School Year 2004

Well, yesterday was my daughter's first day of her senior year at high school.  It is a significant year for her -- and for me.  We have been through a lot with each other throughout the many years and without each other much for the last couple of years.  We have had many good times and many rough times, but seem to hang in there together in the end. 

Last week began my college courses online as well.  This will be an interesting term with my working and my college courses, as well as her in her senior year at school and taking a college course or two as well....

Hopefully, neither of us will have our hair pulled out in the end..... well, I think we can make it so long as we don't have any major kinks in the road (ie my car died on me tonight after taking her to purchase some school supplies -- nothing like God placing more hurdles for us to cross when it just seems like we have had enough hurdles!!).  Please say your prayers for us that we maintain our sanity -- okay??? :)

A Techie --- Me?????

A conversation I was having with someone the other day said, "So, you are a techie?", after I was explaining some of the things that I am involved with.  Me????
 
What did this mean?  Was he trying to say that I am a Nerd??? Hmmm... I am not sure that I would "resemble" that remark; however, come to think of it....
 
I started in 1984 working for Michael Dell when he was operating as PC's Limited, and nearly every job that I have been involved with has involved a great deal of software applications and teaching others computer usage in some form or fashion.  I have a logical mind that feels challenged by some critical thinking processes.  But, does that make me a techie???? hmmm...
 
I also have a creative side of me that is often challenged by the endless possibilities that can occur within any particular software program, but needs far more than what the computer/technological world can supply me for resources of creative media.
 
Additionally, I probably am the only girl that can attest to helping her Dad with putting together Heathkit TVs, etc (back in the day), having a Lionel train set up on a large plywood board table, a playable victrola, a library full of books on two walls of the room, a handmade radio and turntable made with visible vaccum tubes, and extra stored gidgets and gadgets that could not be placed in anyother part of the house but my very own bedroom!! :)  Perhaps, I was destined to be a Geek, Nerd, Techie -- or, whatever the label is these days by mere osmosis of being around my Dad????  Who knows.
 
However, if being one of these labels, means also that I can master some critical level thinking skills, then I guess I am fitting the bill to the -T.  In this day and age, it would be unrealistic to say that technology never affects our everyday existance and means for living; in fact, it is quite clearly the opposite that is true.  I yearn to see what might be coming about in the future of our world.  I have seen technology advance by leaps and bounds.   I am so excited to be a part of the growth and expansion process by providing technical assistance to callers calling into the center regarding an assundry of issues.  Why, in just the last 25 years, there has been an incredible advancement made in technology; I am so excited to see what the next 25 years will bring that I am quite literally sitting on the edge of my seat!!  Technological advancements are only limited by our own imaginations.  Just imagine where we will be!! :)
 
 

Return to Me

Okay... I am at it again this morning. I did another movie review -- this time on one of my favorite movies that many people probably missed, Return to Me. Let me know what you think!!

I am off and running to my other less creative jobs... :(

More to follow soon.

When I Grow Up???

For one of my classes this term, I had to write a paper already. Hope you enjoy reading it!!!

What do I want to be when I grow up? That is what you are actually asking, isn’t it??? I still don’t know; therefore, this project is difficult to do. I am studying Criminal Justice because it is fitting with my background of a paralegal (a field of which I have worked throughout the past 15 years). I don’t necessarily want to be working in the police department (the first career people think is your goal when you mention you are studying criminal justice), but I do want to be employed in a position that requires best utilization of my investigative and deductive reasoning skills.


These skills were used to a degree with my role as a paralegal; however, I am looking for something a little more rewarding – for example, I have volunteered as an advocate in the CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) Program; Child Advocates; and GAL (Guardian ad Litem). All of these experiences were definitely rewarding in working with the children involved in the Courts as a result of abuse, neglect or abandonment; the problem is that working as a volunteer doesn’t pay the bills. As a result, I have considered the options of being a director of one of these programs, or a similar program, in the future; however, it is somewhat a competitive market to be in because these programs aren’t just a dime a dozen, especially those that pay an income that one can live off of.


Alternatively, I am looking into owning a security business with a friend of mine that has more than 25 years of actual security experience in this area. The idea is that the combination of his experience and my background as a paralegal and office management would be a combination that would give us an edge on most of the security companies in the area. Learning the management of a security office would be new to me in that it would be in the security industry; however, I am not new to managing offices and/or various projects. I am well skilled in those areas. Management of a security office requires a license in this State though, therefore, my title would be that of a receptionist.


Although the title of receptionist would seem minimal and not worthy of my level of skills and abilities, it is going to provide a great jumping board to learning the field, obtaining a split of commissions for contracts that I would help to bring on board to build and sustain the company, learning the rules and regulations of the Private Security Commission, etc. These roles would enable me to see the whole picture being developed.


In the future, my friend and I hope to be able to set up our own security business. We have already talked with members of the Board and they are keeping an eye on us because of what we can both bring to the security industry when we do begin our own company. The would be the ultimate goal for us to accomplish so that we can eventually work not as hard as the worker bees and be able to enjoy life a little bit more; however, that probably won’t be seen for another 20-30 years at least.


Other avenues that bring interest to me include being able to persue studying how to capture identity thieves and other computer related issues. There is another whole avenue waiting to be explored and accomplished. I would love to be on a team exploring those capturing options as I already thoroughly enjoy all sorts of computer aided research and writing, web developments (see http://Bluebonnetfields.blogspot.com and other links stemming off of that one), and so much more. Between all my diverse skills and abilities, I am certain that someday I will figure out “what I want to be when I grow up”!!

Movie Reviews!

Interesting. Checking out some Yahoo venues after checking my Yahoo, GMail, Earthlink and DonEasy email earlier this morning and discovered that I can also write Movie reviews through there.... and, we all know, that I am loving to write so much that I am seemingly turning into a bloggerhead ... hee hee....

I (pant, pant) must t y p e my blogggggggeerrr....(zzzzzzzz)...... (even if it is 2am when normal people are sleeping!!!) just kidding....

Even so, I have made an attempt at a review on Finding Forrester earlier today before heading off to work. Let me know what you think. Would I make it as a movie critic? Does it inspire you to aspire to see the movie????

Any suggestions for future reviews????

A Love Story???

Met up with my brother yesterday afternoon. He brought with him, Brandi, who who just absolutely perfectly personable and interesting. Anyhow, they told us about how my brother had taken her to the prom in High School...and about 12 years later, they are happening to meet up with one another once again. Who would have thought that someone who lives in NY could meet up with this TX gal after not seeing her for more than 12 years? It must be fate.

The sparkles in their eyes, the friendly banter they had going, the caring actions they did for one another was fabulously grand and, hopefully (don't want to jinx them though) this might lead on to a longer relationship???? Only time will tell.

In the meantime, I am keeping my fingers crossed....they are such a cute couple.

School Times Three?

It is amazing as the summer digresses and the Fall starts to appear around the corner (well, after we get through August), we are all finding ourselves surrounded with three people under one roof all involved with some aspects of school -- (1) I am working on my Criminal Justice degrees through Kaplan College, as well as training for local Crisis Center and CASA, (2) daughter in her senior year at a local Charter School and taking some courses at a local college, and (3) a friend's son being enrolled through a Software Applications degree program through ITT Technical Institute. Things are a little rough getting everyone settled in, as well as focused upon their respective needs; but, hopefully, we won't end up being three bald folks by the time this upcoming semester is complete!! That, certainly, won't be a pretty site!!

Right now, it is complicated by the fact that my daughter has lots of spyware programs downloaded on her computer through various sites she goes to download the documents. We are running around fast and furious to make sure that it doesn't bring my computer down as well. I have had enough down time during last term; I certainly don't want a repeat of that...

Pray for us??? at least, for all of us to keep our sanity.



My academic advisor forwarded this to me yesterday -- it is certainly well appreciated and applicable to our concerns at hand.

The other side

When your skills are challenged, you can become far more capable. When your beliefs are challenged they can become immensely more compelling and persuasive.

When your intentions are challenged, it can make you more determined and committed. When your faith is challenged, it can grow even stronger.

The downside of challenge is that it can be difficult to go through. The upside of challenge is that it's great to have been through.

When you arrive at a challenge, take a moment to look at it from the other side. Imagine all that will be gained by working your way through it.

The bigger and more imposing it appears when you first encounter it, the more value you'll have gained when the challenge is behind you. And that will set you up to conquer even bigger challenges, and to enjoy even more substantial rewards.

Give your best to the challenges. And what you get will be even better.

-- Ralph Marston

Wireless Success!

Very interesting!  The setting up of the wireless system wasn't quite as involved as I had anticipated. I called the
Time Warner tech support a couple times and viola! it was done. Amazing....

Technology happening at an accelerated rate!

Needing Assistance?

PRAYER:

Set before our minds, O heavenly Father, the example of our Lord Jesus Christ, who when he was upon earth found joy in doing the will of him that sent him, and in finishing his work. When many are coming and going, and there is little quiet, give us grace to remember him who knew neither impatience of spirit nor confusion of work, but in the midst of all his labors kept a tranquil heart, at leisure from itself to serve and sympathize; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Book of Worship of the United Methodist Church

There comes a time when assistance is needed to be asked for in order to complete a task to meet the bigger picture of the goals set forth and one should not be afraid to ask. After all, have you not heard the buzz going around at someone's funeral wherein they were saying, "Why didn't _______ (you fill in the blank), just ask for help? We would have been glad to help them?"

People are just afraid of asking for help -- feeling like that it is downgrading to admit that they need assistance and/or just plain ol' too proud to ask. Part of being humble though is knowing just when to ask for assistance. There are many organizations available to provide assistance for when you need that little extra to get you through a particularily rough period of time. One of the more widely known charitable organizations is the St. Vincent de Paul Society; there are others more locally known which can be found through your local Churches and/or phone books.

I am not sure who coined the phrase, "Be it ever so humble, there is no place like home", but that phrase seems to eminate that being of a humble heart is truly a home. One must remember that when things start getting rough and you are trying to keep a home together, it is best to start by humbling oneself to ask for assistance. There is no time like the present...

Have a humble heart -- Have a humble home!!

Stepping Up & Going Wireless???

Ok, I must admit that I have been fighting from making this huge step -- argumentatively due to the budgetary reasons. However, now that my daughter is back home with me and she has a computer of her own, it is now necessary to consider the wireless option because she will be starting school next week (Time Warner was going to charge me double for adding another modem to the account, or only $15 more for getting a wireless router, not to mention that they couldn't install it for another 3 weeks with the back to schoolers already lined up) and we live in an apartment (no need to have wires being strung throughout the house to get us hooked up unnecessarily!)....They have asked me to bring in my old modem (which I have only had for a couple of months) to exchange it for the wireless router and equipment; I am wondering why though, because one would still need a modem, unless they had a gateway (including the modem with the router). Well, I'll see in a little bit....

If you don't see me back on line posting my daily postings, you can probably be assured that the wireless set up that they are giving me today is not working right. They say that it is pretty much plug and play.... we'll see how accurate that is!!

Wish me luck . . . :)

Volunteerism - A Forgotten Aspect?

"It is good to have money and the things that money can buy, but it's good too, to check up once in a while and make sure you haven't lost the things money can't buy."

George Lorimer
1867-1937, Editor of "Saturday Evening Post"

Volunteerism, a act of committing time towards a project benefitting others who need assistance -- making ends meet, feeding a family, fighting for their own rights, etc. God mentions throughout the Bible to "work hard"; however, does that necessarily mean working hard only if you get paid for it? I don't think so.

I believe that while money is a necessary evil to get exist in this world (ensuring a roof over the head, food on the table, etc.), it isn't meant to be everything. "Working hard" to me also includes looking out for one's neighbors and community. It surprises to me how many people you ask to help in a particular situation ask if they will get compensated in some way for helping and/or ask what will they benefit from it. To me, it is not a matter of what I will benefit from it; but, rather, how can I best benefit others. The greatest pleasure can be obtained from helping others -- and no money can ever buy that.

I guess that I just can't comprehend such a response since I have volunteered many, many hours to political campaigns; being an advocate and voice for abused, neglected and abandoned children (as a CASA and Guardian ad Litem volunteer); being an advocate and voice for the elderly (as a Family Eldercare volunteer); being an advocate and voice for the abused, neglected and abandoned women and children (as a Crisis Center volunteer); being a delegate to another country for assistance with their programs to those trying to improve their quality of lives (through the Presbyterian Missionary Program); and so many other opportunities.

If you haven't ever volunteered, I would suggest you contacting your Church, local Red Cross, and other non-profit organizations to see where your best fit might be. If you still have not a clue, you can also go online and sites, such as Volunteer Match or Taking It Global (for a more universal approach) will aid in matching you up with a best fit scenario before you lose out in not realzing during your lifetime the things that money can't buy in a million years!! :)

Living Now!

"You don't get to choose how you're going to die, or when. You can decide how you're going to live now."

Joan Baez
Singer/Songwriter

Life is full of choices. That is what I have been preaching to my daughter since she was little. I have tried to enstill that in her -- sometimes, I think she hears me; sometimes, I think she doesn't; or, perhaps, she is choosing not to listen. Whatever the case, I am hoping that she learns from her bad choices and thrives on the good choices.

I'll be the first to admit that I am not perfect by any means. My daughter, at nearly 17 years old now, should be fully aware of that. I have made no bones about it; however, I have continually moved on learning from those bad choices to get where I am today.

I choose to live for the moment and the future rather than dwelling upon what I have done wrong throughout my life. If asked, I will gladly share my past with others so that they can learn; however, that is a far cry from dwelling upon it. In fact, I have been asked to speak on behalf some non-profit organizations to share with others my history so that I could inspire others into knowing that there is hope for change to occur.

Today, from the small Church I attend here, the pianist there is celebrating her 96th Birthday. Being that I am only 45 years old today, I know that I should have at least another 45 years to go, if not much, much more (my maternal Grandfather was 96 years old, my paternal Great-Grandmother was 98 years old, etc. when they died). Here is to hoping and praying that my next 45 plus years are less traumatic and more celebrating of life's good pleasures and moments! :)

A Glorious Day in the Neighborhood?

Life certainly does take its twists and turns. Since I moved here last Fall, I haven't been back to where I had been living for three years prior much. However, one very cute older couple's daughter visited the small Church we attend nearby with them today. This daughter had been one of my many friends I had at the prior Church; it was nice to be able to see each other again. Although our reunion was dampered by the discussion of our beloved pianist at our old church dying recently of a sudden death.

The pianist's funeral is today and neither of us are able to attend. She shared though with me the shocking events that took place recently: the pianist's husband leaving her last Fall, her diabetes kicking in strong, some seizures, and rumors of some sort of cancer that was over taking her body. One of the General Session members went to her house and found her dead. Having found my own husband dead in our apartment nearly two years ago, I know the rush of emotions he must have felt and probably still feels even though the pianist wasn't his own wife; however, we are a close knit group. As such, I am sure the rush of emotions were just as strong as if it were his own wife.

What then makes this day glorious? I think today's sermon helped to make today glorious as serving as a reminder to be humbling. The pianist was very humbling and never let it be known to the congregation that she had diabetes or other ailments, yet she served God in bringing music and joy to others. She never once complained and continued to serve God to the best of her ability. Do I think that she was, perhaps, wrong in not letting others know of her ailments? Yes, to a degree; she just didn't want to come off as a complainer; however, sometimes things need to be shared with others, and that in itself can be a very humbling experience to admit that one is not perfect.

One particular verse stood out among the others being read today -- Philippians 2:3:

"Don't be selfish; don't live to make a good impression on others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself."

I really like that verse for some reason, in addition to my other favorite verse 2 Timothy 2:15. I think I will add that to my creed. My Grandma seemed to live in this accordance; she certainly didn't care what others thought of her impression upon others; she was simply herself and thrived on helping others out. My life has been modeled after that; I hope any pray that I can live up to my Father's expectations, as nicely summarized in Philippians 2:12-17 . . .

"Dearest friends, you were always so careful to follow my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away you must be even more careful to put into action Gods' saving work in your lives, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him.

In everything you do, stay away from complaining and arguing, so that no one can speak a word of blame against you. You are to live clean, innocent lives as children of God in a dark world full of crooked and perverse people. Let your lives shine brightly before them. Hold tightly to the word of life, so that when Christ returns, I will be proud that I did not lose the race and that my work was not useless. But even if my life is to be poured out like a drink offering to complete the sacrifice of your faithful service (that is, if I am to die for you), I will rejoice, and I want to share my joy with all of you. And you should be happy about this and rejoice with me."

A Prayer:

Thou who art over us,
Thou who art one of us,
Thou who art:
Give me a pure heart, that I may see thee;
a humble heart, that I may hear thee;
a heart of love, that I may serve thee;
a heart of faith, that I may abide in thee. Amen.

Dag Hammerskjold, Sweden, 20th century.

A Prayer:

Working Out in the End?

Everything works out in the end. If it hasn't worked out, it's not the end.

- Unknown

As I was reading my email this morning, I came along this quote. Funny, it comes after a month of turmoil because I am not bringing in enough income to make ends meet and the day after my interview for the promotion at work. I sure could have things working out for me in the end for a change. It would certainly be a long time coming.

I did get my daughter back in with me; this is good. I had the interview at work; this is good. I have a friend's son focused upon working towards a career in computers, with an appointment at a technical school next week; this is good. I am helping the women's shelter get a much needed interior paint job next week, as well as getting trained on their phone systems; this is good. Recently I discovered a way to take Spanish for virtually free (just paying $8 to the senior center, and they'll let me in without qualifying as a senior, and $11 for the workbook); this is good. A good friend of mine reported to me last night that she got the job she had been vying for during the past couple of months; this is good.

Are things really going to work out in the end? Hopefully, the "end" is not all that close for me, however, I certainly wish for more good coming my way than not for now!! Is that asking for too much???? I don't think so. In fact, good things are already starting to come along my way. Life can be good!! :)

Interview 070904

Today brings a little excitement in that I am scheduled for an interview today at my place of employment for a position that will give me progressively more responsibility. Duties will include administrative needs for the Operations area where I'll be able to utilize my statistical and analytical background. In supporting myself and two others, I am hoping that it will also include a significant pay increase; however, I am going to be thankful for any level of pay increase at this time.

Times have been tough during the past few years where the economy has seemed to have slumped to an all-time low.

I have applied for several positions at my place of employment. If it isn't meant to be for me to have this particular position, I truly hope that this will be the first of many interviews to come and that I will find the perfect niche soon!! :)

Say your prayers for me today...

An Apple A Day

Men! A friend of mine called yesterday to tell me that he FINALLY went to the doctor's office yesterday, reporting that, not only did he have bronchitis and a severe kidney infection, he nearly was put in the hospital for more than a month!! I have been telling him for months to go see the doctor...

My late husband refused to go to the doctor's office too...and, look where that got him. Actually, his excuse was that he was waiting for the insurance to kick in, which he was only about 2 weeks from the insurance kicking in. So sad. That doesn't really say a lot for our medical insurance programs.

The affordability of the health insurance programs has been just insane (along with, of course, the costs of auto insurance programs). Don't get me wrong. I am not for socialized medicine at all; however, there should be a happy medium somewhere in between that the health insurance program becomes more affordable for all & not just those few that can afford it. Who are the underwriters of the insurance policies to choose between who can have a quality of life and those who can't? It seems strange to me that they act like Gods and create most of the policies way beyond the reach of the typical, average American individual.

Can you tell that this is one of my pet peeves? Well, enough of my soapbox -- well, for the day!! :)

Pianist Dies Today

When I opened my email up yesterday, I was notified that she was incredibly ill; today, I opened up my email and discovered that she went on to be with the Lord today. My jaw just dropped.

She played piano at an old Church that I had attended while living in The Woodlands. I got to know her through my late husband who sung in the Choir that she accompanied nearly every Sunday and special events. I continued to have opportunities to get to know her a little better as I met her in other activities at the Church as well.

I had told her (for example) that I, too, had loved to play the piano but I didn't have the opportunity to play it since the time that I left home for college (many, many, many moons ago). She offered to teach me to bring back my "swing" in the piano, if I would find a piano of some type to practice upon. Our paths would cross often here and there, and she would ask if I found my piano yet? Sometimes, she would add that maybe I could just practice on the piano at the Church sometime.

Other emotions resurfaced as I began to think about her kind heart and how she accompanied the choir who sang at my late husband's memorial service. It meant so much for me to have them there at my late huband's memorial service, especially since singing in the Church was a passion for him.

My husband will have been gone to be with the Lord in just a few months from now (on November 11th) for two years. I didn't think I would be quite so affected still from my husband's own death. It clearly is something that I will have to continue to deal with for many years to come.

Dear God: Please sound the trumpets for Laurie who so passionately played in the Church for you and make room for her to play for You in Heaven. Please wrap your everloving arms around her, remove any degree of pain or suffering that she had endured here on Earth, and make room for her to play for the angels who sing for You. In Your name, I pray. Amen.

A Daughter's Turning Point???

My daughter and I were very close while she was growing up. We did a lot together, and were each other's best friend. She confided so much to me and I would advise her what I would do, etc.

Things got crazy in 2001 though. Both her own father (I had been separated from since 1989 and divorced officially since 1991) and I had found other people to get married to. Her father had been out of her life for many years prior to that and started showering her with gifts. She was beginning to think that the grass was much greener on the other side and started throwing things like, "My daddy will buy that for me", "Daddy would let me do that", etc. I wasn't in a position to give in or compete and I did the hardest thing for me to do -- take her to her Dad's to live @ 14 years age.

Last September (almost a complete year after my husband I was married to in 2001 died from a heart attack), she had asked me to move back to Austin, and again I was faced with a little bit of competition, i.e. "I'll move in with you if you will buy me a pillow top mattress" etc. I, again, was not in a position to compete or give in; so, I did not.

Tonight, she surprised the heck out of me by announcing that she was going to move back in with me!! I was pleasantly shocked and amazed. My little daughter is actually growing up. I had hoped that I would hear her utter those words long before now; however, I don't want to jinx myself yet. Right now, she is asleep in my bed. I love having her back...

Sometimes, I guess, a little firmness in a stance actually does pay off in the end. I pray to God that he blesses her soul for some good decisions that she has been making recently and continues to watch over her as she proceeds onward with her life journey.

Le Tour de France 2004

Bicycling in Austin, Texas, has become more popularized through the notariety of Austinite, Lance Armstrong, through hisTour de France feats. A more up to date tracking of the race can be found through the Tour de France 2004 Live Result Tracking. Athletes have taken championships in sequential years noting a great ability to endure great odds; and, Lance Armstrong has managed to do so for the last 5 years in a row. What a remarkable man. Will he be able to pull the #6 year of being a Tour de France champion is anyone's guess. It is fortunate that he has been able to achieve the 5 years in a row....in the meantime, Austinites and fans throughout the world are cheering him forward. Go, Lance, Go!!!

Guatemala Journalling

Guatemala Journal Notes . . .

can be interesting tidbits to read. These Journal Notes were written in my Journal last May and June in anticipation of my first mission trip outside of the United States. I have moved them to my Bluebonnet Missions website in order to be able to share them more readily with others. This is, also, just a quick glance of the excitement leading up to my Guatemala Mission Trip. Plans are for, in the future, to add to my Bluebonnet Missions website other notes and information received during the trip, as well as translations of tape records that I took while there. I understand that I may actually be able to record those sights/sounds and discussions on the website directly. As soon as I am able to figure all that out, I will certainly keep you uptodate on that as well... It was such a wonderful trip; it would be a shame not to share that information and knowledge with others. Hope you will enjoy!!

Happy Belated 4th of July!

Sorry for being so late in wishing a very Happy 4th of July, but I had to work overtime for the greater portion of the day. It just didn't quite seem like a Holiday for me because I have been working overtime since Thursday and will be thru Tuesday. I missed the fanfares, the celebrations, my family's BBQ, and all the firework displays -- especially the one with the symphony playing in concert along with the extravaganza!

*sigh* Perhaps, next year, I will be able to take advantage of this??? We'll see....

In the meantime, I hope that everyone had a very Happy and Safe 4th of July this year! Be sure to comment on yours, if you would like. (See the below link for adding your comments following this post.)

So Much Work for Beauty!

Got home tonight from work and happend upon a public broadcast station's documentary about the creation of fireworks -- one in particular is the famous Zambelli Fireworks, which are displayed throughout. Comprised of rich Zambelli Family secrets yield to generations of secrets and traditions.

What I didn't see the show emphasize though (perhaps I had come in too late in the show?) was the fact that the Zambelli Family were not alone; there are other families -- i.e., the duPonts at the Longwood Gardens and others, as well as more recently developed firework companies (like the Phantom Fireworks and Alonzo Fireworks. Some fireworks have even made their mark in the Guiness World Records!

Years ago when I lived in South Carolina, I attended a fabulous fireworks display at Patriot's Point in Mt.Pleasant, South Carolina. Growing up, I remember the firework displays in Ft. Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas, July 4th Fireworks in Annapolis, Maryland, HEB Austin Symphonic Fireworks in Austin, Texas, and so much more.

This year....well, this year I am finding myself having to work, although I believe that I am getting the day following off. Unfortunately, they don't have fireworks on the 5th of July!! :(

Perhaps, I will be able to a Fireworks display soon. I miss the grandeur of the sights and sounds that go along with it, as well as the awestrucking amazement that is beheld in each firework going off in a very systematic fashion. To those who read this on the 4th of July 2004, may you all have a very blessed and safe 4th of July!! :)

Show Me The Money

Several years ago I was making up to nearly $50,000 (ended in 2001), then I had to sacrifice and work for less @ $31,500 (ended in 2003), and now I am barely getting paid enough to cover the essentials of living. Something has to give!

My parents tell me to learn to budget. I tell them you have to have something to budget with. It is a vicious cycle. If I don't work 2-3 jobs, I don't have enough income to spread to support my family; however, then, I don't have enough waking moments to share with my family.

What is a single Mom to do with daughter heading off to college in about a year???

Life can certainly be very frustrating....

Hopefully, the economy can get on an upswing....

Maybe even our employers can soon offer to match the cost of living that we so struggle with. Perhaps, they are hoping that the cost of living comes within the range of the wages; I just don't see that happening anytime soon...

Perhaps God will shed some light to offer more hope to everyone??? One can only hope and pray....

PSALMS 18:25-19 (New Living Translation)

To the faithful you show yourself faithful;
to those with integrity you show integrity.
To the pure you show yourself pure,
but the the wicked you show yourself hostile.
You rescue those who are humble,
but you humiliate the proud.
Lord, you have brought light to my life;
my God, you light up my darkness.
In your strength I can crush an army;
with my God I can scale any wall.

A Morroccan Kiss!

At work, I am quite amused by the foreigners who are there to answer technical questions from people who only speak foreign languages calling into our center. There is one in particular I have been talking to in passing or about work projects -- a man from Morrocco, home of Casablanca!

Never thinking twice about it, but watching him sometimes while I am on the phone and being quite intrigued.

Yesterday, he surprised me by coming up and talking to me directly. I was shocked and flattered simultaneously...a lot due to the fact I don't normally get THAT personal with others at work. My daddy taught me long ago to never mix work with personal relationships....

After work we spent some quality time talking to each other and before we seperated our ways for the evening, he first kissed my hand and reached over for a kiss. WOW! Am I going to have my own personal Humphrey Bogart?? or, just a short-lived moment??

Stay tuned for more details to come?!?!?

Se Habla Espanol?

While growing up, I was raised in San Antonio, Texas, where the majority of the culture was not necessarily the Hispanic Culture but, over the years has seen an increasing Hispanic Influence. Spanish was spoken mostly in the rural regions; no ESL (English as a Second Language) classes were taught while I was in school; however, by the time I moved to Austin, Texas, and substituted through the AISD (Austin Independent School District), it was clear that Spanish was becoming more prominent as they had ESL Programs in all the schools within the AISD system.

That being said though, I returned to San Antonio in 1997, I discovered that, while waiting in the lobby of my bank the Hispanic influence had become even stronger. I picked up a brochure while waiting in line for something to read, only to discover that it was written entirely in Spanish! Additionally, I discovered that the Hispanic population had become so strong that the job hunting process was stymied by the employers asking, are you bi?? (and they meant, "are you bi-lingual??). Job hunt after job hunt after job hunt during the last subsequent years (more than 7 years now) consitently turned me down because I wasn't bilingual. Suddendly, I was on the recepient end of being discriminated against.

One of my greatest pet peeves is that, if they are suddenly going to make it a requirement for employees to be bilingual, then they should be offering "SSL" (Spanish as a Second Language) to help those who never took Spanish and/or need to brush up on it (like me) because they never used it on a regular basis throughout the years for free -- just like they implemented the ESL Programs in all the schools within the AISD system.

Being back in the Austin area, I may have found an answer to a free program being taught in Round Rock, Texas. Their Senior Center is offering free classes -- just pay $8.00 to the annual membership of the Senior Center AND about $10 for the workbook. Not a bad deal!! :)