Truly the most wonderful time of year!!

And I wish I could find some way to make it last all year!

It amazes me how people are so giving, this time of year! I really appreciate it, don't get me wrong, I just wish we could keep it going! But, before I sound ungrateful for the time we do get . . .

For those of you who have absolutely no connection to or any interest in the housing industry, in the Phoenix area, let me inform you that it is in a slump! And, as I work for a window manufacturing company, that has had a HUGE effect on our business! In June of 2006, we had 232 employees, now we have 129 . . . get the picture?

Anyway, there have been continuing lay-offs at my place of employment since July of 2006, and each time we have sadly bid farewell to co-workers. In the first part of November, a co-worker and fellow carpooler (okay, she's a friend, too!) was laid off. She has two children and is a single mom.

So, two weeks ago, on a Monday, another girl in the office said to me, "I feel so badly for her -- I wish I had the money to do something for her!" Well, I responded with "I don't have a lot of extra money to help either, but if you asked around the office, maybe other people would want to help, too!"

So between the two of us, we composed a little "angel tree" poem, and she sent it to everyone in the office. She gave them a due date and time, as to when we needed contributions, and we waited!

A week and a half later, we had $275 cash and MANY gifts contributed to this little family! We bought giftwrap, and stocking stuffers, a $100.00 gift VISA for Mom to pay bills or buy groceries with, and just had fun shopping for them!

Then, when the time came to deliver the gifts, we had this elaborate plan . . . which originally involved Santa, but didn't happen that way! But, I picked her up from work (she started at her new job 2 days before this project was launched!) on the premise that I had some books that I had read, that I wanted to give her. It was good to catch up on how the kids are, etc.

So, we arrived at her home, and I said, "Okay, here's my books, oh, and this for you!" as I handed her the gift VISA. She was very humble and very gracious about this gift -- little did she know that there was MUCH more to come!!

Then, my co-conspirator showed up, and we carried armloads of gifts into the house. She was flabbergasted! And then the tears started . . . tears of joy, gratitude, humility and the true Spirit of Christmas! And not just from her!! My friend from the office, my husband, her and I were all teary-eyed as she thanked us over and over!

Meanwhile her daughter arrived home from school, and her son woke up from his nap. They were so cute, because they were so excited to see us, that they didn't notice all the loot at first!

But WOW!!! I wish I could can that feeling up and save it for later!! It's beautiful . . . and no wonder Jesus Christ gave His life, if giving a few simple gifts can make a person feel so good!

I love this time of year because of that -- The Best Gift that we could never buy or give, of ourselves, but which we can glimpse a little piece of when we share the love!

Another weekend away!

Another weekend away from home -- and I sooooooooooooooooooooo needed it!
My friends (AKA MAS girls!) and I escaped reality for a bit, with a trip to Prescott to visit Lisa! She was so kind to be the hostess with the mostest in her beautiful home . . . even if the cans of Mt Dew were mini!! :)
We had a blast -- with photo shoots and food (VERY delicioso!) and scrap shopping and snowflakes and gifts and laughs! OH, and Chocolate, of course!!

It was such a good time to escape the hustle and bustle that is this holiday time of year, and just relax for a bit! And, even though I didn't get to do a whole lot of scrappin', it was a very much needed time to relax with the girls!

Thanks, ladies! You rawk!!!

A Weekend in California

My niece, Daylyn, daughter of my sister DeNeece, was baptized member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints this past weekend, in San Jacinto, CA. Jorge and I, along with Karalee and her 3 kids, and my parents, all made the road trip on Saturday morning.
She looked so beautiful in her white baptismal dress! And Grumpy (the nickname that my nieces and nephews have for their grandfather) kept the tradition alive by baptizing her. He has now baptized 12 of his 17 grandchildren. I think that is a pretty cool tradition!
After many photos and having a great experience at the baptism, we had some great food and company!
It was a good way to start the last month of this year! (Don't even get me started on how freaked out I am about that!!)

Let it Rain, let it rain, let it rain!

Well, here in Southern AZ, that's as close as we get to snow, so we have to be happy with it! I understand EVERYONE up north will be getting the white stuff this weekend, while those of us in the Phoenix area just drive behind idiots who PRETEND they can drive in percipitation!
I don't really understand it -- many people that live here are migrants from other, COLDER states. They, on average, have probably driven in LOTS of snow before!! But, since the weather here is almost always ANYTHING but frightful, they act like they have no need for caution, when driving in the rain.
Water is water, people!! Frozen, partially frozen, warm - whatever form it is in, as it falls from the sky, is STILL water! Therefore, stop trying to pretend that your car is a surfboard!
Okay, I'm done . . . I'm just bitter because my lunch time errands that should've taken 45 minutes MAX, kept me away from the office for an hour and a half, instead!
Breathe in, breathe out. Breathe in, breathe out.

Labor of Love

I have a very good friend that I used to have the hardest time picking an appropriate birthday gift for. So, 2 years ago, I decided that hand-made Christmas cards would be a great suggestion. She loves to send cards, and she appreciates hand-made cards the best.

So, this year I decided to make her cards a little more detailed, AND she needed more than she has the last 2 years!

Anyway, due to the vision in my head not matching the tools that I was able to find, to use, the finished product looks a LOT different than the originally proposed design. And, a LOT more time than I had guesstimated.

However, the end result is pleasing . . . tell me if you agree!! (The red is the card and the other patterned paper is just a background for the photo) The reflective item on top of the snowflake is some bling that I couldn't resist adding!

Happy Birthday, Tina -- I hope that you love them!

I'm STILL thankful . . . 5 days later!

I have to explain something about my blogging habits; I don't have the internet at home yet, and so I have to blog when I happen to have a lunch break, at work, or from the computer of a loving friend or family member. So, therefore, with this disclaimer **cough, Maddy, cough, cough!** I need to have a little compassion when it comes to NOT blogging every day or even every 2 days! AND . . . I was away from work for 5 days, for Thanksgiving break, so . . . there you go!

Anyway - I am thankful for many things. Although I don't have fabulous photos for each thing that I am thankful for, like Angie (yes, that IS blog envy you hear in my words!!) I am still thankful!
I am thankful for:
my job AND for days OFF from my job! LOL
Family --the best of friends and the worst of enemies all under one roof! Ha ha
Holidays and traditions
Christmas lights
Getting back up, whenever I fall
The scriptures and the power that they wield
The Gospel of Jesus Christ
Friends who are really "family by affection" ( you KNOW who you are!!)
Ice cream
MUSIC!!!!!!!!!!!
Christmas . . . okay, anything about it, but especially music!
Knowing that I am loved
Humor
Movies
Children (and someday my OWN children!!)
Learning --even though I seem to learn best "the hard way"!
Friendship
Memories and making them
God's beautiful creation that is this world
Spanish
Word games
Sisters
Talents
Opportunities to grow
I could go on and on . . . I just really needed to remind myself that there are MANY things to be thankful for. And, making this list will help me remember!

Good Intentions

I really have intended to post before now, but . . . I don't have the internet at home, I can't upload my photos from my camera on my own computer, and I actually have to WORK, while at work!

Anyway, enough excuses! Now, I have to tell you about Olivia. She turned 3 on Thursday, November 15th. She is the quite precocious sister of Wyatt . . . (refer to previous posts!)
Anyway, her uncle, on her mother's side, asked her, "Olivia, what does it mean to be 3?"
Olivia's response? "Now I can get married in the temple!"

It's true, everyone has to pass the age of 3 before they can get married in the temple!! Cute girl!

A Birthday Tradition

So, my MAS (mutual admiration society) friends started this INTERESTING tradition, long before they ever met me! Anyway, it goes like this:Anything that one may have said, done, made fun of, or forgotten, over the last year, they make public, by attacking one's yard with sticks and some sort of paper shape, with those things written on them.Well, apparently, since I moved in May, I have neglected to share my new address with any of them. So, they didn't get to trash, er, I mean, decorate, my yard last week! So, on Friday night, when we all got together, they took advantage of that time, to wish me a happy birthday, in their own special way!

So, the post-its that they attacked my CAR with, had lots of lovely sayings on them. And since this blog spot is rated "G", I will share the acceptable ones here:

"Say "no" to Crack!"

"When in doubt, check snopes.com"

"you do realize no one knows where you live, right?"

"You Rawk!"

"Here's looking at you kid!"

"Crack is Whack!"

"Are you calling me fat??"

"sing it, girl!"

"Be more pacific when talking to me!"

"comma queen"

"I know you are, but what am I?"

"bingo rules!"

"We are the champions!"

"Taco grande -- that means big!"

"Say what?"

"Can I get directions to your house, hooker?"

"Crack ho!"

"Nice hair color, copy cat!"

"Snickerdoodles rawk!"

"B 15; I 24"

"Bite me!"

"I'm lost!"

"Did you move, or something?"

"Bingo tonight?"

"meet my latin lover!"

"Are you stalking me??"

"Commas are our friends!"

"Stop touching me!"

"Music rocks!"

"Screwous youous!"

"Bingo rocks!"

"una cerveza, por favor -- yeah, that's all I got!"

"Comma, comma, comma, comma, comma chameleon!"

"What are you talking about Willis??"

"Who's a hooker now???"

"To add a comma or not, add, a, comma -- that is the question!"

"we rock!"

I'm thankful for music!

As I sit here at my desk, at work, surrounded by all this paperwork that I struggle to tackle every day, I've decided to find something to be thankful for.
My thankfulness, today, goes toward music. It is the background for life, and it can serve many purposes. I currently am listening to Josh Groban -- his first album.
Not only does hearing this music soothe me in my hectic work day, but it also brings back many memories of when I first came to own this album, back in 2002, I believe. That was another time and another place, in my life. And I have come so far from that person that I was then, both figuratively and literally!
I was living in Utah, just getting to know a few people, working 3 jobs, and feeling like I would have to accept being single as my lot in life.
Now, five plus years and MANY heartbreaks later, I am back in my home state of Arizona, married to a wonderful man, and GLAD!!!!!!! that my single days are done!
But, to quote a good country song, "the song remembers when . . ."
I'm thankful for music -- that soothes, that motivates, that inspires, that makes me want to dance, that helps me remember what is important and that lifts me up.

The thing with birthdays . . . .

Is that usually you don't FEEL another year older, just because one day you actually ARE another year older! But for me, this year has been a little different!
As mentioned in previous entries, Jorge and I got married this year -- the thing that is so significant about that and my birthday is that I've never shared my birthday with a husband before!
I started a tradtion, about 13 years ago, of taking the day off of work, when my birthday comes around. I think it is a great little gift to myself! And, in years past, I have spent the day getting a massage, a pedicure, seeing a movie, or scrapbooking the day away!
This year, I spent the day with Jorge . . . and that is a good thing, just a big change from previous years, obviously! (Can you believe that he didn't JUMP at the opportunity to spend the day at Scrapbooks Etc.???)
So, we started with running errands, and taking care of average, every day stuff, like we do on Saturdays. But, all in all it was a good day, and Hey, I did get lunch at Matta's with my mom and sister.
Next year, I will plan a little better, and the husband will be used to my birthday off, too!

Slower, please!!

Is it just me, or is this year FLYING by???? We are more than 1/2 way through October, and from here it is a downhill avalanche!!
Thank goodness I have already started my Christmas projects for the kiddoes, and I have started a list of "what Jorge wants for Christmas".
As much as Kerry is mad about Christmas being displayed already, I am working on zoning in on the positive energy that is the Christmas spirit! I've already bought tickets to "The Forgotten Carols" -- It is my holiday tradition of 10+ years, to see this production at Christmas time! I always try to take someone who has never experienced it, and this year, I get to take my boss (who is a good friend) and Jorge, neither of which has seen it before!
I do, however, need to stop and enjoy the fall season for what it is! Pumpkin carving, Halloween candy, birthdays, costume contests and LOTS of photos!! Then, when December comes around, I can focus on Christmas!
Okay, for you Kerry, it's all about Halloween for the next nine days -- Okay???

I've been tagged, AGAIN!!

By the way, I tag Annette, Lisa and DeNeece!

What is your spouses name? Jorge
How long have you been together? 2 1/2 years
How long did you date? We had one official date, before we were engaged 5 days later!
Who eats more? HIM!!!
Who said I love you first? Me
Who is taller? Him, 3 inches
Who sings better? we both sing well, although I've had formal training, and he has not!
Who is smarter? Him, WAY smarter.
Whose temper is worse? We're pretty equal -- although our methods are different! I explode and move on, while he broods and brings it up again later!
Who does the laundry? Him.
Who does the dishes? We both do
Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Him, if you're at the foot of the bed. Me as you lay in it
Who pays the bills? I do
Who mows the lawn? The Landlord's grandchildren! woo hoo
Who cooks dinner? We share that task!
Who drives when you are together? another lovingly shared task
Who is more stubborn? Him. Big time.
Who is the first to admit when they are wrong? Me.
Whose parents do you see the most? Mine, as his mom lives in Colombia, and his dad has passed on!
Who kissed who first? He kissed me first!
Who asked who out? He asked me.
Who proposed? Him.
Who is more sensitive? He is just as sensitive as I am, although his rational man-side takes over more often!
Who has more friends? He has more -- dating back to grade school! He does a much better job of keeping track of people! And he knows no strangers!
Who wears the pants in the family? He wears the pants, but always asks me what color socks to wear with them . . . does that count? Actually, we do pretty well at talking things out and not "bossing" each other.

STOP! and breathe

The other night, a friend of ours asked me, "WHERE have you guys been?? We thought maybe you moved back to Utah, or something!" It had been almost a month since we had seen them, but it seemed that that month had zoomed right past us!!
It struck me then, that life can get so caught up in all the meaningless crap -- paying bills and doctors appointments and housekeeping -- that sometimes relationships suffer.
Then yesterday I was reading an article about being happy, and some ideas that help people be happy. One of them was "talk to a friend, socialize" and then another was "take time to laugh". For me, one doesn't happen without the other! I've got so many great friends and family that I call friends, that laughter is always involved in the socializing!
So, in spite of the second job, the doctors appointments, the physical therapy, the family drama, the dirty socks and the bills that have to be paid, I am resolving to do better!
I was on the phone with my cousin the other night, when I realized that she and I haven't had any quality time together for MORE than a year -- NOT ACCEPTABLE!!
And, I have been back in AZ, now, for more than 2 years! Dude, who said it was okay for time to fly by???? See what I mean - it can all get so overwhelming! So, I must get back to enjoying some part of every single day!
Any suggestions or reminders are welcome . . . just remember that you can win more friends with kindness, rather than sarcasm! :)
Oh, and I need to blog more!

It all started 6 years ago today

I can't believe that "9/11" was 6, count 'em, SIX years ago! A Tuesday, in fact!
Some memories of that day are still so vivid, and so painful. I still hurt for the families that have to wait until the hereafter to see their loved ones again. The children that were born AFTER their fathers were killed, who only know the stories that are told of those heroes.

It has been 6 years, and I am just barely getting to where I can watch the news and not have a crying fest every time. For most of the last six years, I have avoided news broadcasts as much as I possibly could, because after 09/11/2001, I cried for 7 days straight, watching all that stuff on the news.

Regardless of political views or religious zealousy, that day was a tragic loss of lives. It is sad to me that it took that kind of travesty to bring strangers together in unity of purpose. And, too bad that it disappeared after a year.

I will probably never understand the justification of mass murder in the name of God. All I can do is my best to be kind to others and help my family to make this world a better place.

Perpetually tired . . . and not in a good way!

It has been a couple of weeks since I've posted . . . and not that anything major has happened, just too busy to post, and now feeling guilty for not posting! How's that for an explanation?

Since my at work accident of 08/09/07, I have been going to physical therapy 3 times a week. Then, the doctor added occupational therapy for my wrist and hand, and so today I have 2 sessions of therapy, and next week, I have some sort of therapy EVERY day! That's some fun scheduling, let me tell you!! Not to mention that physical pain, and kicking my own butt doing the therapy, are very tiring!

And, the two jobs thing is ANYTHING but exciting!! I got burn out going on, and I've only been at this for 2 months! AAAAACK -- I must be getting old! And then, to add to my guilt, on my days off from said 2nd job, I don't feel like doing anything but relaxing . . . not too productive, I tell ya! Where is my favorite hobby time? Where is my hangin' out with the neices and nephews time? (I'll save the latest family drama for another day -- it's all too tiring!!)

"Mean People Suck!"

I have seen this bumper sticker before, and have thought to myself, "well, ya, but what makes the person sporting that bumper sticker want to warn the world with that type of advertisement?"
Well, recent experience has shown me, yet again, that it isn't JUST people who are habitually and/or continually mean that suck! It is people, who do or say "mean" (Michelle, can you see me making the quote signs???) things.
I realize that we all find humor in different things; people are different. But to me, anyone who makes fun of other religions, race, sexual orientation, or nationality (I draw the line at gender, because trying to be funny about the opposite sex will ALWAYS be viewed as mean by someone!!) just to be "funny" is MEAN!!
In today's society, where we have 2 extremes -- being so politically correct that we address everyone as "person" instead of m'am or sir; or caring NOTHING about the sanctity of humanity and just bashing and railing against all humankind -- suddenly is created a big area of "gray". Suddenly, because I don't find a racial slur, or off-color joke funny, then I am being judgemental of the person who chose to share said joke. I am the bad guy, because I ". . . have no sense of humor!" and I ". . . need to calm down; it's just a joke!!"
Okay, so if it were about my specific religion, race or nationalility, it's okay to be upset, but since I am not from the race that is being slurred, it's okay? I think not!
I am far from perfect -- I will be the first to tell you that, and my husband will back me up! (ha ha ha), but I think that small-mindedness leads to mean things. And that is what they are -- MEAN! You can't sugar coat it -- if what is being shared belittles ANY of God's children, in what ever way shape or form, it is MEAN!
I have often heard that prejudice is based on fear -- and I believe that! Fear of being different, fear of not understanding differences, fear of feeling inferior, whatever. Fear does NOT come from a good source, so therefore it stands to reason that prejudice and whatever mean form we have chosen to portray that are NOT from a good source either!
I'm done now -- I don't want it to be said that nobody knew how I feel about mean things and the people who carry them out!

What are people thinking?????

I don't usually watch the news -- I am of the mind that most of the stories that they choose to share are bad . . . somebody killed someone, beat someone, stole something, or embezzled something! I don't want to hear about it; I see enough in my own little piece of the world to know that bad stuff happens.
Then, last night, just because there wasn't anything else on, at my brother's house where I was babysitting and they don't have cable, I found myself watching the news.
And, I found myself thinking (and NOT for the first time ever) "Why are some people allowed to procreate????"
This woman, in the middle of Wal-Mart, in front of many shoppers, proceeded to beat her 10-year old son, about the head and face, and then dragged him "a few inches" by HIS feet. This is the same woman who, 2 years ago, was accused of child abuse, when her boyfriend killed her 3-month old baby by shaking him to death. Child Protective Services took this son away from her, then! Why was she permitted to have him back in her home?? What does she do to this child AT HOME, if she is publicly beating him so that he is bleeding from his mouth and nose??
I could go off, here, about government agencies and responsibility, etc. Heaven knows that my family's calls to the same agency have gone unreturned for months now -- apparently they have some work on their hands!
But instead, I will just ask anyone and everyone who reads this blog to pray . . . pray for the children of this world! There are so many good things about children, and they are our future! Many people don't understand how much their own actions affect their children, and the things that their children do later.
I really hope that a miracle can happen for this child, so that he doesn't keep the violence cycle going! I know that miracles can happen, if we all hope and pray for the same outcome.
Okay, I'm done! Here's hoping that I don't have to watch the news again, anytime soon!

An account of my wedding - from 01/15/2007

I sent this email to my friends, after I had changed my name, one weekend! As you will soon find out, none of it was planned in advance, so they got to hear about it this way! I wanted to save this story, on my blog, for posterity! Here you go --

So, a funny thing happened on the way to my cousin's wedding on Saturday . . .
She and her husband have been married for a year and a half, but just got clearance to go to the temple. So, that was my plan, for January 13th, since like December 4th!

Then, my ever so spontaneous fiancé called me last Thursday -- "What are you doing this weekend?"I tell him, "well, I work on Friday, I'm scrapbooking at Michelle's on Friday night, and then my cousin's wedding on Saturday, and not much else planned, really! Why do you ask?'

"Well, he responds, " I was thinking that you could come up here and we'll move my things to Arizona; we'll stop in Vegas to get married, and then I will stay for a few days until I have to go to St. George."

Okay, for like 5 minutes I was in shock!! And, he asked me to keep it a secret from my family, as he wanted to be there, to surprise them with the announcement! I couldn't believe it, you guys!! I have been waiting and waiting for this man to say "Let's do this!" and more than once wondered if it would ever happen! So, I did ask him, more than once, "Okay, we're really doing this, right???" Right before I bought my plane ticket, "Okay, honey, I'm buying the ticket . . . we're doing this, right??" He responded with a rather impatient, "yes, do it!'

So the funny part is . . . how was I going to go to Utah, get married in Vegas, and move his stuff to Arizona, all before a 10 am temple wedding on Saturday, and then have my friend's truck back to him by Sunday night? Then, to just make things interesting, they have changed the laws in Vegas, (I guess to cut down on one night marriages, I don't know!) and now the courthouse, that was once open 24 hours a day, 6 days a week, is now only open until midnight every night. And, the Justice of the Peace has changed too, to only being open until 10 pm.
So, the flight to Utah on Friday afternoon, early, was changed to a little bit later. Then, after discussing it some more, I was going to go to the wedding, on Saturday, and then fly out. (So, that's 2 flight changes.) Then, another phone call, and I was back to flying out on Friday. I did call my cousin, and I said, "look, you know I love you and I would love to be at your sealing, but . . . what if my reason for missing it were a really good one?" Her response, after a few more details "GO!!"

So, I was outta here on Friday night! I flew in, and was going to stay at my aunt' s house in Tooele for the night. We went to my friends house, to get the truck, and had a conversation about NOT bringing the truck back until next weekend, (thank you, Rob, for your generosity!) and then we were set to pack the truck, etc. on Saturday.

After getting all of his things packed, there wasn't much room for my stuff -- the original plan was to move the rest of my things, too, since we were going to be there with a truck. But only a few of my boxes were able to accompany us, this time!
Got on the road around 4, our time, and knew that we had a VERY tight time schedule, to get to Vegas and get married, all before midnight! Thankfully, the weather, while VERY cold, was very cooperative, as well, and we pulled up to the courthouse around 9:10 pm.
I had checked in to a few of the wedding chapels in Vegas, a while ago, and none of them were within our budget! So, that is why we were rushing to go to the justice of the peace . . . and, frankly, I was a little panicked about missing the deadline!
As we pulled up to the courthouse, to get our license, a guy approached our vehicle, and asked, "you guys getting married tonight?" And when we said, "yes", he proceeded to tell us that they have a chapel, and a package, blah blah blah, that is cheaper than the justice of the peace, AND they are open until 12:00 am. SCORE!!!
So, we got our license, (took some photos in the courthouse), and got a limo ride, from the courthouse to the chapel, and had filled out our paperwork, when I realized that Jorge's ring was in my bag, in the truck that was parked AT THE COURTHOUSE!! So, we had to get a limo ride back to the courthouse, to get it, and then we drove the truck to the chapel.
While the words were very nice, and the ceremony was binding, I know that this is just a step to getting what I really want! So, in a year, we will go to the temple.
For right now, though, I have Jorge here with me (He will be going to St George, to work for a month, this week, but after that he will be here full time! woo hoo!!) and we are adjusting to all of our stuff in our little apartment.
We didn't get to Mesa until 9 am Sunday morning, and then couldn't get to sleep that afternoon, maybe because we were both just too tired, I don't know! So, I guess we will be trying to catch up on sleep for a few days.
That's the news, I just wanted to tell my story and let you know that my last name HAS officially been changed!

Famous last words . . . .

A few weeks ago, I made an entry about loving to laugh! Sometimes I think that I'm given too many opportunities to laugh at myself!

Last Thursday, I was in the back parking lot, at work, waiting for one of the managers to pull a truck out of its parking space, so I could take said truck to run some work-related errands.

I was standing there, and I happened to look down at the asphalt -- there was a little, I don't even know what to call it, ditch, for lack of a better word! Anyway, I said to myself, in my head, "ooh, I gotta watch out for that!" Then, a few minutes later, forgetting all about that little ditch, I stepped backwards, right into it! It was totally like a slow-motion thing; I felt my foot step into it, and my ankle twisted, and then I fell forward.

I guess it is a good thing that I put both my hands out to brace my fall -- a face plant would have been a lot more painful, probably! But, OUCH!!!!!!!!!!!! I don't remember what I said, as I hit the dirt, but the manager heard me, looked around, and didn't see me. He said, later, "I was thinking, 'I know she was just here!'" Then, when he turned toward me, again, he saw me picking gravel out of the palms of my hands. He asked me, "Are you okay?" and my oh-so-dignified response?? "No!" as I was sobbing!!

No matter how I tried NOT to cry, it hurt VERY badly, and I couldn't help it. So, I climbed into the truck, to drive to the front office, and changed the course of my day.

I had to go to the clinic that we use for Workman's Comp, and have a drug screen test done, as well as spend the next 3 and a half hours . . . . waiting!

I guess it was a good lesson in empathy, for me, because I got to see exactly what people go through, when I send them there, with injuries.

Anyway, my ankle is not sprained, as we originally thought, but the top of my foot really hurts still. My shoulders and arms both hurt, but I think that a really good massage could cure that!!
My ego was a little bruised, too, but since I like to laugh so much, Ha Ha, here's one more thing to laugh at!

The Long and Short of It

. . . and by "it" I mean my weekend! Working on Saturdays sure takes a big bite out of my weekend. And, although I know that it is necessary for right now, I can't wait to have the financial health to quit that second job.
Then, on the other hand, my Sunday was veeeeeeeeery long -- I believe that it had something to do with not feeling well, in the morning, and then spending most of the evening worrying about my niece, who decided to take a sabbatical from the family for 24+ hours.
I think that I may have mentioned this before, but I WOULD NOT go back to being a teenager!! Especially in today's world, where things seem to be in much more of a gray area than they were 15 - 20 years ago.
I was teaching a lesson, in Primary, last week, and we were talking about being dishonest. I actually had to explain, a few times, that not telling the whole truth, (the example was going to a rated "R" movie, when permission was given to go and see a rated "PG" movie.) is as much a lie as not telling any truth. "Well, I asked if I could go to the movie!" and "I got permission!" were the responses to my statement.
I can't help but think that kids these days, while they have lots more choices and opportunities for activities, also have a lot more exposure to "gray area" rationalization, and go with what isn't said, either by them, to their parents, or to them, from their parents.
Anyway, so Mariah, (the niece on sabbatical) apparently found no harm in not reporting in for 24+ hours, and was bothered that we made posters saying that she is missing. I don't get it!
(Although, that girl has a history that two weeks' worth of blog memory wouldn't be enough to tell the whole story, and I think that she is trying to find the real her.)
Another reason I wouldn't want to go back to teenager hell -- although I feel I am still discovering a LITTLE bit about who I am, the potential that I have, and what I really want to be when I grow up, I am not completely without direction, or trying to rely on my mom to guide me to who I should be.
I guess all that we can really do is PRAY and pray some more, in hopes that they will learn from their experiences, to be the best people that they can.
HEAVEN HELP US!!

JK Rowling is my HERO!

Okay -- warning!!!! If you have NOT finished reading Book 7, DO NOT PROCEED with reading this blog entry!!!

I just finished reading "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" -- LOVED IT!! I hated to see it end, but it was a great way for it to end, and I love the very end, where the author gives us a peek at 19 years later. I cried . . . and I am not afraid to admit it!

I love the verbal tapestry of the good vs. evil saga that is the Harry Potter series. So many times, while reading these books, I felt what Harry was feeling, or remembered having the same feelings, as far as teenage anger, rebellion and questioning of authority. On the other hand, I sometimes felt frustration that parents must feel, with pubescent actions and more importantly, reactions.

JK Rowling has been criticised by some for her mimicking Tolkein, (can't you see how Harry Potter is EXACTLY like "The Lord of the Rings"?) and also Star Wars -- okay, whatever!! But, I think that her clever wizardly inventions and names for spells and tools, etc tells us how very imaginative, creative and original she is. And, excuse me, but the conflict between good and evil has been around since the world began, (See The Holy Bible, First Book, Cain vs. Able) so how can people claim that Lucas or Tolkein have a claim on that "original" idea???

I don't know about all of you, but I as SHOCKED that Snape turned out to be a good guy!!! In retrospect, I can see, and almost feel the things that he must've felt, considering who Harry was. I was pleasently shocked, though! It's interesting how the author reiterates the lesson that people are what we perceive them to be; not only in the words that Dumbledore uses to say that to Snape, but also that she demonstrates it, all through the books, to us as readers.

I'm sad, that the series is over! But, the beauty of books is that we can read and re-read them over and over! And, hopefully, remember more details as we revisit the first volumes.

I am very grateful for my mother's great example of reading. She always read to me, as a child, and she was always reading something, as I was growing up. Now, when she can be seen reading something, it is usually a health magazine or Reader's Digest (well, she IS 65 years young!), but she still loves to read, and has passed that love on to me. Thanks, Mom!

I love to laugh!

Life is too short to be taken too seriously! I love to laugh, and I took a moment today, to list some things that make me laugh:
- Little kids' laughter -- it is so contagious and I DARE YOU to not laugh when you hear it!!
- Whose Line Is It Anyway? Love that show!
- People who wear a bikini to Sunsplash, and wear a Tshirt over it! (Not that I'm complaining, I just think it is
FUNNY!)
- My sisters -- they give me the best ab workout ever -- we always bust a gut laughing!!
- Knock knock jokes - when little kids tell 'em - "knock, knock!" "Whose there?" "Uh . . . chair . . . that's FUNNY, huh!!"
- jokes on Laffy Taffy wrappers . . . I've heard them all, and I like to impress people with my repertoire of corny, stupid jokes!
- myself - when I do things like flip myself in the face with the ponytail holder that just got away from me . . . seriously funny, but seriously painful! Or how about the time I fell off a curb, stone cold sober, in broad daylight?
- Sonic commercials -- good advertising helps you remember WHAT they are advertising!
- watching Wyatt act out the Backyardagains episode that he is hoping that you are equally enthralled with!
- Listening to my friend's son, Isaac, try to sing the lyrics to "Baby Got Back" -- He's almost 4!

You get the idea! Life is full of little moments to laugh at! You know Heavenly Father has a sense of humor . . . how else would you explain excess stomach gas??
I always want to be able to laugh at myself, not in a criticising way, but, not to take myself so seriously . . . you know??
It isn't about laughing AT people, but laughing with them! And, a smile is so contagious -- so, bare it and share it!
That is all the philosophy that I have time for today!

Random blog entry

Okay, that is about how my life seems to be lately -- random.
I started my part-time job on Thursday. I want to do my part, to keep up on the bills, etc. until Jorge can find his "perfect job". It will be fun . . . I haven't worked retail for a while, so it will be fun to do that a few days a week. (due to company policy, I cannot mention the company in my blog . . . isn't that funny?? There is actually a "blog policy"!! Aaaah, modern technology!!)
My mom came home from California, on Wednesday. See saw her cardiologist, here in Mesa, on Thursday, and he said, "Angiogram!!"
So, on Monday, the 16th, she will go in for that procedure. If they find that she needs an angioplasty (not sure exactly what that is!) or a shunt, they will take care of it right then. Guess we will need to send more prayers her way.
Bless her heart - she babysat Wyatt, Olivia and Theron for a few hours yesterday, and she wore herself out. She said, "I was so afraid that Theron wouldn't remember me!" (She hadn't seen him since June 29th) But, when she walked in the door, he had a great big smile for her. He is a cute boy!
Jorge has been working in Utah, and is ready to come home. And I am MORE than ready for him to come home. I have been keeping myself VERY busy, with Sunsplash trips, scrapbooking and movies, but I have still been missing him. So, bring it on home, baby!!
When I was in Tennessee last month, my cousins Tommy and Nita taught me some new card games, that I have proceeded to teach my family. They are sooooooooooo fun!! The games are called "Nothing" and "Nines". The kids are getting pretty good at these games . . . and they make for some fun Sunday evenings, hangin' out with the family.
I'm off to search some scrapbook magazines, for some inspiration. My mojo seems to have gone on vacation. That may have something to do with the fact that I haven't really been taking a lot of photos. Or, the photos that I have taken are trapped in my digital camera . . . I gotta work on that!

I have decided that I LOVE water aerobics! It is great excersize, don't get me wrong! It kicks your buttocks into shape, if you do it right! But, since it is done in the water, it is less strenuous on your joints, and almost feels like you aren't working as hard as you are. It is a good thing when you can feel the burn, but it isn't so burning, because you are already in the water.
Sorry, I won't be posting any photos of my class participation here. I just want to go on record as saying that it is a good thing.

As some of you know, my mother has been in the hospital since the 4th of July. (What a way to spend your Independance Day, Mom!!) Anyway, one doctor said that she would have to have open heart surgery, on Monday, 07/09/07. But, one day and MANY prayers later, a second doctor said, "Let's just do a stress test!"
So, Saturday, they did a stress test on her, and the results were back on Sunday, 07/08/07. After the doctor looked at the results, he decided that she wouldn't even need an angiogram (that is a picture of the inside of the heart, to determine where the damage lies.) Instead, he changed up her medications a little bit, and will be sending her on her way either today, or tomorrow.
I am a firm believer in the power of faith and prayer, and the strength that can be found in numbers, when we have a common prayer. Thanks to all of you who prayed and cried and supported us through this drama.

Aaaaah, Irony!

So, why does life have to be so full of irony?
On Thursday, I got my personal cell phone back on track and running again. Then, on Sunday, I dropped my phone . . . and it will not work, now! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!! I am not the original owner of this Razor, (my sister gave it to me, when her husband got a new phone!) and I have no idea what the original phone is, for this plan!
I'm a little frustrated, here! And, of course, to purchase a new phone, I either have to renew for 2 years, or pay an arm and a leg for a new one, at full price. They sure get comin' and goin', don't they??

VERMIN!!!

So, I made reference, in my last entry, to the cockroaches in our apartment. Well, here is the story on that:
We moved into this new place, that had been empty for a few months. Well, at first glance, there was not a bug to be seen! But, as we started opening cupboards, etc. there they were! It doesn't help that one of the cupboards had rotting potatoes in it!
Anyway, I called the landlord, after a few days, and let him know that there was definitely a problem! And, I didn't unpack anything, because they were going to come and spray.
So, they came and did a spraying of the baseboards, I guess, (my sister-in-law, who lives in one of the other apartments in the same place was a witness to that!) but that didn't seem to phase the roach population in my house!!
So, I called the landlord again, after a week, and I said, "PLEASE get the roaches out of my house!" So, he scheduled another visit -- this time, I had to take everything out of the cupboards, that I had bothered to unpack, for them to spray all the cupboards, etc. (Keep in mind that I still have lots of boxes, sitting around the house, that haven't been unpacked yet!)
They came in and sprayed. I found a few roach carcasses, and the landlord told me that they would be back in 30 days to spray again, for the larvae, etc.
Then, I found out, from someone who has experience with this kind of thing (eewwwww!), that
cockroaches LOVE cardboard! YIKES!!!! I had a MAJOR cockroach playground in my house!
So, before I went to Memphis, I unpacked all the boxes (thanks for your help, Mom!!) and my dad set off roach bombs while I was gone.
But, rather than "Night of the Living Dead" that I was expecting, when I got home, I saw living, breathing VERMIN!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!
Jorge hasn't even lived in this apartment yet, because he is working out of state, but he keeps telling me, "I'm not living there with bugs!!"
Last night I spent 45 minutes unloading the cupboards, yet again, because they are supposed to spray again today. This is MORE fun that moving because you get to put everything right back where you got it from . . . .

Elvis' stomping ground

Hello, from Memphis, Tennessee! Yep, it's true, I am a travelin' fool this week . . . we had our annual HR Conference for work this week, and the home office is here, in Memphis!
It is sooooooooooooo humid -- I'll take the dry heat over humidity, any day!
Of course, the perks (??) of traveling -- that many more miles away from Jorge, 2 hour time difference from home (I would never be in bed by 8 pm, AZ time, at home!! But then, I wouldn't start my day at 3 am either!!)
The hotel was GREAT!! Little kitchen, king size bed to share with NOBODY!! and WONDERFUL pillows! (If I were a less honest person, I would have one in my possession right now!! Instead, I just asked them to email me some info on where to buy one!!) Seriously, got the best night's sleep, for my neck, that I've had in a LONG time!!
Anyway, headin' home tomorrow . . . excited to get home and check out the number of dead cockroaches . . . thanks for settin of the bomb for me, Dad!
Anyway, I got some scrappin' fever going on . . . I know what I'm doing tomorrow night!! Anyone care to join me????

Shanna's card challenge!

Shanna is a darling girl who is a scrapamaniac! But, she is very creative with how she uses her skills. She has challenged any and all of her friends, that want to participate, to a Life Improvement project. Her motivation is that her daughters are gone for 6 weeks, and she wants to get healthy, again, while she has time to excersize more, etc.

So, she took these cute cards and is making a play by play deck of cards. And, since I really would like to make this lifestyle change, too, and I think the cards are a really cute idea, I AM IN!!

I have chosen to play off the number "7", since this is 2007, and I have already made one HUGE lifestyle change this year (marrying my Latin Lover!), I am calling it "Lucky #7".

I like that Shanna is holding me accountable, by including me in this challenge. (Or, really, by letting me include myself in this challenge!) Sometimes all we need is a little extra motivation, and winning scrappy supplies is GREAT motivation for me! And, these cards are a fun size to scrap!

Thanks, Shanna, you are the coolest!

Wyatt's words of wisdom

Okay, first of all, it has been OVER a week since I've posted, but I have some REALLY good reasons!!
A) I had to move, from one apartment to another, WITHOUT my husband! (As Michelle said, "He's a genius!!" He's out of town, working, right now.)

B) The holiday weekend came and went without any quality computer time.

Okay, enough of the excuses!! I have decided to follow Shanna's example, and start blogging the cute things that my nieces and nephews say, (and someday soon, I hope, my children, too!) so that when they are older, we will have the stories documented somewhere.
Anyway, our new apartment is in the same building as my brother, Jeremy, and his family's apartment. He has 3 children. Wyatt, a very precocious and intelligent almost-5-year-old, Olivia, 2 1/2, and Theron, who is almost 9 mos old.
Anyway, I was talking to Jeremy, on Saturday morning, after some helpers from my ward had helped me move MOST of our furniture. I gave him a run down of what needed to be moved still. I said something about my coffee table.
Wyatt was standing nearby, and asked, rather shocked, "Why do you want to drink coffee on it?" (He knows only too well that it is against our beliefs to drink coffee, thus the question!) I replied, "Well, I don't drink coffee on it, honey, that is just what they call it! It really is a table that goes in the middle of the room, so we could call it the "middle of the room" table if you want!" With that, he nodded his approval.
Later that same day, I made another comment, in his presence, about the coffee table. He piped up with "Don't you mean the "middle of the room" table??" (This kid doesn't forget!!) And I said, "ya, but that name is a little long!! How 'bout if we call it the "hot chocolate" table?" He liked that idea even better!
On Sunday, when they were visiting for a few minutes, just out of the blue, he asked me, "When are we gonna have hot chocolate on your table?" In spite of my desire to laugh out loud at his question, I convinced him that it would be better to wait for cold weather to drink hot chocolate on the newly renamed table.
He is such a cute boy, and I hope that one day he will see the humor in this story!

He gets me!

It's kind of cliche -- the whole MFEO thing! I don't even know that I have actually heard, in real life, that many people say "We were so made for each other!" Of course, in the movies, forget about it! Everyone is MFEO in the movies, whether they should be or not!
But, little things that happen, not necessarily on a daily basis, help me to know that Jorge and I truly are made to help each other through this crazy thing called life!
The other day I was making some tacos for lunch. My sister was at work, and I was going to take her some tacos, too, after Jorge and I finished eating. Anyway, as I was packing up her tacos, and cleaning the kitchen, Jorge says, "you are a good sister."
That sounds like a simple statement, and maybe a little vague, but with his comment I got a little misty-eyed. My husband is learning to understand me. He comes from an environment of mistrust and betrayal, and he is learning more about me, to help him to trust me.
I won't be all gooshy and bore you with details that are probably only fabulous to me, but we can complete each other's thoughts, and think of the same things and smile when we talk to each other about our thoughts.
He is still a man -- and though I have been known to be a bitter man-basher in my younger years - but if I could choose one, to be the most like what I need, it would be him.
Heavenly Father truly knows what (and in this case, who!!) I need. I feel so blessed to call myself a daughter of God, and hope to be able to live worthy of all that he blesses me with.

Life goes on . . .

I have to laugh at myself . . . I used to get so disappointed when my friends would let 3 or 4 days pass between entries on their blogs! Now, it has been six days for me, and I can't even tell you where the time went!
Saturday was good -- watched the Suns game (bummer that they lost!), watched a movie, ya, boring life. Sunday was Mother's Day, and Jorge, my dad and I took care of dinner, so that my sister and my mom didn't have to lift a finger. We even used paper goods so that nobody got stuck washing dishes!
Other than that, this week has been whizzing by! Jorge and I are moving into a new apartment this weekend, and so lots of gathering boxes and preparing for that drama . . .
La, la, la, la . . . life goes on!!

It's FINALLY Friday -- I'm free again!

Wow, sometimes the weeks fly by, and other times they just seem to C . . . .R . . . .A. . . W. . . L! This has been one of those crawling weeks . . . and I am READY for it to end!
We are implementing a new time keeping program at work, and I've been working on badges, studying up on computer junk, and scheduling meetings and training sessions, and collecting information, along with all of my "normal" tasks. It's been a week, okay! The best part was having lunch, out of the office, TWICE -- with someone else paying for it!! Woo hoo!
No really exciting plans for the weekend, except to try to make Sunday enjoyable for my sister and my mom. I think that mothers have the hardest job of all (allbeit 7 thousand times more rewarding, at times!) because they don't really get to take a weekend off from being a mom. No such thing as a vacation from that job!!
I just want to salute all of you mothers out there -- just remember to keep God close by, and He will help you through all of life's moments and bless you for your efforts.
That's all I have to say about that!

Ice cream makes everything better!!!

Okay, so I'm at work, and I have this craving . . . .
ICE CREAM!! So, I suggest to my 2 pregnant co-workers, "Hey, we should get some ice cream!"
Well, while they were very enthusiastic about that idea, I learned the hard way that making pregnant ladies wait for ice cream is NOT a good idea!!!
I had some errands to run, for work, but I was waiting for the IT guy to come and work on my computer, so I was gonna run out, while he was doing that. Well, he was late! And, an hour after I made the suggestion, both of my friends were banging on my window, chanting "Ice cream! Ice cream! Ice cream! Ice cream!!" like little children.
While it was annoying, it was cute -- and it was MY fault, for tempting them, and then making them wait!
So, when I got back to the office, 45 minutes later, they were soooooooooooooo excited! And, the ever-so-yummy Breyer's Brownie Mud Pie ice cream (which is "lite" but you would NEVER know from the taste!) kept us all quiet for a little bit!
Ice cream can make almost everybody happy! Even Jorge, who is lactose intolerant, loves ice cream.

BEAT LA!! BEAT LA!!

That was the chant of the crowd last night, as the Phoenix Suns nicely eliminated the Lakers from the play-offs!! Woo hoo!!
I love basketball, and the Suns are my favorite team. Although, I do try to not have a favorite team so much, as favorite players. For example, when Charles Barkley -- who I LOVE -- left the Suns, I didn't stop liking him, just because he no longer played for the Suns.
However, whatever happens to bring Phil Jackson another loss makes me smile! I don't like his philosophies about "team" sports and I don't like his haughtiness, so there you go!
But, YEA!!! for Steve Nash, Raja Bell, Amare Stoudamire, Shawn Marion and the rest of the gang! Good job, boys!! Let's keep our "Eyes on the Prize" and beat the Spurs, too!! Woo hoo!!!

I've been tagged!!

I've been tagged by Michelle and the rules say you give 7 little known facts about yourself and then tag 7 people. This could be interesting . . . .

ONE
I worry that my friends and family will question my motives and sincerity, when I just want to help them to be happy. I really like to be helpful and do whatever I can to help people maintain their sanity.

TWO
I'm a poet. I don't write poems to make big money, or to necessarily impress anyone, but I write what I feel. And, unfortunately, I don't always get to pick when a poem will work itself out in my heart and head. The last poem that I wrote was for Jorge -- in April, 2005.

THREE
I'm not a competitive person, even when it could possibly benefit me to be more competitive. I don't know why . . . I'm just not motivated by a contest. Unless, of course, you are talking about Scrabble or Boggle -- then, you'd better watch out!! (see #4)

FOUR
So, maybe this is one isn't so "little known" -- I am a FREAK about words! I love them!!! I love spelling and reading and crossword puzzles and Wheel of Fortune, because of them. And, if the word is in a foreign language, please pronounce it correctly in my presence! And, NEVER say "ex-pecially" around me, if you'd like to keep my respect for you intact.

FIVE
Music is my passion. All sorts of music -- except for the heavy metal or grunge or angry music that is more about being angry than anything else. Music is supposed to help us be happy, and so I like music that makes me happy.
I like country music, because of the poetry of the lyrics. I love jazz, because it is both rhythmic and soothing. I love classical and new age music, because the beauty of the songs literally brings tears to my eyes. (I was once walking at the Tempe Arts Festival, and heard some beautiful music being played on the piano. It literally moved me -- with tears of joy in my eyes, I sought out the booth from which it wafted. The artist -- Alex Grant. Local pianist; heavenly melodies.)
I like hip hop and dance music because they are fun to move to, and 80s music . . . well, duh! It's just full of memories!

SIX
I love the ocean. I love the smells, the sounds, and the feel of the spray on my face. I love watching the sun set on the beach, and I want to live on a beach someday. Luckily, my husband shares that dream!

SEVEN
I have a secret wish to write children's literature. Reading has always been a favorite pastime, and I would love to be able to put some of my thoughts and poems into book form for children.

So, there you have it! Now, as far as tagging people --
Annette
Saralyn
DeAwna
DeNeece
um. . . . I don't know who else has a blog, to tag them!!

Sisters' Weekend

So, I am in California, with my three sisters, 7 neices and nephews, one brother-in-law, and two very hyper little ankle-biter dogs.
Karalee, DeAwna and I, along with Karalee's three kids, piled into Karalee's suburban on Friday, late afternoon, to head to San Jacinto, California, to visit DeNeece, Richard, Daylyn and Kaitlyn.
The drive, in itself, was relatively uneventful -- unless you want to talk about the 2 hours that it took us to get out of the Phoenix area, because of traffic, a stop for dinner at In-N-Out Burger, and a "quick" stop at Wal-Mart! (Is there such a thing??)
So, we arrived at DeNeece's house around 11:30 pm. Of course, nobody was in bed before 2:30 am! We talked and laughed and shared photos and stories until then.
Saturday our plan was to get up bright and early, and head off to Oceanside Beach, in San Diego, by 9 am. HA! RIGHT!!! Thankfully, though, none of us had an agenda or a rigid time schedule to stick to, so it was just fine. We got to the beach around 12:30. It was overcast, but not too cold, and the kids headed straight to the water.
To me, the ocean is an AMAZING work of God. The whole life system that exists underwater, as well as the waves and the tide, and the way all those things work together. Beautiful! If I could afford it, I would have a house on the beach.
Today, DeNeece, DeAwna and Karalee are off to find a prom dress for Kayla -- Prom is May 5th. MaiCee and Daylyn went with them. I, on the other hand, am finding other things to do! I hope to be able to scrapbook with Kaitlyn as well as get some photos printed from our trip to the beach, yesterday. Kinda strange to not be at church, but that's how it goes sometimes.

My sister is here!

I am so excited that my sister, DeAwna, is here, visiting from Colorado! She was last here in October, but that was a quick trip for my cousin's wedding, so I am excited to spend more time with her, this week.

She and I, and our other sister, with her kids, will be heading to California, to see our OTHER sister and her family. Definitely planning a trip to the beach, for the weekend! Woo hoo!!

Also, DeAwna had yet to meet Jorge in person, so that was a fun introduction to make, last night. I got to introduce two of my favorite people to each other. (And I kinda forced them to hug -- sorry, DeAwna, but I know he wanted to hug you, and you may as well get used to his affection now!! Love ya, sis!)

Anyway, today is the day formerly known as "Secretary's Day", but since we are all WAY too politically correct, it is now known as "Administrative Professional's Day". I get to take my assistant and the receptionist to lunch. Fun for us!

Only one more work day in this week, for me! WOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOO!!

Weekend highlights

My weekend wasn't exactly full of interesting events -- although I did get to do some scrapbook shopping, before the big crop that I attended on Saturday night.
Jorge and I did attend a Special Olympics track and field event on Friday night. It was great to see so much enthusiasm and support in one place. One little guy, while running in the 50 yard dash, kept looking back to make sure his buddy in the next lane was still coming. It was so sweet to see that sort of team effort.
One quote, that I read there, really impressed me! It goes like this, "Success isn't final; Failure isn't fatal; Courage is EVERYTHING!" I really like that, and I think that I will find a way to put it up in as many visible places as possible, to help me remember that, and live accordingly.
Saturday night was a Scrapbook Crop that my amazing friend Shanna put on! I had been WAITING for that night -- Shanna knows how to throw a great party! She even had a DJ there. It was a completely therapeutic evening for me. (Even though leaving Jorge at home was a little traumatic for me! I'm a newlywed, remember!?!?!?!)
Sunday was a relaxing day -- we usually have dinner with family on Sundays. So, we were assigned salad, to bring. My sweet husband has been dubbed the official salad chef for the family. He cut up all the vegetables while I took a nap! Woo hoo!
Everyone loved the salad, of course. You're fabulous, Jorge!
Another week and only four work days for me!! My sister, DeAwna, is coming to town on Tuesday night, and we are going to play this weekend! Woo hoo!
Hey, two "woo hoo"s on a Monday -- that's a good sign!!

Movie Review Friday

Not that I will be reviewing a movie EVERY Friday, but I would like to! It's a little difficult when your husband thinks that movies are for sleeping through!!
ANYWAY . . . .
Last night I watched "Freedom Writers", with Hilary Swank and Patrick Dempsey. This movie is based on a true story. Students at a Long Beach high school, which was integrated in the 1990's, after the Rodney King riots.
I love movies that are based on true stories -- there isn't a lot of room for critiquing, you know?? You can't knock real-life events -- because they happen like they happen!!
Anyway, this is a truly inspirational story. If only all teachers could have the drive and love of the job that Erin Gruwell has, this world might have fewer wars and a lot more tolerance.
At times it seems a little choppy, like there are gaps in the story -- but I'm sure that not every moment of the 2 year period was movie-worthy, you know?
I was really glad that I liked it, because I bought it before seeing it -- which I don't usually like to do, but I had heard that it was really good. And I got a copy of "School Ties" (Which I love!!) with it, and the 2 together were only $20.00 at Wal-Mart!

I'm glad that I did!

Do you ever have things that you don't really want to do? Whether it is a favor for a family member, an assignment for work or church, or even attend a least-favorite cousin's birthday party -- I'm sure that this is not unique to me!
Anyway, my boss asked me to go to this Job Expo at the Phoenix Civic Center yesterday. Didn't really want to go -- had to go by myself! What fun is that? He wanted me to check around with some of the other employers and ask them what they do to recruit new people, and where they find the most success.
Well, we aren't really hiring right now, but he has visions of MUCHO work, and no employees to do it, because we have been so slow, and the production staff has only been working 25 - 32 hours a week. After 4+ months of that, who can blame a person for finding a different job??
Anyway, I wasn't really sure how to approach people with those questions, but, I figured that I could probably figure it out. Plus, one bright spot would be grabbing a burrito at Carolina's in south central Phoenix (Mexican food, made by actual Mexican people, that is to DIE for!!!)
So, I went. I bought my burrito to go, ate some of it on the way (which, OF COURSE, involved getting it on my shirt!!!) and then I headed off to the Civic Center.
After finishing my burrito in the car, I headed over to the Civic Center. ( I should have known that the parking was an indication of the attendance of the Expo -- next time I will know better!!) Okay -- LAME!! There were more people manning the booths than people looking for jobs. And some of them were like Mary Kay, and AFLAC -- looking for independent people and not really even a similar situation as mine.
So, I walked around for an hour and a half or so, asking a few questions about recruiting and asking a few questions about possibilities for my honey and my dad -- who are both in the market! Then, I was done -- not enough to stimulate my mind. But, I had heard about another job fair at Scottsdale Community College, so I could spend some more of my work day going there.
As I was walking out, I saw this girl, talking on her cell phone, against the wall, near the door. As I looked at her, I thought, "wow, she really looks like Trish!" (Trish is a friend from another lifetime of 14 years ago - darling girl, and I hadn't seen or talked to her in at least 9 years!) And, as I took a second look, she said, "HEY!! I know you!!" It WAS Trish!
We spent a few minutes catching up about mutual friends -- whose married, how many kids, etc. Then, she had an appointment for a job interview, so she had to go. I gave her my business card and asked her to call me.
It was sooooooooo good to see her! Sometimes I like the little flashbacks like that we have, to remind us of good friends and good memories! I like to think that every friend I have ever had has somehow touched my life for good. Whether it is just for a moment or for an eternity, each person has made a difference to me. And, I'm glad to be reminded of that, by seeing a familiar face in an unlikely place.

God works in mysterious ways

Yesterday, I came across as someone who has given up on mankind. That isn't exactly true -- I personally know LOTS of people who would NEVER use a gun to take another's life. And, my friends and I have been talking lately about what people can/should do to help others.
Today, as I humbly make this entry, I will tell about an opportunity that I had to help another. And, I mean this humbly, and I don't expect any sort of praise, and I am not boasting of myself, but am ever impressed with the opportunities that God gives us, to let us choose what we will do with it!
Anyway, this is how it happened:
My nephew asked me to take him to Wal-Mart, to get some ping pong balls. So, off we went. Jorge (my husband) was on the phone with a friend, so he was waiting in the car. My nephew, his friend and I paid for the items that we needed and headed out the door. By that time, Jorge was standing on the sidewalk, outside of Wal-Mart, still on the phone.
When I approached him, he said, in Spanish, "You have an opportunity to do some service today."
Questioning him with the look on my face, he replied, "A lady needs a ride. She was crying and said that she needs a ride."
I looked up to see a woman carrying a small child. I am like a Nazi (you know how that feels, Maddy!! LOL) about little children in carseats, so my initial reaction was "NO WAY!!" So, I said, "Jorge, we don't have room for them!"
He, ironically, didn't see the woman with the small child, and started questioning why didn't we have room. Let me further explain by saying that my nephew is 6'1, and his friend . . . well, not so tall, but these are NOT little boys!! Jorge started to explain how and why we should make room for this lady, and how it can work.
I take a second look, because he has said NOTHING about the small child . . . to see this little lady, pushing a cart full of Wal-Mart bags, and looking very distraught. My heart instantly melted, at the dismay on her face. I asked her, "Do you need some help? Did you lose your car?"
"I just need a ride!" she answered.
I asked for a little more information, "Where do you need a ride to?"
She said "Power road -- I just need a ride to Power road!"
At that point, I was a little confused, because we were at the Wal-Mart that is on the corner of Superstition Springs and Southern, about 1/2 a mile from Power Road. She started telling me about some landmarks that are around where she needed to go, some of which did not sound familiar.
So, we loaded her stuff in the trunk, made all the boys (Jorge included) sit in the backseat, and we were off! She was so worried about getting home, that she didn't even put her seat belt on properly . . . she just held it the whole time. (usually I'm a Nazi about that too, but she was already WAY stressed!!)
As she climbed in the car, she exclaimed, "You are with God!!" And proceeded to thank me again and again for giving her a ride.
I asked her how she got to Wal-Mart, and she said that someone dropped her off, and they were supposed to come back and get her but they hadn't done that.
We drove about a mile south on Power before she started saying things like, "Okay, there's the gas station . . . " etc. She said, "I'm strange here, so I don't really know too many streets . . . ."
(She was so cute -- I knew what she meant!)
Anyway, when we arrived at her daughter's house, she said, "I need to give you a hug!" (This wasn't very appealing to me, as she smelled as though she had been walking in the heat ALL DAY!!) But, I let her give me a hug, and then she said, "I love you! Thank you so much!!"
As Jorge helped her unload her items from the trunk, she said "I love you" again, and waved good-bye.
It was ackward for me -- who tells a complete stranger "I love you!"??? But, it was pure and innocent and came from her heart, as she was so grateful for the help that we had given her.
As we drove away, I got very emotional -- I could see my Mom, walking through the Wal-Mart parking lot, confused and distraught! I only hope and pray that if that day does come, when my Mom needs help from a stranger, they will reach out to her, too.
I really got a view of "if you have done it unto the least of these my brethren, you have done it unto Me" because my Heavenly Father wanted me to see that woman that way . . . as one of His daughters that needed my help.
I'm glad that my husband has such a big heart, that he helped me to see the need there -- he said, "Maybe I don't understand her English, but I think she need our help!"
Truly a humbling, reassuring experience, that God IS aware of what we need, and if we pay attention, we can be His hands, here on earth, to help and lift others.

celebratin' Maddy

Maddy -- from minute one of meeting her, she was as spunky, sarcastic, and outgoing as anyone who knows her will tell you she always is!
Michelle and I go way back, and have been friends for almost eight years. We have been scrappin' together that long, because that is how we met. But, in 2001, I decided to move to Utah, and Michelle found some new scrap friends, via 2 peas.
Anyway, in May or June, 2005, Kerry, Michelle and Maddy came to Utah, for CKU. I agreed to meet them for dinner in Draper, a suburb of Salt Lake, for dinner.
We met at Guadalahonky's, which is a Mexican food restaurant. At the door, when we walked in, there was a big sign, advertising their special, which they called "The Big Taco". Underneath this name was "Taco Grande", which is Spanish for "Big Taco". We kinda joked about how anyone who has ever eaten at TAco Bell knows what "Taco Grande" means.
Anyway, we sat down to eat, and we were all placing our orders. When it was my turn, I was sorta making a joke out of it, and ordered THE BIG TACO. Maddy made some kind of comment about me being so fluent in Spanish and everything, that I had to order it in English.
What she didn't know, at that point, was that I AM fluent in Spanish, (see Latin Lover reference -- we wouldn't be able to communicate, verbally, if I weren't fluent in Spanish!!). So, then I proceeded to tell Maddy that -- we all had a good laugh about that.
Since then Maddy has shown me what a great sport she is and how she can dish it out, but she can also take it! I love that about her!
And, did you know she has a son?? Just kidding, Maddy! ;) Love ya!

WHY????

There are so many things, in this world, that make me ask this question -- WHY?? And I know that others, especially in Virginia, today, are asking as well.
Why did one 23-year old man become so lost and angry, that he started his week massacring 32 other human beings, and then killing himself? Why did he feel that he needed violence to somehow make a mark on the world?
Why did he choose to make a mark against his own race, by letting loose with gunfire, in a part of the country that has been riddled with prejudice for hundreds of years?
In light of the ongoing immigration debate (read as "battle"), occurences such as this, and the shootings in the Trolley Square Mall in Salt Lake City, in February, by the young man from Bosnia, do NOTHING to encourage people to welcome foreign nationals to the United States. This is one of the GOOD reasons for strict immigration screening/monitoring. We, as US citizens, would like to feel that people who are allowed to come into the United States, legally, are here to enjoy the many freedoms that this country offers, in a peaceful, non-violent way.
I know that I would like to feel safe going to work, or the mall, or the grocery store, and not have to worry that some psycho with a gun is going to attack me. Those poor students who witnessed yesterday's bloodbath may not be able to feel safe for a long time.
I read some accounts of students at Columbine High School, after the violence in their school, in 1999. Some of them are scarred for life. At least one of them, because of what happened, later committed suicide, because they found no hope for the future.
I remember English class from Junior High -- learning about man's inhumanity to man. Yesterday we saw that displayed perfectly, as a "quiet, calm man" opened fire on random classrooms full of people.
Why do people do what they do? How does God watch all this happen? I guess the eternal law of free will or agency is the driving force, and unfortunately, every human being, regardless of their psychosis, gets to make their own choices.

Where oh where did my weekend go???

Is it just me, or do weekends FLY by, while the other days of the week, specifically those hours spent at work, crawl at a snail's pace???
I swear, Saturday was gone before I could get any housework done -- my husband and I joked that maybe we'll have time in June or July to vacuum! HA HA (That's not my favorite thing, but it is a necessary evil!)
Thankfully we are both of the "Sunday is a day of rest" way of thinking, so no housework (except for a few dishes) on Sunday. And neither one of us has to feel guilty or pressured to do that sort of work on Sunday. Woo hoo.
Last night, at choir practice, we were practicing for Mother's Day! I can't believe that May is already that close! CRAZY!! Maybe by this time next year, I can be celebrated, on Mother's Day, as a Mother . . . I can hope, right?? And keep practicing, wink, wink!
And then there is Monday morning -- I dread Mondays! I always have, except for the year and a half stint as an LDS Missionary, when Mondays were our preparation days, (aka day off from the usual workload!). Those Mondays weren't so bad!
But, even when there is a holiday on a Monday, that I don't have to be at work for, Tuesday falls right into that Monday spot -- lots of things don't go right, and lots of unexpected things happen. I guess that falls right in line with how life works, sometimes!

Grand Opening!

Don't we as shoppers get excited by those words?? Well, I decided to use them for the title of my first entry! OOOOOH, I'm so excited!
I have to thank all my MAS friends who have got me so hooked on reading their blogs that I've decided to have my own!
I am a huge believer in recording everyday events in life, even though I am not the greatest at doing it! Maybe this will help . . .