standards

In the glitter city of Vegas listening to standards the likes of Johnny Mathis, Andy Williams, Irving Berlin, Cole Turner - a concert off the strip in the solitide of the weekend's accommodations, I'm soon to retire for the evening.

The husband edits some photography taken from the learning event we participated in the last two days and I update social networks and blogs as I let the pieces of a talk I'll be giving float around in my head until they work themselves together.

There's an honesty, romance, and transparency to the words pouring forth in melodious syncopation I am hearing. I am thoroughly enjoying this music and thankful to the people who have set it deeply into my soul - my mom and dad, all the singers of the time devoted to the nuances of its craft, and the beautiful voice of my precious friend Paula Prince.

It's simple things that bring beauty and peace to the soul. Thankful.

pre 2010 retrospect

At the end of 2009, I think what a decade! The husband and I, married in 1999, shared the decade with our youngest and all of the total eight of the family blend. We became home-owners by the grace of God and, in a decade ending in financial crisis, we are still here, better situated than when we started, and gainfully employed. While long we have walked with the Lord as best we could, this decade has taken us to a whole new level in that walk, with God fulfilling His promise to a 13-year-old me that I would be the wife of a minister.

While we have had trials along the way and we have had our failures, and disappointments, and have some yet to be victorious over; we have come so very far. In 1999 our family may have seemed a ragtag group but, now it 10th season, it has found its way. I'm proud of each and everyone of the children and the spouses of those that are married. We have had weddings, military enlistments, studies abroad, artistic performances, scholarships, academic achievements, graduations, and the care and passing of parents.

I marvel too at all the husband has accomplished in these the years we have had together. And together we have made many friends, and some precious lasting ones. I am thankful for those friends and for family - those of his I've met, and for my brother and sister and their families and our cousins, etc. Most of all I am constantly amazed at God in our lives.

What will 2010 bring? I don't know ... but I'm in for the long haul!

youngest closes third grade on a high

With one more day of school, the third grade rolled into the auditorium for awards. Two of our neighbors were amongst them. It has been a busy year - field trips to Mary Vagle Nature Center, San Diego Wild Animal Park, the Lewis Library/police department/City Hall with his former planning commissioner dad; talent show; being qualified to test for GATE; and monthly assemblies. Today lunch is being provided by In N Out. Tomorrow they will be watching the Spiderwick Chronicles.

But his class all sat to collect their awards for the year from his teacher and the new vice-principal with other classes; and he had three - Exemplary School Year Performance in Social Studies, Proficiency Award for the third trimester, and Outstanding Achievement for Academic Proficiency all three trimesters. Mrs. Rangel was an excellent teacher. It's been a good year!

TX trippin' Incidentals

Before I go on ...

let me take a moment to say I love my Garmin Nuvi GPS - it made navigation virtually painfree. It found our destinations; where we wanted to eat, stop, fuel; revealed our errors and directed us back on track; and kept us apprised of our progress.

Let me also say SIM is so kewl - he is generally low key and easygoing. He took time with the youngest on a project to write a story. They worked it out on a laptop over the roadtrip and the last couple of days of the vacation, ironing out the plot and discussing plagerism. He is sending him the final edit in a few days.

Let me confess I broke the husband's phone. Really, it was an accident. Holding off going to the restroom while everyone else went, in order to check us in Thursday, I waited until we got to our room. Getting in the car to ride to it from the check-in circle, I noticed my zipper of my opened windbreaker was preventing the car door from closing, so I pulled it closed again before I realized I needed to pull the jacket out of the way. When, he found his phone inoperative, I probably shouldn't have said it wasn't me! so quickly. Shortly thereafter I realized it was his phone that had been in my jacket and had been the doorblocking culprit. I felt so bad. Thank God for insurance. Thank God for a forgiving husband.

Where art I?

Where have I been all year? Well its been busy. The new boss at the office isn't me, so making adjustments to someone new to our department who has not been in the office a lot. With the youngest's school restarting, church commitment escalating, the spare time is sparse!

I've been mentioning the talent of son-in-law - so I'm finally displaying some. Here's the Christmas card graphics he did for their greetings this year. (I'm going to ignore the fact that he scoffed at my idea for a joint-venture - must be the Texas air.)

They have high ideals for their dog, Cali!

Then some time ago, I mentioned the water color he did on canvas for me ...

It's a signed original and graces our bedroom quite peacefully.

Well times up - I'll steal back again when I can.

Mulling with Cider - Goodbye 2007; Happy 2008!

Goodbye 2007; Happy 2008!

Was going to Palm Springs - but as things go the high there will be about 66; not that much different than here and rain is imminent. So I am taking care of a few things and sitting down (looking 'round for a spider) with some cider to mull over the last few days :-)

The vacation time is waning away and I will return to work on the 8th. Have a few things to lock in school (yes, I picked one - will talk about that another time) - but have to write a 500 word paper among other things.

A wonderful animal story for children is Andre, the seal - if you like that genre I recommend it for renting. Today I watched the Miracle Dogs - and that is cute as well. I discovered that there is Miracle Dogs Too,

Watched Will Smith's I am Legend. That was intense. It talks about listening for God; here's an interesting review. While I didn't recall the whole story line, I vividly remember one Christmas going to see its predecessor, Charleton Heston's The Omega Man, with my father years ago. Richard Matheson's novel was also made as The Last Man on Earth.

Watched Louis Gossett Jr., a darling little girl, Penny Bae Bridges (she's related to Todd Bridges of Different Strokes fame), and the incomparable Gena Rowlands in a movie, The Color of Love: Jacey's Story, about mixed relations in the south. The youngest, watching it with me,was able to see what hatred does to people.

A site recommended couples watching and discussing relationship movies together and provided a list. Meanwhile, I happened across a Story of Us movie with Bruce Willis and Michelle Pfieffer about a couple entertaining ending their marriage - it was a scary concept and I could see familiar personality traits in it.

I have yet to watch Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol, but I will. Dicken's Christmas Carol is the most remade Christmas movie ever. I saw one yesterday with lovely multi-talented Vanessa Williams playing a witchy diva who comes to her senses.

Our interim pastor, whose term is soon coming to an end as they begin a new pastorate in Wisconsin, and family is in Iowa attending a funeral for his wife's brother. Our thoughts and prayers are with her and the family. Church had a watch service this year - a good way to harken the new year. The veggie tale pirates break open a new movie so we are going to see a preview at Family Christian Store. On the tail end of a season of fasting and praying (try that during the holidays *L), the ladies have a brunch that Saturday as well. The annual superbowl fellowship is coming up too. There also is a couples Valentine retreat in the works down the road.

Had hoped to get out to see the Giant before the end of my vacation, but now plan to make that visit within the next 7 weeks while he's there; hoping to see my brother before vacation end too. Will be previewing a card graphic from the son-in-law - telling him we should do greeting cards together.

July - already!

Look at the time!

I'm somewhat glad June has slip by - it was, not without its virtues, a difficult month. If I were doing a biometric thing I'd say 'whew, that emotional line is all over the place!"

The youngest was student of the month of May in his classroom. Yeah! Had a day off so I could enjoy that. Walked to his school and back home again, chatting with neighbors on the way. The weather is changing to the neighborly style where you have a minute for another person and can catch up with each other. It's a great time of year.

Visited Oasis Community Church, Moreno Valley, the first Sunday and afterward went to Sizzler for lunch. They just couldn't get the husband's order right! When he finally got his sirloin tips well done, they were scrumptious and my fish and chips were great. Overall we had a lovely sabbath.

The husband and I were going to attend a denominational discipling seminar only to find after driving through traffic to Norwalk it had been cancelled. They were very apologetic about not having gotten me the notice. So instead we leisurely slammed some breakfast at Denny's and visited his ministerial mentor. I hadn't met him and his wife - so it was a lovely day anyway. After all, it was another day off from work. I didn't get a chance to check-in on my brother, who didn't live very far away, but I have been able to get in touch with him this month and hope to see him the upcoming holiday weekend.

My hawaiian friend came through in a hayz - we should be seeing their family in two short months. The oldest of our two youngest girls turned 16 - woah and is learning to drive; look out world! Happy Birthday! My godchild, a lovely young lady, had a birthday this month - hey gyrl! My sister and brother-in-law (27) and my Ace and her husband (18 - and their son turned 4 too) had anniversaries - bless you all! I missed the renewed vows (25 years of marriage) of Compton (now living in Palmdale) cousin and his wife who I have yet to meet - I hope that gets remedied someday soon. My nephew, brother's son, graduated from high school - woohoo, very proud of him!

Happy belated Father's Day to all you devoted dad's out there, especially to the husband who is there for his mine and ours! It gets rocky at times movin' the one by one into adulthood - so glad the Lord helps us through! The youngest allowed me to join them for dinner out at Red Robin's - they have the best fish and chips - on a Friday night pre-celebration which I as the third wheel' thoroughly enjoyed.

I started a major campaign of regaining our retreat (the master bedroom) - some evil calamity ;-) seems to have had a hold over its appearance. I can now walk in the walk-in closet and found my desk; the husband has installed the new blinds; and it seems to have grown immensely as slowly I throw out , put, and give things away. I've been quite a busier bee around the house. My final stroke was to attack the hall closet - I actually know what's in there now.

Tyrtle has become quite comfortable in his new digs! What a life - eat, swim and sunbathe all day! You'd think he'd be grateful ;-0 - but he made a great escape again just the other day, only to be rounded up by one of the dogs (maybe there's some sheep/turtle dog in there somewhere).

The youngest has finished his school year - hallelujah! He achieved an additional attendance award at the end of the year - we're very proud of his perseverance in the face of adversity this year and overall academic achievements. Here's a Major News Flash! A couple of years ago, after falling while trying to learn to ride his bike the youngest was basically traumatized and vowed never to ride! Well , we gave it another 'go'! Now he's riding all over the place - and the three of us ride together.


The husband has just gone 'gun ho' on the fitness thing too - he's participating in a walk challenge at the work place, we walk down to the store and around the neighborhood together, with the dogs, or the youngest - rewarding ourselves with an occasional smoothie stop at Juice it Up! (they have double ticket clicks and Tuesdays and Thursdays which quickly gets us to some free ones), and now bike riding! Have a new spiffy pedometer -- the Omron HJ-112 the husband gave me - keeps track of steps, aerobic steps, aerobic minutes, miles, and kcal burn. Quite motivating. Let's see if my numbers go up. I'm doing really well, and in the women's challenge I've only missed one point so far and have already made that up with a bonus challenge. I missed a goal again at the end of the month because I had bashed my toe during the week (please, don't ask!) and in the next and final week I will be able to make that up and successfully complete the challenge! Overall I have increased my automatic daily activity to an healthy level and am enjoying the extra support, challenge, and companionship from the husband.

So though I started out the post on a low note - it is clear that the Lord works all things to the good of those who diligently seek Him. He is ever faithful!

And there you have it; June in July! Meanwhile keep the middle daughter lifted up as she begins new endeavors - may the Lord's grace and protection fervently rest upon her as He completes her - of course that applies to all of us!

Look at the time...

Came back from vacation all rested and my mind and body totally rejects the idea of going into drive. This did not bode well with the workload waiting for me which was only exacerbated by an abrupt absence of #1, me being #2, this now made me 1.5 - where upon I was forced into overdrive.

However, having been summarily chastised by my huge (ha ha) following or as it is said 'back due to popular demand,’ I am here to blog.

• Celebrations - My dear ‘dahli'ng friend had her birthday and I hope she was blessed with a wonderful celebration. My brother's son had a birthday as well. He's a senior in high school. I'm very proud of him.
• Speaking of relatives! a cousin and her daughter, both of whom I haven’t seen in over 10 years, came from NJ for a visit. Her two brothers live out here, the youngest of which was getting married! She and her daughter, my youngest, and I spent a lovely day in Palm Springs. They and her brothers, the groom's son, and I spent another day traipsing around Victoria Garden's having lunch at Lucille's. Speaking of which! It is impossible to be nutrition conscious there! I enjoyed a hot link and ribs with greens. Yeah, I could have had chicken but c'mon!
• Second Chance - have you seen that movie? It is well worth the watch! It will make you think about how you walk with Jesus.
• I've been praying for a lot of people, of course including of course Virginia Tech and Johnson Space Center - and online especially. The weight of people’s woes seems particularly heavy right now. Please pray endurance for me.
• In case you haven't noticed I've lost 10 pounds!
• The giant had a car accident but he is okay; however the car was ‘put to sleep’.
• Sunday the 22nd was Earth Day – check this out ‘Gen 1: 26-31

Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground." So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground." Then God said, "I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds of the air and all the creatures that move on the ground--everything that has the breath of life in it--I give every green plant for food." And it was so. God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning--the sixth day.

• Err of Imus – I think the issue here that stands out above all most common obnoxious speech aired is this was directed at specific people who came to hear and their families and friends hear this awful talk – a total lack of concern about these ladies’ feelings.
• NBA Playoffs – I love this game!

Oooo, look at the time! There is just not enough time in a day! I'm going to try to get back here real soon; the month ain't hardly wrapped up yet!

Thanks to all of you who actually read this stuff and blessings to you all.

No waste!

Snatching a minute to blog while the youngest is getting a haircut. Yay; its not me doin’ it! Fantastic Sam’s had a coupon I’m taking advantage of. So, three days into March, I need to wrap up February.

Maybe, I’ll back my way into it…
We are six days (and 7 nights) from a week long vacation – haven’t done that in years (about four now), so I am eagerly looking forward to it – Lake Havasu to see the London Bridge! The youngest (the one getting the haircut) is off-track at his school for the entire month – so he is traversing with us. He doesn’t likely remember the trip he took with us to Orlando before he was two. Also he is getting an award at school on Tuesday (the last day); he got one last month (to our chagrin, we missed the information on that one) too. The proud parents will be there.

It’s been a busy time the last week and I’ve worked hard on weight loss (I didn’t say I’d never talk about it!); have you noticed the progress? It’s been an up and down proposition, but I think it is beginning to pay off. I’m using the trip as a quick short term goal, just because I can.

In that light and in general, I’ve been struggling with discouragement – you may have noticed in my last post. I’m basically a positive person and feel like my atmosphere has been an increasing reminder of negativity. I was reminded today however that God doesn’t waste anything – so there’s a purpose for everything – that’s the positive. I looked high and low for that and He gave it to me today.

I haven’t seen my brother since before the new year – who lives what – an hour away – but where is the time to travel into traffic and return in traffic with so much stuff going on – meetings and engagements - so many plans gone awry. It’s hard to get off of a moving carousel. However I decided to take the award day (above) off and kill two birds with one stone. I should be able to spend time with my brother and still get back before traffic escalates.

Had my second 9/80 day off last Friday and I spent that one trying to kill other birds. The eye doctor’s office informed me it had been since September since I was supposed to pick up some contacts – that one’s off of my ‘to do’ list. Tried to make use of a gift card on trip essentials, but didn’t see anything of value. May have to fit that in later this week – it was an excuse to go back to Victoria Gardens.

Missed my friend's Gold Canyon candle party, but I have some goodies ordered! Cathy and Lee have been battling her life threatening disease and by God's grace they’ve won; praise God. That was so good to find out. Talk about renewing leases – the lease on life is the most profound. As believers, its nice to be able to approach it knowing that the equation is going home or finishing His work here. I'm continuing in prayer for her job. God is good! The Ace was able to get her son into the preschool program she had waitlisted an year. By the grace of God she was the last one in on a first-come/first-serve 6AM enrollment call. Yes, God is good. And her husband is able to be back at work for which we’ve all been long praying. I know the re-adjustment may be hard. But for God, there’s no waste; everything is for a reason. The prayer list seems partiularly long these days, but no prayer is wasted with God. In that vein, we are continuing in prayer for my husband's life-long friend's wife who's diagnosis of cancer does not look good for their family of four little ones and for all those who we know have family battling this disease and those unknown. God be with them all!

Our women’s study has started a new book and we are all excited. It’s Max Lucado’s Cure for the Common Life – the cover has two beautiful short haired lab like dogs lazing on the couch. If we are peculiar people, certainly an uncommon life should accompany us. There is a workbook that we are making our way through. Our group is going to kick off a monthly Saturday study in April as well and the First Place study is seriously being considered; I’ve ordered the group starter kit to initiate it. There is much to look forward to.

Most of all I am sooooo looking forward to our vacation. The place is right on the water with beach and pools, lots of activities in and around the area – gotta talk to a man about buying a bridge ;-)

My, he looks handsome with his haircut; time to go!

into February ...

A week into February - where did the time go? Life has been a many splendored thing!

• Well, thank you Brown, the package has finally arrived to stay - today! It wasn't in the best of condition, this delivery; but workable - so it gets to stay. The husband is at home and maybe the giant too - I wonder if it'll be put together by the time I get home. The giant didn't get the job from the last interview, but has some more set up - keep him in prayer. The floor is matted. The exercise bike is in place. And today I am a pound less than last week. It's time to step up the program!
• The 9/80 work week started and is going pretty well. I had my first Friday off last week. I used it to wait for people like housecleaners, service people, and school principals - oh joy. But more progress was made on the garage - and more things given to Goodwill and the Agape House. The next day off will be a 4-day weekend as the following Monday is a holiday - how kewl!
• The husband has wooed me to dinner a few times - we have patronized Tony Roma's again and also went to Chili's. At Tony's my eyes were so much larger than my stomach. I brought half of those ribs home.
  At Chili's I just love their Chicken Crispers. Again, I think the effects of working toward weight loss was reflected, as I couldn't begin to consume all of the food. But this time maybe it was because I over-ordered ;-). With a main course you can get a side of ribs for $5.99. Who could resist that? And then those onion blossoms! I couldn't even order their delicious mexican eggrolls sigh. But the good news is I dutifully packed up a lot of my meal for take home and dined on it over the rest of the week. Still maybe those bump ups on my weight loss progress chart are for a reason ...
  
• We had our annual superbowl party complete with tossing penalty flags into the middle of the floor and replete with food. And yet again, I did very well - one small plate of food even though I, yes me, made a dish myself - chicken nachos (recipe forthcoming). I was for the Colts, so very happy with the day's outcome.
• We must give homage to the youngest's godfather (picturing Marlon Brando in my head), a dear friend of ours - Happy Birthday Andre!
• Other dear friends of ours had an anniversary - Congratulations Aaron and Jody!
• The husband and I sensed a need to request a change for the youngest one's teacher. He had and absolutely wonderful teacher, Mrs. Zappe, in kindergarten. In 1st grade, Mr. Ferguson continued to challenge and stimulate him. But we are noticing signs of discouragement in the 2nd grade and not because the work is too hard. So after the principal did not return my 2 phone calls and a subsequent conversation I did have with the teacher (after 2 emails), dad took over the reigns and carried the baton from mom. They met today and if there is no improvement for the youngest, it'll be pressed even without relenting.
• The family room is getting a face lift - along with the TV the husband has been long wanting (no not a plasma!), I on the other had was able to adorn it with a lovely entertainment center. He was able to take advantage of 'after the bowl savings' and I snagged a no longer to be carried item before it disappeared into oblivion for a remarkable price that was only available until midnight the evening I spotted it. The wonders of the internet - I could still snatch it up even though the hour was late. It is now scheduled for delivery.

That's enough for a week into February; isn't it?

capsulizations

My supervisor drops the ball like a hot potato unusually often right into my lap - anything but to hold onto it which becomes increasingly frustrating. Then I think, the person has been down with severe back pain; it must be the pain killers.

A squirrel watches helpless as vehicles move to avoid it after coming around a sanitation truck in the Sierra Madre somewhat rural residential street; helplessly because it was already hit and unable to move but still very much aware.

A young woman walks with hands thrust in coat pockets with purpose but visibly upset and crying as she crosses at an Altadena intersection.

The husband's lifelong friend try to get their lives around his wife's diagnosis of cancer while they await further prognosis. They have a lot of little ones.

Why I don't know but, while not solely, I am seeing sorrow, suffering and sadness today. It's a time to pray.

ruminant rants and raves rummaging

capsulization

No one ever told me told me how to take a capsule of medicine. So when as a teen I was first required to, I looked at the little plastic tubing and took it apart, pouring the contents in a glass of water which I quickly drank. This may typify my very nature to make a forest of trees. Now you tell me what I just said?

fallen from Grace

I have never liked CNN's Nancy Grace show - her last name is an irony. I can't see making a living being a hard-nose, but apparently there is a market for it. It is not so much her opinions but her attack approach - dis'Graceful ranting and raving - that repels me. While I don't understand the point of such TV programming, someone losing their life behind it is even harder to comprehend. This would be a hard one to sleep on.

jumped judgements

Although I am judgemental at times (surely proven in my posts), I recently saw a movie - the sisterhood of the traveling pants (definitely tissue material) - that causes me to check myself. (The Giant (eldest son) was walking around the house with manly disputations regarding it while I watched). While I loved the other story lines going on as well, especially with the distant girl making a new friend despite herself, it was the self-adsorbed 'all that' girl (really? am I that judgemental?) that made a homerun on my thoughts. It's not that we are always wrong with what we percieve about someone, but often jump the gun because we don't have a clue as to why so which would balance our personal assessment. When I found out why so with her, my heart was softened. Lord give me the wisdom of Solomon so that I would not be so misjudging or too hard-hearted. Note: I didn't see the movie from the very beginning and have yet to do so (and you know I will), but I suspect that is no excuse.