Extreme Weather

I am home sick today. I have been ill for over a week, and just when I thought I was finally getting over whatever I had, I got worse..much worse. I am stubborn and was going into work today around 10:30, but I had a fever at 9am and decided....better stay home. I just woke from a 2 hour nap. I have been drinking lots of water and taking the appropriate drugs.

It's no wonder people in San Antonio are sick lately. The temps have been up and down - all in the same day. When I lived in Kansas we would often say..."if you don't the weather right now...wait 4 hours!" The saying has been suitable for SA the eleven years I have lived here.

Paul had to wear red today. Firefighters were visiting his school this morning. EMS folks were there yesterday and I think Police officers are going one day next week. Paul really does look marvelous in red..so he has several red shirts. But guess what? At 7:40 this morning I realized they were all dirty! So, I grabbed a few and ran to the washing machine. Only a 4 minute cycle was chosen and I thought - cool....one will be ready by 8:30 when Danny takes him. Uh, no. Danny was not too happy at first - but when I about cried and apologized for not being better prepared...he was quiet. One of the red shirts was ready to wear at 8:42. Off they went....

Here are a few pics of Paul wearing red over the past 3 years.

We took Paul to see Dr. Rotenberg yesterday. He is a pediatric neurologist and he was fabulous and very nice and knowledgeable--thank goodness. I will post another time about the appointment and his thoughts. I am taking Paul in for more blood work and back to see Dr. Rotenberg next Wed afternoon for development exams.

Paul is going to be a Rock Star for Halloween. We are taking him to the ZOO BOO from 6-9pm. I know we will all have fun. I only hope I feel much better tomorrow.

I am beginning to read a new book for my book club. Our next meeting is Nov 13 and so I better get crack a lackin! The book is Captivating - Unveiling the Mysteries of a Woman's Soul.

Dear Lord...

help me to follow the path that is mine alone. AMEN

Jesus could have stayed very busy as a carpenter or even as someone who could turn stones into bread out in the wilderness. However, he gave up the mundane in order to follow the path was was his alone.

Where has October gone?

Good afternoon!

So much to write about from this week. It was a pretty good week at work. Although, I really believe my true calling/passion is to develop and motivate people. Help them to be successful in both their personal and professional life. I landed a HUGE account for my agency and was thrilled. I am not working on the next BIG account

Paul's NEISD Speech Pathologist, Anne, wrote that Paul's speech has really developed since the end of August. She almost seems really impressed and amazed that a child has made such great strides in less than 2 months. Anne sees Paul at Brighton two times a week for 30 min each visit. He also seems to be able to control his emotions better..especially when he is upset or unsure about something. He is such a SILLY boy. Everyday this week the teachers would say..Paul can make everyone laugh when there is a tense moment or they are all just sitting around the table doing a fun activity. He comes by it naturally..... Now, I was NEVER the class clown and his teachers assure me - they believe he is simply trying to make everyday fun for all of them. So, I guess one would call him the pre school entertainer?!

Lots of birthdays this month.......sweet little Logan would have turned one year old on October 16. Sadly, he died of SIDS on June 5. And Logan's Mommy and Aunt Julie (twins) turned 41 on October 19. Mackenzie turned 3. Letty turned 39. Zach turned 17. My friend Larry turned 60 something on October 24 and my good friend Lori turns 41 on October 30. There are many more....but I don't wish to bore you with dates.

I have been going through clothes, toys and baby items. My sister in law comes to SA next Sat is due in March. They got rid of everything when they moved into their new home and then...well, sex happened! I am also taking some items to a new resale shop near my home. I have many toys and clothes they are basically brand new. The money I get for those items will go into Paul's 529 Plan.

Last Saturday was a baby shower for a lovely young gal on my team..Nicole. She is expecting her first child..a boy..on December 25. She got a lot of great things from people we work with. I think she said she has 2 more showers..but there can't be much left for her to get. Well, diapers, bottles and clothes for when Seth is older would all be good!

Yesterday was the 2nd Annual Spurs Hope & Possibility 5K Run/Walk. Coach Popovich began this event last year. he does much to support all my efforts in the community that I felt I needed to support this. So, I volunteered from 7am - 12 noon. I mostly worked the VIP Brunch Registration. Pop even ran, and as he was coming towards the brunch area, I think he was startled to see me. "What are you doing here?" he asked. I told him he does so much for me -- I wanted to help him and the SPURS Foundation. He wanted to give me a hug and then said.."I am all wet (sweaty) and man was he ever. But we hugged anyway. And his beard looked better than the last time I saw it. The purpose of the event: Fitness is a primary concern for San Antonio and the Spurs Foundation is continuing its commitment to recreation, fitness and education in the city. This 5k idea, first brought to San Antonio by President of Spurs Basketball and Head Coach Gregg Popovich who saw it in NYC, will capitalize on the success of last year’s run/walk by allowing so many more fans to experience this fun event. The Spurs team, Silver Dancers, Coyote and more will all be participating in this exciting outdoor event. There is something for everyone including a one mile fun run for kids of all ages, a finish line festival inclusive of post-run snacks, music, and activities. For those who support this event at a higher donor level, an appreciation VIP Brunch will be held.

The Story of Hope & PossibilityTrisha Meili, known to the world as The Central Park Jogger, revealed her amazing story of survival and recovery in her 2003 best-selling memoir I AM THE CENTRAL PARK JOGGER: A Story of Hope and Possibility. (Meili, an avid runner, was brutally attacked in NY Central Park in 1989. She was discovered near death and not expected to survive.) That same year, the Achilles Track Club produced its first Hope & Possibility race in Central Park to honor Trisha Meili and her story about the capacity of the human body and spirit to heal. In 2007, the Spurs Foundation teamed up with the national Achilles chapter to host the inaugural Hope & Possibility run/walk in the Alamo City. The race is to celebrate the human spirit and bring the disabled and able-bodied communities together.

Danny and I have been sick and today Danny feels pretty awful. We are supposed to go to a co-worker's church festival today from 4-7. Pony rides and all! I might take Paul by myself. We'll see. Danny and Paul are about to take a nap. And I am going to make some calls and do some magazine reading.

Have a hopeful, joyful, peaceful week!

Glorious Day

Today has been simply marvelous! I slept in this morning..9am! Paul and I went for a morning walk....played with the bat and ball...and played chase in the backyard and finished off the morning with swinging, climbing and sliding on our play set. Then I headed to The Woodhouse Day Spa for an afternoon of pampering. Danny and Paul bought me a spa gift package for Mother's Day and it was time to use it.

For starters...an organic peel facial with April. It was divine..especially the part when she said, "you don't have any wrinkles!" She sounded a little surprised since I am 39...but hey, instead of wrinkles. I have redness and brown spots that have appeared the past few years. It was so wonderful lying on the warmed bed..with warming slippers on. Heavenly..... Next, two young gals got me from the "tea room" to pamper me some more with a peppermint sea scrub pedicure and a spritzer manicure. They carry my GLO makeup and I needed some of the hydrating mist. I also bought some cleanser and cream for my face. And the whole day I have been thinking.....to be more peaceful, joyful and hopeful. I read this scripture verse this morning and God's Word really spoke to me...as though He knew I really needed this! Duh--of course He knows!!!!

From John, Chapter 16..."Behold, the hour is coming and has arrived when each of you will be scattered to his own home and you will leave me alone. But I am not alone, because the Father is with me. I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world."

My Dad and Jean are coming for the Thanksgiving holiday. And we are going to Northern MI for Christmas to be with my Mom and Wayne. Ya know.....the holidays will be here before we know it!

Paul is going to be a rock star for Halloween. We're taking him to the ZOO BOO and I know we will have a blast! Non-scary--for Danny and Paul and lots of activities such as face painting, trick-or-treating, games and music. Everyone is encouraged to wear costumes and kids can participate in the costume contest. The zoo is our favorite place to go!

I must finish up a couple of chores before I settle down for the night. Back to work tomorrow....another day...another dollar. :-)

Please keep Stacy and Spencer in your prayers. Their little baby was born on Oct 7 and he lived 16 minutes. While they knew it was going to happen --it is still a horrific tragedy. Her blog entry today has a sweet video to honor Isaac.

Can Anyone Say "Give Me a Break?!"

UGH--people are nuts! What is the deal about having big ego's and talking to someone like they don't have feelings or know more than you really do...and they cannot grasp the concept that the world does not revolve around them...and why do others perpetuate that? Come on.....no one is #1 in everyone's eyes...hear me..NOT you...or you..or you...but JESUS--yes..got it?! Gosh I wish some people would step back and reflect on their perspective and skills..or lack there of. And realize not everything is about you..sometimes it's about being a good person and doing the right thing....I know--I am rambling....




On a much BRIGHTER note--we had a most amazing weekend in Corpus with our Teams of Our Lady Team. Many thanks to Melissa, Jesse, Vicki, George, Philip, Jena, Denise, Craig, Rhonda and Terrence. We love you so much! We stayed at this wonderful B&B - you MUST stay there and tell Tracey I sent you! She is the innkeeper and so sweet and a great cook! After a big breakfast--she serves dessert---seriously! Sat morning it was peach cobbler with ice cream. Sunday morning it was ice cream with caramel and buñuelos--yummy!

My sweet church and work friend Nora kept Paul all weekend. She has two sweet boys--John and Rudy. They had a blast together and I guess Rudy and John are asking .."when does Paul come back and hang with us?" Here is a pic I took of them when we picked Paul up on Sunday. He was pooped and I think ready to be with his Mama and Daddy.

October 16 would have been Logan's first birthday. I know it will be a tough day for my sweet friends Debra and John. Please keep them in your prayers. My heart still aches and I think Thursday will be an emotional day for me too.

I have been listening to The Divine Mercy Chaplet in my car twice a day and loving it so much! God's mercy is awesome and this version of praying the rosary is incredible and lovely. Even if you are not Catholic--the message of this is for all of us.....listen and be still. I need more peace in my heart.....do you too? God's mercy is beautiful. Trust in Jesus.

Morons - why would ANY American want a man who will not place his hand over his heart to honor this country's past, present and future and show ANY

sign of Patriotism???!! Aside from the issues and plans for this country -- why isn't that a big deal to all the Barack supporters?? Our Country's US FLAG CODE says.......During a rendition of the national anthem— (1) when the flag is displayed— (A) all present except those in uniform should stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart; (B) men not in uniform should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold the headdress at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart; Seriously -- do people know the Constitution and the history -- you want the Commander in Chief of the USA to purposely NOT show reverence when our National Anthem is played??!!! I really do not grasp that one bit!!! The terrorists are hoping he is elected and then they can really take us down.....

Can ANYONE enlighten me? And you mean to tell me..the SAME pastor who a while back....Barack said was HIS Spiritual Mentor for 20 years...and Barack attended his church for 20 years....Barack and Michelle NEVER heard that moron Pastor Wright rantings like we all heard and now know?! Come on....are people really that stupid?? And remember this...Barack condemned Imus when he made those remarks about the black female athlete..but THEN did not condemn Pastor Wright for making those atrocious remarks? Do you need a refresher as to what the Pastor said??!! Obama said....YES he did..that Pastor Wright is his sounding board... My opinion.......This Pastor is a hater. Obama has attended over 800 sermons. ....and not JUST be association people.......use common sense here! Why does it not piss off everyone in this country that Pastor Wright said..."we deserve what we got. We "rich, white peeeeople" deserve to be blown up on 9/11." HELL--he can't even use the right verb tense!!!

And also---did you NOT hear when Michelle Obama stood tall at a podium and stated...I HAVE NEVER BEEN PROUD OF THIS COUNTRY.until now.......that my husband is running for President. SHIT lady -- then why did you stay in America all these years???!!!! UGH!! And please....she meant exactly that!!!! She is an angry woman...WATCH OUT USA! WHY WHY WHY is anyone really thinking all of that is ok? Again -- I am not talking politics or bills or taxes..or spending..or people who think the govt owes them.....blah blah blah.......

Philippians CH 3 says, "Beware of the dogs! Beware of the evil workers! Beware of the mutilation!"

Odds & Ends

Hola!

This was another busy and very productive week. I had a couple of really nice meetings where I was able to present proposals to some VIP folks. I will find out next week if I get both accounts---I sure as hell hope so!

Danny is studying for the CFP exam - Nov 21 and Nov 22 are the exam dates. He registered yesterday and actually - is at the kitchen table as I type this entry studying his heart out!

Paul loves music and he loves to dance. Our new thing - being here in the office -- me pulling up ITUNES and playing a selection of Paul' favorites to rock out to. Really...seriously.....these are his new favorite tunes and he asks specifically for them now..

VELCRO FLY by ZZ TOP

ALL FOR YOU by Janet Jackson

MAMBO #5

THE KID IS HOT TONITE by Loverboy

JESSE'S GIRL by Rick Springfield

WE ARE FAMILY by Sister Sledge

Here are some pics I took of Paulie rockin out this week....

Pardon our messy office.....stuff stacked for the thrift store and I was vacuuming and of course--toys!!!

Now, he may have been extra silly because this is what he was doing right BEFORE he began dancing and being wild!

Don't call CPS people--the bottle was NOT open!!

This is a special bottle of wine -- cannot purchase in a store! You have to know the person who signed it......

I met two friends from church for a movie tonight at 7:45. Sheryl and John. Oh and by the way---they have been dating for four months and are madly in love! They are so cute. He just recently turned 70 and she is--oh around 63. Then the three of us went to this bar called NEW YORK for some conversation and a drink! It was fun!

Tomorrow- mass, meeting a friend at 10am, Danny is meeting with his study group, and more chores and laundry! And Desperate Housewives!

Peace out!