A Stone's Throw Away From Forever

Welcome to 2012! So Glad You Made It!

2012-01-03T13:21:00.002-06:00

Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine.

~Anthony J. D'Angelo, The College Blue Book

Yesterday, I awoke to the sound of a dozen (or so) vocally talented birds outside my window. A couple of times I almost swore that the Andrea Bocelli of the group was inside my room! No lie! I was almost persuaded to get up and double check that the window and screen were intact but alas, my down filled bed was too comfy to leave it. I smiled and rolled over. Let him sing his teeny heart and lungs out. I didn’t care if he was perched on my headboard, he was serenading me. What a way to wake up on a chilly Monday morn!

The sun shines and warms and lights us and we have no curiosity to know why this is so; but we ask the reason of all evil, of pain, and hunger, and mosquitoes and silly people.

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

After lying in bed for another hour (I decided to go into work an hour later than usual), I forced myself to get up, get ready and leave. As I grabbed my gear and ran out the door, I went to my car and found that that Andrea Bocelli and his choir had a Poop Fest on it! No one's was defecated on but mine! I’m not talking a splat, here and there. I’m talking ALL OVER. I had to run the washer and wipers for a full 2 minutes just to get the windshield clear enough for me to see out of it!

While I was smiling contentedly and enjoying the sweet music, those suckers were doing their dirty deed! Of all the nerve! It was probably Bocelli that came up with the idea. Happy New Year in bird hieroglyphics or something.

But it made me think. I can appreciate the sweet music of life or I can look at all the crap (excuse the word) that life tends to dish out. I can enjoy the good times and just wipe the bad times away. It may take time for the bad times to be wiped out completely but then my way will be clear and free of nasty obstacles and I can enjoy the rest of the ride. Until more nastiness comes along. Then I’ll just repeat the steps and keep going!

So here’s to the Monday Morning Serenades & Poop Fests of 2012! May the serenades of your new year be filled with joy, love, happiness, friends and family! Good times and great memories! And may the poop fests serve to remind you to slow down and clear your mind of the crap that sometimes gets to be too much. Happy New Year, ya’ll!

I wish I was a glow worm,
A glow worm's never glum.
'Cos how can you be grumpy
When the sun shines out your bum!
~Author Unknown

My Top Ten

2011-11-22T12:43:00.003-06:00

Tis the season to be thankful, Fa la la la laa, la la la la!

My faith. Where would I be without God in my life? I used to entertain the idea of a life sans God. Now the thought is foreign to me. What would I be without Him? Life without the promise and hope of Heaven and seeing His face is bleak and pointless. Meaningless. I’m so thankful for His faithfulness. No one will ever be able to understand how much I am grateful for His sustaining hand and how, no matter what I’ve done to Him or treated Him, He has never left me forsaken or crying out to Him.

My parents. I can’t imagine how much they have sacrificed over the years for my siblings and I. I can’t imagine them packing up their lives and moving from their families and home and coming to the states. I can only hope that someday I can be as sacrificial a parent as they have been.

My sister. I don’t tell her often but I love her and can’t imagine life without her. I often try to but end up making myself sad! We rarely see eye to eye but she has always been there for me! I love her.

My brother. He has always been there and even though he’s hundreds of miles away, he is still being a big bro!

My family. I get a bit chocked up here. I love my family to pieces. Extended family, immediate…all of them. J They are the craziest bunch I’ve known and I’m proud to be a Menzies-Slusher!

My pastor. There was a time, brutal honesty here, where his name may not have been on this list. I saw him too much as a man with many faults and shortcomings. I’ve known him almost all my life and ~~knew~~ saw him more as an uncle than a pastor. I couldn’t understand why he did what he did and said what he did. I saw him as controlling, and interfering. Then I went to God for my attitude. Every time I got to my knees, I begged God for a true and deep love and an appreciation for this man who “holds my soul”. I can’t tell you when it happened but it did. I love him beyond words can say. I can’t say that I always understand him or what he does but I have a deep respect for him and his office. He stands between me and heaven (or hell!) and if he seems to take things further than I think should be, who am I to complain?! If it’s keeping me out of Hell, thank you! (And I am not perfect, I still struggle with this at times…)

My friends! I can’t give shout outs because someone will be left out but Jennifer and Lyda keep me from doing and saying things that may make me lose my job! They always have an encouraging word for me. Jennifer is awesome. Who else could I call at 12 midnight or 8am and chit chat with? Who else would enjoy a good giggle fest at 1am on Saturday morning?! Who else could I share my dreams and emotions with? Lyda is my “oldest friend”. I met her the summer I turned 11, I believe. Oh, to be that young again! I hope to always count her as one of my dearest friends. She knows exactly what to say to make me feel better about myself.

My job. It’s not the greatest and I don’t love coming to work but I’m thankful that I have one and that throughout the Great Recession, I’ve never been in want.

Vacation time! I’m so thankful for a job (crummy as it is!) that offers me vacation time because sometimes I think it’s the only thing that keeps me sane! (along with Jesus, of course!)

My car! Speaking in faith here! LOL

A Wander's Musings

2011-11-14T11:24:00.000-06:00

Over and over the world will I roam

Until I find my home.

The places I see, the people I meet

Until at last, my home.

I travel from dawn, I travel ‘til dusk.

Seeking a place to call home.

From far East, and then West…and back again

All on my journey t’wards home.

I’ve seen deserts and plains, I’ve lain in the fields

I’ve danced in the brooks and the streams.

I’ve ascended the peaks, I’ve decended them, too

I’ve crossed the wide oceans and seas.

I’ve made friends with a stranger, I’ve walked in his shoes

I’ve shared my secrets and dreams.

I’ve lived like he lived, and loved as he did

Learning things are not always as they seem.

I’ve seen poor beggers on corners, in rain

As the rich man just passes them by.

Then also a poor man who knows not he’s poor

And rich men who do nothing but cry.

Over and over the world have I roamed

Searching for a place to call home.

The places I’ve seen, the Strangers and Friends

Have led me right back to my Home.

Hmmm.

2011-11-12T13:15:00.006-06:00

My creative juices keep flowing! Let's see if I will actually get anything done! :)

So. Since my brother packed up and took off, his room has been somewhat of a "catch all". Not only is the closet my 3rd one (shhhh! Don't tell anyone!), the room is also Mother's work area and her sewing area. It is also the guestroom. Should we ever have any. Not that we have many.

I pieced together the items above and I'm happy they look nice together because I already have them!

Mother would like a photo collage on one wall as well. I'm thinking of painting one wall a turquoise shade and having navy, turquoise, black and white being the main colors for the room. The problem will be to try to keep the room looking decent and not reverting back to a storage shed! (I admit, I store some junk in there, too.)

I ♥ this idea for above the sleeper sofa! We shall see...

I need to SEW again!

2011-11-08T15:57:00.003-06:00

This is what is floating around in my brain...

Course, I can't sew a purse or shoes...those would have to be purchased. :)

Ten Twenty-Four Soliloqy

2011-10-24T15:35:00.005-05:00

Oh Monday, how I hate thee!

Thou hast the evil ability to ruin an otherwise good day. For this reason alone I should despise thee.

Yet, more reasons have I.

Thou followest my bosom pal, Weekend. Oh, if only Weekend were to linger!

Then I would never be forced to behold thy face!

Thou heraldest the return of Work, another deplorable creature.

Oh! If only my life were without you two!

I would die happy! (Possibly quite soon, without having means for sustenance, shelter or clothing, but this is beyond the point I am attempting to make)

Begone, Oh Hated Day! Begone!

Baaaaa! Baaaaa! Baaaaaa!

2011-09-28T16:46:00.005-05:00

So...Jen and I are goofing off like normal right now. Nothing new.

Somehow we began discussing a dream I had last week about a beeeyoootiful baby girl. (With a head full of thick, jet black hair. Mustn't leave that out.)

**Oh, by the way, if you're not a baby lover, please disregard this post. ;)**

Where was I?

Ah yes, the dream. The baby was not mine, for several obvious reasons not important to this post, and it was a brief dream but for some reason we are talking about it.

I just now admitted that I am a baby addict. Well, I've always known it. Well, at least since I was, oh, five?! :) But yes, I've just come the the realization that I am one of those crazy women who smile at random children in public, dream about them (twice now in one week) and unconsciously rock them when someone else is holding them and they are fussing and or sleepy.

Yes, I want a child.

I tried to bring up artificial insemination to my father a couple years ago. That didn't go so well. Bummer.

Anyhoo. So, in jest, I say to Jen, "Hi, my name is Michelle and I'm a baby addict."

Jen replies this - I would’ve made you join BAA {Baby Addicts Anonymous} looooong ago.

Friends are grand, eh? She' s now going into something else...more sinister. I'll leave that part out.

So then I says we need a logo for our new group (she's in it, too) and VIOLA! :) Yes, I am pathetic but I think I can market this! lololol

I can get the logo printed on lapel buttons, round stickers...

Me and My Gang

2011-09-12T14:32:00.007-05:00

Recently, my peeps and I went camping. Great times. I think the general feeling of our group prior to going was somewhat… subdued about the upcoming weekend. I don’t think they were as excited as usual. I couldn’t wait though. J Camping just makes me happy. Well, to be honest, any sort of vacation makes me happy!

Our “mission” this year was to become closer to each other, to bond. While not everyone went, most of the crew was present an accounted for. Our “challenge” this year was to let go of anything that normally prevents us from being as close to each other as we should be. Things such as personality conflicts and difference in age, we were asked to let go of. It worked. I believe we all worked together to make it happen. We had several different food groups that were selected to prepare the different meals (the groups were randomly chosen) and it was fun to see the different groups work to “cook” breakfast, lunch and dinner. I believe it created camaraderie between us that has been lacking for a while.

I am so proud of the crew that went! No attitudes for 3 days?! No snide comments or jokes at anyone’s expense (that created an issue). No complaining or grumbling. It was one of the nicest times we’ve spent together. From the first day, when we were accused of moving in on someone’s campsite (oops!) and the overwhelming heat, to the last day, when we packed everything up, we had a great time.

Day 1. Heat, uncertainty and sheer exhaustion. Not much was done that day. We’d had lunch while squatting on someone’s campsite, when they left, we legally moved in. Fun times setting the tents up! As soon as the tents went up, we went down for naps. Most of us anyways.

After naps, we had an early dinner. After dinner, a group of us stayed under the tent and talked in the dark. We were chased to our beds by several critters, Swiper the Fox and Pepe the Skunk. Nasty individual. Rhonda, Jen and Elissa met up with The Roach and initiated a Tent Check that night. At the call Tent Check!, we all flashed our lights quickly for any more creatures. Once assured that all was well, we’d lay back down. We ended up huddled together in the center of the tent by morning! Praise Jesus in His infinite wisdom and mercy, the breeze moved in that night while we slept and cooled us off. That same breeze continued to blow for the following two days. Wonderful, blessed breeze.

Day 2. The breakfast crew did an awesome job on the “mancakes”, eggs, sausage and bacon. Props to Jen, Estrella and….yeah. The other guys. After breakfast, we sang a couple songs and Joel gave a 10 minute sermon entitled “Candy or Vegetables” and challenged us to incorporate Bible reading into our daily lives. His sermon was interrupted by a friendly park ranger asking us kindly to not set the park on fire by grilling. Apparently the fires about an hour away necessitated a state wide burn ban that we were unaware of. (oops #2) After breakfast, some of us girls set out our blankets by the lake side and enjoyed the breeze while going through a magazine and talking about fashion, weddings and…I don’t remember what else. Some worked on homework and some slept. The men (ahem) went exploring for things to do that day.

When they got back, a couple of them joined us under the tree and “chilled” until lunch. Joel and Elissa fixed the egg salad sandwiches and served us lakeside.After lunch, we went to Devil’s Waterhole so the guys could climb the rocks and jump 20 plus feet into a 14 foot deep swimming hole. Yeah, that didn’t go so well. We nearly lost 2 of the guys to the Hole. We gals decided to leave and find our own “swimming hole”. We had a blast in the water! After I’d drifted to the other side of the hole, and paddled my lounge back, we had a game of Chicken. Kayleen and I are still the undefeated champion of the game!

After we nearly lost another one of the guys to the water, the dinner crew had to leave to start cooking. Fantastic meal that night. Grilled chicken breast, grilled fish with corn on the cob. After dinner, we sat and talked. It was our annual campfire dinner minus the campfire. We talked about past GTAC members placed some of them in our Hall of Fame and kicked a couple out. Or something like that. We then moved on to a very controversial subject for singles…marriage! We were once again chased to bed by Swiper, Pepe and their new friend, Mr. Armadillo. And the fact that it was 3am sort of played into the decision to go to bed. Yeeeeah.

Day 3. Boat Day! We woke up a tad too early for the last day at the lake but since we’d be on the boat, I don’t think we got too many complaints on it. After a rushed breakfast of cereal and fruits, the first crew went out on the boat and raft. The second crew stayed behind and took down most of the tents and began packing up. Crew Number One broke both the raft and the boat! Okay, well they tore the raft and then broke the propeller on the boat.(oops #3) This didn’t affect the second crew! We had a blast! Dad had another raft that we used instead. Fun, fun, fun times!

After we returned the slightly mangled boat to it’s owner, we returned to camp to finish packing up.

After lunch, we all packed back into the cramped church van and headed home.

Great fun, ya’ll! Can’t wait until next year!

P.S. The next day, when Jen and I got back to work, we both started looking up the camp site for next year! Daisy, here we come!!! Whooo hooo!

Peace, peace, wonderful peace...

2011-06-04T13:08:00.003-05:00

“Perhaps peace is not found in a place, but within one’s own self.”

A quote I recently read from a book. Captain Lacey is a retired soldier in 17^th century England who is restless, bored and some how often finds himself in the middle of a unsolvable mystery. Great guy. I think I’ve fallen in love with him already.

At first thought, it does make sense. How can one find peace in a place when one’s heart and mind are in turmoil?

But then I think about my recent vacation at an almost empty resort in northern Puerto Rico, just 30 minutes from San Juan. The beach visible from our balcony, the palms gently swaying in the evening breeze, the laughter of good friends drifting from inside, the calm, unwavering stare of our new watchman, Henry. (a foot long iguana who rested on a palm outside of our condo. I think he viewed us as encroaching upon his territory) Although I didn’t get to rest as much as I would have normally liked to, it was still a peaceful place. A nice time out from life. I love those!

Then I think about last year about this time. 2 days spent in a small California town on the beach. Days spent laying on the beach, listening to the waves crash against the shore, watching children frolic in the ocean and the seagulls squawking and swooping. Quite the idyllic scene, right?

And I’m reminded of a dawn breaking across an isolated beach just north of Charleston, SC. Though I missed seeing a sunrise over the ocean, it was a serene morning spent searching for seashells. The rain chased us in, but even that was nice!

So while peace begins within, peace can be found by removing one’s self from whatever causes the distress. Or by listening to music that soothes. Or talking to a friend who knows how to listen and lend a sympathetic ear.

Of course, the peace found in places, music and friends is a temporary peace until one finds peace within one’s self.

Note to self #3,452: Seek an inner peace. (something tells me it will be found “on my knees”)

2011-05-09T11:42:00.004-05:00

Retraction from Waiting, waiting, waiting...

2011-04-27T17:44:00.007-05:00

"I blame the people we call parents and leaders."

In my previous quote, I wrote this statement. In my friend's case, this is true.

It is not true in all cases.

I realize that the younger generation is headstrong, impulsive and independent. The blame can't be placed totally and always on our parents and leaders.

My grave apologies. Blame it on the heat of moment. :)

Waiting, waiting, waiting...

2011-04-27T16:21:00.006-05:00

In exactly 2 weeks, I will be in the wonderful, beautiful country of Puerto Rico. I am wondering how I can sleep for two weeks just so the time will go by quicker. Or maybe find a Fast Forward Time Machine. No, then with my luck it will backfire and I’ll go 40 years into the future and be (*gasp*) 66!...debating whether to spend my Social Security check on dentures or save it for my hip replacement surgery. (I kid, I kid) Or with my even worse luck, I’ll step into the wrong machine and go back 10 years in the past and be 16 years old and in despair that my life is shot to pieces and everyone hates me. I’m ugly, scrawny and will never get married! *posing with hand placed dramatically on my forehead*

Hmm, still not married but I’m not scrawny anymore. Shame.

Did I mention that I cannot wait until my plane lands on that glorious island? Breezes blowing (please, Jesus!) and sandy beaches waving their palmed arms invitingly… Yes, I can’t wait.

Since I last posted, life has been one interesting ride, I tell ya. I lose a grand parent, fly to Belize, reunite with the Slusher family and fly back home straight into the arms of chaos.

Work is indescribable. So I’ll leave it at that.

This is supposed to be a blog to where I showcase my creative talents. *snickering* Wonder what happened? I haven’t sewn or written in months. I think my muse flew off to find a more responsive artist. (Is artist the word I’m looking for?) Right now, some previously illiterate village girl in Russia (yes, Russia. Africa is so overrated in terms of poor, underprivileged people ;) is furiously writing beautiful poetry. In her spare time, she’s creating such wonderful creations to parade through town in and will soon catch the eye of some brawny, hard working farm boy who falls head over heels in love with her. Soon he’ll propose and they will live happily ever after on a bluff overlooking a babbling brook (do these even exist anymore?) in the humble but cozy home he built her. I won’t even talk about the beautiful baby boy she will give birth to by this time next year and how much her new husband will dote on her. My muse is evil and will probably send me a post card from her new location.

Now that I’ve thoroughly depressed myself (I do this easily), let’s talk about PR again. PR stands for Puerto Rico. J Smart, ain’t I?

I found myself down in the dumps about two weeks ago. I found out something about someone that I really admired. He got into a spot of trouble and the curious thing was that I was more angry that he let himself get caught. Sure, I was surprised at the depth of the trouble he’s in, but I think I am now of the opinion that everyone has something in them that will cause them to go farther than they planned. I’ve seen so many of my peers make grave mistakes in their young lives and I’m no longer surprised when I hear of someone who makes those same mistakes. I think we each have the ability to lose our way and start walking down a path we never thought we’d ever tread. Then we are so deep into our new found direction and choices that it’s hard to tear away from them to stop and think about what we are doing. I blame the people we call parents and leaders. Where are they when we need them? If it’s always said that they were once young, too, then how can they not see when we are struggling with something but are too scared or embarrassed to seek help? Or when we do cry out for help, all we hear is something that has been said countless times before. Some cure all answer that’s supposed to fix all of our problems. We hear what’s told to us but it lacks heart. It lacks feeling. Hmm. Or maybe that was just what happened to me. It’s hard to try to find your way out when the guidance you receive is half hearted. When you bare your soul to someone you are supposed to trust and have the utmost faith in and the answer you receive is, “ Well, you just have to pray about it. And you know what’s right and wrong so you need to choose what’s right.” Or, “I’m sure you’re not the only one struggling with this.” Okay, and that helps HOW?

Whoo hoo…! Puerto Rico.

2. Whole. Weeks.

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T16:42:00.002-06:00

A group of professional people posed this question to a group of 4 to 8 year old kids, “What does love mean?” The answers they received were broader and deeper than anyone could have imagined. See what you think:

---------------------------------

“When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn’t bend over to paint her toenails anymore, so my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis, too. That’s love.”

Rebecca – age 8

“When someone loves you, the way they saw your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth.”

Billy – age 4

“Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on cologne and they go out and smell each other.”

Karl – age 5

“Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs.”

Chrissy – age 6

“Love is what makes you smile when you’re tired.”

Terri – age 4

“Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she tales a sip before she gives it to him, to make sure the taste is OK.”

Danny – age 7

“Love is when you kiss all the time. And when you get tired of kissing, you still want to be together and you talk more. My mommy and daddy are like that. They look gross when they kiss.”

Emily – age 8

“Love is what is in the room at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen.”

Bobby – age 7 (Aww!)

“If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate.”

Nikka – age 6 (We need a few million more Nikkas on this planet)

“Love is when you tell a guy that you like his shirt, then he wears it everyday.”

Noelle – age 7

“Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well.”

Tommy – age 6

“During my piano recital, I was on stage and I was scared. I looked at all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling. He was the only one doing that. I wasn’t scared anymore.”

Cindy – age 8

“Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken.”

Elaine – age 5

“Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer that Robert Redford.”

Chris – age 7

“I know my sister loves me because she gives me all her clothes and has to go out and buy new ones.”

Lauren – age 4

“When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you.” Much tv?

Karen – age 7

“Love is when Mommy sees Daddy on the toilet and she doesn’t think it’s gross.”

Mark – age 6

“You really shouldn’t say ‘I love you’ unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget.”

Jessica – age 8

Practical Application

He’s teaching her arithmetic,

He said it was his mission.

He kissed her once; he kissed her twice and said

Now that’s addition.

And as he added smack by smack

In silent satisfaction,

She sweetly gave the kisses back and said,

“Now that’s subtraction.”

Then he kissed her and she kissed him,

Without an explanation,

And both together smiled and said,

“That’s multiplication.”

Then Dad appeared upon the scene and

Made a quick decision.

He kicked the kid three blocks away and said,

“That’s long division.”

Dan Clark

2011-02-09T11:17:00.012-06:00

Wikipedia excerpt...

Cabin fever is an idiomatic term for a claustrophobic reaction that takes place when a person or group is isolated and/or shut in, in a small space, with nothing to do, for an extended period (as in a simple country vacation cottage during a long rain or snow). Symptoms include restlessness, irritability, irrational frustration with everyday objects, forgetfulness, laughter, excessive sleeping, distrust of anyone they are with, and an urge to go outside even in the rain, snow or dark.

This is why Michelle came to work today. I cannot STAND being cooped up in the house for any amount of time. And I have no vehicle so that makes it even worse. :) And why Michelle went to work during Super Storm 2011 last week. lol

I'm also bored at work. Apparently no one needs radiant barrier spray if the sun isn't shining. Hmmm. Shop, Jen tells me. Window shop. I don't know how to. I buy, not browse.

Change of subject. I sewed last week! It was a short dress (that I'd bought last summer from Ross for a whopping $12.99) that I added two layers of ruffled lace to make it long. Really long. Maybe I will post a picture later. I wore it on Sunday and felt like an 18th century widow. lol My family had convinced me that it wasn't "too much" so I donned my widow's weeds for church.

Change of subject #2. Still dreaming of Puerto Rico. Or anywhere that has a beach and warm sunshine. Except Cali. lol I think I'm still scarred from my last trip to SoCal.

#3. Thinking of taking a mini vacation in a couple weeks. I need a change of scenery. Since I'm still an illegal alien, it will have to be limited to the states. *sigh* Maybe I need to take the necessary steps to remedy this situation. Yep, I should.

Since this could go on and on, I'll stop here.

Looking forward to revival this weekend. Lord knows we need it!

Untitled.

2011-02-07T11:09:00.001-06:00

Come on, Excedrin! PLEASE kick in. Welcome to my Monday.

Ever wonder if anyone will make it to those Pearly Gates? I mean, really. All this struggling, fighting just to keep the faith…will I really make it in? I’m so far from perfect. Isn’t that what this is all about? Being good enough to “make it in”?

Deep down I know it’s not. He’s never expected perfection from us. He knows we’d fall woefully short. So why does it feel as if perfection is demanded of me? Oh, not from Him. But…others.

I used to pretend perfection. I thought If I’m supposed to be perfect, I’ll try as hard as I possibly can. People pleasing and all that jazz, it’s a real picnic, I tell ya! It was all a show but I didn’t know it then. I thought I was doing what was expected of me…to present myself blameless, faultless. When I realized that I was living a lie, I slowly started to peel back the layers that I’d designed to hide the real me. Some layers were thicker than others and it took longer than I’d expected. Some layers fooled even me; I’d had them so long. Some layers caused pain in the removal. Aw, who am I kidding? Most of them did.

Since I’ve tried to reveal Me to the world, life has become quite interesting. Its funny (NOT haha funny) how many people became so used to The Other Me that it’s hard to convince them of Me. Makes me wonder if I’m trying harder to convince them or myself. Who knows?

Sometimes I’m confused.

Sometimes I’m angry. Like today. Lol Those poor people on the train this morning! I wore my feelings like an old fashioned battle armor….my chain mail was my attitude. I didn’t mean to be…mean! But sometimes making a Happy Face takes too much concentration. I could feel the stares of the ones who see me regularly. They were probably wondering why I was staring out the window, unseeing, unsmiling. Not that I am normally happy and cheery in the mornings, lol. There was just a melancholic cloud hovering over my head and it was plainly visible. The playlist on my MP3 player kind of echoed my mood.

For shame, you say. You should know better. You’re supposed to be a witness. True, true. This brings me to my original point; perfection and the lack thereof.

Does my lack of perfection cause me to lash out at Him? No, not really. Not anymore. It causes me to ignore Him, sometimes. Not purposely though. I try to sort out my emotions myself. (Though I’ve heard that this doesn’t work.)

I read a poem today. It made me shake my head in wonder. I’ve got a map and know where I’m going?! Guess I need to peel a couple more layers away because this is so far from the truth. In truth, I’ve been wandering for quite a while. While there is some shame in admitting this, there would be far more shame in not admitting it.

Sometimes I wonder where He is.

Where I am. Today is one of those days.

Random Ramblings

2011-02-05T12:33:00.013-06:00

I think I’ve been bit by the sewing bug. FINALLY! :)

I haven’t created anything for quite a while now, I’ve barely even done repairs! Fix a hem here, reinforce a button there… I think the fact that I’ve been making enough lire to buy whatever I want has caused me to become very lazy in being creative and designing outfits. :) It’s a curse, ya know?

Any hoo. My inspiration these days is Kristina J. She is an awesome seamstress, devoted mother, creative designer and a wonderful person, all around!

I went to the cloth store yesterday in the middle of a Texan blizzard (well, it seemed like one, anyways) and stayed until they closed! How’s that for determined?!

Here are some patterns I’ve been staring at recently. I need my mojo back.

For this ruffled creation, I will need to add sleeves, drop the hem (a foot or two!) and shop for accessories!

I also want to try my hand at a 3 tired, ruffled trench coat. :) Sounds complicating but I spied one on a fellow train passenger one morning. I have to have one! I found a pattern for the bodice of the coat and since ruffles are fairly simple, I think I can do it. :)

And last but not least, I will sew this. I've already bought the fabric (yay!) and will start cutting soon. It's a large flower print and I'm scared I will either look like a walking drapery advertisement or I will look like I forgot to change out of my muumuu before leaving the house. Cross your fingers... Oh, and anyone know where I can find some yellow pumps to match? :)

I Wanna Be a Beach Bum!

2010-12-23T17:41:00.018-06:00

Puerto Rico, here we come!

I just bought Sis. Pace’s ticket to Puerto Rico! (the gals and I are treating her to a vacation in May) Mine will be purchased next week. It was supposed to have been purchased this week as well but my paycheck was spent on a Christmas party. Holiday party. Whatever it is.

So. It’s 50 degrees and overcast today but in my mind, I’m basking in the warm evening breeze on a Spanish beach! I can faintly smell Jen’s sunscreen (she’s basking beside me and reading an Elle magazine) because she tends to lather it on like lotion. Hehe I pause to brush some sand from my beach towel. A hazard of laying out, I hear. I adjust my shades and briefly scan the beach for…well, never you mind what.

And my phone (here at work) rings and I am transported back to a dull, dreary, boring day in Dallas. Who in their right mind is worried about insulation on the eve of Christmas Eve?!

Anyways. So since I’m bored and my mind is about 2,151 miles southeast of here, I decided to plan my trip. A tad early, but I’m excited! I know it’s hard to pick on the enthusiasm right now, but I assure you, I am jazzed about this trip!

Okay, so first, I’ll need a beach bag.

Cute! A Tiki bag from Amazon…but out of my budget. $160…

Now this is more like it! Roxy Wild Side Canvas Tote Bag from SwimOutlet.com – only $29.95!

Or if I’m in the mood for a bit of color…I’ll have to wait until spring. Lol I couldn’t find anything cute online!

Next, I will need…shades! But since this is always a sore spot for me, I will refrain from adding any pictures.

I will also need…shoes!!!!

Love these! Steve Madden Sanzo…this sandal has every color in the box represnted! Wear it with anything...okay, not anything.

Kenneth Cole Know Show for an evening out, maybe. But wait! I already have them! Heh heh

Lovitz by Aldo…tres chic!

Can you tell, I tend to gravitate towards neutrals?

*sigh* It’s a defect, I know.

What else? Oh, a pretty dinner dress! Or frock, as some would say.

Okay, so these aren’t dinner dresses but they would be wonderful for during the day! A tad (ot a lot!) longer though…

Now these are some cute dinner dresses? (pictured above) Add a cardigan, some cute shoes, the hand bag and you're ready!

And Oh, how I adore this one! I may have to sew my own version of it. Hmmm

Okay, I can go on forever with dresses and shoes, what else shall I need?

This Is the Real Me

2010-12-16T14:24:00.006-06:00

I was never a great scholar. In my early years of school, I remember loving it. But that was because it didn’t challenge me. 6^th grade was a nightmare. That’s when it seemed all the girls in my class had mood swings daily, myself included. lol High school, however, was what really did me in. It was hard to understand some of the work, I was home schooled, you see. Both of my parents, for the first few years, had to work so one was at home when I needed help with Science or a random math equation. When the parents got home and asked why the work wasn’t done, I was too ashamed to say that I didn’t understand it and reverted to my 6^th grade attitude. I was in trouble more times than I can remember back in those days.

I remember feeling inadequate. Small. Even stupid. In addition to that, I had a huge problem with self esteem. I felt plain, unattractive. It was so bad that once, while at a family gathering, when the others were all taking family pictures, I went in my room and hid under my desk so no one would find me. I didn’t feel pretty enough to take pictures with the rest. An ugly duckling in a family full of swans. Lol Yes, it’s pretty pathetic but tell that to my broken heart. So many times I raged at God for making me “the plain one” in the family. And the embarrassing thing is, I don’t even think I was a teenager anymore. Maybe I was, who knows?

I also remember times when God would do something to remind me that I was, AM beautiful to Him. Dad had taken Rhonda and I to Puerto Rico one Thanksgiving. It was just for a couple days and was a last minute decision, as usual. She and I sat together in first class. I was seated in the aisle seat and she was near the window. I remember feeling giddy and we were most likely giggling, like normal teenage girls do. I can’t remember what prompted the conversation but a male flight attendant struck up a conversation with her. He asked if she was “going home”. I guess she looked like the Puerto Rican, not me. If anyone knows my sister, you can imagine what her response was. She backed in her seat and said, No. Her whole demeanor changed and after a few more attempts at conversation, the attendant left. We laughed at him for a bit but the whole episode left me with tears clogging up my throat. Why was I not the one who was mistaken for a Puerto Rican? Was it because my skin was darker, my hair more coarse? The whole plane ride, It’s not fair, it’s not fair, echoed in my mind. We landed and I finally was able to take my mind off the attendant and how he completely ignored me. Puerto Rico was too wonderful for me to be in a bad mood! The last night we were there, I told Rhonda and Dad that I wanted to take a picture of a “hot guy” for Jen. (back when she was still Jennifer – lolol) She wanted a hot Puerto Rican and I was going to give her a picture as a laugh. I went into the lobby and viola! A hot Puerto Rican guard! I lost my nerve and went into a sitting area and stared out the window. Trying to get my nerve up to ask if I could take his picture! He followed me into the room. (no hanky pankiness, mind you, I promise! It was an open, airy room that opened directly into reception area) As I was staring out the window, trying to ignore the hot guy sprawled on the sofa(this doesn’t sound good, does it?! Lol) behind me, the man starts talking to me! He asks what I think about Puerto Rico, I tell him it’s beautiful. He says, yes, beautiful like you. Okay, I about died. I was in heaven! Hot guy fell asleep after our short conversation and I went back to the room. Sorry, Jen! No picture! I was so happy! It may have been just a random guy flirting because that’s all he ever did in life, flirt, but to me, it was God telling me that I was beautiful to Him.

The next time that stands out so vividly in my mind was one evening when I was having a hard time with my schoolwork. We were living in our trailer parked behind the church (glad those days are over!) and I needed a Bible for some English lesson. This was the scripture I was supposed to memorize. Psalm 139, verses 14-18.

14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

15 My substance was not hid from thee when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.

16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.

17 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! How great is the sum of them!

18 If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.

Imagine that! Me?! God knew and loved me before I was even formed?! Sure, I’d heard the scripture before but it was not until that moment, that the scripture became real to me. He knew that I wouldn’t be perfect, He made me that way. Yet I am still wonderfully and fearfully made! God doesn’t require perfection or beauty to extend love towards mankind. He loved us because we are His creation. It took me years to realize this, years to figure it out. I didn’t understand how One so mighty and holy could love someone such as me. “What is man that Thou are mindful of him? And the son of man, that Thou visited him?”

I still struggle with feelings of inadequacy. Not as often as I used to. But I’ve still not overcome it. People tell me that I come across as if I’ve got it all together. That I am self confidant. This is amusing to me. I’ve heard people say that I think I’m prettier than them. This, also, is amusing to me. I let them think this. It may be wrong of me, but I feel comfortable behind my mask.

The Real Me by Jackie Velasquez

People think I've got it all together
With the show and my sweet, sweet smile
But do they know if I've been happy ever
Pull up a chair 'cause this may take a while
O.K. so here's the thing

I've got my bad days, and some are even worse
I can be a blessing and you know, I can be a curse
I tremble at rejection, I'm scared to be alone
Sometimes I may be selfish, but I always make it home

This is the real me
Am I the girl that you want me to be
This is the real me
With flaws and fears of intimacy
This is the real me
Can you face it
Can you feel it
Can you take it
Can you deal with
The real me

So now you see that I am far from perfect
I will fall and I will make mistakes (oh, no)
But I am here and this has taken courage
Will you abandon me or will you stay
(Please stay with me)

I know that I'm demanding and sometimes insecure
I think I've got the answers, but then I'm not so sure
I sometimes need attention a little more than I should
But there is a part of me that would give the whole world if I could

Winter!

2010-12-09T13:11:00.010-06:00

While the first official day of winter for 2010 isn’t until Dec. 21^st, it’s "winter enough" for me right now to update my blog!

I’m looking forward to…

Making fires! In the fireplace, of course. ☺

Our Annual GTAC Youth Holiday Party! AKA, hanging out until the wee hours of the morning at someone’s house.

My brother and sister-in-law coming to town!

Wearing boots and pretty scarves all the time!

Buying boots and pretty scarves! (all the time! No, not really...)

Eating pecan pie! (why is it that I can’t get anyone to make me a good pecan pie in the summer? I don’t get it…)

The family getting together! (Yay! Wayne’s coming home!)

Snow! (if only Texas will cooperate this season…)

Curling up in my warm, soft, feather filled bed with a couple of good books!

Days off from work! Praise God!

Spending a special December 31^st with people who mean the world to me. Even though it’s IMPOSSIBLE to find a white outfit this time of year!

And plenty more but I can’t think of anything else right now so you just have to take my work for it. And I have to go back to actually working. Since I am on the clock. ☺

Noah Today

2010-11-19T10:48:00.007-06:00

In the year 2008, the Lord came unto Noah,
who was now living in Atlanta and said:
"Once again, the earth has become wicked and over
-populated, and I see the end of all flesh before me."
"Build another Ark and save 2 of every living thing
He gave Noah the blueprints, saying:
"You have 6 months to build the Ark before I will
Start the unending rain for 40 days and 40 nights."

Six months later, the Lord looked down and saw Noah
Weeping in his yard - but no Ark.
"Noah!," He roared, "I'm about to start the rain!
Where is the Ark?"
"Forgive me, Lord," begged Noah, "but things have changed."

"I needed a Building Permit."

"I've been arguing with the Boat Inspector
About the need for a sprinkler system."

"My neighbors claim that I've violated the
Neighborhood By-Laws by building the Ark in my
Back garden and exceeding the height limitations. We had to
Go to the Local Planning Committee for a decision."

"Then the Local Council and the Electricity Company demanded a shed load of money for the future costs of moving power
Lines and other overhead obstructions, to clear the
Passage for the Ark's move to the sea. I told them
That the sea would be coming to us, but they would
Hear nothing of it."

"Getting the wood was another problem. There's a ban
On cutting local trees in order to save the Greater Spotted Barn Owl."
"I tried to convince the environmentalists that I
Needed the wood to save the owls - but no go!"

"When I started gathering the animals PETA took me to court. They insisted that I was
Confining wild animals against their will. They
Argued the accommodations were too restrictive, and
It was cruel and inhumane to put so many animals in
A confined space."

"Then the Environmental Agency ruled that I couldn't build the Ark until they'd conducted an environmental impact study
On your proposed flood."

"The trades unions say I can't use my sons. They
Insist I have to hire only Union workers with
Ark-building experience."

"To make matters worse, the IRS seized all my assets, claiming I'm trying to leave the country illegally
With endangered species."

"So, forgive me, Lord, but it would take at least 10
Years for me to finish this Ark."

"Suddenly the skies cleared, the sun began to shine,
And a rainbow stretched across the sky."

Noah looked up in wonder and asked,
"You mean you're not going to destroy the world?"

"No," said the Lord.
" The Government beat me to it."

Melancholic Musing...

2010-11-16T13:14:00.008-06:00

This morning, as I was rushing to work (I left home a few minutes late...again), I turned on the radio and the first song I heard was Jim Brickman and Richie McDonald's Coming Home for Christmas.

I broke down and sobbed. The initial reason was because whenever I hear songs like this, I'm reminded that so many of our countrymen and women will not be coming home for Christmas. Whether they are still on active duty or whether they are no longer here on Earth. I HATE songs that make me conscious of the fact that I am alive and well while countless soldiers are not. It makes me feel useless. Though I know that they are fighting for my (and all of America's) freedom, I still feel as if I am taking advantage, somehow, of their sacrifice. But that's another story for another time.

I hadn't even given the upcoming holidays much thought. The fact that I don't celebrate Christmas might have something to do with this. :) I usually end up covering shifts here at work to allow my co-workers to spend the season with family and friends. But that doesn't bother me much. Someone commented to me the other day, "Aww, Michelle! You miss out on all the fun!" (of Christmas) But I thought to myself, "How can I miss something I've never known?" We have our own kind of fun during the holidays. I'm grateful for the contentment and peace I feel during this time. I know there are others that miss the season, but I'm grateful that that's one struggle I don't have. (I really hope that didn't come out self-righteous because my feelings are far from that. Please don't take it that way!)

Okay, as preachers would say, let me quit "chasing rabbits" and get back to my story.

After I cried a bit for the soldiers (yes, I am a huge crybaby) then my mind went to the losses that I myself and those close to me have known this year and how there will be empty seats around the table this year. And I cried for them. :)

Bekki, Albert and the Simpson family. Nadia's cousin who died in Iraq last month. Tammy's father who died this summer. My own grandfather.

And then there are others, whose loss may not be recent, but feel the emptiness still.

Leora's mom comes to mind. My cousins, Stephanie and Beth and their families will miss my Uncle Robert when the family gathers for dinner. My grandmother will miss her husband and two sons. My dad's family will miss my grandmother. She died 3 years ago, next month. How's that for a Christmas gift?

So this holiday season will be a bit sad for me. Not only do I feel the loss of my own grandparents at this time, but I feel for others and their respective losses.

We can scream and rage at God and ask why, but even if we heard the answer, it could not change the results. Maybe the pain would lessen, but who can know?

To those who have hope in Heaven and the loved ones they will see there, the tears are bittersweet. To those of us who do not share the same hope...*insert sad, watery smile*

Hold your loved ones closer than ever this season. Smile brighter, laugh louder, love deeper. Sounds like a corny bumper sticker, huh? :)

Happy Holidays,
Michelle

NYC V

2010-11-09T16:53:00.015-06:00

Friday morning came a few seconds after we closed our eyes. Or so it seemed.

Tante had been working so we hadn't seen her since Monday. We had pretty much had the apartment to ourselves, which was nice. We had barely woken up when she knocked on the door saying she was back.

Tante treated us to brunch at a West Indian restaurant. Jerk chicken and rice for breakfast! Then we headed off to see the Brooklyn Bridge while she went to meet a friend.

Bless his heart, people were making fun of him but he sure did pose for these pictures!

We exited the subway near City Hall and were immediately part of an audience for a Michael Jackson show. I wonder where Mike found white, ruffled socks with sparkles on them.... The sad part was that his 3 dancers were way better than him. Even sadder was that a passerby showed them all out when he "did his thing" at the urging of his friends. The young, white kid break danced better than Michael Jackson and Friends. lol

This is my favorite picture of all!

Jen's long arms come in handy for group self portraits! :)

After our photo op on the Brooklyn Bridge, we headed into Chinatown and shopped a bit. Fun times. No haggling, though. I abhor it. I just pay the asking price.

After Chinatown, we went to Little Italy.

And then to Ground Zero. Since construction for the memorial is well under way, there was not much to see. Thank God. I would so have cried. But the hard hats and construction signs pretty much removed the melancholy feel surrounding the place.

We headed back towards home. When we got back to our subway stop, Jen went on to visit some of her family, Lyda went home to rest her toesies and I went to Starbucks to blog like a good little nerd. :)

At about 7:30, we all met back at the apartment to get ready to go out for the night. Tante kept asking why we were so dressed up, if we had dates. I said yes. I don't think she believed me. Wonder why. We headed to Greenwich Village to eat at a little Cuban place that Jen found online a few weeks ago, named...Cuba. Original, huh? It was a small hole in the wall where they played loud, live Cuban music. The place was packed and noisy but it was great! Lyda and I ordered Filete de Pargo, red snapper over green plantains with black beans and rice. I think I committed a sin that night with all the food I shoved down my gullet! It was soooo good! I have not had red snapper for years and I highly enjoyed myself! Definitely a favorite place now!

After dinner, we walked back to Times Square. I think half the population in New York had the same idea, lol. Great place to people watch. We had a blast walking up and down 7th Avenue. Until exhaustion set in.

City skyline by night

This morning we slept in somewhat. We didn't do much today, much to my disappointment. lol Oh well. Next time I shall be better prepared. :)

And now here I am, on the plane back to Dallas. The pilot is announcing that we will be beginning our descent shortly. Noooo! I am not ready to go "back to reality"! All in all, my opinion of NYC has changed drastically. I've been twice before but never really enjoyed the place. My previous opinion was cold, dirty, stinky and crowded. lol None of that has changed. It's still cold, dirty, stinky and crowded. But I know now what people mean when they say that NYC has it's own vibe!

View from the plane

Some of these photos were contributed by (or stolen from) my two lovely companions, Jen and Lyda. Thanks, ya'll!

Puerto Rico next, ladies?!

NYC IV

2010-11-09T15:33:00.023-06:00

Boston.

This morning we woke up at 5:30 am. Our bus to Boston was scheduled to leave at 7am but the Greyhound website cautioned travelers to arrive an hour prior to departure. They give away your seats if you aren't there. Needless to say, we boogied on down to the subway.

It was chilly and rainy and dark in New York that morning.

It was chilly and rainy and dark in Boston all day. lol

We slept about 90% of the way, having gotten very little sleep the night before. I did see some scenery along the way. Jen and I were excited to be traveling in that part of the country during the fall. We were jazzed about getting to see the leaves changing from green to gold and yellow. But with the rain, any photos we would have taken, wouldn't have come out good, Oh, and we couldn't exactly ask the bus driver to stop for 2 seconds so we could take a picture, I don't think he would have done so.

I made it to Boston in the fall! Eat your heart out Veggie Tales!

Did I mention that it was cold and rainy that day?

Below are the pictures of us following the Freedom Trail. I loved it!

Boston Common

Public Garden

Walking the Freedom Trail

State House

Park Street Church

Granary Burying Ground

Jen and Benjamin Franklin

We made a slight detour while we waited for the rain to ease up. We stopped in some stores that we don't have here in Texas. Marshalls, TJ Maxx and Payless. *notice the sarcasm* But like always, I found something I could not live without. The idea to stop was so we could dry out and warm up a bit. That didn't work. By the time we left the stores, the wind had also joined forces with the rain and the cold. Niiiiice.

Quincy Market

My wonderful dinner, clam chowder!

Paul Revere's House

Paul Revere Monument

"Fallen Soldier" Memorial

We hurried to the next stop on the Freedom Trail, Quincy Market, for brunch. The bowl of clam chowder that Jen scarfed down and I took my time with (lol) was wonderful! It definitely hit the spot! Lyda decided to stay at the market place while Jen and I braved the harsh conditions of the day. (dumb move on our part, lol) I really wanted to make the whole trail but when we got to Zakim Bridge (aren't I good?) crossing the Charles River Basin and saw the Bunker Hill Monument in the distance, we changed our minds on making it the whole way. I really wanted to see the USS Constitution, though, so we walked to Charleston Navy Yard. By the time we got to the docks, the ship was closed (closed at 4pm) so we went to the Museum to dry out (literally!) and walk around for a bit. After somewhat drying our skirts, scarves, gloves and hats under the automatic dryers in the bathroom, we checked out the rest of the Museum. It was very informative and super kid friendly! Jen and I plan on taking our *cough, cough* children there in about 20 years or so. (we figure we may get married in another decade or so, and possibly have kids the following decade, lololol! Right Jen?!)

USS Constitution

Jen, testing me to see if I'd make a good soldier aboard the ship...

I failed.

Bunker Hill Monument (this was as close we wanted to get!)

Anyhoo. We don our winter gear yet again and face the long trek back to retrieve our missing compadre, We decided to take a shortcut and made it back in a relatively short time.

Quincy Market at night

After meeting Lyda, we continued on to the bus terminal and caught a sooner bus back that we planned. That was the most...lively bus ride I have ever taken! Oh. My. Word. It actually started before we even got on the bus. A loud woman and her autistic child attracted the attention of everyone (no lie) in the terminal. First of all, the lady was so loud that at first we thought she was the announcer lady on the speaker. Nope. she was just gifted with an extraoidinary set of lungs that she used to speak to the child. Seated right next to her on the floor. Where is CPS when you need them? The child/animal was crawling/leaping all over their section of the terminal, pretending she was a "kitty" and eating her stuffed animal from off the floor. I guess she was a carnivorous kitty that understood English and knew how to talk on the phone (she would leap up into a payphone booth until her mother screamed for her to get down. After yelling at the child, trying to call her back, Mom finally learned that unless she called the child "Kitty", she wouldn't obey. Yeah, they made a nice, distracting side show while we waited on our bus.

Which was NOTHING compared to the show on the bus itself.

Everything was relatively normal for an hour or so. An older, male passenger seated in the row behind us was loud and friendly. He also stunk. Apparently he'd been traveling for 2 days already heading to Jacksonville to meet his buddy. After we made a short stop at a Sbarro's along the way, Mr. Hobo asked the man behind me if he would switch seats with him. They were seated across the aisle from each other. Seated in between them was a woman who giggled at everything Mr. Hobo said and shared her fries with him. The man said, "No, I'd rather not." Mr. Hobo asked why and the guy repeated, "I'd just rather not." When we were nearing New York City, that's when the drama started. I had my head phones on listening to Hawaiian music, in my own zone, when I noticed my neighbor shaking her head and rolling her eyes at me. Not wanting to miss anything (and instantly knowing who was responsible for her irritation), I took my headphones off. And cracked up. The two men were going back and forth, cussing each other out. My neighbor called them "The Rednecks". Apparently, Mr. Hobo got his feelings hurt when the other guy wouldn't "let him sit next to his girlfriend"! They went back and forth for a good 10 minutes over this. It was like being back in 6th grade! And there was a chorus of singers at the back of the bus while all this was going on. According to the lady next to me, they were singing a Prince song. I don't know what song it was but I know they sounded awful. lol I got my cell out and texted a couple people because I just had to share the moment! My neighbor confessed that she was going the same thing! I could hear Jen and Lyda cracking up across the aisle. At least we had something else to concentrate on, other than how awful Mr. Hobo smelled. Ugh.

We were slightly disappointed because there was no fight after we got off the bus. I guess one of them chickened out. lol

So, we got on the subway, headed back home, and fell into bed. Warm and dry at last!

NYC III

2010-11-06T11:09:00.006-05:00

Okay, so this is Day 3.

We were awakened by Tante calling to talk to Jen. We all slowly came alive and got ready. Breakfast was another grande bagel. Good grief, how do you eat the whole thing in one setting?! And we have to walk for miles just to walk off all the calories from the loads of cream cheese that they slather on the thing! We headed back south, intending to see the Chrysler Building Lobby (according to Jen, it's awesome), Rockefeller Center, Empire State Building, Fifth Avenue, Central Park and Herald Square, I think we hit two of those places today. lol We so could not find Rockefeller Center! Odd, huh? I guess it would have helped if we had known the physical address. Oh well, no great loss there. Oh yes, we also hit Central Station.

We went into a store called H&M that Lyda has been wanting to visit since we arrived and BAM! Gloves! Finally! And at a very decent price, too.

We shopped for a while (I found what I went to NYC for!) and headed further up Fifth Avenue until we hit Central Park, It is so pretty this time of year! Great place to watch people. And talk about them. lol Maybe that's anywhere in New York. lol I got a sausage dog (?) and we took silly pictures and met a new friend. I don't remember his name, but he was super cute!

Some random guitar player

We walked only half of the park before we got tired and slightly hungry. So we head back to the streets and find a pizza joint recommended by Dale, called Ray's. Apparently they have real New York style pizza. We sure did stuff our faces for three chicks who were only slightly hungry! lol

A cute flower shop

And headed home. I wanted to find another Wifi hotspot so Jen and I dropped off Lyda, changed shoes and came back out, Apparently Barnes and Noble has issues with their Wifi so I am now in Starbucks.

NYC II

2010-11-05T17:09:00.006-05:00

Now I'm in a Dominican salon, getting my hair done. I think my ears are permanently damaged. Well, my right one, at least.. My hair is being combed out and put in rollers by a loud Hispanic lady. she's yelling at Lisa, another loud Hispanic. The "lady" part does not apply to her though. She's loud and proud about being gay. Claims she was born that way. She also says a lot of other things but I won't mention them. My ears might be damaged because my hair dresser just yelled, "Callate, Lisa!" near my right ear. Sigh. If only that would hush Lisa up.

So we rode a couple trains to get here. As I was saying earlier, what is it about riding a train or Subway that makes you wonder about people? Like, where are they going? Who are they? Do they live alone? Or have someone special waiting for them? Are they wondering about me? lol They're probably thinking, "Those three chicks are not from around here!"

I'm bored because I forgot my book. I can't log onto the Internet either and my lap top is almost dead. :(
This is our second day in the city, I don't know if Broadway is on the schedule tonight anymore. Waaaa! We shall see.

Someone tell Lisa to hush her mouth.

Oh, oh. My stomach just growled. Wonder what's for lunch?!

Now Lisa is singing. At the top of her lungs. I'm glad it's in Spanish.

Our "Dominican blowouts". lol Hmmm. What a difference. (that was sarcasm, btw)

Well, the salon visit is over. Thanks be unto God. Next, we head back down to Times Square, to buy our tickets (hopefully!) to West Side Story. We put our names in a lottery/drawing to be picked for the remaining 18 front row seats. The guy running the show tell us to leave and be back at 5. So we head down Broadway to find food. $5 for a slice of pizza that Jen claims was not New York style. Not that I would know. We swallow our slice of pizza in record time and head back to the Palace Theater. Jen was the first name chosen, I was the second and Lyda was number 18! By this time, it's after 5 and the show begins at 7. Not wanting to risk missing part of the show by going home to change, we cruise up and down Broadway looking for gloves. Again. No luck on gloves but I did find an AWESOME skirt and we stocked up on over priced souvenirs for back home. The musical was...okay. In my opinion.Good thing it was only $26.50.But I enjoyed the experience. Though I think I have a permanent crick in my neck from the Romeo/Juliet balcony scene. (I guess it just goes along well with my damaged right ear, lol) Bernado was pretty smoking, though. Gotta give it to him. Heh heh.

Hahahah! I LOVE this picture! It makes no sense at all!

After the show, we walk down Broadway again, looking for...yep, gloves. Still no luck. How in the world can we be in New York and it's 30 odd degrees at night and no store sells gloves??? Mittens? Who wears mittens anymore? Sigh. So we head home. Through the park. In the dark. Close to midnight, lol That was fun.

NYC!!!

2010-11-02T09:48:00.008-05:00

As I sit here and sip my over priced grande vanilla latte (3 pumps extra of syrup), the old Doris Day song runs through my mind...."Que sera, sera. Whatever will be, will be." Why, you ask? Well, to start off with, I got maybe 3 hours of sleep. Then we (Jen, Lyda and I) missed our flight to Washington, D.C. by a mere 4 minutes, 3 maybe? By the time we got to the gate, the doors were closed and the plane was in reverse. :) So, I started singing that little ditty to Jen. I don't think she really appreciated it. Ungrateful wretch. The friendly agent at the gate rolled us over to the next flight, departure time - 8:35. We didn't make it. Oh, not for lack of trying, I assure you. The flight was full. Next flight didn't depart until 10:10. What else to do while waiting on a plane to arrive but visit the local coffee shop?

And I have to admit, my first vanilla latte was a pleasant experience. A tad bitter and in need of more of the sweet stuff but it was good! After we got some caffeine into Jen's blood stream (I was temped to lace her drink with some type of nerve calming substance, lol), and with the help of our agent, we made it on our flight. And our trip to NYC has officially begun! Woooo hooo! Later!

So, where were we? Ah, yes, the plane. I shall refrain from giving my opinion on US Airways. They are not paying me to advertise. lol We made it to Charlotte, NC and rushed to our connecting flight to La Guardia. Thank God that there was no long layover. And finally arrived in New York. Finally.

We caught a bus to Jen's Tante's place. Interesting city, I tell you. After dinner (praise God, dinner!), we convinced Tante to "take us" to Times Square. Wow! Sensory overload. Awesome though! The lights, the, sounds...the cold! YES, it was chilly! Coming from Texas, where it was in the 80's, to New York, where it's in the 30's! It was a welcome change though. Now if only I can find some gloves... Question. What is it about the Subway that makes one wonder about your fellow travelers? Our night ended sooner than we would have liked, though. :( And here I am, back in the apartment, tapping away on my lap top before I forget anything. :) So that was our fist day in the city! Fun, fun, fun! Oh, and Tante lives near Morningside Park, which has beautiful trees that are changing their leaves!

Plan for tomorrow? Getting hair done, shopping in Ladies Mile, eating and BROADWAY!

Written on November 1st, 2010

Okay, so now it's really today. lol I didn't have access to the internet yesterday so I had to wait until today to post it. I am sitting inabagel shop on 8th and 24th. Tapping away once again. Breakfast was awesome and I am being serendaded by The Beatles singing my song. lol Watching the people hurrying by, all going important places and doing important things. What more could I ask for? :)

Okay, now I need to go. I think I am holding up progrees. Later!

Song of the Day...

2010-10-27T14:17:00.006-05:00

Some times I just need to be reminded of this...
can I get an AMEN?! :)

One Thing I Know

Something in your eyes I see
Reminds me of what used to be
When I was still uncertain of the truth
Sleepless nights that turn to days
Alone inside an endless maze
Counting on someone to see me through

If there's one thing I know,
You are never left alone
‘cause You can always call on Jesus' name
If there's one thing I pray,
It's Jesus helps you find a way
To make a change and listen to Your heart
God will take away your pain
If you choose to let it go
If there's one thing I know

How can I convince your heart
His light can find you in the dark
And only He can make your blind eyes see
For if we speak of lost things found
Of lives that have been turned around
Then tell me who knows better, child, than me?

I would never stake my life on any lesser thing
Than the cross of Christ where He gave His life to ease my suffering.

Holy Chic Part III

2010-10-20T15:09:00.002-05:00

I love this look! Straight from work to dinner with the gals! Course, we'd tweak the neckline a tad but it has definite potential...

Sure wish I could be this sophisticated. Dream, dream, dream...

Joke's On Me...

2010-10-06T14:55:00.010-05:00

I’m looking like this…

When it feels like this outside.

Sometimes
I
hate
Texas
weather.

The Things I Don't Say Aloud

2010-10-01T16:47:00.006-05:00

Sometimes I see you, in my dreams.
Sometimes I hear your voice.
My mind is playing tricks on me, I know.
I know, because you're gone.
There are times when I'd give anything,
Anything to see you again, hear you again.

Memories of days gone by
Slowly slipping through my grasp.

The way you made me feel...
"Special" seems so trite.
I felt as if I were the moon, the stars!
Nothing was too hard for me,
Because you believed in me, I believed in me.
My greatest fear was somehow...
In someway letting you down, disappointing you.
Yet I never did. Strange.

Memories of you and me.
Will I always remember?

My children, if I should so be blessed, will know you.
If only through my memories.
Don't worry, you will not be forgotten.
Though I can no longer reach out my hand to you,
Though I can no longer see your face...
You exist.

Memories.
Such cold comfort when I long for flesh and blood.

I remember when we sat together. In the morning.
Then we'd sit together in the evening.
Words were never needed.
You'd hold my hand and I felt...special.
(Such a pale word for what I really felt.)

I still cry when I remember you.
The memories are still powerful enough to make me cry.

I miss you.

To Tease or Not to Tease

2010-09-22T12:59:00.005-05:00

Well. I was accused today of wearing “man teasers”. My shoes. My reply came quick. “I am of the persuasion, sir, that a man can only be teased if that’s what he’s wanting in the first place.” I warned the fellow bold enough to accuse me that I have plenty to say on that subject if he has the time. Apparently he didn’t. Thought so.

What is it about heels that make men crazy? And no, I don’t believe it’s every man, either. I think the man who is attracted to every pair of feet (or even most) encased in a pair of heels, has a problem and needs to seek help.

A couple years ago, we heard preaching on the evils of high heels. The preacher concluded his message by saying that we females (young ladies) need to examine the reason why we are wearing the heels before we put them on.

This, I completely agree with. We should question the reason for the height of the heel. If we are wearing them to attract attention, then we ourselves need to seek help. That is a problem in itself. The constant desire to be noticed, seen and admired. I understand that it may be a God given characteristic of the female but I don’t believe God created it for the purpose that many women use it for today. Simply to “snag a man.”

It’s a proven fact that female Pentecostals stand out far more than males do. And I believe that because of this, Paul placed emphasis on the female standards and codes of dress more so than the man. We should be conscious of who and what we are portraying every moment of every day. We should seek to be a Godly witness in our conduct and our outward appearance. We should also be careful not to cause any man to stumble.

Romans 14:13 “Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in [his] brother's way.”

Interesting, however, that we seem to skip the first part of this verse.

I am all for not causing my brother across the aisle to fall into the throes of lust over my choice of footwear but what happens when he does? Am I to blame if it was not my intent? I understand that there are some shoes designed and created to excite a man. I do not agree that every pair is. But what do I know? I’m not a man. Heels don’t turn me on.

What happens if the heels I am wearing are not questionable? (And who defines questionable anyway?) And the brother across the aisle still lusts? Who is at fault? Am I really being sent to hell for wearing the pair that best matches my skirt? Or the ones that don’t cause my feet to sweat? Or the ones that are more comfortable?

Really?

Holy Chic Part II

2010-09-16T18:14:00.003-05:00

Okay, so I’ll post another ensemble since I’m sitting here at work, bored by FB posts and the lack of calls.

Hmmm…what shall we try next? Oh, I know! Texas, guess what?! The State Fair is almost here! I always say that I’m not going unless I have a man by the time it comes around again. Welp, no man. But I’m probably still going to go. I mean, who can resist all those screaming children? The vendors calling out their wares? The pungent odor of the livestock? The streets and parking lots crawling with people? The rides that were created to induce vomiting? And oh, the food! I mean, where else can you buy fried beer?! Or fried cheesecake? Or…you get the point. But it’s still fun. In my opinion. Gotta stay long enough to watch the lights dance to Cowboy Troy’s “I Play Chicken With the Train”. The reason I say that I’m not going unless I have a man is because going to the great State Fair of Texas is ridiculously and hideously expensive!!! Mercy! I need a man with deep pockets to foot my bill. Any takers? Just kidding. Not really.

Anyways, IF I go to the fair this year, maybe I’ll be rocking this look. Enjoy!

Modest Style...Holy Chic!

2010-09-15T17:38:00.005-05:00

So I am in love with clothes. Staring at my 3 closets makes me smile. Sometimes. If I can't find anything to wear, then I hate my closets but that's not very often. I adore shopping! Clothes or accessories, whatever! So I decided to blog about outfits. :) I have so much fun putting things together to form my daily attire! Over the next couple days/weeks/months (who knows?!) I'll blog different styles and trends and just have plain fun! (pssst...I wanted to have a catchy name for these series of posts and the first thing that came to mind was...Holy Chic! Hmmm...should I?!)

So here's the first. Day at the office. I wear business casual nearly every day on the job just because I can! I used to work retail and had to dress for comfort and stay in dress code...not an easy task. But now I get to wear heels! Everyday! Most people here at work look at me like I'm nuts but the added 3-4 (sometimes more!) height gives me extra confidence! Don't ask why, I don't feel like analyzing that. lol

Skirt - Jones Wear Long Slim Skirt - JC Penney $34.99 (Orig. $50)
Blouse - Loop Front Shirt - The Gap $49.99 (Orig. $59.50)
Shoes - Nine and Co. "Arabelle" JC Penney $39.99 (Orig. $80!)
Belt - Rosette Ruched Belt, Forever 21 $20.80
Handbag - Ruffled Corsage Tote Bag, Newport News $44.00

2010-09-14T10:22:00.001-05:00

"Breakaway"

Grew up in a small town
And when the rain would fall down
I'd just stare out my window
Dreaming of what could be
And if I'd end up happy
I would pray (I would pray)

Trying hard to reach out
But when I tried to speak out
Felt like no one could hear me
Wanted to belong here
But something felt so wrong here
So I prayed I could break away

I'll spread my wings and I'll learn how to fly
I'll do what it takes til' I touch the sky
And I'll make a wish
Take a chance
Make a change
And breakaway
Out of the darkness and into the sun
But I won't forget all the ones that I love
I'll take a risk
Take a chance
Make a change
And breakaway

Wanna feel the warm breeze
Sleep under a palm tree
Feel the rush of the ocean
Get on board a fast train
Travel on a jet plane, far away (I will)
And breakaway

Buildings with a hundred floors
Swinging around revolving doors
Maybe I don't know where they'll take me but
Gotta keep moving on, moving on
Fly away, breakaway

I'll spread my wings
And I'll learn how to fly
Though it's not easy to tell you goodbye
I gotta take a risk
Take a chance
Make a change
And breakaway
Out of the darkness and into the sun
But I won't forget the place I come from
I gotta take a risk
Take a chance
Make a change
And breakaway, breakaway, breakaway

More Randomness...

2010-08-25T10:16:00.005-05:00

Wooo hooo! Stella has got her groove back! 4 miles in just over an hour! For my efforts I received 1 blister, 2 holes in a fav. pair of socks, and countless aches and pains! Yet, when I check the "calories burned calculator", I only burned 246! That was only enough to cover my breakfast! Maybe... I should have had Wheaties instead of Fruit Loops, huh? *sigh* Oh well. At least my latissimus dorsi muscle thanks me for the workout. :)

I think the looks and comments of my fellow walkers are hilarious. Not only do I look like I threw on random clothes in the dark, but I don't generally try really hard to be attractive when I walk. Okay. So I don't try at all. So a dude has to be either color blind (meaning my choice of walking attire) or desperate to try to "hit" on me! Roger that, Jen? lol And then yesterday I pass two..ahem...slightly large, young women of my own race and I hear one say, "I know, girrrrl." And the other one repeats, "I know, girrrrl". And I smile politely and keep truckin' past, thinking, "Are they talking to me or each other? If it's me they're talking to, what do they "know"?" Then there are the slightly patronizing nods of the older generation as if to say, "Humph. About time you young people realize that you all need exercise. That's what's wrong with this generation today..." Yada yada yada. Then are my favorite. The Hispanic, older gentleman who encourages you without saying much. Just a nod of encouragement. He's my new buddy. I don't know his name but I call him Pedro in my head. Oh, and tomorrow morning I need to remember to take some left overs food that can fit into a pocket (??) for my new homeless friend named Greta. She's of the canine persuasion. What random individuals I run with nowadays. Pun intended. :)

Okay, so in reading the news yesterday (Yahoo is good for something, sometimes!) I understand that because of her answer to one of the final questions from a pageant judge, 22 year-old Miss Philippines lost her chance to win the crown in Vegas. "What is one big mistake that you've made in your life, and what did you do to make it right?" Baldwin (judge) asked. "You know what, sir?" She responds. "In my 22 years of existence, I can say there is nothing major, major, I mean, problem that I have done in my life." And then Miss Perfect smiled serenely as if that answer alone would grant her favor from judge and crowd alike! Haha! I LOVE it!
So not only does she think she's been perfect for 22 whole years, she's SUPER self confident as well! Normally I'd say this is a great characteristic but sweetheart, WHAT were you thinking?! I mean, even I could come up with something better... been a better leader to my peers, helped the poor more, found a solution for world peace? I dunno...

2010-08-19T12:55:00.000-05:00

No more pencils....
no more books...
No more teacher's dirty looks!
Out for summer!
out till fall,
We might not come back at all
.... school's been blown to pieces.
-Alice Cooper, 1972

Funnies

2010-08-06T17:42:00.003-05:00

Two Blind Pilots

Two blind pilots both are wearing dark glasses, one is using a guide dog, and the other is tapping his way along the aisle with a cane.

Nervous laughter spreads through the cabin, but the men enter the cockpit, the door closes, and the engines start up. The passengers begin glancing nervously around, searching for some sign that this is just a little practical joke. None is forthcoming.

The plane moves faster and faster down the runway and the people sitting in the window seats realize they're headed straight for the water at the edge of the airport. As it begins to look as though the plane will plough in to the water, panicked screams fill the cabin. At that moment, the plane lifts smoothly into the air. The passengers relax and laugh a little sheepishly, and soon all retreat into t heir magazines, secure in the knowledge that the pl ane is in good hands.

In the cockpit, one of the blind pilots turns to the other and says,"ya know, Bob, one of these days, they're gonna scream too late and we're all gonna die."

The Dog that takes you into the..ahem...Bar

Two men are walking their dogs (a doberman and a chihuahua) when they say to each other "I'm thirsty." They see a nearby bar and walk up to it.

Unfortunately, there was a sign on the door that said NO DOGS. They thought for awhile to try to figure out what they should do with no luck. Suddenly, the man with the doberman said, "I have an idea! Do what I do."

The man put on his sunglasses, walked up to the door and tried to get in but a big muscular man stopped him. "Where do you think you're going?" asked the big man. "This is my seeing-eye dog." said the man hoping for good feedback. "Alrighty mister, go right in." said the big man. The doberman man walked in.

The second man slipped his sunglasses on and did the same as the first man. "Where are you going?" asked the big man. "I'm going into the bar, this is my seeing-eye dog." he said. "A chihuahua?" asked the big man with suspicion. The other man, playing his part yelled, "They gave me a chihuahua!?"

Money (my favorite!)

There was a man who worked all of his life and saved all of his money. He was a real miser when it came to his money. He loved money more than just about anything, and just before he died, he said to his wife, "Now listen, when I die, I want you to take all my money and place it in the casket with me. I wanna take my money to the afterlife."

So he got his wife to promise him with all her heart that when he died, she would put all the money in the casket with him.

Well, one day he died. He was stretched out in the casket, the wife was sitting there in black next to her closest friend. When they finished the ceremony, just before the undertakers got ready to close the casket, the wife said "Wait just a minute!"

She had a shoe box with her, she came over with the box and placed it in the casket. Then the undertakers locked the casket down and rolled it away. Her friend said, "I hope you weren't crazy enough to put all that money in the casket."

"Yes," the wife said, "I promised. I'm a good Christian, I can't lie. I promised him that I was going to put that money in that casket with him."

"You mean to tell me you put every cent of his money in the casket with him?"

"I sure did. I got it all together, put it into my account and I wrote him a check."

The Dancing Visitor

2010-08-03T13:05:00.010-05:00

There was a star danced, and under that was I born.

My good friend Shakespeare penned that many moons ago. Lately I have been feeling very confused about my place in this world. One day I'm bursting with life and the possibilities that exist. I'm dancing around my room or singing at the top of my lungs in my truck on the way home from work. These are private concerts. Entrance upon invitation only, don't you know. Yet I'm very exclusive of who gets an invite. Yep, just me and Jesus. :)

There are days when I feel the best of me is ready to begin...

I'm feeling optimistic about my life and what is ahead. Soon my truck will be paid off and I can start tackling my credit cards in earnest. My room is coming together, so excited! All I have left to do is paint my vanity, buy a mirror for my dresser and maybe some touch up painting on my walls. Next on the renovation list is our office at church! Can't wait...

My job is getting easier to handle. I'm learning what to stress about and what to let go of. lol Makes a difference. I'm learning to organize and Excel is now my BFF. And my support team is AWESOME! Which helps tremendously.

I can honestly say that I ♥ teaching Sunday School now! I have the Beginner Class for another couple weeks and it's so much fun! It's so rewarding to hear them learn their memory passages and watch their eyes light up when I teach. I've gotten to crawl around on the floor with them and build tents made out of 100% cotton. (sheets - lol) They won't dance with me though. They do however, like to see me do it. Great entertainment. However, that will change soon. Back to the Primary Class and the drama that comes with that crowd. (How can 9 -10 year olds have drama already?!)

I have been on 3 week long vacations so far this year (All paid! Woot woot!) The first one really wasn't a vacation but it was a trip. And I was off work. And I had a good time, despite the reason for going. Then we went on the Most Amazing Road Trip Ever to Florida. Good times. And of course, my solo journey to SoCal for a few days. Coming back home was an event in and of itself but otherwise, it was a good trip. Lost a brother, though. And another one bites the dust. *Sigh* And I will be going on another vacation shortly. Don't know where but it will be somewhere East this time. :) Yay!

Then they're days when I feel I'm letting go and soaring on the wind...

Jaci makes it sound so fun and carefree! Me? I feel like I am plummeting towards the earth with no parachute. Those neat, little squares of earth that are seen from the airplane window suddenly something...different. Yes, there are days when I feel so lost, that I don't know what I'm doing or where I'm going. Days when I stare in the mirror going, "Who are you?" These are the days that even though outwardly, everything is normal, (I'm not tearing my hair out or running around screaming at the top of my lungs and waving a butcher knife) in my mind there is just a big, bold question mark.

Wherever I go, I'm just a visitor in my own life.

I read that quote in a book recently. I believe it has to do with Eastern philosophy, the whole "zen thing". And yet, it makes sense in our own faith, as well. Page number 24 in the hymnbook. However, when I read it, I felt sad. Because that would mean that The Visitor has no home, he's a vagabond. Homeless. A bum. His whole life, he's on the outside, looking in. Never belonging. Shouldn't one at the very least, feel at home inside his own skin? Yet, I feel like that lonely man sometimes. No matter how hard I try and seek to find "the real me", somehow the answer seems to elude me. Maybe Michelle is playing hide and seek. Who knows? There is a restlessness in me that mirrors the restlessness in The Visitor. What am I doing here? Why am I here? Why doesn't anything feel right?

The Dancing Me is more fun. ☻

2010-07-09T16:40:00.004-05:00

The crashing waves against the shore
The breeze brushes my cheeks.
The fading sun winking goodnight to me
Ah! The memories linger sweet!

What Now?

2010-05-25T15:26:00.008-05:00

So what happens when life changes drastically?

When everything around you is crumbling to pieces and everything is falling apart? Your anchors have been rudely uprooted and you've been sent drifting with nothing to hold you down?

All you hear about is everything you're doing wrong and instead of assistance, all you feel is criticism?

When all you've ever known is suddenly different than anything you've ever known?

And your world expects you to go along with the new flow without question. What's the problem?

Arnold Bennett said that "Any change, even for the better, is often accompanied by drawbacks and discomforts." That's putting it mildly, Arnie.

I hate change. I abhor it. I detest it. All because I fear it.

Fear it, you say? Yes, I'm scared of change. And when I'm scared, I tend to lash out. *gasp* Yes, I admit it, I am a beast when it comes to change.

And my life has been stressful for...9 months now?! So on top of that, I'm supposed to stare Change in the eye, shake it's hand and welcome it into my bosom?! And no, I am not talking about people, per se. I'm talking about change in general.

So although most everyone knows how stressed I've been lately, they seem to still expect me to take life's gut punches with a smile. NEWS FLASH - I am only human. A very imperfect one, at that.

So to all those who have borne the brunt of my "lashing out", I apologize. It has not been intentional.

In His Eyes

2010-04-17T09:32:00.002-05:00

For some reason, this thought was in my mind last night as I waited for Sweet Sleep to visit.

In Isaiah 53:2, the prophet says, " For he grew up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form or comeliness; and when we see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him."

We've always heard that scripture but in my mind, I always wanted Jesus to have at least one redeeming quality. Other than the obvious fact that He was/is God. :)

And last night I realized that what I would term as an "attractive feature" about Him would have been His eyes.

Think about it.

The same eyes that watched the worlds being formed from nothing. The same eyes that shed tears in the Garden of Eden so long ago. And countless times after. The same eyes that flashed in anger at the Israelites and their rebellion. Not to mention the rest of us heathens. The same eyes that saw you and I, during our first moments of our life. Imagine the secret smile He shared with the angels! The same eyes that, dripping with blood, followed the path He would soon take up the Hill of Golgotha. The eyes that smiled down on the disciples, promising His soon return.

I honestly would have loved to stare into the eyes of the Savior.

Right after that, something flashed in my mind. Wouldn't those same, loving eyes know exactly what is in my heart at that time? Wouldn't those same eyes burn with condemnation knowing the state of my soul? And every single sin that I have ever committed in life? Wouldn't those eyes show me who I really am...not who I pretend to be?

I paused, thinking to myself, "No, that's probably more than I could handle!" Never mind!

Then...

"But if I repent and the Blood that He shed now washes me clean, He doesn't know my sin anymore!" Right?!

"For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more." Hebrews 8:12.

So maybe what I would be seeing would just be my own refection staring back at me. They say that the eye is a window to the soul. So maybe His eyes would be a mirror that reflects my soul. In which case, I would be unable to turn away. Imagine seeing yourself for who you really are. No facades or masquerades. The only condemnation is your own. He would simply stare at you and every facet of your spiritual life would be revealed.

Makes me wonder, would I really be able to handle it?

Aww! it's over!

2010-03-20T08:48:00.002-05:00

So, I'm finally rested up from our vacation.

Yeah, it took an entire week. :)

So, where was I at? Key West.

Wednesday was our last day in Miami. And that happened to be the most gorgeous day of all! It stinks. Or stunk. We said our goodbyes to Dale (who is the most awesomest big sister in the world! Lyda and I claimed her as ours. lol) and headed north.

Our first stop was Daytona Beach. Which was the most beautiful beach that we'd been to so far! And it was so disappointing because we couldn't stay too long because we had a hotel reserved in South Carolina. *pouting* The sand was white and powdery and the water very clear. No seaweed! We sooo were not expecting Daytona to be so pretty. We were just gonna pop in and out, just to say we'd been there. Oh, well. Jen and I console ourselves with the fact that we will go back. As we headed back to the highway, we got stuck on a bridge because some guy on a bike decided to pick a two lane bridge to collapse on. The police stopped traffic and I have no idea why I'm mentioning this. But the weirdest part was, a man was walking from the scene and passed our car, smiling really big. As if he'd had a part in the other guy's predicament. Super odd.

Anyways, so next was Savannah. But we got into town when it was dark so we could not see a single thing. Wednesday was turning out to be a drag. So we drove around for a while (don't ask me why, the sidewalks were already rolled in for the night) then headed to Charleston.

Our hotel was located in Isle of Palms, north of the city. We checked in, tossed our bags inside, then headed out to find something to eat. Jen found a man at IHOP. I'm not sure if he came from the islands or not, he couldn't seem to make up his mind. :) After giggling for an hour straight, we headed back to the hotel. Only to be stopped by a bored cop. Hey! I was only going 14 mph over the speed limit! He was nice, though and gave us a Spring Break discount! Apparently he stops quite a few Texans in that area. Watch out for him, ya'll.

The next morning, at 6:30 sharp, Jen and I awoke to her alarm clock. Lyda did too but she rolled back over. lol We pulled on our hoodies and tucked our cameras in our pockets and headed out to welcome the sun. Except he (Mr. Sun, Sun, Mr. Golden Sun) chose not to grace us with his presence that day. But we had fun walking the beach. Searching for seashells. Trespassing on a private pier. (that was Jen, not me. wink, wink) Taking pictures of one legged birdies. And dead starfish. Then getting caught in the rain walking back. That was fun.

We visited a fort, just for the fun of it. It was fun!

We checked out of the hotel and went to see Charleston. I drove around for a while, while Lyda was learning to be a photographer (that chick seriously needs a camera) until I found what I was looking for! Rainbow Row. I could not remember what the name of the street was so I couldn't put it in the GPS but I figure, how could we get lost in Charleston?! Anyways, we'll be back, Charleston. No worries, buddy.

So, since Jen wanted to see Savannah during daylight, we headed back to Georgia. Where it was raining. We drove down River Street, bumping along the cobblestones, but we didn't have umbrellas so we didn't get out. We got smart and went to buy some. We found a nice little Italian restaurant and had lunch/dinner and by the time we were done, it was not just raining anymore. It was pouring! And I got to walk in the rain for the second time that day! I love the rain, can you tell?! So Jen and Lyda were cursing me during the 5 block dash to our car. *sigh* They just didn't come prepared. I had boots on, but they were wearing flats. Who wears flats on a rainy day?! lololol Just kidding. So by the time we got to the car, we were pretty much soaked. It was great.

And then we headed home. Driving the back roads of Georgia, Mississippi and Alabama at night was an interesting experience, I tell you. Well, I assume it was. You'd have to ask Jen. She was the pilot this time. lol. We even stopped the car at one point, Just so we could stick our heads out the window and check out the stars. Simply amazing.

And that was it. It was the most awesome Road Trip ever! Pictures to come soon!

Whew! I survived Key West!!!

2010-03-09T23:43:00.007-06:00

LOL - Now that was fun! We left around 9ish this morning, heading south on highway 1. We passed through all the smaller keys until finally, 3 hours later, we arrived at Key West. The beaches we quite vacant due to the sky being slightly overcast and chilly. *snorts* If you call 65 degrees chilly.

We drove around for a while, searching for the southernmost part of the USA. We weren't exactly sure where it was and received about, oh, say 4 different directions from the locals. (I think that's a source of amusement for them. Sending people in different directions from their intended destinations.) I think we covered the width and length of that island 3 times, at least. :) Until we finally found it. There wasn't even a sign to say what it was! Just a pier and a sign with the name of the pier on it. Supposedly its only 90 miles to Cuba, as a crow flies, from that point. And I read reviews (last week) about how small the beach there was. No exaggeration, folks. It was postage stamp sized. And crowded! Hilarious stuff.

So we headed back to the beaches that we'd passed on our way in. Keep in mind that not an hour has passed since we arrived on the key. We parked the car (that was an event in itself), grabbed our gear and headed onto the beach. Much to our surprise, IT WAS STANDING ROOM ONLY! I am so not lying! I'd have taken a pic but would probably get into trouble for that! lolol Seriously, though. Spring Break arrived in Key West! And all the college kids finally woke up from their hangovers and decided to come tan! Fun times.

So we backtracked and went further up the beach for more sand and less bodies. We set up camp and went to test the waters. Yeaaaah...the water was cold. Disappointing. And we were too chicken to go all the way in so we sat near the water's edge and let the waves wash over our legs. And that was our day at the beach! lol No, not really. We had a lovely lunch and rested in the shade of two palm trees until the sun decided it had enough of us and went down.

Then the night life began.

Apparently, Duval St. is the place to be in Key West! We walked up and down the street for a while (like, once up the street and once down the street...not up and down like idiots without a clue what to do :) then stopped in at Hard Rock for dinner. Fun times. People watching is sooo much funny when there are crazy (and drunk) people involved! Apparently, it's hip to walk the street in your wedding dress. You get free drinks that way. Not that the bride needed any more. She'd already had one too many!

So, fun times on my first trip to Key West. Next time, hopefully, I get to actually eat some Key Lime Pie! (yeah, it really bites that I didn't get any)

Miami via New Orleans

2010-03-08T21:41:00.005-06:00

That's what I'm calling this trip.

So...we (Jen, Lyda and I) lit out of Dallas on Friday evening en route to a tiny town in LousyAna (just kidding, ya'll!) called Alexandria. We knew we wouldn't be able to make it all the way to New Orleans, our first stop on the trip.

Free Advice, folks. Don't stay in the Econo Lodge on MacArthur. We did and we probably won't again. But we got some sleep.

The next day (we slept in until late morning) started the 3 hour trip to New Orleans. We arrived in the city late afternoon and walked around for a while, ogling the buildings and the interesting people! One dude had no pants on, literally! He had some sort of plastic loin cloth though. Praise God. We saw a couple silver guys (they spray painted themselves) and a gold one. Much, much more but we'll stop there! It was hilarious! We also went in St. Louis Cathedral and attended evening Mass. Okay, not really. Well, Mass was going on and we were in there soooo...maybe we did. :) We stopped at a restaurant on Bourbon Street (I think!) and had dinner. The gumbo was awesome but the rest of the food was so spicy that Lyda and I didn't really enjoy it. Dessert was a bread pudding. Which was ho hum. Needless to say, I was somewhat disappointed at my long awaited Cajun dinner. No worries, though. I'll be back to the city someday and hopefully have a better dining experience then! Who Dat?! Whatever.

French Quarter

So. After that we headed east on Highway 10. Entered Mississippi. Exited Mississippi. Entered Alabama. Exited Alabama. Entered Florida. Killed a poor possum trying to cross the highway. We found a rest stop and rested for about 4 hours before heading out again. We encountered some interesting people in central Florida...some not so friendly McDonald employees. Maybe they were just angry because they had to work on Sunday morning. Who knows?

We finally reached Plantation (which is about an hour north of Miami) at around 1pm. We met up with Dale, Jen's older sister and went to her house.

Welcoming us into her home were her 4 cats (they didn't really welcome us, they stared at us as if to say, "Who in the world are you people?" Then, "Why are ya'll just standing there?! Feed us!" And an obese (I kid not) dog named Moose. Quite fitting. He actually did the welcoming. He led us up the stairs and literally showed us to our rooms. Then went back downstairs and peed about a gallon and a half worth of doggie urine on the carpet.

After a long awaited nap, we got dressed and went to church at Bro. Johns'. It was a good service. Great message. Very timely as well! My favorite part of the sermon is where he told the young, single ladies that we need "a man with a lot of money". No kidding! He seriously said that! It's going to be fun telling Pastor that. :)

After church we visited one of Dale's friends for dinner. And I realized that I do not care for curried goat. But nevertheless, I ate what was set before me.

This morning we got up and headed south to Coral Gables. I had Googled (like a good tourist) local attractions and found a museum and gardens called Vizcaya. Oh. My. Word. It was gorgeous! I am so glad we went! I won't go into too much detail because I would probably quote everything the tour guide said! I was that much into it! The house was 1914 and was probably one of the most ornate homes in the state at that time. Mr. Robert Deering spared no expense in building his home. He incorporated antique pieces from all over Europe (Denmark, Greece, England and France) as well as locally made pieces to creat a home that looked as if it had been built over 4 centuries prior to when it actually was. The rooms were a blend of different times and eras but it all came together to form a grand home. Bravo to the three designers! Oh, and the gardens were lovely as well! :)

After that, we headed to South Beach. Fun times. We dipped our toes in the water but the beach was too crowded for our tastes so we walked down The Strip until we found a seafood joint and had some tasty blackened grouper. I had my mind set on Red Snapper but no luck. I don't think I will ever get some. I've been trying to eat some good Snapper for YEARS but no luck. Sigh. Miy camera died at Vizcaya so for pictures of South Beach, visit Jen's site! :)

People watching on The Strip was hilarious. Fun times. We did a bit of shopping and came back home. Ate some ice cream on the patio and now here I am. Blogging like a good little nerd. lol

Stay tuned!Tomorrow is Key West!