Such an Inspiration

I try to find the positive on most things in life, no matter how difficult it can be.  Sometimes I find myself meeting people that inspire the hell out of me.  It always amazes me because you can tell they are just being themselves not trying to impress or inspire anyone.  I met someone this morning who falls in that category.

I work in the hospitality industry (for now..but not much longer I believe) and I meet new people everyday.  I had a gentleman come into my work who was blind, and partially deaf.  After speaking to the gentleman I learned he was not born that way.  He suffered a tragic accident.  Despite all he has been through, his outlook was so positive, it was inspirational.  He does receive assistance from his yellow lab dog, who you can tell adores his owner. The gentleman came in to workout on the treadmill.  After declining assistance, I watched how he managed to set the treadmill to what he wanted which was at a fast pace incline.  I have to be honest I am a klutz and when I run on the treadmill I have to watch my feet otherwise I will fall.  I can't imagine doing it without seeing. He proceeded to workout for a hour in the gym while greeting everyone around him. 

Would I be the same way if I was in his shoes?  I honestly do not know.  I do realize everyday is a gift and you can't take things for granted, but sometimes life gets to you.  We tend to take our senses for granted and even the simple things in life we forget how precious they are.  Meeting people like this gentleman can make you feel so thankful for so many things.  He shows people including myself that despite what hand was delivered to you, you can still come out on top, and come out better for it.  He also teaches to look past his disability or flaw for he doesn't see it that way.  He sees it as a blessing for he appreciates life so much more. He sets an example for so many of us out there.  It was such a pleasure meeting him, and he truly made my day. 

It's all about family..

    The closer it gets to Christmas everyone rushes to get everything done, thankfully I am pretty much done.  This year I explained to my girls, that Christmas was going to be tight.  I think they have seen me struggle through the year and they know that I do what I can, even though there are times I think they forget I can't poop out money. Christmas is about spending time together, and remembering those that are not longer with us but are in our hearts.  I do find it is hard time though for me ever since my father past.  He has always been a big part out my life no matter what is going on. I think this year we will release balloons so he knows we are thinking of him.  (We write on balloons, and release them as our way to send a message to him in heaven)

I have to say I am excited for the first time in years I had family photos done.  The family pictures are with my girls and my boyfriend at the beach.  They turned out pretty good.  I tend to take a lot of photos of people and places I go, because if anything I have learned from my dad is you never know when your last day on earth will be.  I cherish the few photos I have of him.  So here are some of the pics...

I Feel Lost in the Blogger World...

I use to blog under another name and email but stopped for various reasons, and now that I am blogging again I love it except I feel....

                             Lost! 
 I dont remember how to make changes, look for people, groups, clubs, etc...I know it can't be that I am too old because there are bloggers of all ages.  It didn't seem that hard back when I constantly blogged.  Isn't it like learning to ride a bike, you never forget.  I guess what they say about technology moving fast is so true.  I love reading a few blogs that I use to follow, and I see their page and I look at mine I feel like a newbee...Lost and I do not know how to catch up.  I am determine to catch up with the times (wow that makes me sound old..ha ha) even if it kills me. The name of my blog couldn't be more perfect for me.  I sure am learning as I go.

Wondering What's Best Choice...

I finally decided to get my bachelor's degree, granted I haven't made up my mind on exactly what degree yet.  I was going to do forensic photography but I may change it to cyber crimes, for example catching sexual predators. The problem is I am not sure where I want to go...I have a few colleges I could go to, but I do not know which one is the better pick for me. 

I thought about going back to where I received my AA degree or go to a college that is near it but I am just not sure.  Have you ever looked into getting a bachelor's degree?  I did and man are they expensive...both schools are $67,000 for the program.  Do you know what I could do with sixty seven grand, alot! I keep trying to figure out if it would be worth it to do it, or not.  This is a big decision that I can't take lightly.  I discussed it with my boyfriend because in the end it will effect his future too because we are looking to get married one day.  He is all for me going, of course I have never met a more supportive man than him. Now the choice is back to me.  Do I want to hit the books again, and get little to no sleep, plus spending what little time I have with my children and my boyfriend? Granted I will be setting a good example for my girls, I am just not sure.

Sometimes decisions are hard to make and we just have to hope and pray we make the correct ones. Looks like I need to do some research and weigh my options. .. 

Starting Fresh is Good For Your Soul...

I can't lie I am really excited about Christmas this year, and not because of presents.  Now don't get me wrong I LOVE presents but my favorite part is decorating and spending time with family and friends.  It also reminds me of my childhood and time with my dad before he passed away. I think Christmas means that much more to me because of the memories. This is the first year in my own place since my divorce, so it's a fresh new start. 

Yesterday I put up the lights on my patio (I live in an apartment, so Im limited on decorating outside) and my boyfriend brought me a 8 1/2 ft tree last night. I have never had one larger than 5ft, so to say I was excited was an understatement.  We spent a couple hours putting it together and putting on the lights.  I still have to put the star on the top, and all the trimmings on it but it's getting there.

This year will also be the first for my dog Baby.  She wasn't sure about the tree and the lights last night, so today should be a test because she is home alone with the tree.  I pray I do not have any chewed tree branches or lights.   

This time of year also reminds me of those less fortunate, and though I struggle from paycheck to paycheck there are so many that are far worse than me.  I have a friend that supports three kids while dealing with a serious medical illness, on a barely there income.  I do not know how she has the strength to deal with what is on her plate.  I am constantly praying for her and her girls.  I am hoping to bring a little cheer this year to her family.  I have a small tree that I call my Charlie Brown tree, and a few things to go on it for her.  I also am going to try and pick up a gift for her little ones to put under the tree, just so they have something to open on Christmas.  I figure even if its small gesture its the thought that counts.  I pray it brings some joy to their family during the holidays.

Being Thankful...

   There are some many times we take things and people for granted, but Thanksgiving tends to bring out the best in everyone.  I love this holiday because it brings people closer.  On Thanksgiving people tend to think of others before themselves, especially those less fortunate.  I have a friend that is a single mother of three that struggles every year to provide for her children but always manages to do a little something.  It makes me so happy to see churches, organizations and even individual people help out families and homeless like my friend. The thing is to you or me it may not be a big deal giving a jacket or a blanket away or help providing a meal but to that family or person it means more than words can say.  It gives them hope.  It makes a difference.  It also sets an example for others including children. 

   I also try to remember to be thankful for all the challenges I have faced, and over come.  They may have not been easy but I have learned from them.  It makes me the person I am today.  I may not have a lot of materialistic things but I am greatful for all that I do have.  I am thankful for having faith again, because without it I would still be lost, and not as strong as I am today.

Thanksgiving also means being thankful for those people who are no longer with us.  I am so thankful for having the time with my grandpa and my daddy before they passed away of cancer in 2005.  I am also even thankful to my ex-husband for our children.  They are my world, and a true blessing. 

  Please remember to thank those that put their lives on the line for your freedom and to protect you.  Too many people forget the freedoms we have, and what these men and women risk everyday.  So take a few moments out of your day whether you are watching football, cooking, eating. shopping, whatever it may be and say a silent thank you.  If you see a soldier, police officer, firefighter, nurse, etc take the time to say thank you for all that you do because they deserve it and should be told.  It also wouldn't hurt to say thank you to someone that has always been there for you.  A simple thank you for being you will brighten their day.

Have a Happy Safe Thanksgiving! 

Do you believe in new beginnings?

  Do you believe in starting over, or letting go of your past to have a better future?  I didn't until I finally had enough of negative things in my life. Many things influenced my decision to change my life around.

   One was how I looked at myself.  If you do not love yourself no one else will.  I really couldn't remember who I was, sure I am a mother to my children, and a sister to my siblings, and a daughter to my mother, but somewhere along the way I forgot me.  I was married for over ten years and went through a nasty divorce (thankfully I can say I was never malicious or nasty during the whole ordeal even when my ex-husband tried to get to me) and learned you have to take one day at a time.  No one is perfect and everyone makes mistakes.  I believe as long as you learn from those mistakes then you are better for it.  I also learned NO ONE has the right to judge someone else.  I had a friend that would always say "Do not throw stones at glass houses."  That is so true, because who is to say you would do or react the same if you were in their shoes, or how you would feel.  Everyone is different, and that's ok.  After I started liking me for who I am, other things started falling into place.

  I went back to school.  I have to say it wasn't easy, and I was scared out of my mind.  I had graduated over thirteen years ago, but it was time I did something for myself and set an example for my children.  I can proudly say I graduated with my AA degree in Criminal Science with all A's and one B.  I am looking to starting school again to get my bachelor's degree. 

 Removing negative people and things in your life can make a big impact on one's life too.  I stop talking to several of my so called friends that loved drama.  I also removed myself from those that brought me down.  Anytime my name was brought up negatively I stopped worrying about it, and learned to ignore it.  I will be the first to admit I have messed up in the past and I am no where near perfect.  I do not try to pretend to be.  I just started learning to improve myself and my life. Once you go through something major (for me was my nasty divorce) you find out who your family and friends are.  Who is truly there for you, and I lost a lot of people along the way but gained even more respect for those who stood by my side without hesitation, or judgement.   


 One major thing that I needed to work on was religion.  Religion has never been a major influence in my life, even after my father passed away from cancer (I have to be honest, I wasn't on speaking terms with God for a good while after my dad passed) but I realized things happen for a reason.  Now don't get me wrong I believed in God but it wasn't a part of my life....till now.  I started going back to church.  I am glad I did.  Now just because you go to church doesn't mean all your problems will go away but it does make you feel better.  I feel like I can handle things better.  I now pray for those I care about, and those I know that struggle, and even those that are not my favorite people, I mean what does it hurt.  Sometimes we all need a little relief or to know someone is thinking of them.

 After all I have learned and continue to learn each day has helped me find a new me, a better me.  I like who I am today.  I know I will always have challenges in my life but I know I can face them.  With everything so positive going in my life I managed to find a wonderful guy.  He loves me for me, and loves my children as if they were his own.  I am lucky to have him.  Each day I thank God for those in my life, and for having another day on earth.  You have to be thankful for all you have because tomorrow isn't guaranteed.  So try and forgive those who have done you wrong, and be the bigger person wish them well. Live your life to the fullest it's the only one you have.