Praying for those we Love.

This time of year makes you feel really grateful for all you have. You have to remind yourself constantly of the silver lining in the not so fun things that occur on a day to day basis. I find myself constantly adding someone to my list of prayers. The girl I workout with told me she prays for all her people while she cleans houses. Although, I find myself praying when I am driving, if not for the person who just had an accident then all those who I encounter throughout the day. It's amazing how somethings constantly happen to the same people. Yet, their spirit continues to remain intact (for as much as they can hold on to).

Anyway, if you find yourself reading this, please say a prayer for some my friends and family who at the moment are having tough times or seem to always get the short end of the stick. I hope their 2009 brings better things for them.

I will just use initials.

DG- who moved both her elderly parents to Arlington from Florida, One with Cancer and the other barely able to get around. Yet fighting to keep that smile on her face.
AJ- who recently lost her job, for reasons which are not right.
SV-- for getting her stuff in order and out of the depression she has fallen into
CF-- who yesterday had 3 of her family members in the hospital for all different reasons.
BW- she needs the strength to get pass this year, heal her within and prepare her for her husbands surgeries next year.
KN-- whose five year old had to have 3/4 of his finger removed due to an infection.
MS-- pray he finds a job soon, I know there is one out there for him.
WJ-- his father just passed away this past week.

I am sure there are more, but this is just for right now.

Bless us, O Lord, and bless the time and seasons yet to come. Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart. And fill this new year with your kindness, that we may be glad and rejoice all the days of our life.

I haven't been much into keeping up with my favorite websites lately. Partially because of the Holidays, and then after work, I have been way too tired of the computer to log on and check things.. but I see, I am not the only one. This makes me feel less guilty.

Not alot has been happening to be perfectly honest.



OH! An update on the bowling league. Monday the 8th was our last game and we were in 2ND place!!! 2nd, Can you believe that?!?! I looked back at my First blog realizing I reached my goal and am now averaging 125. YAY! Not too bad. My best game was a 156. I think we will continue this next year.



I have also continued my Boot Camp classes and upped the anty a bit. I now wake up everyday at 5:00 a.m. to do some type of workout with my fellow boot camper's. I really have enjoyed it I work out with a bunch of great women so it has been a fun process.



Has anyone read Twilight yet? This is my current book of the moment. I must admit, I absolutely LOVE it! I wasn't sure about the hype with the movie etc; but I am about complete with the third book and it's awesome! I can see how my pal Erika is in love with a vampire. If you haven't checked it out, do so. p.s. I love Edward!

Anyway, I hope all is well with everyone, I haven't been doing a whole lot, but have been keeping busy! I hope everyone has a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy 2009!

I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

Take care and be safe! I hope the New Year brings you much joy!

Change is in the Air.

As of today, I have officially survived my first week of Boot Camp in the Park. I wake up every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 5:00 a.m. and work out from 5:30 to 6:30 down the street from my house. I must say, its been a real eye opener.
It's apparent that I have gained weight in the past years, and maintained this extra weight. However, not until this week did It officially hit me on how out of shape I really am. I look forward to continuing this journey for as long as I can. I think if I can make it through the drills and exercises we are doing then I can make it for the long haul. I have to admit, I prefer to sleep in but knowing my workout is over with and done first thing in the morning has me on a natural high. After a week I feel as if I have accomplished something and feel less of a couch potato than I did.

Height Challenged

OK, So here I am this 5 foot 1 inch person and I am standing in a crowd. I see nothing but shoulders to all these average height people. It drives me nuts. I went to see Kings of Leon Wednesday night at The Palladium. It was a sold out show, the first time I have ever been there at a time like this. Needless to say, the concert was GREAT! I loved every sweaty minute of it. All except for the height factor. It's like I am a magnet to those who are at least 6 inches taller than me. I will find a perfect viewpoint them BAM! all of a sudden I see nothing but shoulders.
Do you think they will let me bring my own soapbox or booster to carry around and stand on just so once, I can actually see what I am paying for?

Taking time to relay my thoughts..

This week has been a whirlwind of chaos. I have so many thoughts I am not sure where to start.

Let's see..
Saturday Night, I joined a group of friends in going to see The Roots, Gym Class Heroes, and Estelle at the Palladium. The concert was great to say the least. We ended up leaving a bit early because we were sadly disappointed the Roots were not headlining. In the midst of this concert, one of our friends decided he was hungry and wanted to leave. Not thinking it was rude to the people he carpooled with. (Selfish act number one) He decided to leave the venue and go next door to find some food. Or so we were led to believe. As the 5 of us were ready to go and grab a bite to eat (after the concert), we started to look for number 6. He was no where to be found, we rang his cell and he answered but quickly hung up. We figured, maybe he is at the car, nope, no where to be found. So we head to Hooters to get a bite to eat. Thinking maybe he just headed home, given that his house was only down the street. Turns out, he was not home, his other half became fearful since it is Downtown and all and there are some strange characters lurking in the city. So I ride around with her to look for him. He is not answering ANYONE'S phone calls. So by this time she is sort of freaking out. Can you blame her? Anyway.. because this is so long, and really just annoying.. I will get to my point.
When you are at a particular age in life and you have children and a live-in girlfriend, there comes a time you need to grow the hell up and act like a responsible, considerate, respectful human being. You should let people KNOW where the heck you are, not come home and say that you should not call your family unless it has been over 24 hours. If you answered the phone, things never would have snowballed the way they did. You can not continue to act like some rebellious teenager who skips out on curfew and thinks its OK because it is not.

Ahh.. Ok, well this week for the most part has flown by so quickly.

Monday we bowled, I noticed that Steph and I are in 4th place. Not bad for Rookies.
Tuesday I worked, prepared for my class I will teach then joined some some associates at ABOR nights-- realtor function with free food and drinks. heehee
Yesterday, I went to Decatur to my boss's Dad's Funeral. It was nice, unconventional, and also humorous. I also fell in my shower-- talk about waking up, it scared me to death.. I am not sure if this has ever happened to anyone, but surely this is not a way to have one of those freak accidents.. I hurt my shoulder and banged my head pretty badly. Once I composed myself-- like there was much to do. hehee I started thinking, what if I knocked myself out? Nobody is home to come find me and if I did and someone did come, they would see me naked!!! OMG! that can't happen, I may start showering in my bathing suit. I am OK today.. just sore and of course I can joke about it now.. but jeez.

And today.. I am just glad it's Thursday and this week is so close to being over.

I wonder what's in store for me for the weekend to come.

The Red Hots

As of last night, that is my new bowling team name. My sister Stephanie and I joined the Costco Bowling league and discovered, we aren't so hot. hahahah

Let's see we played 3 frames total and from what I remember, I scored a 92, an 84, and a 96.

It's OK though. I am doing this for fun, not so much the competitive part. Not to mention Steph only scored a few above mine too, so together, our average was fair.

This was only week one, and we will bowl one a week for 15 weeks, so come December 8th, I hope to improve my score by at least breaking 100 and averaging about 120. which I know I can do, I don't usually score that low unless I have been drinking. And I was sober as could be. hahah

Anyway.. wish me luck, you never know, I could be the next Kingpin hahaha or Queenpin. hehee.

Coachella 2008

OK, this by far is the neatest thing ever.
I just received an email from Coachella letting everyone know they the photo gallery from this year ready to view. Something NEW they've added is a virtual tour of all the art exhibits and stages. I think a couple are missing, but it's by far the coolest thing ever!!! So for all of you who know me, and have only seen a few pictures, but not only that, you can now have the chance to get a better feel of what I see in real life.. this is perfect!

Of course you know I was looking for Justin and Myself, to see if by chance I was caught on camera. Talk about a Where's Waldo scenario. No Such luck. In fact, I sort of made myself nauseous scrolling through too fast.. hahaha

Select the link below to view the virtual tours.

http://roomrotator.com/Coachella2008/

If I ever have a daughter..

I want her to be just like you!

Addison; Age 3

This past week has been such a whirlwind. I have constantly been on the go, but would do it all over again if asked to.

Sunday evening I met up with my sister and her family for dessert at IHOP, they were eating dinner, and I had just eaten, so I opted for pancakes for dessert, because they smelled soo good and were hot and fresh. YUM-E!

There I sat next to Miss Addison, my sweet little niece. We played of course, as she was hugging me, she would tel me how much she had missed me. (it had only been a couple days) but it was the sweetest thing to hear.

After dinner, we headed over to my Grandma's house. So she could light a candle and say a prayer for baby Cason. It was a Spanish ritual/remedy or something, because he is jumpy when he sleeps, they think something scared him, and that something is Addison. Only because she is sooo loud haha, What she did was light a Mexican candle and said a prayer for him, bringing him good vibes etc. Growing up this way with the Spanish rituals, you never ask you just do, whether its mental or not.

In the meantime, Addison and I go outside to play. Outside at my Grandma's is where I spent a majority of my childhood; Playing with the neighbors and or jumping on trampolines, or climbing a huge jungle gym, that one of the Dad's built. Of course Addison is only three and many of those things are no longer there, Just the houses that all somewhat look the same but different.

The thing about Addison, is that sometimes she is fearless, and always willing to try it once, Not sure if this is a good thing or not, but I like that, I might even envy that in her a little bit. I know it's because I let fear control me as a child and it continues to defeat me to this day.

She and I played in the yard, and I taught her to climb on the fire hydrant and sit on it. (this is with me spotting her of course) she thought that was the neatest thing in the world.. she had to go and show her Daddy. It was just the cutest.

Being at my Grandma's and showing Addison all the things I used to do to keep busy was really fun and heartwarming. Not to mention taking me back in time. I showed her how we used to jump over the little trench that would fill with water when it rained, and she would do it, and ask.. "like this?". Then we went to the backyard where there was a ditch, a ditch we used to play in and fish for crawdads.. heh. However, today this ditch is not quite as big and there is a fence that has been placed there, My grandma's house backs up to Academy. As we were walking back to the house, she asked me to hold her because of the "coyrotees". My Aunt Josie told her to be careful out there because they saw one once. haha. This really just cracked me up. She had no clue as to what a coyote is, but it was the funniest thing to hear come out of her mouth. haha.

Anyway, the rest of the week, we spent every evening together.. well almost. One night we went shopping, rode the carousel at the mall and visited my Aunt Mary in her assisted living home. then another night we went to the Ranger game, where she showed me how to cheer and wave my arms like a Bird for Marlon Byrd. Then yesterday, she called me at work, wondering when I was coming over, just to play with her. She was waiting patiently, and asked me to drive "fast" to get to her as soon as I could.

I guess you could say, I am in love with my niece. I admire her and wish for only the best things in life for this little girl. I don't have children of my own, but she has touched my heart in an indescribable way. I pray and hope we continue our bond and connection that we have.

And when the day comes that have a little girl, I want her to be just as fearless, wacky and zany as her cousin Addison.

Letter to God

I found myself talking to you the other night; asking for understanding of why things the way they are or how one's action can be read. Within the last few days, I found myself taking offense or thinking I did something wrong. Then it suddenly hit me as to what was really going on. I realized, you had been listening to me and by the mysterious ways you work you helped me. I just wanted to say Thank you.
I am sure you listen to me often, its just a matter of me paying attention and noticing that things happen when I open up to you and trust in you. Thanks again.

My Playlists..

I figured.. why not write about the songs I chose.

They all have some meaning to me or another mainly in the lyrics.. and they are all so totally random but its what I like at the moment or songs I have not heard in a while, that I have the chance to group together.

Let's see. In No particular order..

Obviously, My Next Thirty Years relates to a blog previously posted.

Forever Young, Rod Stewart-- I love this song, I love Rod Stewart, I always have. When Pampers put out a commercial a few years ago with this song and animals and their lil baby animals, it was a teary eyed moment for me and made me love it even more. (Yes, I cry at commercials).

Love you till the End,-- for those of you who have seen 'P.S. I Love You', you might recognize it, this is currently one of my favorite soundtracks at the moment, its a perfect love song. I love You Snakeface.

If I ever Leave this World Alive-- Also from 'P.S. I Love You'.. its just a great easy listening soundtrack. Definitely check it out.. there are plenty other songs to enjoy these two are just my most fave.

Something About Us-- A song that was introduced to me by my very own Justine Faceman. He sent this to me on a "mixed cd" once in a blue moon ago. It suited us at one time, but let's just say we have moved passed it. Thankfully. It was sweet though.

I've Been Watching You-- this song for some reason makes me teary eyed thinking of the story it tells..its too cute, and I'm sure all my girls with lil boy's will soon have stories like this one.

Under the Milky Way-- just an all time classic.. reminds me of high school, just hanging out when things were simple.

Wild Horses-- Ahh...Mazzy Star and Justine's Woman Hope Sandoval on vocals.. not to mention the song alone is a classic as well. I always liked the female version of it, especially when a certain duo Megan and Kristy would sing Karaoke to it back in the day. *** this is not Mazzy Star, it's The Sunday's it was what popped up when I did the search.****

Together Again-- Just a happy song that reminds me of my Dad. Every once in a while, I get in the mood of missing him. This song just hits it head on.

On Call--I love this guy's voice.. its kind of sexy in a crazy way..but it just reminds me of my friendship with Ronda.. we can not talk for days but no matter what we are on call for one another.

Keep Me Hangin' On-- Ahh this one has several meanings, Right now, it's a song that I wished a friend would have listened to and considered stepping away from the mess they have been drawn into.

Life's Been Good---This is just a fun song.. hah, I love it.. it reminds me that all the little things I worry about aren't as bad as they could be and Life's been good to me. Maybe not with a Mazaratti, but it's been good enough.


I am sure these will change in a few weeks or so.. but for now you can enjoy and Know why i chose them.

It Finally Happened!!!

Me, My Grandma and Mom this Past Christmas Eve.

After years, Five to be exact, my Mother and Grandmother (her Mom) are finally taking the steps to make good and be a part of one another's lives again. Although I never agreed with the way things fell apart, I am extremely happy that my Mother decided to take responsibility for her actions and apologize to my Grandma for the way things were handled and her part of the ordeal.

They say actions speak louder than words, and while they still have a long way to go to "Normalcy" I was super impressed and happy that My Grandmother came to my Mom's 60th Birthday Party. This was only a small gesture, but its the best one she could have done to show that they are on their way to making amends.

I am sure they have along way to go, and hopefully for age and health sake on both of their ends, it won't be too long for things to be OK. In the meantime, I will still continue to encourage the pictures I would force them to take together or with me.. I know they wanted it just as much as I did, just too stubborn to admit it.. ( I know where I get it from).

Saturday night ended on a good note, My Mom had a great 60th birthday and I was happy for that. That night I prayed and then Thanked God that my Mom and Grandma are at least trying.

On an end note:

My Dad would always say, "Family is all you have". This is something he instilled in us and made sure my sister's and I knew this, so we would be there for one another when he was gone. It's something I will instill in my children or family as much as I can. It's the truth, a lot of times when friends aren't there to help, you have to rely on family to get you through the tough times. No matter how crazy things can be.

Homer

Today was a gloomy day, given the fact that The Memorial Day holiday was rather relaxing. I went in to work only to hear a voice mail I have been dreading to hear. It was Cherry, our office administrator saying she would be in late this morning because they have to put their dog Homer to sleep. I immediately started crying. Yes, I am a dog lover, which is why I pet sit on the side. But this one was a special one, actually all the of the dogs I sit for are special to me in their own way. I knew he was sick, I knew she was doing all she could for him in the last few months he has been ill. But the call was just unexpected. It fit the gray day we had.
Anyway, I just wanted to put it out there that Homer was such a big ole' bear of a dog, a yellow lab, and he will definitely be missed.

A FAITHFUL DOG...
A Faithful Dog Will Play With You
And Laugh With You -Or Cry-
He'll Gladly Starve To Stay With You
Nor Ever Reason Why,
And When You're Feeling Out Of Sorts
Somehow He'll Understand
He'll Watch You With His Shining Eyes
And Try To Lick Your Hand.
His Blind, Implicit Faith In You
Is Matched By His Great Love-
The Kind That All Of Us Should Have
In The Master, Up Above.
When Everything Is Said And Done
I Guess This Isn't Odd
For When You Spell "Dog" Backwards
You Get The Name Of God.

By:Anonymous Dog Poem

Desert Lung

(The Sahara Tent; where we spent most of the time.)

This is what they call it anyway.. Well, Justin's Dad.
It's pretty much like a sinus cold.. I apparently got it due to the changes in climate.. being in the 100 degree desert for 3 days, then heading to the nice cold mountains for 2 and then to the nice sandy beaches for another couple of days.. I know, I know.. It sounds like I am bragging and some of you might think I should not be complaining, especially since I was out for a week or so right?
eh.. I am not really.. but just letting you know that because of this and the fact that Justin has all our pictures on the laptop, I will only be posting the few of the pictures I was able to upload last night in between sleep sessions of a stuffy nose and a crappy cough.. its probably only a tenth of all the photos but.. they will do for the mean time.
But so you know.. I had a freaking blast!! Roger Waters blew me away (for any Pink Floyd Fans out there) he is definitely a must see if you ever get the chance.
Portishead was awesome, her voice is amazing! And then of course there was Prince.. he was not too bad either. (these are only a few and mainly the ones most of you would know).
Once I get everything in order I will be posting something.

While visiting California, we we also went up to Mt. Baldie actually drove on the ridge backs of mountains and saw breathtaking scenery... went to Six Flags Magic Mountain(No more roller coasters for me for a LONG time.) Also, to the the Long Beach Pacific Aquarium and Big Bear too.
It was nice. We had a great time and I am only somewhat glad to be back.. (the back to work part, I can do without).

It's time to leave..

As ready as I am to head out to sunny California tomorrow, I can't help but think, I am forgetting to do something.. is it at home?, is it work?, not sure.

I have for the first time ever, only packed what I need and will wear. Normally, I over pack and end up NOT wearing almost half of what I packed in the first place.
Not this year. Nope, This year I decided to do it different and more how it should always have been. Maybe that is why I can't help but think I am missing something..(it's all my security clothes!!!! What am I thinking?!?!?) I keep telling myself, if I forget something, I can buy it there. Besides, it's California, not a foreign country. Right? haha Well, some might beg to differ.

Let's see.. so you know '--/' means "check"

itinerary--/
car rental info--/
money--/
concert tickets--/
clothes for 7 days--/
undergarments--/
only 2 pairs of shoes--/** those who know me are probably gasping!* YES, I am only packing a pair of flip flops and walking shoes.. and I will be wearing my favorite Rocket Dog slip ons onto the plane.. so 3 total. I am pretty impressed myself.
Make-up--/
toiletries--/
jackets--/
pj's--/

As I am typing this, I am pretty sure I have packed all the necessities (Break into the Jungle book Song--- Look for the bare necessities, the simple bare necessities) and even though I have packed light, I can't help but think my suitcase is going to weigh over 50 lbs and they will make me take stuff out.
I have been taking this trip for 5 years now, and you would think by now, I would have this down. Maybe its the age thing bringing on the anxiety or something.

I think I just need to breathe and relax and know that I can buy it there if I forgot it.
ahhhhh.
breathe in, breathe out. ooohhmmmmm...

yeah it helps a bit. I hope it helps alot more.. I want to be stress free and ready to go by tomorrow afternoon.

Most of you already know, I am going to California with Justin, we are doing the annual trip to Coachella. -- a big music and arts festival out in Indio, CA.

They list the set times today.. I know Justin is super duper happy.. its a bit different this year the way they have them listed.. but with all the great bands, I suppose they want to make it where you can see the A-list bands.

see below for the set times

http://www.coachella.com/event/set-times

maybe you can guess where I will be.. I doubt it though.. haha I don't think I even know.

Not sure if I will see or talk to you before I leave.. I am sure you will hear from me at some point or another.. At least if I stay in a scary hotel.. Ronda you will be getting a call from me. hahah

My next Thirty Years

Just posting these lyrics, I like the song, and it makes lots of sense.. some things I am coming to notice as I grow from day to day. Not only that, just the things you shouldn't take for granted and how things should be.


I think Ill take a moment, celebrate my age
The ending of an era and the turning of a page
Now its time to focus in on where I go from here
Lord have mercy on my next thirty years

Hey my next thirty years Im gonna have some fun
Try to forget about all the crazy things Ive done
Maybe now Ive conquered all my adolescent fears
And Ill do it better in my next thirty years

My next thirty years Im gonna settle all the scores
Cry a little less, laugh a little more
Find a world of happiness without the hate and fear
Figure out just what Im doing here
In my next thirty years

Oh my next thirty years, Im gonna watch my weight
Eat a few more salads and not stay up so late
Drink a little lemonade and not so many beers
Maybe Ill remember my next thirty years

My next thirty years will be the best years of my life
Raise a little family and hang out with my wife
Spend precious moments with the ones that I hold dear
Make up for lost time here, in my next thirty years
In my next thirty years

FINALLY!!!!!!

I figured a few things out. ahhhh. Ok, time for bed.

Freerice.com

I was reading the current issue of SPIN Magazine and in it was an interview with Jena Malone. She was speaking of a website called: http://freerice.com/index.php

It' s a site where you can not only test your vocabulary but increase it along the way.. And with each word you answer correctly you earn 20 grains of rice to feed the hungry.
Talk about highly addictive, especially for those who are into vocabulary.. ahem Megan.. lol, actually I think you would LOVE this site.

So go ahead, check it out... enjoy and know you are feeding the hungry and helping yourself along the way.

Blog On.

Ok.. Here I am a couple years later and I am still not all into blogging as much as I should, nor am I understanding this site as quick as I should have.. I am sure its due to lack of blogging on my part. But now that I have a lil buddy Cooper and one of my best friends blogging,his mommy, I might be able to take on this challenge. I have so many thoughts of blogs all at times I am not at a computer of course.. But I think I will be here more often than not. We will just see I suppose.