This last weekend was almost as good as my own birthday weekend. There was some drama and unplanned for events but somehow those never seem to matter as much once the events are over and the overall feeling I have is just a resounding thought of, wow! that was awesome, I wouldn't of traded it for anything.
The basic overview stands as thus, Fright Night at Great America. They had great haunted houses and even though I don't generally scare easy I let myself be scared and ended up jumping a lot and screaming a couple of times. Werewolves, severed bodies, malfunctioning toys, and worst of all creepy clowns, I dislike clowns thanks to my high school friend. It was just a lot of fun and the costumes were so creative and the area mazes were well put together, even most of the lines were short so it was worth going earlier in the month than last year.
Then came the Renaissance Fair in Casa De Fruta. What a great day to go, the weather was fantastic, warm but not too hot, and people everywhere dressed as anything and everything that you can think of. I love looking around and seeing all the wonderful merchandise that people craft by hand. There is something wonderful about it, things that aren't manufactured by machines but by human hands. The food, the items and the drinking songs are just some of the highlights of the day. My favorite of course was the jousting competition, it made me want to watch the movie A Knight's Tale for the millionth time. Alas there wasn't enough time for sleep and a movie the rest of the weekend, sleeping clearly won out.
Finally, yesterday was a play it by ear day but sometimes those are the best kind of Sundays to have. I slept as much as my body needed, I made a cake that I have never tried to make before and it turned out pretty okay. The only thing that could have made the day better was a win from the San Francisco Giants and getting to watch the season premiere of The Walking Dead, but hey we can't have everything we want, and if we got everything we wanted how spoiled we would be. I do hope that everyone else had just as great of a weekend.
Monday, October 15, 2012
Friday, August 24, 2012
Part of The Team
We never realize it when we are younger but learning to be a part of a team will follow us throughout our lives. Teams come in all forms, from families to sports to co-workers, and if we learn teamwork when we are young then as we grow we will take those lessons with us. I mean that is generally how learning works this is no exception.
I loved playing sports when I was younger, heck I love playing them now, but there were times in the past that I didn't understand what my parents were trying to teach me about being part of the team. Though I am not super clumsy I still have my moments when something doesn't go exactly right and I get hurt. When I was younger there were a couple of times when I hurt myself enough to actually have a cast or crutches. During those times you can bet I was part of some sort of organized sport.
I remember the first time I had crutches, I was playing softball at the time. I could barely get around so of course playing in a game was out of the question. To me at the time that meant maybe sitting in the stands and watching my team win without me. My parents had another idea however. I was in uniform, on the bench, with my crutches yelling and cheering with the rest of my team. At the time I thought it was a little too much, why be there in uniform when I can't play. As I got older and again was on crutches, this time for the high school basketball team, it was the same thing. In uniform on the bench, cheering and being the support I could be for my team.
I never realized then what those lessons would teach me about being part of a team. As family we are always there to support physically and emotionally, as sports teammates we are there to cheer on those that might need to hear the encouragement, and at work we are there to cover for each other when sickness or vacations might arise. The thing to remember is that sickness, pain or other ailments may present themselves, but sometimes you have to continue to be there for the team. When you start to let the team down they notice, when they have to constantly cover for you they notice. No one is really keeping track but co-workers, family members and teammates will always remember when those times as they may become more frequent. Sometimes we have to be weary of how much we are letting our teams down.
I loved playing sports when I was younger, heck I love playing them now, but there were times in the past that I didn't understand what my parents were trying to teach me about being part of the team. Though I am not super clumsy I still have my moments when something doesn't go exactly right and I get hurt. When I was younger there were a couple of times when I hurt myself enough to actually have a cast or crutches. During those times you can bet I was part of some sort of organized sport.
I remember the first time I had crutches, I was playing softball at the time. I could barely get around so of course playing in a game was out of the question. To me at the time that meant maybe sitting in the stands and watching my team win without me. My parents had another idea however. I was in uniform, on the bench, with my crutches yelling and cheering with the rest of my team. At the time I thought it was a little too much, why be there in uniform when I can't play. As I got older and again was on crutches, this time for the high school basketball team, it was the same thing. In uniform on the bench, cheering and being the support I could be for my team.
I never realized then what those lessons would teach me about being part of a team. As family we are always there to support physically and emotionally, as sports teammates we are there to cheer on those that might need to hear the encouragement, and at work we are there to cover for each other when sickness or vacations might arise. The thing to remember is that sickness, pain or other ailments may present themselves, but sometimes you have to continue to be there for the team. When you start to let the team down they notice, when they have to constantly cover for you they notice. No one is really keeping track but co-workers, family members and teammates will always remember when those times as they may become more frequent. Sometimes we have to be weary of how much we are letting our teams down.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Birthday Wishes
It has been well over a month since my actual birthday and I have had the best intentions of posting about what an amazing time I had but I guess it has had to wait until now. the thing about my birthday is that I don't hate it but I also don't like planning it for myself, it has always just felt like something someone else should do for you. Don't ask me why I think that, I can't tell you where that line of thought comes from. So now that I am older I just kind of go with the flow when it comes to my birthday. I might plan small things but no big parties, at least not until I am turning 30... only a couple years away *sigh*
This year turned out to be the best, somethings just came together and somethings I planned but overall it turned out pretty great and in the end what more could I really ask for. It turned out to be a weekend event type thing without me even trying, I had to work late that Friday night but still wanted to go out after work even if just for a little while. On the way out of work I found a $5 bill just hanging out on the ground. I feel like that was a good sign of things to come. I spent a couple of hours after that with friends at a local bar, drinking some cherry coke and listening to awesome karaoke. But I couldn't stay too late because the next day I had to be up early.
That Saturday was the day before my birthday, this year it happen to coincide with the San Francisco Color Run, also known as the happiest 5K on the planet. My friend and I got up early, especially for a Saturday and drove to San Francisco where we really did have a great time run/walking our first 5K. After we were tired but she wanted to take me to the Rainforest Cafe for dinner, neither of us had ever been there but it was great. We were sunburnt and tired, the robotic snake was ridiculous, and we got stare after stare from people because we were a pink color, but let's face it I would of stared as well. It was great!
Finally on Sunday, the real day of my birth, I went to church and then hung out with family. Well sort of my adopted family, that is what we are calling it anyways. We had pot roast for dinner, watched a movie, opened some presents, had some cake, and played Skip-Bo. All in all it was really a great day, I even enjoyed that my Dad used his Facebook to wish my an additional happy birthday. He is learning the ways of technology, I am so proud!
How does it feel to be another year older? Sometimes I wonder what the heck I am doing with my life. How did I get here and where am I going? But then I realize how very blessed I am, I may not have everything in the world that I expected to have at this age when I was younger, but I have a lot of things that I never could of dreamed of having at this age when I was 20. My own apartment and my little Guido, great friends and family, two jobs and a church calling, my health and the ability to do activities that I enjoy. I may not have everything I expected to have at this age, but I have come to realize that there are so many things in this life that I will obtain, I would just be spoiled if I got it all at once, and I wouldn't appreciate the things I do have nearly as much.
This year turned out to be the best, somethings just came together and somethings I planned but overall it turned out pretty great and in the end what more could I really ask for. It turned out to be a weekend event type thing without me even trying, I had to work late that Friday night but still wanted to go out after work even if just for a little while. On the way out of work I found a $5 bill just hanging out on the ground. I feel like that was a good sign of things to come. I spent a couple of hours after that with friends at a local bar, drinking some cherry coke and listening to awesome karaoke. But I couldn't stay too late because the next day I had to be up early.
That Saturday was the day before my birthday, this year it happen to coincide with the San Francisco Color Run, also known as the happiest 5K on the planet. My friend and I got up early, especially for a Saturday and drove to San Francisco where we really did have a great time run/walking our first 5K. After we were tired but she wanted to take me to the Rainforest Cafe for dinner, neither of us had ever been there but it was great. We were sunburnt and tired, the robotic snake was ridiculous, and we got stare after stare from people because we were a pink color, but let's face it I would of stared as well. It was great!
How does it feel to be another year older? Sometimes I wonder what the heck I am doing with my life. How did I get here and where am I going? But then I realize how very blessed I am, I may not have everything in the world that I expected to have at this age when I was younger, but I have a lot of things that I never could of dreamed of having at this age when I was 20. My own apartment and my little Guido, great friends and family, two jobs and a church calling, my health and the ability to do activities that I enjoy. I may not have everything I expected to have at this age, but I have come to realize that there are so many things in this life that I will obtain, I would just be spoiled if I got it all at once, and I wouldn't appreciate the things I do have nearly as much.
Monday, August 20, 2012
Back To Work
I was debating what I wanted to post about today, the easiest topic of course won out so today I am thinking a lot about my decision to go back to being a gym member. I feel like it was a split decision because I walked into the gym with no intention of joining, I was just feeling lousy and knew that a good work out would help me feel better. And since I could just buy a day pass and work out with my friend I thought this was no big deal, $10 to feel better, I will take that. I decided anyways to ask about joining and see what it would cost, thinking that if I could work it into my budget then I could join within the next month.
Well I got the numbers and went to work out and think about what I was going to do. I have had a nagging feeling lately that I just needed to find a way to get myself working out again. I told myself months ago when I quit my last gym that I could just work out at home and save the money for other things. Lots of people work out at home and they do just fine. I should have known from past experiences that I am not one of those people. It is not that I don't like working out I really do and I know that my apartment is no gym but I also know that it is big enough to burn some calories, yet I never did anything to get the work outs going.
Call me lazy if you want I don't care, I know that I have a tendency to be on the lazy side, especially when I feel like everything is piled up against me. A lot of times that means I will fight back but when it comes to working out or house work I tend to let the laziness take over. These days it seems to take over easily between having a second job and my chronic neck pain/ headaches. I know deep down I couldn't let this all continue, I needed to make this change and work on helping myself feel better.
Luckily my friend was there to help me think through the idea of joining the gym.Don't you just love friends! We talked it over, what it would mean for financially, what it would mean for me physically and mentally, even how it might work better in my schedule than trying to get to the gym right after work like I was doing before. By the end of the work out I had done strength training for my arms, cardio on the elliptical and treadmill and shot some hoops at the converted basketball court. And I knew that I should sign up right away, so I did. I feel good, I feel stronger, I feel like sore :) Though I had some trouble getting out of chairs and lifting my arms over my head yesterday and today, it is a good feeling, I don't know if it is actually possible but I can feel my body growing stronger right now, healing it self and getting out all the junk I have been putting in there.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Ultimate Nerd Debate
I am not going to just say the Superman is dumb and Batman is better. As far as superheroes go Superman is pretty darn awesome. I mean the man can fly and shoot lasers from his eyes and leap tall building in one bound. However not many things can get Superman down, he is an alien and his only weakness is a magical little crystal from some far away planet that was blown up. I could totally be wrong about that story but that is my interpretation of it.
I mean great he fights for justice and the American way which is awesome since he is not really American, remember he is an alien. But then you have Batman. Sure he is rich and privileged to have the advanced technology to help him fight crime. The thing is that since he is human there is no amount of money or technology that will keep his body from deteriorating. He is broken physically, mentally and emotionally time and time again, and though it might be a stretch to believe that any really person could take that much abuse, Batman always gets up to fight again.
I think that is why I like him so much more. It is easier to relate to and see yourself in the place of a man that is mortal. Someone who is beaten and broken and gets back up to continue to be beaten down again if that is what is called for. He is a symbol of what everyone has the opportunity to be, someone who does good for others. Someone who stands up for those that maybe can't stand up for themselves. And most of all someone who shows the world what the very definition of perseverance is. Hooray for superheros!
I mean great he fights for justice and the American way which is awesome since he is not really American, remember he is an alien. But then you have Batman. Sure he is rich and privileged to have the advanced technology to help him fight crime. The thing is that since he is human there is no amount of money or technology that will keep his body from deteriorating. He is broken physically, mentally and emotionally time and time again, and though it might be a stretch to believe that any really person could take that much abuse, Batman always gets up to fight again.
I think that is why I like him so much more. It is easier to relate to and see yourself in the place of a man that is mortal. Someone who is beaten and broken and gets back up to continue to be beaten down again if that is what is called for. He is a symbol of what everyone has the opportunity to be, someone who does good for others. Someone who stands up for those that maybe can't stand up for themselves. And most of all someone who shows the world what the very definition of perseverance is. Hooray for superheros!
Monday, July 9, 2012
Losing My Mind
Losing something or someone is never a good way to have a great day. Somethings are easily found and the day seems to get better, but there are things that you may lose forever that take a toll on ones emotions. It maybe a relationship that needs a change and you feel like it is a lost cause so you move on. Or it maybe a life the was taken because you could no longer watch the suffering.
Whatever the loss maybe it can seem to weigh heavy on your heart and your mind. You may even think how is it possible to continue from this great loss? Well like many wise people before myself have said, time can heal all wounds. That is not to say the wound will never hurt again, or that in the beginning it can't be reopened. I think of it like when my previously broken foot aches when the weather changes, just like that a loss can ache at times too. Not a day goes by that I don't miss my grandparents and the time that I could of spent with them.
Moving on can seem impossible when everything is fresh and a change is new. Forgiving someone who may have caused that loss may seem like it will never happen, but to move on you will have to forgive. Everyday that we hurt but continue to live we become that much stronger, just like a muscle that you work out and train. There are few things in this world that last forever, loss of some kind is inevitable, it is a sad but true fact. What we must focus on sometimes is Plan B, because even though we may think that there is only one path to happiness that is not true. We are blessed with multiple good ways for life to work out.
Whatever the loss maybe it can seem to weigh heavy on your heart and your mind. You may even think how is it possible to continue from this great loss? Well like many wise people before myself have said, time can heal all wounds. That is not to say the wound will never hurt again, or that in the beginning it can't be reopened. I think of it like when my previously broken foot aches when the weather changes, just like that a loss can ache at times too. Not a day goes by that I don't miss my grandparents and the time that I could of spent with them.
Moving on can seem impossible when everything is fresh and a change is new. Forgiving someone who may have caused that loss may seem like it will never happen, but to move on you will have to forgive. Everyday that we hurt but continue to live we become that much stronger, just like a muscle that you work out and train. There are few things in this world that last forever, loss of some kind is inevitable, it is a sad but true fact. What we must focus on sometimes is Plan B, because even though we may think that there is only one path to happiness that is not true. We are blessed with multiple good ways for life to work out.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Willing To Help A Friend
How far would you go to help out a friend? Is there ever a time when you just have to walk away from the friendship? What are those circumstances?
I have almost never pushed a friend away, and in less than a handful of instances have I stopped being friends with someone. I am always a giving person or at least I try to be. I am willing to stand up for my friends in all kinds of situations and have at times been a middle person or peace keeper to help out the situation. In all my time of being, what i hope is good friend to those around me, I sometimes come to the idea that maybe I put up with more than crap than I really should.
Something that I am beginning to realize is that they might put up with more of my antics than I do of theirs. And I do worry sometimes that I use them irresponsibly. I am not really sure how you would use someone irresponsibly but I worry no matter what that I may have or be doing this. Friends have always been a bit of a mystery for me I guess. I know that doesn't give me a right to treat my friends badly, and for the most part I can't really think of a time that I have done that, though I am human and I am sure there are instances. But I come back to the ultimate question, when is it too far for them to carry me, cover for me, hold me up, or have my back? And vice versus? Is there ever a time when you should walk away from a friend or maybe just not be such good friends?
I have almost never pushed a friend away, and in less than a handful of instances have I stopped being friends with someone. I am always a giving person or at least I try to be. I am willing to stand up for my friends in all kinds of situations and have at times been a middle person or peace keeper to help out the situation. In all my time of being, what i hope is good friend to those around me, I sometimes come to the idea that maybe I put up with more than crap than I really should.
Something that I am beginning to realize is that they might put up with more of my antics than I do of theirs. And I do worry sometimes that I use them irresponsibly. I am not really sure how you would use someone irresponsibly but I worry no matter what that I may have or be doing this. Friends have always been a bit of a mystery for me I guess. I know that doesn't give me a right to treat my friends badly, and for the most part I can't really think of a time that I have done that, though I am human and I am sure there are instances. But I come back to the ultimate question, when is it too far for them to carry me, cover for me, hold me up, or have my back? And vice versus? Is there ever a time when you should walk away from a friend or maybe just not be such good friends?
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Auto vs. Manual
Let me start by saying that I love my car! Well mostly. It is getting older and slowly deteriorating on the inside and out, but it still gets decent gas mileage especially on the highway. Sometimes when visiting my family up north, I can go the 200 miles on a quarter of a tank. Yeah how is that for fuel economy. It is by no means a hybrid but I feel like any car that is approaching 20 years in age that still gets gas mileage like that is allowed to put one in the win column.
The reason I like to believe it does as well still to this day, is because it is a manual transmission car. Manual transmissions are great for that type of thing, if you use them correctly. Yes when the transmission goes out it is terrible, but there are many things about driving a manual that are just awesome. There is a sense of control and power that can not be matched even in a vehicle with a hemi. I put up a good race even against my friends new Charger, and by good race I mean I lose terribly but my car tries so hard.
As day by day I watch my car disintegrate in front of my eyes, I dream of the day when I might be able to or have to get a new car. It will probably be used, so don't go getting jealous or anything, but at the same time I contemplate the eternal conundrum of automatic vs. manual. I haven't had an automatic transmission in the last 6 years. It is second natural for me now to want to shift in whatever car I might be driving, but there are serious fall backs when you are starting to have knee problems and the shifting only aggravates your joints. Maybe I will just have to move somewhere where there isn't any traffic to sit in to and from work and not have to worry about getting an automatic or knee problems.
The reason I like to believe it does as well still to this day, is because it is a manual transmission car. Manual transmissions are great for that type of thing, if you use them correctly. Yes when the transmission goes out it is terrible, but there are many things about driving a manual that are just awesome. There is a sense of control and power that can not be matched even in a vehicle with a hemi. I put up a good race even against my friends new Charger, and by good race I mean I lose terribly but my car tries so hard.
As day by day I watch my car disintegrate in front of my eyes, I dream of the day when I might be able to or have to get a new car. It will probably be used, so don't go getting jealous or anything, but at the same time I contemplate the eternal conundrum of automatic vs. manual. I haven't had an automatic transmission in the last 6 years. It is second natural for me now to want to shift in whatever car I might be driving, but there are serious fall backs when you are starting to have knee problems and the shifting only aggravates your joints. Maybe I will just have to move somewhere where there isn't any traffic to sit in to and from work and not have to worry about getting an automatic or knee problems.
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| I LOVE this magnet!! |
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Only The Lonely
Maybe this is something that I complain about too much, but as I sit here in my apartment on a beautiful Sunday afternoon I wonder how is it that I come to this lonely feeling as often as I do. Sometimes I like to blame it on biology and say that because I am female my desire to have a family is so strong as I approach my upcoming birthday. That could be true but it is also an excuse to try and explain my feelings I guess.
I definitely dislike this feeling though. I go to church and am filled with great feelings of the Spirit but then I come home to my almost empty house, where there always seems to be dishes, laundry, vacuuming and cleaning to get done, amongst tons of other things, and it is quiet. Quiet is nice sometimes but most of the time it just reminds me that I am lacking things in my life that I so badly want and feel that I am ready and just waiting for. I feel like I have less patience with each passing day, maybe each hour.
I definitely dislike this feeling though. I go to church and am filled with great feelings of the Spirit but then I come home to my almost empty house, where there always seems to be dishes, laundry, vacuuming and cleaning to get done, amongst tons of other things, and it is quiet. Quiet is nice sometimes but most of the time it just reminds me that I am lacking things in my life that I so badly want and feel that I am ready and just waiting for. I feel like I have less patience with each passing day, maybe each hour.
Friday, June 29, 2012
Making It On Your Own
I have always been fascinated by those individuals that decided to go out on their own and make a business out of what they really love to do. Mostly I seem to hear about people who love to bake and cook going out on their own and starting a little shop. Maybe it is only known because of the numerous cooking competition shows that take over the airwaves. Oh yeah and a whole channel dedicated to food, but who could really live without it?
But the fact remains true, whether the business is successful or a complete failure there are people out there that are still going out on their own and at least trying to make their business happen. I am so floored by the fact that people are able to figure out where to go to make their dream a reality when it comes to small businesses. I just don't have the first clue as to even figuring it out.
Many people lately have been saying that I should open a bakery or market the foods that I have been making because they are impressed with the taste and the quality that comes out of my little kitchen. I can honestly say there is something desirable about a job that I could make the hours for. And to be able to do something that I really enjoy versus sitting at a desk all day. Don't get me wrong I am very grateful to have a job, but I sometimes feel like I am wasting away inside for 8 hours a day.
But the fact remains true, whether the business is successful or a complete failure there are people out there that are still going out on their own and at least trying to make their business happen. I am so floored by the fact that people are able to figure out where to go to make their dream a reality when it comes to small businesses. I just don't have the first clue as to even figuring it out.
Many people lately have been saying that I should open a bakery or market the foods that I have been making because they are impressed with the taste and the quality that comes out of my little kitchen. I can honestly say there is something desirable about a job that I could make the hours for. And to be able to do something that I really enjoy versus sitting at a desk all day. Don't get me wrong I am very grateful to have a job, but I sometimes feel like I am wasting away inside for 8 hours a day.
As I start to think about how I have no idea what I would be doing trying to start a business, where I would get money, equipment, supplies, or even how to advertise, I am even more amazed by those who do it. I guess sometimes it all comes down to whether or not you are willing to chase a dream that might fail and live or you are fine with something that seems mundane but safe.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Old Ways
I am sure many people do this, try to imagine what life was like for some older generation. Sometimes I think back on actual how it was before some gadget became the everyday thing that never leaves our sides. Before flat screen TVs and cell phones. They become such a part of our everyday lives it is hard to remember they didn't always exist.
Last night I had such a moment when I was drying my hair after a shower. As I flipped my hair to dry the underside, I was thinking about changing the area of my room where the hair dryer was and how there weren't really any empty plug spaces over in that area. Then I thought about a power strip and how many things I can plug into each strip and I immediately thought, what did people do before power strips? Did they actually unplug things? Ludicrous
There are any number of things that I keep plugged in to make my life function. Just in the living room alone I have the Xbox and TV, a light and a couple other things. I came to the conclusion that maybe back in the day not only did they unplug things they also didn't have a DVD player, VCR, cable box, TV, game console and sound system that all connect together and need to be plugged in. Simple thought, probably true, kind of makes you think about what we might be able to get by without in our lives and creating simpler times.
Last night I had such a moment when I was drying my hair after a shower. As I flipped my hair to dry the underside, I was thinking about changing the area of my room where the hair dryer was and how there weren't really any empty plug spaces over in that area. Then I thought about a power strip and how many things I can plug into each strip and I immediately thought, what did people do before power strips? Did they actually unplug things? Ludicrous
There are any number of things that I keep plugged in to make my life function. Just in the living room alone I have the Xbox and TV, a light and a couple other things. I came to the conclusion that maybe back in the day not only did they unplug things they also didn't have a DVD player, VCR, cable box, TV, game console and sound system that all connect together and need to be plugged in. Simple thought, probably true, kind of makes you think about what we might be able to get by without in our lives and creating simpler times.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Sharing The Love
In what seems like my never ending adventure to feel complete I have decided to try something new and share some love. Going to the farmer's market is always a good thing, fresh foods, lots of people, maybe even some that I know, beautiful plants, delicious pastries and usually some adorable kittens to say hello to. The last time I went to the farmer's market and we were looking at the cats to be adopted and I was pressed upon to ask the volunteers about information in regards to fostering kittens.
Thinking that I would eventually try and do some fostering sometime in the distant future, I got the information of the lady in charge of placing the kittens in foster homes and thought nothing much about it. I put the information on the fridge as a idea to think about but not really to actually do. Just a fun little idea, you know adding more responsibility to my life on top of everything else that I try to do, but I came to the realization that maybe it wasn't all for me and maybe it would be best for Guido and these little kittens that I would be in charge of.
Also I think there would be an advantage for the kittens, if they can learn to be comfortable with a dog in the house I believe that they will have more opportunities to be adopted out. All in all it seems like a great idea, I have no fiscal responsibility for the kittens and once they reach the right weight then they are going to get adopted to a great forever home. Only some short term responsibility and if I don't like it or it doesn't work out I can just stop volunteering.
I was ultimately thinking that this would all be a long process to get the paperwork done and get the kittens, but I felt it is worth a shot to try and help in the community, especially during kitten season. However I found out the process is not that long and now less than two weeks after getting the information of the kitten coordinator, I am a proud foster parent of two little kittens. Hopefully this venture will help me continue to find the things in this life that I feel like I am missing. I am willing to try anything at this point to just get pointed in the right direction. And in the mean time I get to share some love on some kittens that will one day make some family very happy.
Thinking that I would eventually try and do some fostering sometime in the distant future, I got the information of the lady in charge of placing the kittens in foster homes and thought nothing much about it. I put the information on the fridge as a idea to think about but not really to actually do. Just a fun little idea, you know adding more responsibility to my life on top of everything else that I try to do, but I came to the realization that maybe it wasn't all for me and maybe it would be best for Guido and these little kittens that I would be in charge of.
Also I think there would be an advantage for the kittens, if they can learn to be comfortable with a dog in the house I believe that they will have more opportunities to be adopted out. All in all it seems like a great idea, I have no fiscal responsibility for the kittens and once they reach the right weight then they are going to get adopted to a great forever home. Only some short term responsibility and if I don't like it or it doesn't work out I can just stop volunteering.
I was ultimately thinking that this would all be a long process to get the paperwork done and get the kittens, but I felt it is worth a shot to try and help in the community, especially during kitten season. However I found out the process is not that long and now less than two weeks after getting the information of the kitten coordinator, I am a proud foster parent of two little kittens. Hopefully this venture will help me continue to find the things in this life that I feel like I am missing. I am willing to try anything at this point to just get pointed in the right direction. And in the mean time I get to share some love on some kittens that will one day make some family very happy.
Monday, May 21, 2012
Garden Update - Week 6
The time has come, I was rather excited a couple of days ago to find a little green tomato on my Early Girl plants. Not to mention that the strawberries that are forming are turning red! Here I was just last week complaining about wanting to see the fruits of my labor, no pun intended, and here they are. I am rather excited especially since it has been a fear of mine about pollinating happening.
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| Zucchini plant flowering |
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| Red strawberries |
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| Okra plant sprouting |
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| Tomatoes forming |
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Garden Update - Week 5
Wow it is officially over a month since I have started my garden. Things are now happening at a slower pace than before. I am anxiously awaiting for the fruit of the tomato plants to start showing and some seeds to start sprouting. Right now there is only some blossoms that have been around for a couple of weeks. I knew when I first decided to do this project that it is a waiting game at some point and now I am here... waiting... and I really want there to be something that I can pick and eat already, somehow I have decided that will be the true test of my gardening skills.
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| Tomatoes, Okra, Peppers, Golden Poppies |
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| Dahlia |
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| Strawberries |
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| Guido helping out |
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| Zucchini, Cucumber, Radishes, Tomato |
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Garden Update - Week 4
Keeping up with the updates, I had a big weekend in my little garden. Things seem to be coming along quite well. Hopefully soon the peppers and the radishes will spring up then I won't have to worry about forgetting where I planted the radishes. Soon the flowers will be blooming and the tomatoes will start their little fruits, I can barely believe it has been about a month already and the plants seem to be thriving. I am already starting to think about what to plant this week, there is just a little bit of room left at this point but so many more things that I would like to grow. I might be going overboard but I am also thinking of all the wonderful things that I can make and eat for myself and others that will come from this small and simple garden.
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| Flower section - Dahlia, Morning Glory, Star Jasmine |
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| New Planter - Tomatoes, Zucchini, Peppers, Radishes |
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| Strawberries, Tomato |
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Musings from Stake Conference
Thoughts and feeling received during today's Stake Conference meeting:
Sometimes it is lonely being the only person in your Stake with your last name. Counter point, it is easy to get a cushion seat for one when you come in late. No plastic chairs today!
It requires a lot more attention to follow along with a talk that is being translated. However the spirit is still very strong in the room.
The power of the Holy Ghost is strong, it knows all languages and it's reach goes beyond any borders or boundaries that we human beings create.
The church is made up of people who are courageous and willing to stand against all odds for something they believe in. How blessed are those that can be a part of this church with their families, how strong are those that can stand for their personal beliefs without all the support of their loved ones.
Temple attendance and renewal of covenants help with all trials and temptations we face in our lives. During times of trials more frequent attendance and focus on convents will help relieve the tensions that arise.
Licking the surface of a watermelon, I'll use that idiom some day, thanks to President Walch for sharing.
Sometimes it is lonely being the only person in your Stake with your last name. Counter point, it is easy to get a cushion seat for one when you come in late. No plastic chairs today!
It requires a lot more attention to follow along with a talk that is being translated. However the spirit is still very strong in the room.
The power of the Holy Ghost is strong, it knows all languages and it's reach goes beyond any borders or boundaries that we human beings create.
The church is made up of people who are courageous and willing to stand against all odds for something they believe in. How blessed are those that can be a part of this church with their families, how strong are those that can stand for their personal beliefs without all the support of their loved ones.
Temple attendance and renewal of covenants help with all trials and temptations we face in our lives. During times of trials more frequent attendance and focus on convents will help relieve the tensions that arise.
Licking the surface of a watermelon, I'll use that idiom some day, thanks to President Walch for sharing.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Garden Update - Week 3
Things have gone a little unexpected in both directions this last week as far as my garden is concerned. I have been trying to go as slowly as my budget will allow in growing my little garden, however it is growing much to quickly for me. Lucky I had a small win fall this last weekend that is definitely going to help out a bit. And even my best plans had to be modified to suit the needs of my garden.
I was able to add some strawberry plants this week. I even took some time to set up the pallet that was going to be the growing station for them. However my best intentions were not so great and the landscape fabric that I had attached to the pallet wouldn't hold the weight of the soil, nor did I have enough soil to fill the pallet the way I had envisioned. Luckily the hardware store is close and without too much effort I put some soil in a gutter, yes a gutter. I am not sure how it will work but I am excited to see what will happen. Also added a hummingbird feeder in hopes that they will come and help pollinate my plants. Between that and the flowers I am hoping this will work, I guess I could go old school geneticist and do it by hand but that is a whole different story. Now for the progress pictures...
I was able to add some strawberry plants this week. I even took some time to set up the pallet that was going to be the growing station for them. However my best intentions were not so great and the landscape fabric that I had attached to the pallet wouldn't hold the weight of the soil, nor did I have enough soil to fill the pallet the way I had envisioned. Luckily the hardware store is close and without too much effort I put some soil in a gutter, yes a gutter. I am not sure how it will work but I am excited to see what will happen. Also added a hummingbird feeder in hopes that they will come and help pollinate my plants. Between that and the flowers I am hoping this will work, I guess I could go old school geneticist and do it by hand but that is a whole different story. Now for the progress pictures...
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| Strawberries |
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| Anaheim Peppers |
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| Zucchini |
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| Early Girls |
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Plant Life
The plants are alive! Now I am not talking Little Shop of Horrors alive, we all know how that didn't turn out so well. But even though I can see with my own eyes that a plant is growing I forget that means it is a living thing and it can move and change to it's needs. I bring this up because as anyone who has read my blog lately knows I am growing tomatoes in my little garden. Two of my plants are actually growing upside down in a tomato planter. What I like most about this is that some how the plants know they are upside down and correct themselves. Yes they actually twist their stems to make it so the leaves are facing skyward. You may not believe me but I have taken some pictures of course as proof. A regular Tin Tin is what I am.
So there you have it, how amazing it is that plants can do this. Not just grow upward and outward but that they know something is unusual and they correct it themselves. I am sure there is a life lesson in there somewhere.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Garden Update - Week 2
It has been a week since I planted my little garden, I have been watching it grow before my eyes but I want everyone to see it and see how easy it can be for someone living alone, in an apartment, with no yard space, to grow something delicious and healthy. You may recall that my garden currently consists of tomatoes and zucchini, hopefully adding some more veggies soon, but for now I am only adding slowly.
This is my little garden today, one week later. There may not be much visible difference but I see the changes. The zucchini is almost double it's original size and the Early Girl tomatoes are starting to show blossoms. This week I will be looking at getting some more containers and soil. Also starting some okra seeds and maybe adding a new vegetable. Trying to decide between radishes and cucumbers.
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| Day 1 |
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| Zucchini and Earl Girl tomatoes |
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| Super Tasty tomatoes |
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| Phoenix tomatoes |
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Gardener for Life
I have always loved gardening! Even before I could really walk I was doing it, and best of all it was something that I got to do with my Grandfather when he was still alive. I remember the fruits and vegetables that we used to grow and eat were so delicious and though it was hard work, there was more than enough food for our grandparents, my family, my aunt and uncle's family and then some. We shared with whomever would want to eat, literally, the fruits of our labor.
These days things are a little different, Grandpa has been gone almost two years and I live farther away from my immediate family in an apartment with no lawn or really any ground to plow and sow my fields. But with the help of the internet, Pinterest, my friends and my knowledge from my Grandfather, I am working yet again on a little garden of my own. I have become very obsessed with the idea of being able to at least provide myself and my friends with a minimum of fresh fruits and vegetables this year.
Growing everything out of containers and raised planters, if I get that ambitious. But for know I am starting with some aloe vera, tomato and zucchini that I picked up at the store this last weekend. If all goes well I am hoping soon to add some strawberries and blackberries which I will be growing out of a wooden pallet of all things. It will be amazing if I manage to get it all together and working. But even if I don't quite get it right this time I can try again next year and learn from my mistakes this time. And if I do get it right, then more berry scones to go around.
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| Me, Grandpa and Grandma |
Growing everything out of containers and raised planters, if I get that ambitious. But for know I am starting with some aloe vera, tomato and zucchini that I picked up at the store this last weekend. If all goes well I am hoping soon to add some strawberries and blackberries which I will be growing out of a wooden pallet of all things. It will be amazing if I manage to get it all together and working. But even if I don't quite get it right this time I can try again next year and learn from my mistakes this time. And if I do get it right, then more berry scones to go around.
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| My little garden beginnings - Day 1 |
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Underestimating The Opponent
I am not sure how many of you are familiar with organized sports and I don't know how many people do this professionally, but when I was playing sports in high school and we had a game, I can remember always sizing up the other team. At first you do it mentally, I would talk to my team and my coach about their knowledge of the other team and of the players. We would look at stats of their games and prepare for plays and moves that they might try to use against us. Then it would become visual, seeing the other players and looking for their physical disadvantages, are they shorter, thinner, heavier, or perhaps clumsy as they warm up for the game.
What I have learned, and hopefully have taught many others by the way that I carry myself, is that all the mental and physical preparation can be very helpful but you can never really tell what you are up against until you are actually experiencing it. Furthermore, more often than not, I personally have underestimated my opponent, but more so they have almost always underestimated me.
I have never been a small person, always a little huskier than the other girls, not very tall and just decent at every sport I played. I knew the moves and I had the heart but I was never the star player. What I did have was deception, by which I mean my opponent would see me and think hey that girl is bigger and probably slower, I bet I won't have to worry about her. WRONG! I am not the fastest but I can move quickly, probably not the strongest but I can hold my own and definitely more graceful when I move or when I fall than some girls I have seen only half my size.
I don't say these things to boast myself or to try and hurt other people's feelings, so I hope that it doesn't come across like that, my only point with this post is to bring to your attention that people are more than they seem on the outside. It is true that sometimes people are what they show to the world, but so many times you will find that this is not so. But no matter what situation you are in, whether it be sports or just everyday life, try your hardest to not underestimate your opponent. You may never know how low they may drag you or how hard they may hit you or even how sly they may be. Prepare yourself to the best of your abilities, work hard and try your best, but never think for one minute that your opponent hasn't trained and prepared just as hard as you have.
What I have learned, and hopefully have taught many others by the way that I carry myself, is that all the mental and physical preparation can be very helpful but you can never really tell what you are up against until you are actually experiencing it. Furthermore, more often than not, I personally have underestimated my opponent, but more so they have almost always underestimated me.
I have never been a small person, always a little huskier than the other girls, not very tall and just decent at every sport I played. I knew the moves and I had the heart but I was never the star player. What I did have was deception, by which I mean my opponent would see me and think hey that girl is bigger and probably slower, I bet I won't have to worry about her. WRONG! I am not the fastest but I can move quickly, probably not the strongest but I can hold my own and definitely more graceful when I move or when I fall than some girls I have seen only half my size.
I don't say these things to boast myself or to try and hurt other people's feelings, so I hope that it doesn't come across like that, my only point with this post is to bring to your attention that people are more than they seem on the outside. It is true that sometimes people are what they show to the world, but so many times you will find that this is not so. But no matter what situation you are in, whether it be sports or just everyday life, try your hardest to not underestimate your opponent. You may never know how low they may drag you or how hard they may hit you or even how sly they may be. Prepare yourself to the best of your abilities, work hard and try your best, but never think for one minute that your opponent hasn't trained and prepared just as hard as you have.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Puzzle Pieces
Puzzles can be metaphors for many things, but they work really well for the analogy of small pieces making up a bigger picture. With each small piece you can't necessarily tell what the overall image is going to be, it takes a couple of pieces together to start to form the begins of the picture. Sometimes a section to the right of the puzzle forms and then a section in the bottom corner. Slowly things come together.
It can take a long time to get the whole puzzle of our lives together, in fact it pretty much takes an entire lifetime and maybe then some to get it all completed. But what I am fast learning is that each of us can take away some happiness even from the partial sections of the puzzle that are beginning to come together.
I think most recently I can apply this concept into my life through a health stand point. I am no doubt far from perfect in the eat healthy, work out everyday mind set, but today was one of those days that I notice a small section of my puzzle coming together. At work our offices get cleaned once every other week and I can usually monitor what week it is by how much my trash is full. For a while I was eating out a lot at lunch but for the last while I have been working on improving dislike of preparing meals to bring to work.
I have eaten out very little in the recent past and it definitely reflected the hard work that I have been putting into making that change in my life. When the janitor came in to clean my office this morning my trash was less than 3/4 full. Usually when I eat out more often it it compacted at least twice by my foot and still overflowing but not this time. A sound purchase in some snapware, doing more dishes at home and staying in some nights to cook food to last a couple of days has lead me to better health and a positive step towards saving the environment from my trash.
It may not be a big section of my puzzle it may not even be all that important but it is the small pieces that make up the larger puzzle, and rejoicing the small and simple things is what is going to help get us all through until we are able to see the bigger picture and how beautiful that is.
It can take a long time to get the whole puzzle of our lives together, in fact it pretty much takes an entire lifetime and maybe then some to get it all completed. But what I am fast learning is that each of us can take away some happiness even from the partial sections of the puzzle that are beginning to come together.
I think most recently I can apply this concept into my life through a health stand point. I am no doubt far from perfect in the eat healthy, work out everyday mind set, but today was one of those days that I notice a small section of my puzzle coming together. At work our offices get cleaned once every other week and I can usually monitor what week it is by how much my trash is full. For a while I was eating out a lot at lunch but for the last while I have been working on improving dislike of preparing meals to bring to work.
I have eaten out very little in the recent past and it definitely reflected the hard work that I have been putting into making that change in my life. When the janitor came in to clean my office this morning my trash was less than 3/4 full. Usually when I eat out more often it it compacted at least twice by my foot and still overflowing but not this time. A sound purchase in some snapware, doing more dishes at home and staying in some nights to cook food to last a couple of days has lead me to better health and a positive step towards saving the environment from my trash.
It may not be a big section of my puzzle it may not even be all that important but it is the small pieces that make up the larger puzzle, and rejoicing the small and simple things is what is going to help get us all through until we are able to see the bigger picture and how beautiful that is.
Friday, April 6, 2012
Sweating It Out
I once had a friend that asked me why I enjoyed going home and showering right after the gym. I have always known part of the reason is because dang I stink after all that working out but I always knew there was something else involved. A different feeling that was more than just cleaning myself or letting my muscles relax in the warm water. Though those are both reasons that I do it as well.
I am currently re-reading my favorite book and it occurred to me that what I love most about showering right after a work out is this, there is a small victory that comes with washing away the sweat. In the book the water is recycled in the space station so the main character talks about everyone else getting a part of his sweat, the sweat of victory, of accomplishing something that no one thought he could do. That is how I feel every time I work out and then take a shower. It is part of victory for me, and everyone else will know I am victorious as the sweat is washed away and I am left clean and healthier.
I am currently re-reading my favorite book and it occurred to me that what I love most about showering right after a work out is this, there is a small victory that comes with washing away the sweat. In the book the water is recycled in the space station so the main character talks about everyone else getting a part of his sweat, the sweat of victory, of accomplishing something that no one thought he could do. That is how I feel every time I work out and then take a shower. It is part of victory for me, and everyone else will know I am victorious as the sweat is washed away and I am left clean and healthier.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Happy To Be Without
I got home tonight and was weirdly happy for the first time in a
while that I am not in a relationship. Not because I don’t want one, of
course not, I am honestly looking forward to having someone to cook
dinner for and sit with to watch TV with on Sunday nights, but today I
was just happy that I didn’t have someone who would take me away from
all the people and things that I get to enjoy in my life.
I know that there are plenty of people that get into relationships and don’t miss out on their family and friends, but there are some that unintentionally seem to push away from those around them. They lose themselves in a relationship and everyone else falls by the wayside. I hope that when the time comes I will not be one of those people.
One thing that I always seem to forget is how lucky I am to have the people I do in my life. But because of the counseling that I have been going to, my counselor always reminds me that I am blessed to have such supportive and wonderful people in my life and that they are lucky to have a friend like me.
I know that there are plenty of people that get into relationships and don’t miss out on their family and friends, but there are some that unintentionally seem to push away from those around them. They lose themselves in a relationship and everyone else falls by the wayside. I hope that when the time comes I will not be one of those people.
One thing that I always seem to forget is how lucky I am to have the people I do in my life. But because of the counseling that I have been going to, my counselor always reminds me that I am blessed to have such supportive and wonderful people in my life and that they are lucky to have a friend like me.
Friday, January 13, 2012
You Can't Run Away
In the recent past I have taken up running. It has never been my favorite thing, I have only found the want to run if there was a purpose, like playing a sport or running away from zombies or other dangerous situations. No need to worry thought the latter has only happened a couple of times.
Running is definitely something that I am doing because well it is free and I can't afford a gym right now. It does have it's set backs such as my knee tweaking for a couple of days after each run/jog/walk. And the air is still cold from winter and makes my asthma kick in to high gear causing coughing fits even when I have taken my inhaler as prescribed. But I know there are benefits too.
I now that my body is reacting to the exercise even if it is not much. My clothes are fitting a little better and I can definitely tell that my body is getting stronger. Though I realized the other day that these are not the only reasons that I have been running. I have been running because it gives me the feeling of being able to run away from life's problems.
Not sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing but it is what it is. When there are problems or feelings that have been troubling me throughout the day I can just run away from them. It is a time when no one can get to me. A place and time when it is just me, I don't answer any text messages or anything of that sort, and I just run away from everything that might be plaguing me. The only thing that is hard sometimes is coming back from the run and remembering the reality that I running from my problems doesn't actually solve anything.
Running is definitely something that I am doing because well it is free and I can't afford a gym right now. It does have it's set backs such as my knee tweaking for a couple of days after each run/jog/walk. And the air is still cold from winter and makes my asthma kick in to high gear causing coughing fits even when I have taken my inhaler as prescribed. But I know there are benefits too.
I now that my body is reacting to the exercise even if it is not much. My clothes are fitting a little better and I can definitely tell that my body is getting stronger. Though I realized the other day that these are not the only reasons that I have been running. I have been running because it gives me the feeling of being able to run away from life's problems.
Not sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing but it is what it is. When there are problems or feelings that have been troubling me throughout the day I can just run away from them. It is a time when no one can get to me. A place and time when it is just me, I don't answer any text messages or anything of that sort, and I just run away from everything that might be plaguing me. The only thing that is hard sometimes is coming back from the run and remembering the reality that I running from my problems doesn't actually solve anything.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Surprise Blessing
Had a great experience tonight, got a phone call around 6:30 pm from the branch president asking if he could come visit me. Well he actually used the word "we", I did not know who that implied but I said yes anyways. especially since he said they were just coming over to check in on me.
This might seem odd but I need quite a bit of checking up on. Though I can take care of myself and another living creature, as shown by my dishes drying on the counter and my sleeping dog in the corner, it is nice to have someone of high authority come by and bring a priesthood presence to the house.
And that is what happened, though I was a little shocked that I was being visited/ home taught by the branch president and the stake president. When you open the door to that image you tend to wonder what exactly you did to warrant this visit. They truly did just come by to visit and talk though, and once they got past the vicious dog they were able to sit in peace. We talked about how I am doing in work and at home, with my finances and my interest in theater and what I am doing with that recently.
The best part of the night came when they were about to leave and unexpectedly the stake president asked if I wanted a priesthood blessing. I was taken aback by the question at first, I guess my first thought was why would I need one everything seems to be going fine right now, but when the stake president offers a blessing how can anyone refuse. So I accepted and branch president blessed me with all of the things that I need right now and somethings that I have been thinking about and some that I have not. What a wonderful experience to have tonight, when I was feeling a little low before.
This might seem odd but I need quite a bit of checking up on. Though I can take care of myself and another living creature, as shown by my dishes drying on the counter and my sleeping dog in the corner, it is nice to have someone of high authority come by and bring a priesthood presence to the house.
And that is what happened, though I was a little shocked that I was being visited/ home taught by the branch president and the stake president. When you open the door to that image you tend to wonder what exactly you did to warrant this visit. They truly did just come by to visit and talk though, and once they got past the vicious dog they were able to sit in peace. We talked about how I am doing in work and at home, with my finances and my interest in theater and what I am doing with that recently.
The best part of the night came when they were about to leave and unexpectedly the stake president asked if I wanted a priesthood blessing. I was taken aback by the question at first, I guess my first thought was why would I need one everything seems to be going fine right now, but when the stake president offers a blessing how can anyone refuse. So I accepted and branch president blessed me with all of the things that I need right now and somethings that I have been thinking about and some that I have not. What a wonderful experience to have tonight, when I was feeling a little low before.
Monday, January 9, 2012
New Year, New Attitude
As I was listening to people bear their testimonies today in Sacrament meeting I realized how optimistic people become at the thought of beginning a new year. It is as if the change of the last digit on the calendar has actually changed everything in their lives. Everything that people want becomes attainable, or at least it seems that is the way people feel.
I don't really know that I am an exception to this idea, I too have seen a change in my attitude and my life as this year begins to move forward. I don't want things to be the same in all aspects of my life but I do recognize that I need to change somethings and I am working on them. And somehow because the year changed I am afforded the opportunity to make the changes that I so desperately want.
There are certain things that I can't control that still feel are out of my reach, but I am trying to focus on the short term goals that can hopefully make a difference in the way I am living. I guess that is why one of the concepts I really liked learning in church today was the idea that with many things in our life we may fail but we are blessed with the option to try and try again.
Although the effort can be a taxing ordeal and many times it becomes discouraging for the person repeating the attempt, I thought more about what a privilege it is to be able to try something over again until you get it right. A great example is such, I may stink sometimes at sitting down and typing out my thoughts on my blog, but at anytime I can make the attempt to get back on track. And the good news is that blogs are like children, if you think this one is going bad then you can always just make another and try again ;)
I don't really know that I am an exception to this idea, I too have seen a change in my attitude and my life as this year begins to move forward. I don't want things to be the same in all aspects of my life but I do recognize that I need to change somethings and I am working on them. And somehow because the year changed I am afforded the opportunity to make the changes that I so desperately want.
There are certain things that I can't control that still feel are out of my reach, but I am trying to focus on the short term goals that can hopefully make a difference in the way I am living. I guess that is why one of the concepts I really liked learning in church today was the idea that with many things in our life we may fail but we are blessed with the option to try and try again.
Although the effort can be a taxing ordeal and many times it becomes discouraging for the person repeating the attempt, I thought more about what a privilege it is to be able to try something over again until you get it right. A great example is such, I may stink sometimes at sitting down and typing out my thoughts on my blog, but at anytime I can make the attempt to get back on track. And the good news is that blogs are like children, if you think this one is going bad then you can always just make another and try again ;)
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