give them some individual attention...

I know I've lost some readers since I first started my blog and that is fine, as I've stated, life moves on and tends to take us all in different directions.

Here recently, the Houston and Galveston and parts of Louisiana experienced the wrath of Hurricane Ike. Much to say on that one, but the good thing in all of that is that we, personally, were spared. Thank God! Living in a mobile home, I was petrified and didn't know what to expect. I was fearing the worst, but... God was watching over us. We had no damages to our home or property. Light damages were experienced on my car as it decided to get in the way of flying debris. Our back fence took a beating but none of this is really worth mentioning seeing the devastation it brought upon many Galveston and Houston residents! You've all seen the news coverage I'm sure. We lost power for seven days, but were very blessed to have running water and good neighbors to help us (me) through the times I was at the house alone after the storm. This is another post though.

Something else we have to share is Porta's Cat and Sugar Cat are engaged to be married! Yes... we will be tieing the knot in January of 2009. Yet another post for some individual attention to the subject. LOL

My son just got back from Paris, France! Vacationing in Paris, France... I mean if you are going to have to evacuate, what a better way to do it!!! he was spared the experience of Hurricane Ike but only because they left a week prior to Ike making his way to us. He was not spared his wrath on his home though. This too is another blog.

Well, this is just a small update of the Cat House. I'm hoping that I can catch up with everyone else soon. Hoping to make a comeback in this part of my world.

God Bless all those affected by Hurricane Ike! and God Bless the Bucket Men and all of our Community that is pulling together to help those in need!

Never Forget

2008-09-11T00:00:00.001-05:00

Original Posting: 9/11/07
Reposting in remembrance of The 9/11 Victims

There are way, way too many websites (exactly 427,000,000 when you surf for "September 11, 2001", about 2,510,000 when surfing "Never Forget 9/11") to site for this day that is etched in our hearts and minds. So... I leave you all to your own thoughts... as I go through my day, with my prayers lifted, for all touched by this day. *My title will take you to my tribute to Mukul Agarwala.

(Blood of Heroes)

As we approach the anniversary of one of America's greatest tragedies, all of us should look back with great respect, to honor those who gave their lives on September 11, 2001. Hopefully you will be able to use some of these resources with your children, as we pay tribute to those heroes and pledge to "Never Forget."

*Click on the Ribbon to redirect you. The above link has many good resources, very interesting.

The Effects of the recent EDUARD

2008-08-14T21:16:00.005-05:00

I know I'm late, extremely late, but I'm still reeling over the effect that EDUARD had on our family!!! When we get notice that there is a hurricane in the Gulf and it is headed to Houston, I am on notice at work! I have to plan on living at the Clinic... We have the "Command Center" to set up and run. Patients still need their medications and we need to be able to communicate to families of the patients, via phone, fax machines and computers... all running on a back up generator. A generator that we have to test once a month.

Well, I was at work, waiting for it to hit... while PC was at home, hunkering down the home front. Well, we did have some excitement at the quaint "adobe". The on-coming storm, drove a "Useless" cat up one of our trees in the back yard!!!

Yep! I was informed in the following text:

PC (8/5 12:26 pm): "Your cat is in back yard tree".
Sugar Cat (8/5 12:28 pm): "WHAT?!?!"
PC (8/5 12:29 pm): "Useless is a dumbass"
Sugar Cat (8/5 1:20 pm): "Baby, can we get to him? Oh baby..."
PC (8/5 1:28 pm): "He is down
Sugar Cat (8/5 4:16 pm): "Oh good! ILY"

A few days later, I learned the word "obsequious" for the first time and learned it's meaning...

usually, in context, it is meant to mean something more along the lines of "dutiful". The mode PC went in to when he was out placing a ladder in the rain, for this "Useless" cat to use, to get down with.

So there you have it... this was the excitement experienced in the Cat House from EDUARD...

As you can see, EDUARD drove a cat up a tree, and yet the winds weren't strong enough to budge the ladder from it's place. It did serve it's purpose though, You can see Useless made it down and made it safely in to the house where he lay and slept soundly...

"DUMBASS" Useless...

Houston Farmer's Market Experience

2008-07-12T18:42:00.024-05:00

What a way to spend a Saturday morning... Going to just one of Houston's Farmers Markets.

The sites and sounds were over whelming, so much to soak in and inhale even. When PC mentioned a few weeks back that we should hit some of the Farmer's Markets in Houston, I said "sure... sounds like fun". I've never been to a Farmers Market, the whole time I've lived in Houston. Since meeting PC, I've been able to experience many new sights, new places.

He always has great suggestions on new places to visit, I say new... but they are not new to him, I think, mostly for me. I was so caught up with the sites and sounds of my surroundings that I didn't take more pictures as I had hoped... but for now, I leave you with the following pictures.

The following is what we came home with from the Market...A total of $17 in produce, actually $16, but one of the vendors kept an extra dollar, maybe she needed it more than we did. I wasn't about to stand there and argue over $1.00, embarrass her or myself. We thought our purchase was extremely reasonable, considering that we came home with so much produce. Enough produce, that we shared almost half of it with the neighbor.

and this is what resulted from the many different peppers that we bought...

Homemade Salsa in the Molcajete that mom gave me many years ago... I know she'd be proud of her daughter. Still keeping some of the "Old Traditions"
For too many years, I have kept my eyes focused on what I knew, what was familiar to me... Even though I thought I lived with an open mind, there were parts of my life, that were driven to live only on familiar grounds. Thank God for PC... my eyes have opened more since meeting him, and for that, I am definitely blessed.

Group wants to carry guns in plain view

2008-07-01T08:37:00.006-05:00

The jury is still out for me on this one... I ran across this article today and feel the need to read up some more on the whole concept, before I can decide how I feel about it, mixed thoughts on it at this time, and as usual, I always have an in depth conversation with PC too. So much can be said on this topic, and you all know how I feel about carrying and being prepared, but, again... There's much to be thought of here before making a decision on which way I lean on this one.

FORT WORTH, Texas -- Despite the Lone Star State’s love affair with the gun, there’s at least one firearms restriction that some Texans want lifted.

Texas is just one of six states in which handguns can’t be worn in plain view. The other 44 states, in the parlance of gun advocates, are known as “open-carry” states.

More than 3,500 people have signed an online petition asking Gov. Rick Perry and the Legislature to permit Texans to wear their handguns without concealing them.

More here

Links of interest:
Open Carry

I LOVE this song...

2008-06-18T20:39:00.002-05:00

LOSE MY SOUL...

Photohunt Theme: Emotion(s)

2008-06-14T19:57:00.020-05:00

So, I haven't blogged like I had hoped to and upon finally getting around to read some blogs, I noticed that Ms. TNChick had picked Emotion(s) for today's theme. I'm extremely late on this post, but I couldn't resist, this helped me get in to the mood immediately of blogging again, at least for the week-end.

When I hear the word and ponder what it means to me, a few things come to mind... in fact three beautiful children come to mind. I'll leave the rest to the pictures.... and a few captions under each to fulfill the theme.

PROUD mother of three, each child bringing DELIGHT in to my life and each has the qualities of the other, one stronger than the other, but all very LOVING, CARING, and a JOY, that bring much HAPPINESS.

CONCERN, SADNESS and FEAR when told by doctors that your child will never walk, talk or be able to feed himself, that he would be a vegetable for the rest of his life. The chubbines in him was a result of the hormone shots given to him daily.

(UPDATED: Diagnose: Idiopathic West Syndrome - otherwise known as infantile spasms, is an uncommon to rare and serious form of epilepsy in infants. In my son's case a combination of the following; Nodding attacks: Convulsions of the throat and neck flexor muscles, during which the chin is fitfully jerked towards the breast or the head is drawn inward. Salaam or jackknife attacks: a flexor spasm with rapid bending of the head and torso forward and simultaneous raising and bending of the arms while partially drawing the hands together in front of the chest and/or flailing. If one imagined this act in slow motion, it would appear similar to the oriental ceremonial greeting (Salaam), from which this type of attack derives its name.

Therapy: ACTH -Use primarily in United States Side effects are: Weight gain, especially in the trunk and face, hypertension, metabolic abnormalities, severe irritability, osteoporosis, sepsis, and congestive heart failure.

*I'll never forget the scream that came with each attack from my precious first born.)

PRAISE, THANKFULNESS and PRIDE when he beats all odds that doctors had foretold and turns out to be a very intelligent, smart and healthy son.

BLESSED and JOY for a second wonderful and healthy son.

More PRIDE knowing that he is a good man, with a big heart and so much LOVE to give. To know that he strives to live a good life.

It's obvious that she was not HAPPY... but a beautiful little girl!!

In fairness to her, here is a picture of her HAPPY. Thinking "see me... I got up here all by myself". Mommy filled with WORRY and still ANGER because she knew that her action was a big no-no... but AMUSED with her own little PRIDE of what she accomplished, so much she was singing...

PRIDE (again), my daughter reaching a mile marker in her life on the same day she turned 18 and graduating Top 10 in her class and growing up to be a very independent woman! Full of LOVE and COMPASSION for all those around her.

Again, I don't short change either child, as they all hold the same qualities that the other is mentioned for... I'm very blessed.

All three children, living and making it out on their own, facing their own struggles and accomplishments that life brings on.

I LOVE you all tremendously and am an extremely PROUD mother!

My loving son, Joey... visiting for the week-end.

My loving daughter, Abby, her last night in Houston before her big move to Utah and my loving son, Jason, spending his evening with us, in spite of not feeling well.

Words to live by

2008-06-11T20:44:00.003-05:00

My son, Jason, sent me this the other day... I have to thank him for sharing. I know that my son lives by these words.

"The proper function of man is to live - not to exist." -- Jack London

Too often we go through life on autopilot, going through the motions and having each day pass like the one before it.

That's fine, and comfortable, until you have gone through another year without having done anything, without having really lived life.

That's fine, until you have reached old age and look back on life with regrets.

That's fine, until you see your kids go off to college and realize that you missed their childhoods.

It's not fine. If you want to truly live life, to really experience it, to enjoy it to the fullest, instead of barely scraping by and only living a life of existence, then you need to find ways to break free from the mold and drink from life.

What follows is just a list of ideas, obvious ones mostly that you could have thought of yourself, but that I hope are useful reminders. We all need reminders sometimes. If you find this useful, print it out, and start using it. Today.

1. Love. Perhaps the most important. Fall in love, if you aren't already. If you have, fall in love with your partner all over again. Abandon caution and let your heart be broken. Or love family members, friends, anyone -- it doesn't have to be romantic love. Love all of humanity, one person at a time.

2. Get outside. Don't let yourself be shut indoors. Go out when it's raining. Walk on the beach. Hike through the woods. Swim in a freezing lake. Bask in the sun. Play sports, or walk barefoot through grass. Pay close attention to nature.

3. Savor food. Don't just eat your food, but really enjoy it. Feel the texture, the bursts of flavors. Savor every bite. If you limit your intake of sweets, it will make the small treats you give yourself (berries or dark chocolate are my favorites) even more enjoyable. And when you do have them, really, really savor them. Slowly.

4. Create a morning ritual. Wake early and greet the day. Watch the sun rise. Out loud, tell yourself that you will not waste this day, which is a gift. You will be compassionate to your fellow human beings, and live every moment to its fullest. Stretch or meditate or exercise as part of your ritual. Enjoy some coffee.

5. Take chances. We often live our lives too cautiously, worried about what might go wrong. Be bold, risk it all. Quit your job and go to business for yourself (plan it out first!), or go up to that girl you've liked for a long time and ask her out.What do you have to lose?

6. Follow excitement. Try to find the things in life that excite you, and then go after them. Make life one exciting adventure after another (with perhaps some quiet times in between).

7. Find your passion. Similar to the above tip, this one asks you to find your calling. Make your living by doing the thing you love to do. First, think about what you really love to do. There may be many things. Find out how you can make a living doing it. It may be difficult, but you only live once

.8. Get out of your cubicle. Do you sit all day in front of computer, shuffling papers and taking phone calls and chatting on the Internet? Don't waste your days like this. Break free from the cubicle environment, and do your work on a laptop, in a coffee shop, or on a boat, or in a log cabin. This may require a change of jobs, or becoming a freelancer. It's worth it.

9. Turn off the TV. How many hours will we waste away in front of the boob tube? How many hours do we have to live? Do the math, then unplug the TV. Only plug it back in when you have a DVD of a movie you love. Otherwise, keep it off and find other stuff to do. Don't know what to do? Read further.

10. Pull away from Internet. You're reading something on the Internet right now. And, with the exception of this article, it is just more wasting away of your precious time. You cannot get these minutes back. Unplug the Internet, then get out of your office or house. Right now! And go and do something.

11. Travel. Sure, you want to travel some day. When you have vacation time, or when you're older. Well, what are you waiting for? Find a way to take a trip, if not this month, then sometime soon. You may need to sell your car or stop your cable bill and stop eating out to do it, but make it happen. You are too young to not see the world. If need be, find a way to make a living by freelancing, then work while you travel. Only work an hour or two a day. Don't check email but once a week. Then use the rest of the time to see the world.

12. Rediscover what's important. Take an hour and make a list of everything that's important to you. Add to it everything that you want to do in life. Now cut that list down to 4-5 things. Just the most important things in your life. This is your core list. This is what matters. Focus your life on these things. Make time for them.

13. Eliminate everything else. What's going on in your life that's not on that short list? All that stuff is wasting your time, pulling your attention from what's important. As much as possible, simplify your life by eliminating the stuff that's not on your short list, or minimizing it.

14. Exercise. Get off the couch and go for a walk. Eventually try running. Or do some push ups and crunches. Or swim or bike or row. Or go for a hike. Whatever you do, get active, and you'll love it. And life will be more alive.

15. Be positive. Learn to recognize the negative thoughts you have. These are the self-doubts, the criticisms of others, the complaints, the reasons you can't do something. Then stop yourself when you have these thoughts, and replace them with positive thoughts. Solutions.You can do this!

16. Open your heart. Is your heart a closed bundle of scar tissue? Learn to open it, have it ready to receive love, to give love unconditionally. If you have a problem with this, talk to someone about it. And practice makes perfect.

17. Kiss in the rain. Seize the moment and be romantic. Raining outside? Grab your lover and give her a passionate kiss. Driving home? Stop the car and pick some wildflowers. Send her a love note. Dress sexy for him.

18. Face your fears. What are you most afraid of? What is holding you back? Whatever it is, recognize it, and face it. Do what you are most afraid of. Afraid of heights? Go to the tallest building, and look down over the edge. Only by facing our fears can we be free of them.

19. When you suffer, suffer. Life isn't all about fun and games. Suffering is an inevitable part of life. We lose our jobs. We lose our lovers. We lose our pets. We get physically injured or sick. A loved one becomes sick. A parent dies. Learn to feel the pain intensely, and really grieve. This is a part of life -- really feel the pain. And when you're done, move on, and find joy.

20. Slow down. Life moves along at such a rapid pace these days. It's not healthy, and it's not conducive to living. Practice doing everything slowly -- everything, from eating to walking to driving to working to reading. Enjoy what you do. Learn to move at a snail's pace.

21. Touch humanity. Get out of your house and manicured neighborhoods, and find those who live in worse conditions. Meet them, talk to them, understand them. Live among them. Be one of them. Give up your materialistic lifestyle.

22. Volunteer. Help at homeless soup kitchens. Learn compassion, and learn to help ease the suffering of others. Help the sick, those with disabilities, those who are dying.

23. Play with children. Children, more than anyone else, know how to live. They experience everything in the moment, fully. When they get hurt, they really cry. When they play, they really have fun. Learn from them, instead of thinking you know so much more than them. Play with them, and learn to be joyful like them.

24. Talk to old people. There is no one wiser, more experienced, more learned, than those who have lived through life. They can tell you amazing stories. Give you advice on making a marriage last or staying out of debt. Tell you about their regrets, so you can learn from them and avoid the same mistakes. They are the wisdom of our society -- take advantage of their existence while they're still around.

25. Learn new skills. Constantly improve yourself instead of standing still -- not because you're so imperfect now, but because it is gratifying and satisfying. You should accept yourself as you are, and learn to love who you are, but still try to improve -- if only because the process of improvement is life itself.

26. Find spirituality. For some, this means finding God or Jesus or Allah or Buddha. For others, this means becoming in tune with the spirits of our ancestors, or with nature. For still others, this just means an inner energy. Whatever spirituality means for you, rediscover it, and its power.

27. Take mini-retirements. Don't leave the joy of retirement until you are too old to enjoy it. Do it now, while you're young. It makes working that much more worth it. Find ways to take a year off every few years. Save up, sell your home, your possessions, and travel. Live simply, but live, without having to work. Enjoy life, then go back to work and save up enough money to do it again in a couple of years.

28. Do nothing. Despite the tip above that we should find excitement, there is value in doing nothing as well. Not doing nothing as in reading, or taking a nap, or watching TV, or meditating. Doing nothing as in sitting there, doing nothing. Just learning to be still, in silence, to hear our inner voice, to be in tune with life. Do this daily if possible.

29. Stop playing video games. They might be fun, but they can take up way too much time. If you spend a lot of time playing online games, or computer solitaire, or Wii or Gameboy or whatever, consider going a week without it. Then find something else to do, outside.

30. Watch sunsets, daily. One of the most beautiful times of day. Make it a daily ritual to find a good spot to watch the sunset, perhaps having a light dinner while you do so.

31. Stop reading magazines. They're basically crap. And they waste your time and money. Cancel your subscriptions and walk past them at the news stands. If you have to read something, read a trashy novel or even better, read Dumb Little Man once a day and be done.

32. Break out from ruts. Do you do things the same way every day? Change it up. Try something new. Take a different route to work. Start your day out differently. Approach work from a new angle. Look at things from new perspectives.

33. Stop watching the news. It's depressing and useless. If you're a news junky, this may be difficult. I haven't watched TV news or read a newspaper regularly in about two years. It hasn't hurt me a bit. Anything important, my mom tells me about.

34. Laugh till you cry. Laughing is one of the best ways to live. Tell jokes and laugh your head off. Watch an awesome comedy. Learn to laugh at anything. Roll on the ground laughing. You'll love it.

35. Lose control. Not only control over yourself, but control over others. It's a bad habit to try to control others -- it will only lead to stress and unhappiness for yourself and those you try to control. Let others live, and live for yourself. And lose control of yourself now and then too.

36. Cry. Men, especially, tend to hold in our tears, but crying is an amazing release. Cry at sad movies. Cry at a funeral. Cry when you are hurt, or when somebody you love is hurt. It releases these emotions and allows us to cleanse ourselves.

37. Make an awesome dessert. I like to make warm, soft chocolate cake. But even berries dipped in chocolate, or crepes with ice cream and fruit, or fresh apple pie, or homemade chocolate chip cookies or brownies, are great. This isn't an every day thing, but an occasional treat thing. But it's wonderful.

38. Try something new, every week. Ask yourself: "What new thing shall I try this week?" Then be sure to do it. You don't have to learn a new language in one week, but seek new experiences. Give it a try. You might decide you want to keep it in your life.

39. Be in the moment. Instead of thinking about things you need to do, or things that have happened to you, or worrying or planning or regretting, think about what you are doing, right now. What is around you? What smells and sounds and sights and feelings are you experiencing? Learn to do this as much as possible through meditation, but also through bringing your focus back to the present as much as you can in everything you do.

Recovering well and looking forward to my weekend

2008-06-04T18:15:00.006-05:00

This is the week-end that will let me know just how well I've been following doctor orders. I'm recovering well... went to the doctor's yesterday so that they could remove the tube and bulb that was left in me for drainage purposes. My experience with that you might ask? Well... as I shared with my niece...

It hurt like nothing I've ever experienced! I thought if I could go through Natural Childbirth... anything else is a piece of cake. She tried to tell me that it would only burn, and that she "would not be pulling the tubing out as if she was trying to start a lawnmower". Well, after all the comforting she tried to relay, she hands me a stress ball to hold on to for the process. I knew then, it was going to hurt like hell! Sure enough, when she asked me to let her know when I was ready, I commenced to say a prayer to get me to focus and not fear the unknown of the pain to come, I told her, "Let's just get it done with", she RIPPED that sucker out as if she WAS trying to start a lawn mower! OMG! I didn't have the bedside manner that I had hoped! I let out an astounding "SH*T!" Bit my lip as tears rolled out of my eyes! I couldn't breathe! I finally heard her tell me "Breathe, breathe through the pain." It felt like a good five minutes that the pain lasted.... the tubing was about two - three inches inside of me... and it did hurt and burn like living hell! I'm just glad that part is said and done!

I'm moving around more and sleeping a bit more comfortable, no more fort as pictured below.

This week-end proves to be good and fun. My son is scheduled to come in to town and spend the week-end with friends and family, the HIGHLIGHT of my week-end. I can't wait to see him. We also have tickets to go see The Astros Vs. The Cardinals... can't wait! Thanks to a co-worker for the tickets... ;)

My Days of Recovery...

2008-05-28T20:17:00.029-05:00

So... here we are... five days in to my recovery from surgery and there are times when I feel like I'm going to climb the walls! I am not use to sitting still, especially laying in bed all day (or in my case, laying in my temporary throne through the day)! Even with Doctor's Orders, I find it difficult!

I'm literally having to force myself NOT to do anything around the house! I had all these Honey-Do's laid out for me to accomplish BEFORE the surgery. I accomplished only half of them. The only thing that I am happy with is that I was one coat of paint away from finishing the dining room.

PC has been so wonderful in caring for me! You'd think I'd just kick back and enjoy the pampering... Although I love the pampering, it's still difficult to stay in one spot for countless hours. PC is taking care of me, the kids, the kittens, Miss Bear, Mr. Useless, Sir Wally, the house and his own personal affairs as well, all while working 4-12's and some times 5 - 12 hour night shifts. I'm a very lucky woman! My three beautiful children have been calling and checking on me... I love you TREMENDOUSLY!

I am about to give you a look in to my day to day activities. You would be amazed how my days are laid out... lol...

HOLD ON to your hats! You just might envy me and wish you were me! (Yeah... ok....)

The pain is very bearable, I was expecting the pain to be worse! I have to thank PC for bringing out the personal trainer out on me and advising me to work out at the gym as much as possible before my surgery. I also have to thank God for allowing me to experience the birth of my children all natural... maybe all of this has worked towards being able to bear the pain of surgery, who knows... I'm just grateful that I have been able to recover so well.

At night, this is where I can be found;

PC will set up my little area for me, before he leaves for work. I googled information on surgery recovery and I found that this is the best way to sleep after my type of surgery. The only thing that I added to PC's set up was the pillows set to my right side. They helped me tremendously to sleep better, feeling a bit more "tucked in". I'll have the two TV remotes right by my side, my cell phone(s). (Hold on, have to re-position myself... my tush tends to go numb from sitting and laying still for too long.) ok... lol... I find my sense of humor hasn't left, in fact... it's just as good as always! I also have my laptop at my side, in case I get enough energy to log in and check personal email and blog. I have a bottle of water, my various prescriptions, which I treasure and keep close by at this time (Vicodin has become my best friend)... a snack or two to keep me content; pudding, jello, apple sauce or even cheese sticks. Luckily for me, I don't have a big appetite right now! I'd be worried if I was eating like a Queen and not moving around or working out. I have a set of movies that I watch, even after having a good selection of movies, I find myself watching over and over the following movies:

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, *Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Mummy, The Mummy Returns, The Goonies, and Rose Red... *what I'm currently watching

We also have Satellite Dish Network, you would think that I would order movies, but... nope... I stick to my favorites. lol... Try and figure me out! PC is still trying... heh!

On my third day of recovery, Monday, I was visited by my son and his girlfriend, Michele. I was given these lovely flowers to enjoy as I sit and lay in my "other" throne... To this day, Monday was the most pleasant day of my whole recovery. I sooo enjoyed their company, we sat (obviously) and just talked about day to day stuff... I was able to get my son's girlfriend's email address so that I could send her pictures of him growing up... No... I don't have one of him bare on a bear skin... but I did send the picture of him in a dragon costume when he was about 4 years old. My son is happy... that makes me happy... Thank you Michele! For bringing some sunshine in to his life... just like the flowers have brought some bright moments in my days.

Where else do I spend my time, well, I call it my Princess throne, it's temporary but it brings me comfort, because PC always sets it up for me and situates me in it before he gets his sleep for the day. After he walks in the door at 7 am, he wakes me in such a wonderful and pleasing manner... stroking my hair and face ever so gently and I'll hear "good morning angel" or one of his many other nicknames he has given me. He'll then ask how his Angel is feeling. He'll start my day by preparing a shower for me... assists me in draining my tubing and bulb that is inserted right under my stomach. He prepares my "Princess throne" and gets all my necessities together: TV remotes, *cell phone(s), laptop, prescriptions, bottled water, and my breakfast... well... as you can see... I'm spoiled! AND YET!!! I have to force myself NOT to get up and do things! I overdid myself on Monday and found myself taking two Pain pills to get me through the night. I normally take only one!

Aside from my set movies (which by the way, it's now The Goonies) I have these two to keep me well entertained... The laundry basket next to my Princess throne has the kittens that PC found the day after my surgery...

There you have it... a look in to my day to day routine! Not much to it huh? I'm gonna go NUTS by June 7th!

Surgery went well

2008-05-25T05:23:00.003-05:00

I'm thankful and grateful and praising God for getting me through the surgery as well as I did. I am also EXTREMELY thankful for having such a wonderful man by my side, taking care of me as he has been. Thank you sweetheart! Te Quiero Muchisimo!

I'm home now and recovering very well. In fact, I'm having to slow myself down, I'm afraid that because of my good health and previous activity level, I'm doing more than what I probably should be doing.

Maybe as I recover more in these next few days, the two weeks that I am off from work, I can manage to blog a bit more. I can only hope... After this recovery, I start therapy for my back issues... Oh well, I'm still very thankful for all that God has blessed me with! And that's alot considering where I've been in life! Thank you Lord!

I want to thank Envoy-ette and Sarge Charlie for stopping in and visiting... Great people, great blogs!

Find My Soul

2008-05-21T23:00:00.002-05:00

Seduce my mind and you can have my body,

Find my soul and I'm yours forever.

~ by Anonymous ~

Reality

2008-05-19T19:16:00.002-05:00

"Self-acceptance comes from meeting life's challenges vigorously. Don't numb yourself to your trials and difficulties, nor build mental walls to exclude pain from your life. You will find peace not by trying to escape your problems, but by confronting them courageously. You will find peace not in denial, but in victory."

-- J. Donald Walters

Project finished with good timing

2008-05-17T12:56:00.005-05:00

So, as you read in my last blog... I had started a small project for PC's mom. I had to have it ready by today, ready to go... and I'm glad to say that I was done with it by Thursday night. So... I know, it's a late Mother's Day present, but we are just now getting to see her today... none the less... I finished it and here it is...

I'm pleased, knowing that I haven't painted since about 1999! This is actually in honor of her beautiful Miss Fannie...

Now... on to other projects!! :)

These days in the life of Sugar Cat

2008-05-14T11:40:00.009-05:00

My days of blogging are getting more scarce these days... I have less than two weeks before my upcoming surgery... nothing major... but I'll be down for at least the first week on pain meds, hardly coherent! ;)

I have a rather extensive "Honey-do" list made up for myself. Wow... I can only hope that I get half the things done on that list!!! Between work, and personal life well, surgery and back problems that are being looked in to at this time too (which by the way, I blame my mother for the Arthritis found in my lower lumbar area. They found other problems, but stuff that can be managed at this time with anti-inflammatory pills, pain pills and therapy. I'm scheduled for a bone scan next to determine the extent of the two to three "cysts" that were found along my spine. Let's just say, I'm just pushing for half my "honey-do list" to get done. I especially want our "office room" to be completed, meaning I need to finish painting it. I don't have much more to go though, it's just all these other "little" projects I run across and add to my list!!

In fact, here's a "new" project I picked up this week-end that I started last night, painting a box for PC's mom for mother's day... take a "look-see":

Phase 1 of three

I love my life...

2008-04-27T18:27:00.005-05:00

Watching and living through some wonderful memories...

I have the biggest smile on my face you can ever imagine... This is one side of me that PC has brought out in me, he has been able to help transform me from a very dependant woman to a very independant one.

PC always seems to find the most interesting music, just listen to the one he found for this wonderful "Montage".

Today

2008-04-22T09:52:00.005-05:00

*There is always HOPE and definitely room for OPTIMISM in our lives...

Today is a great day. I've had a full night of sleep and I woke up to
bright sun shining in the window. I've got family and friends whom I love and
share my life with. I've got new things to learn and enough health, energy, and
drive to accomplish so much of what I'd like to do. There are endless great
books to read, oceans of wonderful people to know, tons of good food to cook and
eat, time to walk, go to museums, listen to music, dance.

My life doesn't have to be perfect to be fantastic. Tomorrow doesn't have
to worry me unlis I let it. Yesterday is done and gone, whatever happened, good
or bad. And today is a gift that's new every morning.

Today, let the good stuff stick to you like honey.
Half Full

Meditations on Hope, Optimism, and the Things That Matter

Are You An Optimist Or Pessimist?

PhotoHunt: Theme: THIRTEEN

2008-04-18T20:08:00.021-05:00

PhotoHunt

Well, my blogging has been extremely sporadic! I hate it! Just not enough time in a day...

This week, I thought I'd jump the gun and get in on it early... yes, Friday night is early for me on this. PC is working tonight, the kids are watching Sponge Bob and I thought I would take this opportunity to post for this Saturday's theme for PHOTO HUNT: THIRTEEN

TnChick has picked this weeks theme as THIRTEEN. Oddly enough, my favorite number is 13... The number THIRTEEN brings to mind the following things.

See, my birthday just passed, it was on April THIRTEEN. 47 years ago, I was born. I came in to this world and just tickled the daylights out of my parents, my three brothers and sister. lol... Ok, so they might not have been tickled to death, I might have been more like a pain, but a cute one, wouldn't you say??? HA!

My sister was born on May THIRTEEN... She's special to me, I have always looked up to her. She's a very strong woman, and very independent, something that I've always wanted to be... I'm getting there sis... I'm getting there... She is what holds this family together, her strength and her strong belief in "family"... I love you sis...

I also use to live at 413 Saipan, I know... there's a 4 in front of the THIRTEEN, but the THIRTEEN is what always distinguished our house... That house, my childhood home, is no longer there. It's been bulldozed by the city due to the last flood that over took the whole neighborhood. I blogged about it here.

The house had already been abandoned in the above picture... We were very blessed that my mom was not in the house when the flood hit.

As you can see, there is no 413 Saipan any more. My childhood memories, are just that... memories. I can't drive by any more and see the house I grew up in, the house that dad worked so hard to give us.

THIRTEEN is simply a SPECIAL number in my life.

IT SUPPORT - "THAT WAS EASY"

2008-04-17T12:33:00.004-05:00

HERE TO MAKE LIFE "EASY" FOR YOU

I couldn't resist walking around with this button on me when it was given to me for making someone's life just a bit easier this day. Only, I think the idea was misconstrued and co-workers thought I was advertising myself!!!

HMMPPPHHHH!!!

hehehe... It's all about the FISH PHILOSOPHY around here!!!

Can I look any

dorkier (regarded as being unintelligent, physically unattractive, or useless),

geekier (somebody regarded as unattractive and socially awkward)???

Or just plain "FUN"NY!!! Maybe both!!

It's that time again.... NAMI Walk

2008-04-13T18:15:00.004-05:00

I've signed up for NAMI walk again... So that means that I'm looking and asking for support! Yes, donations... Don't let the "D" word drive you away from the page, please!

Last year, I raised the most money in the company, $400.00. I can only hope that I can match the same or even better, beat it. I'm shooting for $500.00. The day is coming up fast too, 20 days left for the event!

I sent out a mass email to family and friends and got a small response. I have only $90.00 raised at this time. So... I'm blogging again in hopes that I can get some on-line support. My family is NOT off the hook just yet!!

Here is my page for NAMI:
Menninger Marchers

I hope you can sponsor me this year.

Here are just a few pages from last year's NAMI Walk.

Happy Birthday To Myself...

2008-04-12T16:51:00.013-05:00

So here I am, looking at another year closer to the big 50!! Ok, ok... so I'm three years away from it, but still, none-the-less... It's around the corner! We all know how the days and months and years go by... FAST! Tomorrow is my bday... yes... another year gone by and another year ahead... how old, it's a number people... a number that I don't act like, or feel like. The saying is true! You're only as old as you feel! I DON'T FEEL 47!!! I especially DON'T ACT 47!!! :)

40+ Years ago...

(heh... look at those innocent eyes! Now how can anyone resist that precious innocense?)

So, I am figuring that I'm definitely NOT getting younger!! That only leaves me to think of where I am headed with my life, how I live it, or more like, how I CHOOSE to live it. Well... I choose NOT to live sitting in front of the tv, or in front of my computer, or just going day by day as if this is ALL there is to life. I choose to Live Life to the Fullest! I choose not to live my life walking on egg shells! I choose to live life, loving my children unconditionally! I choose to live life praising God for all the blessings he has bestowed upon me. For all the broken roads that have led me to where I am today. I choose to smile when I don't feel it inside!

There is more to it all! There's more to life than just the day in and day out routine, wake up go to work, come home, do the daily chores around the house, watch a bit of tv or surf the net, go to bed and start all over again. Nah.... There's more to it and I choose to live different.

I no longer wish to live my week-ends going to the clubs, parting, drinking, and all that comes with the scene any more. It is still unbelievable, that I was living that way exactly three years ago. 2005 was the year of my awakening.... No More! I wanted real control of my life.

I'm not one to judge anyone that lives their lives that way, I was there once, I have no room to judge. It's just not for me anymore. I want more out of life... I want to know that I make a difference in someones life.

My last post, shows the most recent pictures of me... I've been through quite alot in my years, and I love where I'm going now. I still struggle, but who doesn't? I'm not perfect, but... then again, Who Is? I just want to be a better woman, a good mother, a good citizen when it comes time for me to meet the Man above. I want to be able to be a good example for my children, I know I haven't always been, but I'm determined to change that. I'm determined to be there for them, every single time they need me. Without any worry or concern of anyone else's opinions of how I love my children.

I don't blog much these days... but as I mentioned in my last blog, the time isn't there. I'm not always doing things, I take time to enjoy a quiet moment, sitting outside with Useless, Wally and Miss Bear (the cats and the dog). Enjoying the gorgeous scenery out here in Zimbabwee. Watch a movie, make all attempts to finish painting the dining room (darn... that's taking more time than it should... lol). Planning a garden outside. There's much to do in what time I have left in my life, I don't know how much that may be, only God knows... But I won't sit back and watch it stroll by right in front of my eyes. In fact, we went to the gun range today... take a look:

http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=6ae_1208099074
(Video)

I love my new Smith & Wesson Chief's Special!!!

Thank you PC

We had a wonderful evening tonight, dinner at a new restaurant;
Onion Creek Coffee House, Bar & Lounge. Afterwards, we went down to the Museum District and drove around the area, walked out to watch a children's Peter Pan Play and walked around the museum grounds. Then for some coffee at Diedrichs on Montrose, then driving around West University. Tomorrow we are going Kayaking(I'll get some pictures posted)... I love it!

I mentioned before how I am going to the gym now, something that I never was disciplined enough to do. I eat healthier now, ok, so I have my downfall days, but I start all over the next meal. The gym is the big accomplishment... I had posted my workout that was laid out for me, that's changed again. I can now say, very proudly, that I am most definitely on a BIG GIRLS workout!

I hope that my children, ALL three, can learn from my life and their fathers, and from those around them and live life to the fullest! I pray that they CHOOSE to make a difference, a Positive difference in this world, especially theirs!

I look forward to another year, God willing...

I'm Still Here

2008-04-04T19:01:00.004-05:00

I can't believe that I haven't posted anything since Easter!!! It's been just a busy time for me... or more like... an adjustment to our new day to day living. PC's hours have changed and when I come home during the days he's at work, I have all these little projects, my own "honey-do" lists, that I barely make time for pleasure surfing. I have lots of emails to catch up with... I'll pick up on this later... gotta go have dinner.

Well, as I was saying... PC works night shifts now, 4 - 12's actually, and when I am walking out the door to go TO work, he is walking out the door FROM work. Both of us working about 40 minutes away from home, we don't see eachother for four to five days... depending on his schedule. This is very new to us, but we are managing.... we text one another, call one another as we walk out the doors, email eachother and our week-ends are precious to us! Dinner right now was great! We went to Skeeters and I have to say that their Fish Tacos are awesome! PC had their Skeeterburger. We then went to pick up some movies... looks like we'll be watching HITMAN Unrated... No "Chick Flicks" in this house (while he's home that is... lol). Although we did manage to pick up Pirates of the Caribbean At World's End!! hehehe... Maybe we'll watch that one with the kids tomorrow.

Work has been eventful, my responsibilities at work have gone through some changes since my original boss left, new management now. Not in a bad way, and before he left in December, he made sure that my evaluation was a good one, I thank him for that!! I got a very good raise, and last week, they matched an offer that was made to me somewhere else. So, I'm very happy with my current position at work... It's always good to feel valued! I have to stop and thank one very important Being for my whole life, where I am, where I am going, even where I have been, trials, tribulations, successes, joy and sadness... God!!! I praise God for where I am in my life right now! My side hobby is picking up, I now manage four company websites. I feel really confident in who I am turning out to be. I would have thought anyone was crazy if they told me I'd be where I am today. Independant... and very successful in managing my life by myself. I can only thank God! PC for his constant support and for believing in me! I love you PC!

I'm still going to the gym, three times a week... I'm proud of myself. I've picked up my drawing again as well... the creative side of me is coming back.

We took the dog (Miss Bear) out for some excercise last week-end... here are some pictures from our walk by the creek.

Happy Easter To All

2008-03-23T09:09:00.002-05:00

THE CROSS

I know in life we all go through

A lot of hurt and pain

We need to think of Jesus Christ

On the cross with all our shame

For as our Lord was hanging there

With all our sin and doubts

Everything that we'll go through

He bore as His blood poured out

And in the blood that flowed that day

Is forgiveness from every sin

There's nothing we can do or say

His blood can't cleanse within

Oh the pain that He went through

In suffering on His own

For even the Father turned His face

And He was left to die alone

We could never imagine the anguish

Of Jesus there on the cross

He lived for us; He died for us

And all we did was scoff

Nothing we could ever go through

Can ever be compared

So next time when we're feeling down

We should go to Him in prayer

For He will understand your pain

For He has felt it too

He knows the road your travelling on

And He will walk with you

Wordless Wednesday - Serene

2008-03-19T18:48:00.006-05:00

The Woodlands

For more wonderful Wordless Wednesday, take a look over at Worldess Wednesday HQ...

THE ULTIMATE IN WOMEN'S BODY PIERCING

2008-03-18T09:38:00.005-05:00

Thanks PC... I think I get the hint... lol... Pictures speak louder than words, and in this case... Well.... Using an old friends famous words:

"NUFF SAID"

To my dearest daughter: I think your singing of "Goofy Goober" was the ticket for this...

Here's a way to appreciate "LA RAZA!!" y que...

2008-03-08T14:03:00.006-06:00

I received this yesterday in my email from a family member, (Thanks Rick!) just to remind me of the mind set in my home town... and as I shared it with other family members... I got a response that was very typical of La RAZA...

That's EL PASO for you!!! As you can see, there's always a way
*LA RAZA DEL PASO * can do it!!!

And in sharing it with a fellow co-worker, we both had to wonder and ask the question... "You think that maybe the refrigerator was PACKED with some BUD LIGHT?!?" What makes me laugh even more, is that, although I did not attend BOWIE High School, my parents did and all the kids attended the rival school which is very well known as "LA JEFF", so I know the area they are speaking of rather well! :)

Here In El Paso , Texas

El Paso Ingenuity... LOL

I thought you would get a kick out of this. I saw this car driving in front of me with a guy sitting in the trunk holding on to a refrigerator being pulled by a dolly.

I shot this with my cell camera. I could hardly wait to get up next to this guy to shoot a close up.

By the way - this was on Paisano near Bowie HS.

This brings a whole new concept and competition to Mayflower Moving and Storage.

You gotta do, what you gotta do to take care of family!! GIT R DONE!

Manic Monday ~ WANT

2008-03-03T15:54:00.009-06:00

Well, I'm a bit late in posting, but I couldn't let this one slip by, I had to take time before starting on my daily house chores, now that my doctor's appointment has been rescheduled TWICE...

* I stand pleasantly corrected... I originally was crediting Sarge, for today's theme. Thank you Sarge. This is what happens when one doesn't take the time to read much slower and in depth. :) Well, the theme for Manic Monday is WANT, I always get my updates through Sarge, and credit needs to go where credit is due... Mr. MO has picked WANT as this Manic Monday's theme...

Yes people.... it all goes back to part of what makes me exist, breathe, and live day to day...

I am driven by one and only one WANT. And all I ever WANT is for my children to be happy... I WANT them to find peace in their lives... and I WANT them to ultimately be able to reach for their dreams and see them come true!

I pray that my children be given the gift of joy. Let the spirit of joy rise up in their heart this week and may they know the fullness of joy that is found only in Your presence. Help them to understand that true happiness and joy are found only in You. Whenever they are overtaken by negative emotions, surround them with Your love. Teach them to say, "This is the day that the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalm 18:24).

BEING A MOTHER

2008-03-03T15:42:00.003-06:00

I recieved this in an email today, and what perfect timing too. There are no words to add to this, so ...

After 21 years of marriage, my wife wanted me to take another woman out to dinner and a movie.

She said, "I love you, but I know this other woman loves you and would love to spend some time with you."

The other woman that my wife wanted me to visit was my Mother, who has been a widow for 19 years, but the demands of my work and my three children had made it possible to visit her only occasionally.

That night I called to invite her to go out for dinner and a movie. "What's wrong, are you well," she asked? My mother is the type of woman who suspects that a late night call or a surprise invitation is a sign of bad news.

"I thought that it would be pleasant to spend some time with you," I responded "just the two of us."

She thought about it for a moment, and then said, "I would like that very much."

That Friday after work, as I drove over to pick her up I was a bit nervous. When I arrived at her house, I noticed that she, too, seemed to be nervous about our date. She waited in the door with her coat on. She had curled her hair and was wearing the dress that she had worn to celebrate her last wedding anniversary.

She smiled from a face that was as radiant as an angel's. "I told my friends that I was going to go out with my son, and they were impressed," she said, as she got into the car. "They can't wait to hear about our meeting."

We went to a restaurant that, although not elegant, was very nice and cozy. My mother took my arm as if she were the First Lady.

After we sat down, I had to read the menu. Her eyes could only read large print. Half way through the entries, I lifted my eyes and saw Mother sitting there staring at me. A nostalgic smile was on her lips.

"It was I who used to have to read the menu when you were small," she said "Then it's time that you relax and let me return the favor," I responded. During the dinner, we had an agreeable conversation nothing extraordinary but catching up on recent events of each other's life. We talked so much that we missed the movie. As we arrived at her house later, she said, "I'll go out with you again, but only if you let me invite you." I agreed.

"How was your dinner date?" asked my wife when I got home. "Very nice, much more so than I could have imagined," I answered.

A few days later, my mother died of a massive heart attack. It happened so suddenly that I didn't have a chance to do anything for her. Some time later, I received an envelope with a copy of a restaurant receipt from the same place Mother and I had dined. An attached note said: "I paid this bill in advance. I wasn't sure that I could be there; but nevertheless, I paid for two plates - one for you and the other for your wife. You will never know what that night meant for me.I love you, son."

At that moment, I understood the importance of saying in time: "I love you" and to give our loved ones the time that they deserve. Nothing in life is more important than our family. Give them the time they deserve, because these things cannot be put off until 'some other time.'

Somebody said it takes about six weeks to get back to normal after you've had a baby.... that somebody doesn't know that once you're a mother, "normal" is history.

Somebody said you can't love the second child as much as you love the first....that somebody doesn't have two or more children.

Somebody said the hardest part of being a mother is labor and delivery....that somebody never watched her "baby" get on the bus for the first day of kindergarten...or on a plane headed for military "boot camp."

Somebody said a Mother can stop worrying after her child gets married....well that somebody doesn't know that marriage adds a new son or daughter-in-law to a Mother's heartstrings.

Somebody said a Mother's job is done when her last child leaves home....that somebody never had grandchildren.

Somebody said your Mother knows you love her, so you don't need to tell her... that somebody isn't a Mother.

Pass this along to all the "Mothers" in your life and to everyone who ever had a mother.

This isn't just about being a Mother; it's about appreciating the people in your lives while you have them....no matter who that person is.

"Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle ."

PhotoHunt: Theme: WOODEN

2008-02-23T10:48:00.017-06:00

Let me introduce you to TnChick, I ran across her site via: Sarge Charlie. Upon reading through her blog, it intrigued me enough to also keep going back. I love her idea of Photo Hunt Theme. I've attempted in two weeks to join the fun of hunting for pictures to follow the theme for the day, and even better, to get to know many new fellow bloggers. What a way to expand the mind and list of possible friends!

So, with today's theme, I only have one thing that came to mind, that would be my WOODEN chair that was made by my son in high school. He's 22 now (soon to be 23) but it has gone through many life changes with me and it still follows me every where I go. It brings me much comfort every time I see it and sit in it.

It's a great thing when our children can be taught how to build with their hands, my WOODEN chair is weather worn, but it still puts forth alot of love because that's what was put in to it when it was made, piece by piece. I love you son...

I will always cherish my WOODEN chair!

PhotoHunt

The Love of a Mother Sometimes HURTS TOO MUCH

2008-02-21T23:57:00.006-06:00

As I sit here in tears, I ask for nothing but patience and understanding, mostly from my beloved daughter...

I'm sure many of you know how much my children mean to me... and right now, I'm having to accept the fact that my baby daughter... (ok, so you're not a baby anymore, but you will ALWAYS be the baby of the family who is soon to be 21!) is moving away again to Salt Lake City, Utah on March 27th.

She has come a long way from this picture...

3 Months Old

I blogged about her back on June 25, 2007, when we had some difficulties communicating. Enough time and prayers brought us back together. Thank you Lord! Now, she's moving away again. Even though she has proven to be able to take good care of herself and her responsibilities, it's still very hard to accept her moving away, just as it was when her oldest brother moved away.

My heart aches for them, I lift them all in prayer every single morning, I know she is in good hands, God always has her safe and that is what keeps me going without worrying so much.

Through the years, I've seen her grow to be a beautiful and wonderful woman! I'm very blessed that God has given you to me, to help care for and nurture you. I know I haven't always exemplified all the qualities of "Mother of the Year", but there was no instruction booklet that came with you at birth. We do what is best in our minds, we follow the examples that were set by our parents (it's all we know) and there are times when we even struggle NOT to raise you like our parents did, (Keep in mind "Grandma"... lol). At this point I have to stop and say, "I thank You, Lord, for entrusting me with this HUGE job of raising my children."

*Unfortunately the slideshow is "failing to load" so click on "View All Images" to view her slideshow and watch her transform to a beautiful grown up daughter.

The heart of a mother is a deep abyss at the bottom of which you will always find forgiveness.

Honore de Balzac

Mothers

There is no love, like a mother's love,

no stronger bond on earth...

like the precious bond that comes from God,

to a mother, when she gives birth.

A mother's love is forever strong,

never changing for all time...

and when her children need her most,

a mother's love will shine.

God bless these special mothers,

God bless them every one...

for all the tears and heartache,

and for the special work they've done.

When her days on earth are over,

a mother's love lives on...

through many generations,

with God's blessings on each one.

Be thankful for our mothers,

for they love with a higher love...

from the power God has given,

and the strength from up above.

A Mother's love is a lifelong commitmentto selflessness.

Evil Eye

2008-02-21T11:42:00.003-06:00

I need to get this "Look" down, maybe I'll practice it on PC, see how far it can get me!? LOL!!!

Manic Monday 2

2008-02-18T19:30:00.012-06:00

Ok, so... here lately I've been blogging around and checking out some new faces... I was very enlightened by Sarge Charlie since he stopped in and paid me a visit, I have been a returning reader since. His love and devotion for his lovely wife, Empress Bee (of the High Sea), has me believing that there is true love and leaves me hopeful...

Upon reading what Manic Monday's word was... I couldn't help but follow in some footsteps. For those who know me, know that I have come a long way, I've had my days of loneliness, emptiness and feeling of "Is there someone out there for me that is meant to be my Knight in Shining Armor on that white horse..." I thought for sure I was meant to be alone, until one day... I recieved an email...

I met that Knight in Shining Armor, back in October of 2005, love can be found on the internet... especially if you really ain't looking! I still say that God Blessed My Broken Road when he had our paths cross. Thank you Lord! Maybe one day, I'll share the story of that infamous request for meeting for "Just One Beer" that turned in to TWO...

"You plus me... I love the way that adds up."

2/15/08

In the two years that we have been dating, we have also acquired TWO cats that were abandoned at his work...

Sir Wally (Gray Cat) and Useless (That's a whole different blog!)

We also have two dogs... Miss Bear and Squatlo, they're ok, just soaking up the sun.

PC has TWO Precious children ( I have three so I can't share them this time)

and finally, TWO precious lives that we couldn't save...

With Every Breath

2008-02-18T13:56:00.009-06:00

With Every Breath

With every breath I take today,

I vow to be awake;

And every step I take,

I vow to take with a grateful heart--

So I may see with eyes of love

into the hearts of all I meet,

To ease their burden when I can

And touch them with a smile of peace.

Buddhist
source: Blue Iris Sangha

Baby.... I Wanna Know

2008-02-14T18:54:00.009-06:00

I realized something today... one doesn't have to always have to have words to express the immense love that is felt for another person.

So much has come to light for me today. Two years in to my relationship with Pc, and I have grown in to a very independant woman, and along the way, it is he that has brought so much in to my life that has made me so independant. I AM THE LUCKIEST WOMAN ON THIS EARTH!

I Love you PC.... Con Todo Mi Corazon...

Happy Valentines Day Baby

Te Amo Mi Amor

*My version of I wanna know...

It's amazing how you knock me off my feet, hmm

Everytime you come around me I get weak, oh yeah

Nobody ever made me feel this way, oh

You kiss my lips and then you take my breath away

So I wanna know

I wanna know what turns you on

So I can be all that and more

I'd like to know what makes you cry

So I can be the one who always makes you smile

*She never understood what you were worth, hmm no

And she never took the time to make it work

(You deserve more loving)

Baby I'm the kind of woman who shows concern, yes I do, oh

Anyway that I can please you let me learn

So I wanna know

Tell me what I gotta do to please you

Baby anything you say I'll do

Cause I only wanna make you happy

From the bottom of my heart, it's true

I wish that I could take a journey through your mind, alright

And find emotions that you always try to hide babe, oh

I do believe that there's a love you wanna share, oh, oh

I'll take good care of you, have no fear, oh

So I wanna know

Late but still a great memory

2008-02-14T07:03:00.007-06:00

We had a great week-end last weeek... I'm a week late, but none-the-less... It's still fresh in my mind!

I got to see my son for his birthday, it was a day late, but I was able to give him his Christmas gifts and also help somewhat celebrate his 27th birthday! It hit hard that my son is 3 years away from being 30! He's not old... I am! LOL!!! I love you son! With All My Heart! I wish you much success and peace in your heart! Keep reaching for your dreams! Never stop reaching!

On another note... we also enjoyed some quality blues music at The Hideaway at Dunvale. Let me introduce you to Texas Johnny Brown...

Wishing everyone a very Happy Valentines Day...

Photography and the Talent of David Adickes

2008-01-27T20:39:00.000-06:00

Photograpy taken by my daughter... I love you...

I can say that we are very intrigued and fascinated by Mr. Adickes talents. We have visited Summer Street a few times since my son took us by there when he moved in to the area.

More on the artist, David Adickes, here... and here

The Beatles statues are now up at Sculpturworx on Summer Street near Sawyer in west Houston and they were created by a man who's left his mark on other parts of southeast Texas.
On one lot, he's erecting 36-foot-tall statues of the Beatles. On another, he plans huge busts of four Texas and national historic figures, which he'll call "Mount Rush Hour."

More here

In May 2007 Adickes will erect four 36-foot-tall statues of The Beatles -- his favorite musical group -- along I-10, just west of downtown Houston. Also in 2007, only a few miles east along the freeway, Adickes will unveil oversized shoulder-to-shoulder busts of Washington, Lincoln, Houston, and Austin at a curve where the traffic always bottlenecks. He plans to christen it "Mt Rushhour."
More here: Texas to Get Prez Heads and Titanic Cowboy

But Mr. Adickes dreams of a far more ambitious project: a lanky, 280-foot-tall cowboy that he says would be the tallest statue in North America. That's nearly twice as tall as the 151-foot Statue of Liberty. Mr. Adickes envisions his cowboy standing beside one of the state's busiest freeways right in the heart of Texas.

"That will be the last one," he says.

For those Die Hard "Football" Fans

2008-01-24T11:50:00.000-06:00

Here you go... *(Strong Language involved)

As for me, since my days of cheerleading, I just don't get upset or glad either way, football is football... and life goes on. Kudos to "The Big E".

This is NOT a shameless plug!

2008-01-23T09:24:00.000-06:00

MORE LIKE REALITY for the CAT HOUSE for 2008

What we have here is the will to get fit!!! The following routine has been laid out for me by some loving help! I can do this! Going on my third week.... I'm already having to increase my reps and weights on some of these, so... Wish me luck!

Who knows, maybe some before and after pictures... a swimsuit picture, a work out picture... years before and now pictures... ??? Who knows...

Day 1:

Dumbbell Bench Press 3 x 12 - 15/20

Pulldowns to Front 3 x 12 - 15/60

Dumbbell Flyes 3 x 12 - 15/15

Dumbbell Rows 3 x 15/25

Lateralls 2 x 12/10

Day 2:

Goblet Squats 4 x 12/15

Dumbbell Straight Leg Dead Lifts 2 x 15/15

Calf Raises 3 x 20/20

Dumbbell Curls 3 x 12 /15

Cardio 20 min

Day 3:

Bench Dips 3 x 15 - 20

Seated Cable Rows 3 x 8/60

Incline Dumbbell Press 3 x 8/15

Pulldowns to Rear 3 x 8/60

Front Raises 2 x 12/15

Day 4:

3o* Leg Press 1 x 20

Leg Curl 1 x 20

Seated Calf Press 3 x 20/60

Preacher Curl 2 x 12/15

Abs

I start by warming up on the treadmill and then head in to my workout as laid out by my personal trainer... (PC... ily) repeating my days each week and changing up my routine by one day. Sometimes I'll go a the fourth day and concentrate on cardio.

I'm new to this, in the sense of a gym setting. I've been working out at home with my own weights that PC made available to me. I have never been very comfortable in going to a an open co-ed gym, something about being "watched" just messes with me.

I went out and bought an MP3 player to help me focus on my work out. Got various music loaded and am good to go!

One of my goals.... (picture forthcoming)

Monday Humor since Maxine is still on break...

2008-01-21T20:13:00.000-06:00

WHITES: Send out invitations.

MEXICANS: Send out maps.

WHITES: Receive their invitations 3 months in advance.

MEXICANS: Find out about the wedding 1 week before.

WHITES: Have seven BridesMaids..

MEXICANS: Have seven Padrinos.

WHITES: RSVP their invitation.

MEXICANS: Show up with three car loads.

WHITES: Go to the wedding AND the reception.

MEXICANS: Just go to the reception.

WHITES: Have elegant food.

MEXICANS: Have Carne Asada, arroz, frijoles and birria.

WHITES: Order the cake from a bakery.

MEXICANS: Have their cake done by la señora down the street.

WHITES: Eat the food and cake.

MEXICANS: Eat the food and cake....... AND take some home para mañana

WHITES: At the reception, they drink wine

MEXICANS: At the reception, they drink Coors, Budweiser. Bud Light Bud Ice, Corona , Tecate,

Pacifico, Casadores, Patron, Presidente, JoseCuervo Gusano's, Reposado, *Modelo, etc........

WHITES: Relatives get drunk and passout.

MEXICANS: Get drunk, shed a few tears and start singing to Vicente Fernandez songs, fight.............then pass out.

WHITES: Dance at the party...................YEAH RIGHT!!!

MEXICANS: Dance at the party to Norteñas, Rancheras, Reggaeton, Rap, Old school, Oldies, House,etc...............

WHITES: Party ends at midnight.

MEXICANS: Party ends when the COPS show up. lol

WHITES: Wake up the next morning NOT WANTING another beer.

MEXICANS: Wake up the next morning WANTING another beer.

I had to post this for those who have a sense of humor and also because I am proud to be MEXICAN and for the *Gringo that loves me for being a MEXICAN!

*Sorry Mom! She hates it when I call my man a GRINGO!!! After yelling at me in spanish, she always corrects me, telling me he is a GABACHO!!!

I also threw in the Modelo, cuz that's what this mexican drinks... aside from Shiner Bach, coors, budweiser, ok, we've covered this one already, no need to repeat!! :)

I couldn't resist!!

2008-01-17T22:20:00.000-06:00

I'm sure it's made it's rounds.... but I just had to post it. Thanks V.V!!

What's This?

It's a "Hill-Billy"

Random Thoughts

2008-01-16T11:48:00.000-06:00

Well, another year upon us, yes... I know, where have I been? We are mid way through the first month of 2008!

Well, things have been very busy around the Cat house! Between family, careers, and personal goals, wishes and dreams, well... I've been trying to get myself a bit more organized. That is probably the biggest goal that I attempt to change for the better every "new" year. To add to that, I'm trying to live healthier, stay better in touch with my children, my family back home and throughout the two states I have family in.

Christmas has come and gone... I had vowed to leave my Christmas tree up until my first born came home. Unfortunately he has not been able to do just that. His plans and hopes are now to be able to come home mid Feb. I pray that it all comes through and that his health improves.

*Get well soon, take care of yourself! I Love You TREMENDOUSLY! Your XMas presents are still waiting under the tree...

Now, I prepare for your bday... 2/08! You have so much to live for! You have the world in front of you! You conquered all the negativity of an illness when you were just a baby! You are meant for big things, you might not see it now or are having to work hard for it, but it will be well worth it at the end!

Unfortunately, I am having to bring down the Christmas tree and organize the house with all the extra furnishings we just acquired. What should be our office area, is still waiting to be finished. I started painting it a few months back and still can't finish it. My free time is erratic and not very organized. I know it will get done... I'm determined.

My prayers have increased and have become more specific for my children's happiness, health, mental well being and peace within their hearts. Two of my children have had a bit of a rocky start with 2008, either health wise or personally. I continue to pray to St. Jude and to God for His will to be done. Only He knows where they should be in their lives, and I pray that my children may hear His words and follow Him with all the faith that they have been brought up to have.

I had originally started a different blog back on Dec. 22ND, titled "Another Year, Come and Gone", but I left it to be finished another time. Maybe I can go back to it and bring it around as this month comes to an end, giving me some more time to reflect on where I've been and where I'm going in my life. We will just have to wait and see. I hope to blog more than what I have here recently, it all depends on how well I get a handle on my time. I definitely miss my Maxine Mondays!

I'm home... and it all feels sooo good!

2008-01-14T19:33:00.000-06:00

I just love this song...

Thanks PC!

Bad Day at the Office?

2008-01-10T15:54:00.001-06:00

This has been one hellatious week!!!! There have been times that I could have very easily been on the other end of this video!!! I could cry right now! And to top it off, I'm going home to an empty home...

PC I MISS YOU SOOO MUCH! I Love You Sweetheart! Waiting ANXIOUSLY for Friday!!

For now though... If you are in the surrounding area of Houston, and you come across something like in the following video... no worries, just me, letting out some steam... ;)

I know... "THIS TOO SHALL PASS"!!

Personal Bill of Rights

2008-01-05T14:12:00.000-06:00

I have been through many things in my life, some good, some bad... some from bad choices and bad decisions I made personally and some from a result of someone else's bad choices and bad decisions. In all of this, I learned a few important things... they are listed below.

This goes out to all concerned and loved ones...

Personal Bill of Rights

You have the right to be treated with respect.
You have the right to not take responsibility for anyone else's behavior.
You have the right to get angry.
You have the right to say "no".
You have the right to make mistakes.
You have the right to have your own feelings and opinions.
You have the right to change your mind or decide on a different course of action.
You have the right to negotiate for a change.
You have the right to ask for emotional support or help.
You have the right to protest unfair treatment or criticism.

Further more...

I Now Declare My Human Right to...

1) Experience all my own emotions. They are a natural part of being human. They include fear, sadness, anger, shame, uncertainty, confusion, joy, lust, hope, pride, happiness, etc. - even "numbness." I am not bad, weak, or wrong for feeling, and there is no such thing as a "negative" emotion.

2) Describe and/or express my feelings to others if and when I choose to, without feeling obligated, guilty, or ashamed. I am responsible for this choice but not for others' reactions.

3) Say "Yes," "No," "I can't," and "I don't know," without undue guilt, shame, or anxiety - and to be responsible for the consequences.

4) Choose if, when, and how to meet others’ expectations of me. if I choose not to meet them, I need not feel guilty unless I've clearly committed to do so. I am responsible for such choices and their consequences.

5) Choose my own friends and acquaintances, and how and when to spend time with them. I may, but don’t have to, justify these choices to others.

6) Make my own mistakes, and learn from and profit by them if I can;

7) Choose if, when, and how to respectfully tell others clearly how their actions are affecting me - and to take responsibility for doing so.

8) Earn and maintain my own self-respect and pride, rather than depending on other people’s opinions of me.

9) Seek and accept or decline help without undue shame, anxiety, or guilt;

10) Give others the responsibility for their own beliefs, decisions, feelings, and thoughts, without feeling guilty, anxious, or selfish. Feeling responsible for other able adults often burdens me, and blocks their growing self-confidence and self-respect.

more here

XMas 2007

2007-12-26T17:17:00.000-06:00

My oldest couldn't be with us, but he was in my thoughts and prayers and most of all, in my heart the whole day through.

(My daughter caught me speaking to him on the phone...)

A Veteran

2007-12-26T12:44:00.000-06:00

'Whether active duty, retired, national guard or reserve- is someone who, at one point in their life, wrote a blank check made payable to 'The United States of America',for an amount of 'up to and including My life'.

That is Honor, and there are way too many people inthis country who no longer understand it.

HT to Tejano

My Grownup Christmas List

2007-12-13T08:07:00.000-06:00

When I first heard this song... I felt a strong tug at my heart and it continues to pull the strings to my heart, to the point of bringing tears to my eyes. Someone was able to put in to words, what I feel and think,on a daily basis. Those near and dear to me, those that I have never met, those that I never knew existed...

So... here is "My Grownup Christmas List"...

Those that have no home, those that have lost dear ones, the list goes on. This time of year is always a difficult one for some people, this time of year screams togetherness, family, unity and when a family has experienced divorce or seperation, loss of loved ones due to illness, crime. Blended families experience the difficult decisions of whose family do we visit first, children and parents split in two directions. So many stressful situations rise....

I can only hope that my family and those families that have come across my path have a very Joyous and Peaceful Holiday. My prayers to our military men and women and their families as well.

A FAMILY TRADITION !

DAD(ARMY), BROTHER Danny M. (ARMY), BROTHER Alberto M. Jr. (MARINE),

Eddie M. (NAVY), Our Nephew Joe D. Jr. (AIR FORCE).

"HONOR THOSE WHO SERVE "

Sign the Holiday Card For Our Troops

2007-12-07T08:49:00.000-06:00

(Click on pic to direct you to their page)
As we are in the midst of the holiday season, Freedom's Watch is asking you to take a moment to remember those who cannot be with their families this holiday season as they fight to protect our freedoms.

Stressed

2007-12-06T17:55:00.000-06:00

"NUFF SAID"

The Price of Being Human

2007-12-01T10:06:00.000-06:00

Mistakes: nobody likes 'em but everybody makes 'em. Sometimes, even if you're a very good person, you're going to mess things up. and when you do, God is always ready to forgive you - He'll do His part, but you should be willing to do your part, too. Here's what you need to do:

1. If you've been engaging in behavior that is against the will of God, cease and desist (that means stop).

2. If you made a mistake, learn from it and don't repeat it (that's called getting smarter).

3. If you've hurt somebody, apologize and ask for forgiveness (that's called doing the right thing).

4. Ask for God's forgiveness, too (He'll give it whenever you ask, but you do need to ask!).

Have you made a mistake? If so, today is the perfect day to make things right with everybody (and the word "everybody" includes yourself, your family, your friends, and your God).

Mistakes are the price you pay for being human; repeated mistakes are the price you pay for being stubborn. So don't be hardheaded; learn from you experiences - the first time!

Christmas is on its way...

2007-11-24T13:53:00.001-06:00

So, Thanksgiving has come and gone and I'm not quite ready for Christmas still. Today was the first day in a long time that PC didn't have to get up at 6am to go in to work, it was nice for both of us. We've made our run to our local Wal Mart and contributed to the spending of the holiday time. I actually started spending money yesterday, new home, new things needed, lol... We have a fireplace and I had to get some decorations for the mantel!! :) Good reason to spend some money, right? Work with me here people!!

I started cleaning up the Thanksgiving decorations yesterday and started with the mantel with the XMas decorations and so today, it's major cleaning, rearranging furniture so the XMas tree can go up today. PC was already having to look for a stud in the living room to hang my tree... fun, fun!! WooHoo!!

In doing all this cleaning and rearranging of furniture, I've been playing XMas music this whole time, so I leave you with this piece... it's off of Santa Baby CD, Song: River by Sarah McLachlan

Wishes from the Cat House

2007-11-22T07:43:00.001-06:00

Wishing everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving!

(To my wonderful son in Austin, Tx... I love you and I'm sorry you couldn't make it down for the day, but please know that you are in our thoughts as we gather together this day and always.)

Thanksgiving Day, as celebrated in North America, is a time to gather with family and friends to give thanks for the many blessings enjoyed by these nations and their citizens. However, to many people, its meaning is lost. It has become simply another day for huge meals, dinner parties, get-togethers or reunions. What does Thanksgiving mean to you?

My thoughts and prayers are also with all our military men and women and all those serving this wonderful country! I also wish all those families and individuals that are alone or seperated from their loved ones and find themselves alone on this day.

More wishes can be found with my following peeps:

Texas Fred
Mushy's Moochings
Big Dogs Weblog
American and Proud
Born Again Redneck
Big White Hat

I leave you all with this:

Thanksgiving Delights

On Thanksgiving Day we’re thankful for
Our blessings all year through,
For family we dearly love,
For good friends, old and new.

For sun to light and warm our days,
For stars that glow at night,
For trees of green and skies of blue,
And puffy clouds of white.

We’re grateful for our eyes that see
The beauty all around,
For arms to hug, and legs to walk,
And ears to hear each sound.

The list of all we’re grateful for
Would fill a great big book;
Our thankful hearts find new delights
Everywhere we look!

By Joanna Fuchs

I couldn't resist

2007-11-21T10:22:00.000-06:00

I missed my Maxine Monday posting, things have been real busy at work and this was sent to me today by a good friend, so here is Maxine in all her glory! I couldn't resist, with Thanksgiving coming up tomorrow and normally the women are in the kitchen cooking (some men too) this just seemed appropriate for a bit of Maxine Humor on Men and cooking.... (in this case, grilling). If it were up to PC, we'd be grilling Steaks instead of cooking a big bird with all the trimmings....

gotta love these men!!

I'll be a bit early on my wishes, but... I want to wish everyone a Very Happy Thanksgiving! We will be headed out to PC's mom's and then afterwards, picking up my kids and heading out to Steak and Ale for our dinner. You might ask "Why Steak and Ale?" Well, there was alot of struggling with this decision, but in the end, it just seemed the more wisest thing to do in our situation. I hate short changing my kids with a home cooked meal (which I love to go all out), but... I would have to do all or most of the cooking tonight for two meals and then after running across town between his family and then to pick up kids on the other end of Houston (all about an hours drive from one another). We wouldn't be eating dinner with my kids til about 7ish. By the time we pick up my kids, get home, get dinner heated up and served... no time will be had for spending quality time together, and as I was reminded by PC, that's what Thanksgiving is all about! Family!!! I have struggled with this one for many days now, Thank you PC for being so patient through my struggle and for reminding me of the real reason behind the holiday. *I tend to want to be a bit like June Cleaver sometimes... We just don't live in those kind of days anymore, but I wish I did.

The following site is full of neat ideas, suggestions, and things to do with the kids (although mine are adults now) it's a great site. Check it out:

Thanksgiving for All couldn't have said it better...

"Thanksgiving is a time for togetherness... it's an occasion to be spent in the warm and loving company of family, loved ones and friends enjoying turkey roast and pumpkin pies with them. Thanksgiving is also an opportunity to renew the ties that bind us with the ones we love... it is a time for remembering, cherishing and being thankful for all the good things you have been blessed with.
So it's time to say 'Happy Thanksgiving'."

Top Ten Thanksgiving Movies
Here's a list of the top ten Thanksgiving movies:
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving
Alice's Restaurant
Planes, Trains and Automobiles
The Ice Storm
What's Cooking
Tadpole
Pieces of April
The Myth of Fingerprints
Hannah and her Sisters
Home for the Holidays

Keep the Thanksgiving spirit scaled held high with some of the fun filled Thanksgiving movies

Yes, thanksgiving is right around the corner...

2007-11-17T14:06:00.000-06:00

This is a fun post, the mushy and deep thinking one will come within the week. For now, here you go...

Your Pilgrim Name Is

Constance Lester

What's Your Pilgrim Name?

2007-11-15T10:05:00.000-06:00

I received this in an email this morning by someone very dear and that is in the same field I am, only owns her own business. I was sharing some experiences with her about some of my day in and day out experiences with some end users and she was sweet enough to share the following with me. Thanks... :)

Be thankful for the troubles of your job, they provide about half your income. Because if it were not for the things that go wrong, the difficult people you have to deal with, and the problems and unpleasantness of your working day, someone could be found to handle your job for half of what you are being paid.

It takes intelligence, resourcefulness, patience, tact and courage to meet the troubles of any job.

If all of us would start to look for more troubles, and learn to handle them cheerfully and with good judgment, as opportunities rather than irritations, we would find ourselves getting ahead at a surprising rate. For it is a fact that there are plenty of big jobs waiting for men and women who aren't afraid of the troubles connected with them.

Zimbabwee has gone DSL!!

2007-11-11T09:59:00.000-06:00

WOOHOOO!!! OK, so I should rephrase that... the Cat household has been thrown in with the privileged and elite group of DSL users! No more Dial Up for us!!! We have had to endure the following since May of this year, 6 months too long!

I can't believe it, we're walking amongst the normal again!!! Well, ok, maybe not completely normal, but I do feel that now PC and I will be trying to get up earlier than the other one, to see who gets to the computer first!! :) PC beat me to it this morning! He had more patience with the dial up than I did, but then again... look who his girlfriend is... ME! LOL!!! He has to have patience.... (Ok, no comments allowed from the Peanut Gallery!!!. Ok... some comments allowed.

You know, I may not have won the lotto, but
WE HAVE DSL people!!!

I feel like I'm scrambling to catch up with all my Internet surfing that I have fallen short of in the last six months! Where to start, where to start... should I pay bills first? How about answer all my email? Maybe check out the latest and newest blogs, better yet, catch up with alot of the good blogs that are on my list. Read up and enlighten my mind with our soldiers fighting for our freedom and those that don't have a voice, or catch up with the latest on what's new with cooking, gardening.... so much to surf.... so freakin' little time!!!

I have housework to do and I can't walk away from the computer!!! Damn!!!

Repost from "Whatever It Is, God Is Bigger"

2007-11-09T10:01:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, about 3:30 pm, I received a call from my oldest son, I was still at work and was right in the middle of assisting one of our resident Psychiatrists with some urgent computer needs. I told my son that I would call him back as I could not speak to him at that moment. Time went by, and I'm still assisting the resident Psychiatrist at least half an hour, and at 4:10, I received a text message from my son that he was being taken to the hospital for stitches. *(Pictures posted are of my son... doing what he loves best! I LOVE YOU SON!)

Well, being a mother, I panicked and my heart dropped! Understand too that this is my 26 year old son, and is very well known for skateboarding. I knew that his brother and a friend were visiting him in Austin and somehow I just knew that it had to be a related injury to skateboarding or his work, (I was leaning more towards the skateboarding though). Needless to say, I had to call him immediately and find out the details of his trip to the hospital and the seriousness of his injuries.

My son kept trying to tell me he was OK, while at the same time, explaining to me that as he was coming down a half pipe, he lost his balance and fell face first, shattering his right prescription eyeglass lens, which resulted in cutting him up by his eyebrow, scrapes around his face, bruises I'm sure as well. I was cringing and feeling, literally, his pain. I was being a "mommy"... My son finally had to pass the phone to their friend so that he could ease my worries. Needless to say, I did have a few words with God at that moment, but I went home that evening and lifted my children in prayer.

More here

Beware of Garbage Trucks

2007-11-08T11:24:00.000-06:00

I ran across this during my lunch time and felt compelled to pass it on, I think we all have a bit to learn here... I especially need to make sure to NOT be one that Dumps. I'm sure I've had my days, need to concentrate to change that.

How often do you let other people’s nonsense change your mood? Do you let a bad driver, rude waiter, curt boss, or an insensitive employee ruin your day? However, the mark of a successful person is how quickly he/she can get back her focus on what’s important. Sixteen years ago I learned this lesson. I learned it in the back of a New York City taxi cab.Here’s what happened. …… I hopped in a taxi, and we took off for Grand Central Station. We were driving in the right lane when, all of a sudden, a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us.

My taxi driver slammed on his breaks, skidded, and missed the other car’s back end by just inches! The driver of the other car, the guy who almost caused a big accident, whipped his head around and he started yelling bad words at us. My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean, he was friendly.

So, I said, “Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital!” And this is when my taxi driver told me what I now call, “The Law of the Garbage Truck.”

Many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it. And if you let them, they’ll dump it on you.When someone wants to dump on you, don’t take it personally. You just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. You’ll be happy you did.
So this was it: The “Law of the Garbage Truck.” I started thinking, how often do I let Garbage Trucks run right over me? And how often do I take their garbage and spread it to other people: At work, at home, on the streets? It was that day I said, “I’m not going to do it anymore.”

Well, now “I see Garbage Trucks.” I see the load they’re carrying.I see them coming to drop it off. And like my Taxi Driver, I don’t make it a personal thing; I just smile, wave, wish them well, and I move on.

Autumn Feelings

2007-11-07T09:13:00.000-06:00

The coming of autumn brings mixed feelings.

The beauty of the colors, the swirling falling gold, scarlet, russet, gold, red and brown leaves among some still green.

The cool crisp air, dark mornings and early evenings.

The gentle breeze swaying the multicolored leaves carpet nature's floor.
Winter is coming.

Autumn reminds me that change is imminent - don't know what Winter will bring. Transitions, changes, challenges.

The cycle of life, as one becomes an other.

The Summer is a memory, the Winter, an illusion.

Each day must be lived in it's own time.

Each tomorrow must be faced in it's own time.Today it is a temperate season.

A good time to live in today.To enjoy natures beauty, to live just now.

Tomorrow there is this, at least to remember.

To be in harmony with nature, enjoy the beauty.

Enjoy the long comfortable nights.

Today LIFE IS GOOD.

Count Your Blessings

2007-11-02T14:16:00.000-05:00

*I seem to be missing my "cheerful attitude" today... I'm feeling empty... I need to remind myself of all the blessings God has brought in to my life.

All spiritual growth points us toward serenity. When we find it, we also find a cheerful attitude. When we feel at peace with the world we "Put on a happy face."

Cheerfulness is a personal choice. It begins with our acceptance of reality as we continue to grow spiritually. When we give our cheerfulness to others, we are also keeping for ourselves the peace that emotional growth brings us.

Cheerfulness is a big part of a positive attitude. Without it, we wouldn't be able to accept the things we need to accept. Cheerfulness can't exist without freedom.

Peace of mind and serenity are never forced on me. I must have an open heart and open mind to receive it.

Hold on to what is good even if it is a handful of earth.
Hold on to what you believe even if it is a tree which stands by itself.
Hold on to what you must do even if it is a long way from here.
Hold on to life even when it is easier letting go.
Hold on to my hand even when I have gone away from you."
~Pueblo Blessing ~

Happy Halloween from The Cat Family

2007-10-31T08:41:00.000-05:00

Respect and Honor to a Fallen Soldier

2007-10-26T08:28:00.000-05:00

We have always mourned the blood that has been shed in every war that comes about, we are in the midst of another one, and I've always prayed for all our soldiers and have deep respect for their continuing fight for our freedom, for putting their lives on the line for us and those that can't protect themselves nor have the freedom to fight for their rights.

I have a very close friend that the loss of a loved one has hit very close to home. I know that she won't mind that I have re posted her blog, please take this time to pray for another fallen soldier.

My deep and undying love and prayers to the family and friends of Paul.

NORFOLK, Va. (AP) _ The Pentagon announced Saturday that a Norfolk-based Marine died in Iraq.Captain William Pelletier, a Marine Corps spokesman based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, said Corporal Erik Garoutte of Santee, California, died Friday in Baghdad "as a result of unknown causes."Pelletier said he had no additional information about Garoutte's death. Garoutte was assigned to the 1st Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team Company, Marine Corps Security Force Battalion, II Marine Expeditionary Force, based in Norfolk.Pelletier said Garoutte joined the Marine Corps in November 2005. A release from the Department of Defense said the incident is under investigation.

Since the beginning of the war in Iraq and the events leading up to it.. there has been so much loss for individuals across the globe. For me personally I've lost 4 friends. So my heart goes out to anyone who has had to endure the pain. This morning, that loss for me has hit a little closer to home.

I got an e-mail from my mom this morning telling me that my cousin's son Erik was one of our most recent military deaths in Iraq. I don't have any details of the death other than that it occurred on Sunday in the line of duty. He was a very young 22 and had only been in Iraq since August. He leaves behind two younger brothers who he was very close to.

This is a very difficult time for the family as they deal with this tragic loss they are also keeping their eyes on the hills in San Diego waiting to see if they will have to evacuate from the wild fires to safer ground.

Please keep my cousin Paul and family in your prayers. Pray that for a resolution and end to the war.
Take the time to consider how very important it is to always remember what REALLY matters. It's not money...things...possessions...ti's people. Memories. Take the time to tell the people around you how much you care. Life is short and precious.

If you get a moment stop by Paul's page and leave him a message of prayer and support. If for some reason he's set to private - send the e-mail. He'll be appreciative and so will I.

Love you all!!

"We support our troops and we will never forget that these brave men and women have given their lives for our country and our freedom."

To this date, 4,281 soldiers have died in this war and the casualties are increasing. Please support our troops and spread the word about Project Never Forget.

Stop by Project NEVER FORGET

(click on the jpg)

Project Never Forget would be honored to offer every familywho has lost a soldier in this war one personalized 3-D photo charm memorializing their loved one.

Worry

2007-10-24T14:29:00.000-05:00

"How simple it is to see that all the worry in the world cannot control the future. How simple it is to see that we can only be happy now. And that there will never be a time when it is not now."

Things To Ponder

2007-10-23T15:39:00.000-05:00

*Is my life really going down the toilet? I mean really now, I'm blogging about the most silliest and questionable thing here!!!

Do toilet seats really protect us from anything?

Just who flushes the toilet 2000 times to make sure the water still turns blue? And how many times do you think they lost count? (Contributed by Jim Adams)
Why is toilet paper advertised as "facial quality"? Do you really intend to use it on your face? (Contributed by Don F.)
Why do some public restrooms have signs posted that read 'Notice: Do Not Flush Anything Down This Toilet Except Toilet Paper'? Just how do they expect us to do that? (Contributed by Bill Edwards)
How come when you go to a gas station today you usually find the cash register open and the toilets locked? Are they trying to tell us that toilet paper is worth more than money? (Contributed by Joey B.)
Where are the toilets on the U.S.S. Enterprise? (Contributed by Don F.)
What's with the people who put carpeting on the lid of their toilet seat? Do they think that if they have a party there may not be enough standing room? (Contributed by Don F.)
Why are the toilet flush handles on the left side? (Contributed by Don F.)
Do toilet seats really protect us against anything? (Contributed by Don F.)
Why don't people put the new toilet paper roll on the spindle? (Contributed by Tanu)
Why do men put the new toilet paper roll with the new sheet to the back while women put the new sheet to the front? (Contributed by Tanu)

More questions to ponder here:
(click on banners to ponder some more)

Maxine Monday

2007-10-22T10:07:00.000-05:00

The following was recieved in my email this morning and I know of quite a few people that would agree "Hands Down" on this little tid-bit... and I even ran it through SNOPES.com and Yes, it is an urban legend, I still tend to lean a bit towards the fact that "challenged" people at work can make your day a bit more trying! It being Maxine Monday, I thought it would go hand in hand with her infinite wisdom!! Since I couldn't get the picture to show up larger without distorting the words, I've typed out the article for you all... ENJOY!

Working with idiots can kill you!

Idiots in the office are just as hazardous to your health as cigarettes, caffeine or greasy food, an eye-opening new study reveals.

In fact, those dopes can kill you! Stress is one of the top causes of heart attacks - and working with stupid peole on a daily basis is one of the deadliest forms of stress, according to researchers at Sweden's Linbergh University Medical Centre.

The author of the study, Dr. Dagmar Anderson, says her team studied 500 heart patients, and were puzzled to find 64 percent had relatively few of the physcial risk factors commonly blamed for heart attacks.

"Then we questioned them about lifestyle habits, and almost all of these low-risk patients told us they worked with people so stupid they can barely find their way fromt eh parking lot to their office. And their heart attack came less than 12 hours after having a major confrontation with one of these oafs.

"One woman had to be rushed to the hospital after her assistant shredded important company tax documents instead of copying them. A man told us he collapsed righ at his desk because the woman at the next cubicle kept asking him for correction fluid - for her computer monitor.

"You can cut back on smoking or improve your diet," Dr. Andersson says, "but most people have very poor coping skills when it comes to stupidity - they feel there's nothing they can do about it, so they just internalise thier frustration until they finally explode."

Stupid co-workers can also double or triple someone's work load, she explains. "Many of our sujects feel sorry for the drooling idiots they work with, so they try to cover for them by fixing their mistakes. One poor woman spen a week rebuilding client records because a clerk put them all in the 'recycle bin' of her computer and then emptied it - she thought it meant the records would be recycled and used again."

"My Special Cat"

2007-10-20T18:35:00.000-05:00

This is a final follow up to my original posting of "My Cat is Special" Project. It's been finished now for about two weeks, I had a hard time picking just the right frame and matt for it, plus all this OT I've been working has made it almost impossible to finish my little project.

Something that should have taken just one week to do, took so much longer... sorry...

BUT! HERE IT IS!!! The final project!!

So, Happy Belated Birthday... I hope you can find a "Special" spot for it.

A Cat's Prayer

Now I lay me down to sleep,

The king-size bed is soft and deep...

I sleep right in the center groove

My human can hardly move!

I've trapped her legs, she's tucked in tight

And here is where I pass the night

No one disturbs me or dares intrude

Till morning comes and "I want food!"

I sneak up slowly to begin

My nibbles on my humans chin.

She wakes up quickly, I have sharp teeth -

And my claws I will unsheathe

For the morning's here and it's time to play

I always seem to get my way.

So thank you Lord for giving me

This human person that I see.

The one who hugs me and holds me tight

And sacrifices her bed at night.

~ Author Unknown ~

Easy Does It

2007-10-18T08:02:00.000-05:00

I could learn from this one...

Work has been herendous for me lately and it has been taking it's toll, not so much exhuastion, but missing the finer things in life. I also know that this is all coming to an end soon. One thing I am learning in all this OT, is that, it's not so much the money, don't get me wrong, the money is good in the end, but... I miss PC, and the finer things in life are passing me by.

It isn't the load that weighs us down, it's the way we carry it.

~Anonymous

There is a saying in the entertainment world that it takes most performers at least twenty years to become overnight successes. Many a person who is impatient to set the world on fire could be served best by a discussion on "Easy Does It" and "One Step At A Time." Rome, they say, wasn't built in a day. Nor is character growth.

When we try to climb ladders several steps at a time, we invite accidents. But the advice "slow but sure" doesn't mean not making the effort. Progress is always more lasting when made with caution. We solve problems as they arise, rather than trying to move around them.

I risk losing serenity if I let impatience force me into trying to do too much in too short a time.

TGIF!!!

2007-10-12T07:49:00.000-05:00

Even though, I see myself working tomorrow, I still have to say...

T.G.I.F!!!!!!!!

Here's a Funny for your Friday!!

The Female Genie

While trying to escape through Pakistan, Osama Bin Laden found a bottle on the beach and picked it up. Suddenly, a female genie rose from the bottle and with a smile said, "Master, may I grant you one wish?" Osama responded, "You ignorant, unworthy daughter-of-a-dog! Don't you know who I am? I don't need any common woman giving me anything."The shocked genie said, "Please, I must grant you a wish or I will be returned to that bottle forever." Osama thought a moment, then grumbled about the impertinence of the woman and said, "Very well, I want to awaken with three American women in my bed in the morning. So just do it and be off with you." The annoyed genie said, "So be it!" and disappeared. The next morning Bin Laden woke up in bed with Lorena Bobbitt, Tonya Harding, and Hillary Clinton at his side.

His penis was gone, his knees were broken, and he had no health insurance.

God is good!

Some Fun Stuff

2007-10-09T14:25:00.000-05:00

As I sit here, waiting on 21 updates to load, after upgrading the memory on this ancient computer from 512 MB to 1 GB, I decided to catch up on some reading and Mushy's place took me to the following site that gave me a $ amount on what my body is worth!!!

It's not a whole lot, but it's something!!!

$4975.00

Within the same sight, I learned I'm 84% addicted to blogging... I find that a bit hard to believe as I haven't been blogging on a daily basis, nor have I kept up with my reading as I use to. These late night hours at work are going to kill me... well, the money will be good, but I'll be too freakin' tired to enjoy it all...

84%

Thanks Mushy!

Laugh WELL NEEDED! Re: Britney Spears

2007-10-06T11:34:00.000-05:00

Ok, so I'm not really one to laugh at others misfortunes or trials!! In fact I only hope and pray for the best for all involved, especially the children!!

But...

In reading the following article:

On Monday, a judge ordered the 25-year-old pop singer to temporarily hand over custody of her two sons to her ex-husband, Kevin Federline. She was later granted some visitation rights, but another court order then required that her behavior be monitored during the visits with her kids.

I was lead to this:

The Big Debate

For the rest of the article you can go here.

You have to admit though, the debate is freakin' hilarious!

Reflections

2007-10-03T09:34:00.000-05:00

Since our trip back to my home town, seeing all my family; brothers, sister, mom, cousins (cousins, I hadn't seen since I was in diapers as I was informed), I have been reflecting on "family" alot.

Anyone that knows me, I mean "really" knows me, knows that "FAMILY" is EVERYTHING to me. I know that some of you (or many) know and understand the emotion and the tie that I speak about. I would die for my family and protect them to any extent and do what I can to help.

Every morning and every night, I always lift up my family in prayer. I am in such a better place these last two years of my life, and I can only thank God for the path that I have been put on. I can proudly say that my priorities are: God, family and job, and I hope to pass on the importance of that order to my children. I have not been perfect when it comes to those priorities. I have placed "other" things as #1 and am now having to fight desperately to make up for that. Not to say that God or family were totally forgotten, because they weren't, but they definitely were not placed in the order that they should be. I'm not a perfect Christian/Catholic, girl/woman, I'm definitely NOT a perfect mother, but again, I'm fighting desperately to earn that lost time back and needless to say, God first, family second, then job and "Other Matters".

I have learned that, life is short, and family is always there, no matter what. Friends have come and gone, there are a very select few, and I do mean "FEW" people (in fact, I can count on one hand) that I can call friends, that have stayed in touch throughout the changes that life has thrown upon me and them. But family, FAMILY is still there! They love you unconditionally (for the most part), yes we can disagree, argue, etc... but we all get over it and when you are at the end of your rope and life is throwing you curves after curves and surprises after surprises, mountains and seas of emotions, I have always been able to count on family for advice, support, strength, courage and even some shoulders to cry on. I had to listen and take advice that I really wasn't ready to hear, or willing to hear, but they give it any way, because they really do care and they only want the best for me.

Before you know it though, time has passed us by and has stolen some precious moments, moments that can never, NEVER, be recovered. My Dad passed away five months before my baby daughter was born, Jan. 16, 1987. It killed us all! It killed me even more, because I lost alot of precious time with him that I could never get back. It still hurts, but I know, I know that I am bringing a smile to his face now. **Dad... I know you're with me every day and I have to say... God has brought a very wonderful man to my life and I'm happy now and he reminds me alot of you. He has all your qualities and characteristics and that makes him even more special to me. I felt you with us when we were in El Paso and I know that I have your blessings too.

Mom isn't getting younger, her mind and heart though,is that of a young girl, still laughs and remembers so very much. I can only hope that I can be that young in mind and spirit when I gt to be her age. *I hope to see you in December mom.

Mom, recently said goodbye to her house that was bought for her and earned hard by my dad. It wasn't easy for her, just as it wasn't easy for any of us to see our childhood memories, flooded and ripped apart by nature and thieves. After the house was sold, thieves came through and stole whatever they could, even if it was attached to the house, bolted down. They stripped it. They stripped the iron work fence where the flooding water broke through the wall, they stole the iron work door, windows, the heating unit in the house. It was sad to see, but the memories WILL live on.

This is what's left right now of my childhood, "Childhood turned ghost town". What you see are abandoned cars, no one lives there now. The entire two streets plus a few apartments down the main road of Durazno were bought out by the city. Thieves have now taken over.

Take this time to cherish every moment you have with family....! Never take it for granted, The time you lose can never be regained or made up.

I found the following poem and I have to say thank you to the author for the words so eloquently put.

I love my family so much.

To be apart of a family like mine

is so divine

where love is shown hurt is shared

our love for each other is never impaired

we talk

we laugh

we cry

but we are a family

and we do it all together

for as a family

we do it all as one

you hurt one

you hurt all

and as a family unit

we will all stand tall

for we are family a family

full of strength

a family full of love

a family no one can touch

that's why I love my family so much.

~Mahfooz Ali

TURN IT UP! TURN IT UP LOUD!!!"How You Live" by Point of Grace

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2007-10-02T07:34:00.000-05:00

Not much to be said... it's all right here in front of you...

Won't take but a quick second, Click on the jpg and "Click To Give Free Mammograms"

With a simple, daily click of the pink "Click Here to Give - it's FREE" button at The Breast Cancer Site, visitors help to provide free mammograms for women in need. Visitors pay nothing. Mammograms are provided by our charitable partners.

Childhood memories relived, Family Cherished

2007-09-25T10:04:00.000-05:00

Work is extremely busy, came back from vacation with many wonderful memories, but lots of work and hitting the ground running!! Either way, nothing can ruin the wonderful week-end experienced with family...

more pictures to come...

Maxine Monday

2007-09-17T09:08:00.000-05:00

Well, Monday has come and gone and this post has been in the works since then. Work has been extremely busy and with me leaving out of town on Friday, I'm trying to get as much done as possible. So here she is...

Maxine in all her glory...

So... as I get ready to fly home to El Paso and see my family, I figured Maxine had the perfect wisdom for the upcoming event. I love my family, they are a bit on the nutty side, but they are mine! All mine!! As you can tell by the picture, it's an old one(then again we are all old) lol...), the picture was taken in 2004. Mom , my brothers and sister, as well as myself have aged. In fact, aging is the reason why we are headed to El Paso, my brother on the far right is turning the big 50!!! A milestone!! LOL!!! Yea... they are all a bit on the nutty side, but I wouldn't take them any other way! Besides, they have their baby sister that is just as nutty or nuttier at that!

El Paso has it's history... I wouldn't go back home to live, but I do have some good memories back there and of course, my mom, my sister and two brothers. I am extremely looking forward to this trip though for more reasons than the obvious, seeing family.... my whole family gets to meet PC for the first time ever! It will be a family reunion and that is what makes the trip even better.

I know for me, it's home, it's where my roots are, but there's something about Hell Paso that just keeps me from going back for good. When I went through my first divorce, I remember mom calling me and telling me to consider moving back home... it hurt me to have to tell her that I couldn't do it. I had "nothing" to go back to. I wasn't trying to be disrespectful, but the economy in El Paso is not going anywhere, so much that I tell PC, it's like going back in time, every time I visit. The music doesn't change, the styles and fashion doesn't change, nothing changes, at least I don't see it. I could not find a job that pays me what I get paid here in the Houston area. My sister advised me against going back, she knew I had a better chance in doing something better with myself here in Houston than in El Paso, and I can say that she was right.

I remember driving every year to go see family. A tradition? Just something that was? I don't know, but I remember corralling all three kids out of bed at 5 am in to the van and heading out for the 12 - 13 hour drive. In saying that, it brings to mind of a picture of my daughter asleep in the back seat of the van while we are in-route to El Paso. We'd pack an ice chest with sandwiches, drinks and snacks. Magazines, games, books, Cd's, CD player for each kid, blankets, pillows and suitcases. All set, ready to go... yea... I remember!

I also remember making pit stops along the way to and from El Paso, images of the kids taking a break on the side of the road, especially an image of my daughter in diapers (as it was hot). OK, so even an image of me comes to mind... goofing off on the side of the road as we took a break! The picture posted at right, I'm wearing a shirt that says "El Paso Bound". The playfulness and silliness of me acting like an El Paso DIVA was just a way of letting go of some stress from the long ride home.

I get an image of my 26 year old, in 2005, (at the age of 24) playing "Air Guitar" and his brother taking a picture. That was the year that I took Albert, "Prince Albert", to leave him with my mom. That was a hard trip for me... Giving him up that is. I had Prince Albert since he was a puppy and it killed me to leave him in a cage for 10 hours at a time while I was at work. He was definitely a wonderful dog! Was very well behaved and very loving. Always could communicate with me when he had to go for a walk, although at times, he abused his gorgeous little "innocent" look. He use to always sit right by his leash and just wait patiently until we gave in and took him for a breath of fresh air. I think I even have a picture of him doing just that. Hmmmmm, more digging of pictures forthcoming... It will definitely be good to see him again. He always remembers me, and sleeps with me when I visit. Mom always tells him that I'm "Momma #1"... See you soon Prince Albert. I have to confess that mom was a bit upset when she learned that I had named him Albert though! You see, that was my dads' name. I had to explain that he wasn't named after Dad. To this day, I don't think I've convinced her of that. She has renamed him to "Pee Wee", one of our past dogs. Personally, I don't like it, so I still call him Albert, of course with mom screaming at me at the same time. lol...

That trip was definitely a memorable one, I had someone very special to come back to... Little did I know then how far that meeting for "one" beer would go.

We will most likely make a trip to Scenic Drive, maybe do a night run up there on Friday night,(Make it a bit of a romantic run... hehehe...) and Fort Bliss Cemetery (to pay my respects to Dad)

More to come as I reminisce. Pictures too...

"My Cat is Special" Project

2007-09-17T07:32:00.000-05:00

And so ... here I am to update that "BFF" of mine... the latest on "My Cat is Special".

As you can see, it's coming along quite niceley, not much more to go, really. I'm hoping to have it all done by this week-end, hoping that no major distractions come along. Even if I can take it on the plane and work on it during that hour and a half or so.

Cat Kisses

Sandpaper kisses

on a cheek or a chin-

that is the way

for a day to begin!

Sandpaper kisses-

a cuddle and a purr.

I have an alarm clock

that's covered in fur!

~ Author Unknown ~

Pass the peace

2007-09-13T11:39:00.000-05:00

If you see someone troubled, with pain in their eyes...
Pass the peace.
If you know a call's come, bearing grim news...
Pass the peace.
If you hear the whimper of a troubled young teen...
Pass the peace.
If you notice the sadness, on a tear-stained face...
Pass the peace.
Chaos, Loneliness, Fear, Sadness,. When someones world's upside down- -
Pass the peace.
Pass the peace. Offer a prayer. Give a hug. Show you care.

"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

John 14:27

Just like one of the boys...

2007-09-10T09:14:00.000-05:00

What a week-end!! It was a week-end full of drills and shooting. LOTS of shooting!

We did quite a bit of shooting this week-end, quite a bit. You can see some videos over at "The Cathouse". Me... I'm doing the "womanly" point of view thing, that doesn't have all the "gun lingo" and the "gun statistics", for that, you are better off going over to The Cathouse.

We headed out on both days about 7 am and didn't stop til Noon on Saturday, and on Sunday we finished at 1pm. I wasn't so involved in the shooting on Sunday, but I got my time in with my new Mossberg 500-A and my Glock 19. I always carry my Ladies Smith, so towards the end on Saturday, I put a few rounds through it, and when I say a few, I mean only maybe three rounds. There were several things that came to light with the week-end excursion, one was my lack of leaning in to the shotgun and figured that I was not pulling the rifle into my shoulder. On Saturday, I had a bit more control in my stance, but on Sunday noticed that I had no control. The recoil was sending me backwards, and while standing in muddy grounds, and water logged grounds, that backward motion would not have been a pretty site. Second thing was the way I was gripping my Glock on Sunday. Sunday I was pretty "off" on a few things, I can't blame all of it on lack of sleep. There is no room for mistakes, or excuses! The picture posted is just "wet feet" at this point. I didn't dare take the camera out with me to water logged grounds, (I'm already having to take my camera in to see if they will honor a return as the display has a crack in it and now I can't view the image of the pictures I'm taking. I'm fighting the thought of even dealing with the return).

After getting my bearings on what I was doing and leaning more in to it, I had better control. Plus, PC informed me that I was shooting something totally different each day that made the big difference. Otherwise, as you can see over at The Cathouse, the videos will show the different scenarios and drills we went through and I have to admit that it was definitely a good day. These scenarios were similar to the one that PC put me through back some time ago, shooting from a seated position as if in the car and at an ATM machine, Evolution of a Female Shooter. I've come a long way baby... but so far along that PC made the following comment: "We might want to think about a "His and Hers" Gun Safe.

Here is a montage of pictures from the week-end.

Until I saw the pictures, I hadn't realized how foggy the day had started out, maybe cuz I was still trying to get my coffee in for the day.

I can proudly say that I hung in there with the guys on both days. Waking up at 6:30ish and with maybe 2 hours of sleep (max) on Saturday night, I toughed it out til about 11 am, at that point, the two hours of sleep caught up to me... Or should I say the lack there of.

Birthday Come And Gone

2007-09-07T12:50:00.000-05:00

A special birthday has come and gone, I'm here to say that I hope it was a very pleasant and happy one. I didn't get to voice my wishes in person as she was out of town, but I hope to make up for it by going to lunch sometime next week. *This will stay on top until she makes it by here... lol... (Cheap shot to get someone to hit my site huh? Yea, well... This is "My Place" and I make the rules!!) LOL!!!

She's not far from the "Menopause" symptoms listed in my previous post, she gets to see some of us "older" women go through it first, but I have to warn her, "SHE's NOT FAR BEHIND!!" lol...

So, in trying to think of what to give her, I finally came up with something I thought would suit her personality and part of what keeps her going day to day...

I should have taken pictures upon the first few stitches, but I think that's when #12 and #13 hit me from that previous post.

I will be posting pictures as this project goes along... check it out...

(1)

Update 9/10/07
(2)

The finished product will turn out to look like this... (I hope)...

Have I ruined the surprise, probably, but this way, she will be on pins and needles for the finished product... I'll get to hear, "Is it finished yet?" "Are you done yet?"

Meanwhile, here is a poem for her...

A birthday is just another day,

young of mind, yet youthful looks go away.

Another year older,

the world seems a bit colder.

Yet my heart still burns,

and for love it forever yearns.

Another year older,

I grow even bolder.

Life is for us to learn from,

as calculated as a mathematical sum.

Another year older,

hurting blazes now just smolder.

Letting go of past rage and pain,

living life and feeling sane.

Another year older,

a tear on your shoulder.

Life has not been so bad,

my tear is of joy not because I'm sad.

Another day older,

more pages added to my folder.

I'm glad of whom I am today,

I would not have myself any other way.

So don't mind that I write my own birthday rhyme,

I've lived through my life up till this time.

I think it is safe to say,

that things will go as planned His way.

He's got more for me yet,

It'll be even better I bet.

Another year older,

and I am in His debt.

I GET IT!!!

2007-09-06T10:53:00.000-05:00

The joke must be on me...

but I do GET IT!!!

Who is Minnie Pauz? The Babyboomers' Ultimate GirlFriend!
I think I just found my site…LOL…

1. Hot flashes, flushes, night sweats and/or cold flashes, clammy feeling
2. Bouts of rapid heart beat
3. Irritability, Mood swings
4. Sudden tears
5. Trouble sleeping through the night (with or without night sweats)
6. Irregular periods; shorter, lighter periods; heavier periods, flooding; phantom periods, shorter cycles, longer cycles
7. Loss of libido
8. Dry vagina
9. Crashing fatigue MORE INFO
10. Anxiety, feeling ill at ease
11. Feelings of dread, apprehension, doom
12.Difficulty concentrating, disorientation, mental confusion
13. Disturbing memory lapses
14.Incontinence, especially upon sneezing, laughing; urge incontinence
15. Itchy, crawly skin
16. Aching, sore joints, muscles and tendons
17. Increased tension in muscles
18. Breast tenderness
19. Headache change: increase or decrease
20. Gastrointestinal distress, indigestion, flatulence, gas pain, nausea
21. Sudden bouts of bloat
22. Depression
23. Exacerbation of existing conditions
24. Increase in allergies
25. Weight gain
26.Hair loss or thinning, head, pubic, or whole body; increase in facial hair
27. Dizziness, light-headedness, episodes of loss of balance
28. Changes in body odor
29. Electric shock sensation under the skin and in the head
30. Tingling in the extremities
31. Gum problems, increased bleeding
32. Burning tongue, burning roof of mouth, bad taste in mouth, change in breath odor
33. Osteoporosis -- MORE INFO
34. Changes in fingernails: softer, crack or break easier
35. Tinnitus: ringing in ears, bells, 'whooshing' buzzing etc.

Maxine Monday

2007-09-03T10:11:00.000-05:00

Happy Labor Day!

*With that being said... here's one for the women in reference to work around the house.

PHILOSOPHY OF HOUSECLEANING!

I don't do windows because ...

I love birds and

don't want one to run into a clean window

and get hurt.
~
I don't wax floors because ...

I am terrified a guest will slip and get hurt

then I'll feel terrible

( plus they may sue me.)
~
I don't mind the dust bunnies because ...

They are very good company,

I have named most of them,

and they agree with everything I say.
~
I don't disturb cobwebs because .

I want every creature to have a home of their own.
~
I don't Spring Clean because .

I love all the seasons

and don't want the others to get jealous
~
I don't pull weeds

in the garden because ..

I don't want to get

in God's way,

HE is an excellent designer!

~
I don't put things away because .

My husband

will never be able to find them again.
~
I don't do gourmet meals
when I entertain because .

I don't want my guests to

stress out over what to make when

they invite me

over for dinner.
~
I don't iron because ...

I choose to believe them

when they say "Permanent Press".
~

I don't stress much on anything because ...

"A Type" personalities die young and

I want to stick around

and become a wrinkled up crusty ol' woman!!!
~
REMEMBER . . . .

Sunday Humor

2007-09-02T13:17:00.000-05:00

A man is driving down a deserted stretch of highway when he notices a sign out of the corner of his eye....It reads:

SISTERS OF ST. FRANCIS
HOUSE OF PROSTITUTION
10 MILES

He thinks this is a figment of his imagination and drives on without a second thought. Soon he sees another sign which reads:

SISTERS OF ST. FRANCIS
HOUSE OF PROSTITUTION
5 MILES

Suddenly he begins to realize that these signs are for real and drives past a third sign saying:

SISTERS OF ST. FRANCIS
HOUSE OF PROSTITUTION
NEXT RIGHT

His curiosity gets the best of him and he pulls into the drive. On the far side of the parking lot is a stone building with a small sign next to the door reading:

SISTERS OF ST. FRANCIS

He climbs the steps and rings the bell. The door is answered by a nun in a long black habit who asks, "What may we do for you my son?"

He answers, "I saw your signs along the highway and was interested in possibly doing business...."

"Very well my son. Please follow me." He is led through many winding passages and is soon quite disorientated. The nun stops at a closed door and tells the man, "Please knock on this door."

He does so and another nun in a long habit, holding a tin cup answers the door... This nun instructs, "Please place $100 in the cup then go through the large wooden door at the end of the hallway."

He puts $100 in the cup, eagerly trots down the hall and slips through the door pulling it shut behind him.

The door locks, and he finds himself back in the parking lot facing another sign:

GO IN PEACE.
YOU HAVE JUST BEEN SCREWED BY THE SISTERS OF ST. FRANCIS.
SERVES YOU RIGHT, YOU SINNER

Mexican Haircut

2007-08-29T08:04:00.000-05:00

One day a florist goes to the barber for a haircut. After the cut he goes to pay the barber, the barber says, "I am sorry, I cannot accept money from you, I'm doing community service."

The florist is happy and leaves the shop. The next morning when the barber goes to open his shop, there is a thank you card and one dozen roses waiting at his door.

A cop goes for a haircut and he also goes to pay the barber after the cut. But the barber replies, "I'm sorry I cannot accept money from you, I'm doing community service." The cop is happy and leaves the shop.

The next morning the barber goes to open his shop, there is a thank you card and one dozen donuts waiting at his door.

A Mexican cook goes for a haircut and he also goes to pay the barber after the cut. But the barber replies, I'm sorry I can't accept money from you I'm doing community service. The Mexican cook is happy and leaves.

The next morning when the barber goes to open his shop, guess what he finds there?....

A dozen Mexicans waiting for a free haircut!!!....Pinche Raza!!!

Through the eyes of our Vets

2007-08-28T09:37:00.000-05:00

HT to springer94 for his immense gift in putting this together. Viewer discretion advised, one quick clip of a woman in a "string bikini".

Our World

While browsing springers' videos, I came across this one, leaves me respecting our vets more and more...

She tried to break the line of Vets guarding the camp outside Vietnam Wall.

Protester vs. Vietnam Vets 3-17-07

Time Travel

2007-08-23T07:37:00.000-05:00

One day as PC and I were taking a drive, a few songs came over the radio that took me back to my Junior High and High School years. I mentioned to PC that I was very sheltered growing up, in the sense that I wasn't allowed to go out to parties, go and hang out at friends houses, spend the night with girlfriends or have them come over. I can't really say that I was sheltered, but more so protected from the "bad" things out in the world, I was the baby and even more stressful, the baby of five.

I remember finally deciding that if I wanted to have any type of a normal teen-age life and experience the typical High School experiences, I had to join some sort of club or sport. Hence the cheer leading squad and gymnastics. I tried a few other clubs and organized sports, FHA, Library Club, Track Team (this one was short lived), but the main thing was to be able to use them as an excuse to get out for "meetings" and such and be able to hang out with friends.

I remember many Friday and Saturday nights, sitting at home, watching MTV, wishing that I was out with my friends or boyfriend, at Ascarate Lake, cruising around, pulling over on the side of the park and hanging out with the gang, or even hitting the parties that were going on that particular week-end. This was in the late 70's and graduating in 1980. I remember finally, after having my oldest son, going out to clubs. But alot of these old songs, take me back to sitting in front of the TV watching all the hits on MTV.

I remember many nights, sitting in my bedroom, in the living room... feeling lonely and crying over alot of these..(Come on, I did the typical girl thing...lol...) In those days, I always thought that I didn't have a normal life, looking back now, it really wasn't that bad. Mom probably did keep me out of alot of trouble that I would have gotten in to. I remember the final years of High School, one night coming home at 2 - 3 am and mom waiting for me. I knew it was not good... Sorry mom and dad, there are things that I do wish I could go back and change, but know in your hearts, that I'm doing good these days because of you both.

Every Breath You Take/The Police

Bonnie Tyler - Total Eclipse Of The Heart

Toni Basil - Mickey (1982)

*And who can forget Boy George???

Culture Club - Do You Really Want to Hurt Me?

Top 50 Pop Rock Songs of the 80's
The Best of the 80's - Number one albums of 1980

Stylin' and Profilin' for a trip to EP...

2007-08-21T13:17:00.000-05:00

Am I crazy... well, maybe... but hey, isn't that the what sums up "Mexpsychan"???

El Guapo - (Spanish for The Handsome One)

Adelita Valiente - has come to signify a woman of strength and courage.

La Adelita Lyrics in Spanish and English

En lo alto de la abrupta serranía

acampado se encontraba un regimiento

y una musa que valiente los seguía

locamente enamorada del sargento.

Popular entre la tropa era Adelita

la mujer que el sargento idolatra

bay además de ser era bonita valiente

que hasta el mismo Coronel la respetaba.

Y se oía, que decía, aquel que tanto la quería:

Y si Adelita quisiera ser mi novia

y si Adelita fuera mi mujer

le compraría un vestido de seda

para llevarla a bailar al cuartel.

Y si Adelita se fuera con otro

la seguiría por tierra y por mar

si por mar en un buque de guerra

si por tierra en un tren militar.

~~~~~~~

In the heights of a steep mountainous range

a regiment was encamped

and a bright woman bravely follows them

madly in love with the sergeant.

Popular among the troop was Adelita

the woman that the sergeant idolized

and besides being pretty she was brave

that even the Colonel respected her.

And it was heard, that he, who loved her so much, said:

If Adelita would like to be my girlfriend

If Adelita would be my wife

I'd buy her a silk dress

to take her dance to the quarter.

If Adelita would leave with another man

I'd follow her by land and sea

by sea in a war ship

by land in a military train.

Maxine Monday and Cats

2007-08-20T12:56:00.000-05:00

Some people are born into cat-loving families, some achieve cats, and some have cats thrust upon them.

William H.A. Carr

Older Generation vs Younger Generation

2007-08-19T17:31:00.000-05:00

A very self-important college freshman attending a recent football game,took it upon himself to explain to a senior citizen sitting next to himwhy it was impossible for the older generation to understand his generation."You grew up in a different world, actually an almost primitive one," the student said, loud enough for many of those nearby to hear.

"The young people of today grew up with television, jet planes, space travel, man walking on the moon, our spaceships have visited Mars.

We have nuclear energy, electric and hydrogen cars, computers with dsl, light-speed processing and more", he said.As he paused ,the Senior took advantage of the break in the student's litany and said,"You're right, son. We didn't have those things when we were young ..... so we invented them.

Now then, what are you doing for the next generation?"The applause was resounding...

Slow Dance

2007-08-18T08:55:00.000-05:00

I've seen this one before, but I never tire of reading it... it's always nice to be reminded of how much we need to slow down in our daily lives.

Here of late, it just seems that I never have enough time to do the things that I love the most, or to even experience the gifts that God gave me, my passion and talent in drawing, painting and needlework. Things have gotten to a point that life is like a car ride home. We live in an area where we are surrounded by many beautiful trees, gorgeous wooded areas, and I realized one day as I was gazing out the window, the tree-line was a blur, the beauty behind the blurred tree-line took alot of effort for me to focus on, the gorgeous blue sky with the pillows of clouds, the sun shining gloriously on them. An artist's dream...

I wasn't focusing or even attempting to focus on the beauty past the flying trees before me. I have to stop focusing so much on what is right before me and take the time to view the immense beauty surrounding me. I'm guilty, on all counts, I need to slow down in my life, I'm going too fast that everything before me is a blur.

Have you ever watched kids on a merry-go-round?

Or listened to the rain slapping on the ground?

Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight

Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?

You better slow down

Don't dance so fast

Time is short

The music won't last

Do you run through each day on the fly

When you ask "How are you?" do you hear the reply?

When the day is done, do you lie in your bed

With the next hundred chores running through your head?

You'd better slow down

Don't dance so fast

Time is short

The music won't last

Ever told your child, We'll do it tomorrow

And in your haste, not see his sorrow?

Ever lost touch, Let a good friendship die

'Cause you never had time to call and say "Hi"?

You'd better slow down

Don't dance so fast

Time is short

The music won't last

When you run so fast to get somewhere

You miss half the fun of getting there.

When you worry and hurry through your day,

It is like an unopened gift....

Thrown away...

Life is not a race.

Do take it slower

Hear the music

Before the song is over.

-Author Unknown

Riverside Park in Neenah, Wisconsin:Photographs and Explorations, 2006

My compliments to the photographer of the pictures shared above, Jeff Lindsay. Slow down and take the time to visit his site.

Definition of a Veteran

2007-08-14T07:56:00.000-05:00

Interesting Definition of Veteran and the way they relate to HONOR

*A veteran - whether active duty, retired, national guard or reserve - is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to "The United States of America", for an amount of "up to and including my life." That is Honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it.

-- Author Unknown

It is the VETERAN, not the preacher,
who has given us freedom of religion.
It is the VETERAN, not the reporter,
who has given us freedom of the press.
It is the VETERAN, not the poet,
who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the VETERAN, not the campus organizer,
who has given us freedom to assemble.
It is the VETERAN, not the lawyer,
who has given us the right to a fair trial.
It is the VETERAN, not the politician,
who has given us the right to vote

It is the VETERAN,
who salutes the Flag,
who serves under the Flag,

*HT to Tejano for bringing this one around...

Maxine Monday

2007-08-13T08:07:00.000-05:00

In all her glory!!!

Well, we had a rather busy week-end... but all in all, it was a pleasant one. Aside from working half a day on Saturday, we were able to enjoy a day at the ball park, PC went off to the gun range, and we also had the chance to help some good friends celebrate their three daughters graduating from college, all three at the same time. A feat to be proud of as a parent and as a child.

The game at the Astros, well, it was a good run while we were there, I'm not good at play by play calls, but there were some real good moments.

HOUSTON -- Brad Lidge had Ryan Braun and the Brewers down to their final out and delivered what he considered to be as good a pitch as he could possibly have made in arguably the most critical game yet of Houston's 2007 season.

But in a moment that epitomized the entire Astros season thus far, even a well-laid plan and the closer's best pitch both went wrong.

With two on and two out and a 1-1 count, Lidge snapped what he called his "best" slider, sending it diving well out of the strike zone and toward Braun's feet. But somehow, Braun, the likely runaway choice for Rookie of the Year, golfed it into the back of the Crawford Boxes for a game-winning three-run home run in a 7-4 Milwaukee victory in front of 41,461 fans at Minute Maid Park. The loss leaves the Astros 10 1/2 games back of the first-place Brewers.
more here:
Rodriguez sharp, but Lidge falters
As you can see, We had a good time...

No Shortcuts

2007-08-10T08:18:00.001-05:00

(This post can be tied in a funny sort of way, think about it, to my previous post of "Ghetto Booty" and "Barrio Booty").

This has been my world of late. In trying to live a healthier life, eating healthier and working out, be it three to five times a week here and there, I can not get away from the daily temptations and stress that life brings about.

(cough, cough) Perfect example is when you come in to work, bound and determined to stick to your healthy way of eating and you find this on your desk!!!!

"Temptation Laid Before Me..."

I have always tried "crash diets" since moving to Houston, many years ago... nothing ever worked. Until 2002 when I started the Atkins diet, I was successful in losing 45 -50 lbs. Although I lost the weight and in my own mind, was eating healthier, I still wasn't living healthy. I wasn't exercising and I was partying every week-end. I thought that my activity at work was enough exercise, I do alot of walking and some lifting. Very rarely do you find me at my desk behind this monitor.

In 2003, I started doing "a little" bit of exercise, not enough to make a big difference though. Until I met PC, I finally gave in to a "Big Girls" work out. I'm not in the gym every day, but I do work out at home about 3 times a week, two, if things get hectic or busy. I'm happier about myself when I'm working out 4 - 5 times a week though. I have this problem though, and it gets in the way sometimes (I know, no excuses!), the house has to be in order before I will allow myself to do anything for me. I guess it can be considered an OCD thing...

As much as the Atkins diet worked for me, I had hit a plateau. I got down to the weight that I had placed as my goal in 2005 and in the last two years have gained back 10. I know that I have to do something, nothing drastic, but to be more committed to lose the 10 lbs, to work harder at it. I am now attempting the Zone Diet, and in living it for a month, I'm finding that I have to re-adjust my activity level and possibly my eating habits with fruit. I'm thinking now that maybe I have been eating more than my allotted blocks when it comes to fruit, I have a weakness when it comes to fruit. And even maybe the fact that I have myself set too high in my activity level. I have to do some refiguring in my diet plan. But I'm bound and determined to lose the 10 lbs that I have gained in the last two years and be more fit physically. It's all a learning process...

With all this being said... I leave you with this.

The world often tempts us with instant gratification: get rich - today; lose wieght - today; have everything you want - today. Yet life's experiences and God's Word tell us that the best things in life require heaping helpings of both time and work.

It has been said, quite correctly, that there are no shortcuts to any place worth going. For believers, it's important to remember that hard work is not simply a proven way to get ahead; it's also part of God's plan for His children.

So do yourself this favor: don't look for shortcuts...because there aren't any.

"Ghetto Booty" VS "Barrio Booty

2007-08-09T13:07:00.000-05:00

Here’s a good one for you all, Viewer Discretion is Advised!

In no way, is this post meant to be discriminating, reason why I googled “Ghetto” and “Barrio”.

Upon hearing the words “Ghetto Booty” what comes to mind? Well, aside from great laughter on my part… curiosity. So, with that being said…

I wanted to do a search on the words “Ghetto Booty” and “Barrio Booty”. Just to see what the census would be on the two. As for “Ghetto Booty” the hits were 2,090,000 and for “Barrio Booty” the hits were 117,000. Quite a BIG difference!!! Still the same results, i.e.… pr0n. I couldn't really post any type of video for "Barrio Booty" as all of the hits were Rated XXX. Although "Ghetto Booty" did give me some rather "clean" hits on Youtube. Upon searching for "Ghetto Booty in Youtube, it gave me 843 hits, "Barrio Booty" gave me 2 hits. Seems like having a ghetto booty can give a woman alot of hits on the net.

Without going in to details as to why the curiosity came about, but upon “Googling” the phrases; you can see what my findings were. There is a WIDE (no pun intended) variety of hits that I got, mostly pr0n…

Urban Dictionary defines “Ghetto Booty” as:

Ghetto booty

a term used when you see a girl with a firm, big, tight packed ass. {most black girls have ghetto booties}

"dawg, look at that girls ghetto booty!

Speaking as a woman, being referred to having a “Ghetto Booty” or a “Barrio Booty” can leave a woman wondering, is this a good thing or a bad thing. Some women love the attention and revel in it. Others have been known to get insulted. I had a good giggle with this “little tid-bit” from last night. I’ll leave you with the following You Tube Videos… Lord, I hope I never get this type of “Ghetto Booty”!!

Ghetto Booty

Ms. Hips a Lot Ultimate Ghetto Booty

You know you got a ghetto booty when......

1. You sit down and get taller.

2. You cant find your back pocket when wearing jeans.

3. You have to turn sideways to go through a door.

4. You can't reach back and physically touch the person in line behind you.

5. You stand in the middle of the room and people on the wall say excuse me to you to get past you.

Maxine and Scattering Seeds of Kindness

2007-08-05T18:10:00.001-05:00

This is a repost of sorts from my other site, so bear with me as I felt drawn to share it in here as well...

As I woke yesterday morning at 5:55 am, I found myself praying for my children, I will always follow my prayer for my children with a prayer for my family and their families... how often, though, do we forget to pray for our friends and their families, their trials and tribulations? We think of them as we go through our day, but how often do we put them in our prayers or thank God for their friendship and for bringing them in to our lives? They are a blessing indeed.

In all my years, I can count on one hand my true friends... I'm blessed. I am by far, the perfect friend, but, I can only hope that I can show "trustworthiness, loyalty, helpfulness, kindness, understanding, forgiveness, encouragement, humor, and cheerfulness." This week alone, I have seen a few friends of mine go through some trials, let downs, disappointments, grief even.

A woman at work that I greet every morning as we go to the dining room and get ready for our day, lost her mother yesterday. Her mother lives in Columbia, she was told that she was gravely ill and not improving. She was not in any situation to pull the money together ($1,200.00 in American money) to go and be by her side. The Gangrene had already taken her leg, up to her knee... they realized after the amputation that it had taken a life of its' own in the rest of her body. All I could do was offer my prayers to her and her family and if it was any comfort, I gave her my Clinging Cross pendant. My prayers go out to her family and friends.

I have recently, I say recently, but... in 2005, gained a Best Friend off of MySpace. She has truly been a blessing for me as I now have someone that I can turn to on my days of trials and tribulations for comfort and understanding.

There are two other friends that have still stayed in touch and remain very dear friends since my days of being a school bus driver in 1998. Then I have another dear friend that we have been friends since Grade School. We don't talk every day, or once a week, but we know that the other is there when we really need each other. We speak maybe once a month to every other month. So with that in mind... I leave you all with todays Daily Devotion.

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.

Romans 12:10 NIV

What is a friend? the dictionary defines the word as "a person who is attached to another by feelings of affection or personal regard." This definition is accurate, as far as it goes, but when we examine the deeper meaning of friendship, so many more descriptors come to mind: trustworthiness, loyalty, helpfulness, kindness,
understanding, forgiveness, encouragement, humor, and cheerfulness to mention
but a few.

How wonderful are the joys of friendship! Today, as you consider the many blessings that God has given you, remember to thank Him for the friends He has chosen to place along your path. May you be a blessing to them, and may they richly bless you today, tomorrow, and every day that you live.

A Thought to Jump Start Your Day

A person who really cares about his or her neighbor, a
person who genuinely loves others, is a person who bears witness to the truth.

Anne Graham Lotz