Today's Grab Bag of Thoughts

Today I would like to thank you for all the trials, tribulations, laughter, tears, mistakes, successes, new friends, old ones, the dearly departed, the newly/recently born, the trips and the times of rest and the blessings of the past and the future. Thank you for leaving me a changed person, with a better appreciation for life, love and having faith. Welcome 2013, here's to hoping that you bring the fulfillment of a dream or two of mine. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

From your 5yr old niece 1. Santa Claus did not come to my house. 2. Haley doesn't live with us anymore 3. A lady lives with us and she has a kid. She is two. She said I can call her mom. 4. Daddy said the Princess Playhouse came from Santa but it really came from Grandma and Papa Hope to make it there in February, she wants to come here for my birthday. I always wonder if I could raise tons of money and well never mind. Pointless to say it...just heartbroken it took less than 3 months or him to move another woman into the house where his wife and "soulmate" passed away and let her tell her her she can call her mommy.

Recently I decided to give online dating ONE last and final chance. So I signed up for eHarmony a month ago. As you filter through who they think matches for you, I think you need to have a few standard items that there is no wiggle room with. Here are my top 10: 1. If I can't pronounce your name, I can't date you 2. Is your name Mike? Unless you blow me off my feet I just can't date another one and we already have a few in the family. :-) 3. Never ever drink...I'd be too much temptation for you. 4. If you say politics are your life, especially if you are in politics because I'd be the skeleton in you closet. 5. If you think reality TV is amazing and you can't get enough of it. 6. If you say you don't have kids and don't want them. 7. If you think God is just a fictional character. 8. If you don't ever contact me 9. If you are skinner than me. :-) 10. IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY MY BEST FRIEND'S BROTHER IN LAW. HAHAHAHAHmm these could explain wh

just heard someone at works turned down DONNY AND MARIE OSMOND ticket for the show tonight. WHO DOES THAT! Oh the horror. I could literally go home and drown my sorrows in wine and chocolate. The end.

Almost 1 month to the minute today my Dad called me to tell me my sister went to Heaven. I'm thankful I was with her for her last birthday. She got to eat her favorite food and spend it with her family. As the month has gone by I have been lucky to be super busy at work so that my mind really can't wander much. Home is a different story. Let's just say I am going to have the cleanest, most uncluttered room soon. My Garage may even shine after this all. Today I found myself thinking about her kids a lot. They just seem so far away. I miss them so much. I pray that God has his arms around them and is keeping them safe. I pray that if anything ever happened to their fathers that I would be able to take care and raise them the way Stacy wanted me to. I pray that a certain someone has updated his will and IF anything was to happen to him that the girls would BOTH come live with me. I could not bare the thought of losing them for good. It's hard to think that ri

Day 1- Thankful that my Sister is no longer pain and will always be young and beautiful. Day 2- Thankful for the family God has given me. Day 3 - Thankful for growing up knowing all my grandparents and great grandparents Day 4 - Thankful for my health. Day 5: Thankful that Sergej and Matthew have each other again and in the USA. Stacy would be so happy. Day 6 - Thankful that though it may not be the greatest job on Earth, that I still have a job to go back to today. Day 7 - refer to day 6. Many long time employees just got let go. :-( Day 8: I am thankful for ALL my wonderful friends who have been with me in these last 6 months (and over my lifetime). I could not have have a better group of friends - even if FB is our only place to talk these days. I LOVE YOU ALL! And those are not just words. Special shout outs to Erika - Denali Frederick - Thank you for letting me lean on you all the time, everyday and just letting me be me. Jennifer Stark Falkner - Thanks for letting me rele

I have finally realized what that statement means to me and really more than I want to lately, in regards to my mind. Though at times we may be physically alone in a room, car or anywhere it does not mean you are truly alone. Because for me, my mind never stops running around even at night. It is constantly playing my heartbreaks over and over in my head. Reliving my fears again and again. Going over my mistakes time after time. Looking into my dreams deeper and deeper. Calculating my next move and the one after that. Weighing the consequences of my desires vs potential embarrassments or rejections. Praying every second, every minute for my family, friends, acquaintances and strangers for peace, safety, health, healing and happiness. Even when I want to be alone. Even when I need to be alone. Even when I am alone...my mind or conscience is always there keeping me company. Get to know yours. Listen to yours. Embrace yours. “Always let your conscience be your guide” - Jiminy Cr

Well time to say that my blog is my opinion and only that. This is how I see it and how I have experienced it. Others may or may not agree with it. Others may think I am mean but in reality this is just how I see things. If you think there is only one side to every story then of course you are wrong. It just so happens I write from the heart and how I feel. Should I stop and sensor myself, sure maybe but sadly I don't always. I guess that is what you call passionate. It helps me to write and open up but maybe I need a disclaimer on every post that says " the following words represent me pure opinion and nothing more than that" The end.

Question: what are your memories of Stacy? She Loved to decorate cakes with Grandma. Grandma, Stacy and I would sit on couch together and do the plastic canvas. We would go to Gerti's house and play "office" in her office. We loved to roller skate in Grandma's driveway while listening to music (we would pretend we were ice skating). I remember that we would iron our doll clothes in the back room. Going swimming at the neighborhood park. Oh my goodness,I remember we were at a neighbor's house playing pool and she kept poking me with that stupid stick, and I ended up throwing that 8ball at her (of course I felt really bad later)... We were never asked to go back lol. I remember all the costume contest we did. Oh my goodness, I remember us playing chicken with the trains (her idea)! Fun times at the water park/except when she would sit on me under water! I have a scar on my leg from the time she threw me into closet doors, all these memories... Stacy was dete

As I spent today writing my sister's eulogy it started to hit me all the things Stacy will miss and we will miss having her at. When my first grandparent died I was sad that She would never meet my husband or kids. That they would never know how wonderful she was. Then a couple years after as my grandpa passed I stared to hurt more And I wished that I would be able to share those big life events with my remaining grandparents. After another 2 years my remaing Grandmother passes away and my heart is crushed. With one remaining Grandpa and no marriage are children in the immediate future I grow sad that my family may never know what a great family I came from and meet the patriarchs. I never once though that I would be doing all those things without my baby sister. 32 is too young to lose your life. I want her there if those big events happen. Yes that is selfish and yes I know she and my grandparents are in a better place, but everyone else had them there. :-(. Speed pas

Today my baby sister has gone to Heaven. There are no words to really express what I am feeling right now. This will be one of those rambling posts that means nothing to anyone else but me, but I feel better to get this off my chest. You are in no more pain and you have finally become strong again. I'm am so glad that God gave us the 5 months that we got. You know I thought that old doctor was crazy when he said about 6 months to live, but I guess they do know more than we do. These last few months have been great even though living on two coasts was hard at times, it was still worth it. Being able to be with you and talk and help you and really realize how much you loved and trusted me even if you could not say out loud. You trusted me with your life and your children. What can I say but WOW, ARE YOU CRAZY? :-) HAVE YOU MET ME? My sweet sister, you were also loved more than my words could say. I will always have a piece of my heart that your memories will fill. I kno

NEVER STOP PRAYING, NEVER LOSE YOUR FAITH. Even when things are not going the way you want them just never stop praying. It may not seem like God is listening but he is. It may not seem he is answering you but he is, even in silence he is answering your prayers. Keep reading if you want to see how GREAT God is and how the power of prayer and faith work wonders. Friday was a very crazy and emotional day. For many hours on Friday we were worried about the well being of my nieces. It seemed they had been abducted by their Father with the attempt to take custody of them away from my sister. We worried that we'd not see them anymore. We worried that this news would harm my sister's already failing health. So I put out a prayer request on Facebook hoping that God would hear all our prayers and bring them back safe and sound. RESULT - They are home, safe, happy and ready for a visit from their Aunt. Friday at 8:20pm on the platform of the Imperial/Wilmington green line s

Well today was a very emotional day. My dreams of having my sister and the kids here in Cali slightly stalled. Then As I am waiting for the Metro some teenage (obviously desperate) kid robbed me and ran away with my iPad while of course no one helped me even the men standing around on the platform. Luckily I was unhurt just shook up. But even with things looking down it is nothing compared to what Jesus went through for me. I am willing to take a few bumps and bruises for the chance of eternal life. Yes, I praise him a lot...if it offends you I am sorry but my faith gets me through even the darkest of days like today. Today's trouble will be tomorrow successes. God has a plan for my life even if I don't understand it or like the battles I have to fight for the happiness of tomorrow. Tomorrow is a new day, come what may. :-)

Isn't that a funny question? It is so basic but it can actually be one of the deepest question someone can ask you. It can be surface as well as intimate. The hard part about the question is knowing in what way is the person asking it means to hear your answer. It is sort of like the word "love". People throw that word around so much that its meaning is now so everyday. I love pizza. I love soda. I love ------ fill in the blank. It takes out the strong feelings, the intimacy and specialness of those four little letters. Oh how I digress. Where was I? Oh How am I? Let me answer that a few ways. 1. The casual acquaintance: Hi I am fine thank you. How are you? (I really do want to know) 2. The "friend": Good, thanks for asking. 3. Friends you see less frequently: I am doing well, things are kind of crazy but as you know life has its ups and downs. What have you been up to? 4. True friends and family: Hmm where do I start. How much time do you have? I re

Sometime l think I take for granted what wonderful parents I have. I have heard my friends talk about either how their parents are or weren't there for them or unfortunately have passed on or parents that care but only in good times. My parents care in good times and bad. They support us even if we do stupid things. They help as much as they physically can and won't stop until the job/issue is done. I am blessed with parents that know parenthood does not end with adulthood. Dang if they gave up with us that soon I would be screwed. My parents are so awesome, from helping us emotionally to monetarily my parents are always there. They would walk through fire for us. What a blessing that is. You could never ask for two better people to raise you. I know that if I become a single mother of three - when Stacy goes home to heaven, that my parents will be right by my side. I won't be afraid. I know we as a family can make any tragedy work. God has a plan for us all even i

Well my first flight was a successful one in the pure sense that it took off and landed safely. However, my goal to sleep was spoiled that the grizzly bear sleeping a row or two behind me. But when I was a sleep at least I had the advantage of not smelling the extremely disgusting farts either coming from my seat mates or the man in front me. Hey I could have been worse the young boy that was screaming in he terminal that he didn't want to go on an airplane could have continued on the plane, but instead passed out. See there is a silver lining if you look for it. Off to flight #2

My friends say that to me all the time...LOL

Yesterday evening, this strange feeling of utter sadness came over me.  There have been a few that I have had over the years that have proven to come true. The last time it happened was at Good Friday Service in Irvine, when at the end I found out that the church had just lost a dear friend that week.  I suppose I was feeling the sadness of the room.  Yesterday's feeling was the cross between utter sadness that really made my whole body ache and a need for closeness (hugs, hand holding, a kiss, something I could not put my finger on) just a longing.  I wasn't in a bad place, having a bad day or even ready to tear up (which of course is a big surprise you if you know me).  It was just the deep need to give a hug or get a hug from someone.  I'm guessing one of my friends is going through something and I just don't know it yet.  Maybe I was just coming down from the high of a great weekend back into reality.  No clue, but I can tell you this feeling is rarely wrong, and

Dear Metro, If you are going to run to different lines from the same platform - blue line and Expo line - and tell your riders to rely on the train signage then you need to start making sure your drivers change all of the signage before leaving. Yet again today a train with the sign "Long Beach" on the front of the train also said culver city on the side of some cars and blue line on others. Again you've stranded people at Pico because of this or even further when it is not announced what train it is. Come on I know you can do it, no more laziness. People count on you to get them to and from work/school and home. We are on schedules too. We won't even tackle to other issues.

I really have nothing to say so I will just say: living in two states at the same time is hard. My cat is better than your cat. My dog eats more shoes than your dog. The Padres don't suck as bad as they did. My family is. Awesome. I need to run more. I need to reconnect with my friends. I think Motherhood scares me, but I am gonna tackle it head on. Hey have I told you lately that I love you? I Think too much but I talk too much also so I guess I am just too interesting to stay quiet. Sometimes I just want to walk outside and scream other times I want to look directly at the person and scream. Match.com sucks save your money. Dating is hard but even harder when you are tired of doing it. I think God works in mysterious ways...I've never really knew what people really thought of me, it makes me smile. Not sure I deserve it but it is nice. Just trying to be the best me I can be. I like to rhyme lol. Are you bored yet? I still have 20 mins on this train, I can keep going. Had a n

Loving unconditionally, no matter how hard they may make for you to do. Disciplining even when it does hurt you more than it will hurt them. Never ever having your own personal space again. Being excited about bodily functions. Removing the phrase "I've lost sleep" and replacing it with "what's sleep?" Finding an affinity for cold dinners. Finding a strange pleasure in doing things over and over again. Hearing "But you NEVER"...about 100 times a day Knowing that they hear you but could careless. Accepting you are not perfect. No matter what you think you may have screwed up, if you've given them all you can and then some...you've done good! Accepting those AWESOME hugs and kisses ALL DAY LONG, while hearing I love you even after they told you how mean you are. Mom I love you for all you do, say and don't do. I thank you for showing me what a GREAT mother looks like. I hope one day to be as awesome at it as you ar

#10 - Nobody is a perfect parent, but some are much better at it than others. #9 - Persuasion is an art form learned at birth. #8 - No matter what don't leave the soap or shampoo in reach of a bathing child. #7 - If you are sharing a bed with a kid lay down with them or go find a chair! #6 - Everyone has a favorite child, even if they won't admit it...I never said it had to be their own child.  LOL #5 - Small Children can snore like grizzly bears #4 - Kids HATE everything, even the things they love. #3 - No matter how much sleep you know you need, you can survive on a lot less...AND HAVE NO CHOICE! #2 - If mom/dad say no ask your aunt...but she NEVER let's you do anything so go ask your Grandma.  Wait she sides with your aunt.  Time to scream and pout and tell everyone how horrible your 5 whole years have been. #1 - Kids can smell weakness! Best quotes of the day: (Extremely loudly at 7am) Alyssa (trying to get a rise out of her sister) - Nah nanny nan

Sadly my family can't catch a break. Just heard from my Aunt Ana and she is getting worse and no one seems to know why. Today: she threw up and they don't know why. She feels horrible and is starting her 6th week in this hospital. She is low on magnesium, potassium, , protein and other minerals. She is in and out of sleep. Took a fall today and they still can't tell her why. Her rash had spread all over. She went in her a rash weeks ago that they said she was contagious and now she just keeps getting worse week after week. She said the doctor is telling them one thing and writing down another. Through all this she keeps her sense of humor and asks about Stacy. Please pray for her health and for a knowledgable medical staff that cares about their patients. That God heals her body.

The medical center on Fort Bragg in North Carolina is horrible. My sister has been in and out of there 4x in the last 3 months and each time she is sent home they say she is strong enough to go home. The first time she was sent home about 3 days after she woke up after she had just spent 2 weeks in an ammonia induced coma, and had lost so much blood that she need like 4 transfusions. She lasted a little over 2 weeks and she was right back in there. Bleeding again internally much they were afraid they could not stop it, but again they get her "stable" and send her home. This time they were supposed to have a nurse come check on her and have home therapy. But I was there for a week and no one came. Oh opps they didn't order a home nurse for her. They also sent her home with a prescription list that was not very detailed and bottles of the same drug at different milligrams from 3 different doctors. Oh the did send a hospital bed, how nice of them. This past Friday she e

We cried and we loved, but no matter what we always do everything we can for each other. Dear Stacy, When you were born I was probably not the happiest person in the world.  I bet I just thought about myself and how my attention would be split.  Somehow I think KP probably felt the same way when I was born.  LOL  But as you got older I realized that you were pretty fun to play with.  i remember when Dad stopped the car short so that he would not hit a dog and you hit your head on the windshield (before carseats of course).  Kristi and I were screaming and crying and Mom just turned around and yelled at us to shut up because you weren't even crying.  LOL you were a tough one even then.  Oh and I am sorry that when you were about a year old and KP was babysitting us that I punched you in the face, but understand this if she had not used you for a shield I would have totally knocked her out for cheating on video games. Thanks for not telling on me. As the years went on and our l

With God all things are possible. The following verses, poem and song are keeping me going daily. My faith does not guarantee me a peaceful path, but someone to walk next to me a holding me the whole way. 1 Thessalonians 5:17-19 2 Timothy 1:7 2 Corinthians 4:18 Philippians 4:6 Psalms 118:24 Would you dare to believe by Josh Wilson

You know how we all move through life saying " I think I want to do this" or "I'm not sure if I should do that" or even "If I just had a sign from God I'd know what to do."  Then you go on with your life just as if you never had that problem, issue or decision to make.  You push it down and pretend it never existed and then BAM! POW!, it all comes back and you start the cycle all over again.  It can go on for days, months, even years for some issues or big decisions.  Sometimes these things do work themselves out on their own and others you just keep pondering.  I bet God sits up there and looks down going WHAT THE HECK DO YOU NEED ME TO DO TO GET THIS THROUGH TO YOU. Thanks God, I think I get it now.  Serious thoughts, legalities, situations and prayers going on here in this body/mind.  But really how many times can you drive past that sign before you say OH CRAP that was my sign.  XOXO Friends and family for your continued support

As I am sitting here I feel so much wanting to come out but then I censor myself, which of course is the first no no of blogging.  Blogging is supposed to be a release, but really right now I feel like it would sound like whining, sadness, crazy talk (which is normal lol) or just nonsense.  However, I will do it any way.  I may not be writing in complete sentences, I am going to just start typing and stop when I feel like it. With that said I should note that my grammar may suck, my spelling will be off and my words may not make any sense...but that makes if fun right?  Buckle up, here we go. Why I wont stop blogging, because it makes me feel good to express myself.  Lately life has become very REAL.  Yes, I know what you are thinking "Terri life is always real or you're not living."  But I think there are plenty of us (myself included) that float through life and just let life happen.  I've decided (I think lol) that I need to live my life not just let my life live

There are times in our lives that we feel alone and that we are the only one going through something. I have learned that when you open your life and heart to others you will probably find that there are more and more people going through something similar or just as hard things. As the months pass and my sister gets better and worse, God keeps opening my eyes to others in my life that are also going through what could be life changing events. I am glad that we can all be there for each other. Some are worried about their grandparents, some one of their parents and still others siblings or significant others. I am thankful for the friendships that have flourished and became stronger due to our checking in with one another throughout the weeks or months. I am also thankful for the changes in me that allows me to open up and not be afraid the share my life and fears with my friends. It is never too late to change who you are. I know of a few of you, but if you need support too, I a

Well just got my heart broken by a 5 year old. She said "I can't wait until you go home." ouch it just broke my heart. Of course it was because I was making her go to bed instead of running around the house. She used every excuse in the "I don't want to go to bed" handbook. Finally she pulled that one out and well it worked, because I said goodbye and left the room. To which she followed up with balling her eyes out. I love they girl so much and I know she was over tired but ouch she knows how hit below the belt. She comes to the hotel today and grabs my hand and said she missed me.  Then just now she climbed on my lap and hugged me and rocked.  She says:  "I never want to let you go.  I never want you to go home"  :-)  Sadly this breaks my heart too, for the obvious reasons.  Oh this must be a bit of what motherhood feels like.  LOL

The East Coasts loves their Waffles. Those waffle houses are everywhere. The men are adorable here and so polite. Not naming names. ;-) The weather is sticky and gross. The rain and storms are great, but I'm not really sure I'd like it all the time. On my 4+ hour drive: I saw a house with bus in the driveway, dang they must have a ton of kids. I saw a sign "Go prayzie, not crazy" What are all those tall green things and that green stuff in the ground? Love that I saw a Tractor crossing sign! I learned that it is a good thing I like Christian and Country Music. That when you go to DQ and order a Blizzard make sure you watch them make it or after you finish the whole thing you may realize to wasn't what you ordered. That Paul Bunyan lives right outside the virginia/ north carolina border That it Smells like pinesol most of the time around there. Lastly, that starting out your 4+ hour drive with 3 u-turns right off the back is a good indica

Sitting here in VA Beach- we were told by a local celebrity that is how you say "VA Beach, rather than Virginia Beach" and people watching. I don't really think I could make up a better line up of strangeness. We have seen hookers, transvestites, African Americans in all white with white masks, and strange random ladies in the same creepy black dresses and red scarves. Then while sitting there a 4 year old told us to close our mouths and give her our attention. Then she proceeded to do a whole one person show. All we really need to complete the strangeness of this place is a Ghost. Can't decide if it is like being on candid camera or the Twilight Zone. Some of the most awesome quotes of the day were from my travel buddy and her new friend...that I won't name so that he does not get embarrassed. "As long as there's food, I can deal with anything" "YO 18...have you seen my movie?" "I love pickles, ( in all ways) and I drink the j

Did I mention TSA opened saline solution in my suitcase and it leaked al over my clothes. Later I stalked my cousins at the pool until the recognized me. They are so beautiful and still just as silly. They found me later. Back to the "room" and the front desk calls the room and is trying to figure out who we are and why we are squatting a room. Lol i think security was coming for us. Oh look we do have a room here. What else can happen? From there we headed out for the "rehearsal" dinner at chick fil a and Taco Bell. Lol. Then on to the nail salon for the bachelorette. What??? They can't deliver the cake? Damn good thing I did my own nails before I got here. Bride and I head for the cake and drop it off at some house to bring it tomorrow. Make it back in time for the "bachelor" party at the hotel bar. Yeah that's a bust. WAIT WHAT THE HECK AM I STILL DOING AWAKE????? I have my room now and my own key. CRAP! Just broke a nail! Damnit another hour

Went to the Waffle House. All i could hear was the old Sesame Street song " one of these things just doesn't belong" However, the hashbrowns rocked! QOD- Natalie's quote "I definitely need a shower. I feel like some one shit on me and rubbed it in. I'm salty." It is 5am and I just need my teddy bears! 5:48 7/11 run. Waters all around. 6:50 am - we still sit in a car and listen to a random serial killer chick sing karaoke and laugh hysterically. It may not actually be funny but we find it awesome! 8:53am - still in the car. We are so delirious that we can't stop laughing. People watching is getting AWESOME. We are so hot, sticky, and we probably smell. Oh the things that are coming out of our mouths is priceless, it does not get any funner than this. 9:45-9:55am we are banging on a hotel room trying to wake up a sleeping 17 year old boy. Hmm if he is anything like Anthony this is a losing battle. Lol. Shower and "nap" for two hours

Headed to Virginia Beach for a wedding. Had an hour layover in Vegas and was ready to put some money in the slot machines. When we get there and every slot in the entire airport is closed. I guess God knew I would need the money for something else later. I didn't rent a car because the websites said none of the counters would be open when we got in at 1am, so we thought we'd just take a taxi to our hotel. But when we get there one is open so I picked up the LAST car they had...remember that money I saved on the slots? Let just say I lost it and more on the car. However, God knew better again because if we had taken a taxi we'd been sitting out in front of a hotel that we don't have a room reservation for tonight. So good thing we have a car to sleep in. Lol. Oh and did I mention that the hotel where the wedding is at said that the wedding was cancelled? Oh life is an adventure IF there is no wedding what's another 3:30 hours to go see the Nationals play the Brave

but God knew what I needed and he gave me two.  I didn't ask to be the middle, but God knew I would be strong enough to hold up my sisters when they needed me to.  It's like a balancing act, but worth every second.  I might have fought with both of them sometime, but I love them ALWAYS.  I might have bugged them constantly or them me, but only because we needed each other.  We were raised the same way but we are all so different.  Difference are what bring people together and how we make each other stronger.  Even though I might not have asked for sisters, I'd never have it any other way.  As life and "reality" settle in I realize that life is too short.  That I let too many days go by without telling you that I LOVE YOU.  I let too many difference get built up or swept under the rug without telling you that YOUR OPINION is important to me, even if I don't act like it.  I kept my life's book closed, without sharing with you my fears, joys and heart.  I h

Warning to all parents who are letting their kids play on the internet website called monkeyquest.com A friend of mine just caught a person talking to her son asking him very inappropriate sexual questions and encouraging him to do awful things. She thought this was a safe site but predators have their way of working around a "secure" site.  She is absolutely disgusted and furious by all scumbags that prey on innocent children!   Pass this on to your friends!

Lately I have noticed more and more people that will either say they will pray for you or put someone on a prayer list or things to that nature. I think it is interesting that when we were kids no one talked about God or praying really. Sure we went to church a few times and in high school we join a youth group, but we really did not talk about unless you were part of the group. Now I notice many of my friends from growing up have a strong faith and are freely showing it and it is great. I just wonder how different childhood or teen years would have been if we believed back then and weren't afraid to show it. As we get older and have children of our own, are we giving them the foundation we might not have had or showing them it is ok the show their faith?

Sometimes we get so wrapped up in life that we forget to take care of ourselves. We don't sleep enough. We don't eat right. We drink too much. So on and so forth. Then one day we wake up and before we know it we are looking at a doctor tell us that we have XYZ. No you can't predict or stop all health problems, but if you could just do the few things to stop OTHER health problems from arising would you? I would and I am going to start urging my family and friends to do the same. Most diabetes can be fixed. Obesity is can be avoided. Liver disease can be stopped and repaired if you choose to start before it is too late. Think of the illnesses in your family history and get to fixing those you can fix or avoid. Your family and friends need you, choose to do the best you can do for your life. Xo - This middle child needs you in her life. So get to living and make it the right way.

Yes you read that correctly, SKATES not roller blades but SKATES.  Today I woke up to do my morning workout and I was super excited about going skating instead of running.  I imagined the wind blowing on my face.  3 miles of path flying by with no problems.  Really getting to test out my running jacket against the cold wind.  While savoring the thought of being probably the coolest person out there at 6am.  As I was getting ready, wonderful memories from my childhood came flooding back.  I used to love to skate, especially on the strand to the pier.  No I was not one of those teens skating up and down the strand in nothing but my bathing suit.  I loved the smell of the water and feeling the sun on my skin as we just rolled up and down the strand, never seeming to get tired.  Skating was a freeing time. All dressed and ready to go, I head out to my car where my skates have lived for probably the last 6 years.  Did I mention I had knee high sock with black stripes on them just waitin

This message is for a special person in my life that used to read "my tales of the rails" and I hope has followed me to this blog. You should know who you are. (Sorry if you are not this person, but just needed to write like I always do, from my heart.) P- At times I look back at where we could have been over these last 15+ years IF you didn't make that one decision that changed everything. I understand why you did it, but not why I didn't get a choice. I was angry for a long time, but have forgiven you for years now.  I was so blessed that you searched for me years later and did not stop until you found me. I cried and almost fainted when I heard your voice on my answering machine. It was amazing to hear your voice and see you again. I could not believe that you'd been back at my college to speak and were thinking about me too.  You came back in the most perfect time, but just as things start to feel normal you leave again without a word. I would have ch

I enjoy gum. I like the fresh breath you can get. I like blowing bubbles, in the appropriate places which is not the office, the train, or any where that you can annoy someone. BUT I do not enjoy hearing someone else chew, snap or smack their gum. I don't know what it is in our DNA that gives us our pet peeves but chewing, slurping, lip smacking drives me bonkers. Sometimes I even sit there and try to talk myself into patience and tolerance for it but then I go crazy. I just have to thank God that earphones were invented and mobile music players. P.s. random thought for the day, yes totally unrelated to my post - add a few Christmas songs to your iPod play lists and listen to it on shuffle. It is like a special present of Christmas all year long when one of the come on randomly. I told you it was a random thought.

This is just sad, poor kitty.  I understand there were probably reason, but take the poor guy to a zoo or something. It is much better than death. Mountain lion found in Santa Monica fatally shot by police - San Diego, California News Station - KFMB Channel 8 - cbs8.com

A cousin posted this on facebook today and I laughed, so I thought I would share.  Hope you enjoy!

Ever wonder all those times you were walking upstairs behind someone if you'd know if they farted on you? Or how many times someone probably has farted in your face and you didn't know? Oh come on...how many times have you done it. Do you really think you got away with it? I walk over a hundred stairs daily in my commute just think of my odds! Seriously I am doomed to have gas released on me. It is bad enough at times I have to smell B.O. and pot heads...NOW my crazy brain thinks of this. Ugh. Shameless plug don't forget to join as a follower :-) I like to feel needed.

Or just hand me back the money I spent on those 3 pairs of tennis shoes that promised me I'd never have to step foot in the gym again? Haha seriously? I love my shape ups but never once thought they'd be my saving grave from going to the gym. They are just shoes. Ya got to at least walk in them. Lol BUT, hey I won't say no to my part of a multi-million dollar settlement. Bring on the cash. Yes, I know I will probably never see a penny but a girl has to blog about something.

So yesterday one of our new office neighbors was sad and complaining about the fish on her desk dying and that she just could not get herself to clean him out or flush him. So this morning a group of us decided that we'd help her out but taking care of the funeral plans for Pete the dead Beta fish before she got into the office. I had a fishnet not the tights but an actual net from the last Beta fish our group had that died and used that to scoop up Pete. We all said goodbye and I said a little prayer for him before sending him to his final watery resting place. The whole day goes by before she even notices he is gone and then all heck breaks loose. Not only is she not thankful, she is pissed. Steaming fire out of her ears that someone was in her cube (open to all) while she was gone. Pissed that we touched her stuff, which we didn't. Wow, so much for trying to be nice to someone. Now I have to apologize for my actions just to stop a big inter-office feud. If I was doin

Today one of my loyal readers told me that he really needs me to update my blog more often.  He was tired of reading that I am "yellow" and he said that he sees me more as a "Peach".  LOL  I said I don't and probably will never own anything peach, come to think of it I don't even own anything yellow. So here are a few things that crossed my mind today. This morning when I got dressed in my room, I really thought my outfit matched.  Then after further consideration and better light at work I decided that I did not match at all. :-) I used to think that getting my nails done was a waste of money, but I really want to go get pedicure. I wish those belly belts that say they will tone your tummy actually worked, I'd wear it daily. If Nacho was a baby, I think he would never learn how to walk because I love him so much I'd carry him everywhere...but since he's a cat he'd scratch my eyes out if I tried. I miss fried foods. Sometimes I thin

Definitely Yellow Congratulations, Teresa, you are a YELLOW personality with the driving Core Motivation of FUN. This does not mean that you are constantly looking for a party (although you usually do know where to find one!). You are instinctively happy and gravitate to people and situations that provide carefree adventure and playful interactions. Even under the most serious of circumstances or daunting tasks, you and your YELLOW (buddies/girlfriends), will seek an element of personal fulfillment and spontaneous enjoyment in the experience. Spontaneous play and genuine "in the moment" FUN are not merely important to you - they are as essential to your very being as eating. As a YELLOW, you are inviting and embrace life as a party that you're hosting. You love playful interaction and can be extremely sociable. You are highly persuasive and seek instant gratification. YELLOWS need to be adored and praised, especially by their partners. While you a

Today I was trying to motivate my lazy self to go downstairs to the gym at 4:05pm. My brain was saying "Oh no Terri you don't have enough time.  You should just workout when you get home"    To which I answered: "Really, you honestly think I'll workout when I get home?"    My brain just laughed at me. In the end my body won the argument, well sort of.  I grabbed my gym bag and went all the way downstairs to the gym. Thinking: GREAT JOB SELF!   WAY TO GO!!! Best part I don't actually have any gym clothes in my bag, I took them home to wash.  AWESOME, THANKS SELF! Back upstairs to sit on my butt and not workout. It must have been fate!  :-)

At this time is just life. Nothing bad, nothing good. Days pass and days begin. Hours, minutes and seconds keep coming and going and still life is the same. The end.

I am constantly reminded on how I should treat people...as I would like to be treated. BUT it is so hard when someone treats you like crap or their personal slave to return their rudeness with kindness. It is truly something I struggle with daily. Some days I am a rockstar and I just grin and bare it. BUT there are just some people that get under my skin very quickly. Those are the ones I really need to work at being a better person, Christian and human with. Terri you need to remember Psalm 86:15 But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. (NIV) Proverbs 15:18 A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel. (NIV) Ouch! This is a nice realty call. Colossians 3:12-13 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends yo

So after a lot of consideration I have decided to I will never weigh myself again. For more years than I can remember my friends and family have talked about how much they weigh, what size they where and all those things that go along with weight. I am so tired of hearing about, worrying about it or making it so important. God made our bodies in hia perfect way and everyone is different. It does not matter if you are a size 2 or a size 16. As long as you are healthy, love yourself and don't let others put you down. Constantly worrying about your weight is not healthy and sets yourself up for failure. Yo-yo diets, pills and the like are not all safe and most don't work that well. I'm not speaking for everyone and I don't look down at anyone that is doing those things. I am just saying that for me I will love me for me. I am not perfect nor will I every be but I am me. Just some running, exercise and good foods is my motto. Ah, freedom feels good. Loving me for me.

Bob: Hi Auntie Bob Me: Hi Bob, Happy Birthday Bob: I'm Good Me: Are you having a good birthday Bob: Today is my birthday Me: I know I said happy birthday. How old are you today? Bob: 5, Oh mommy we didn't open my birthday presents? (side conversation with mom) no we didn't oh yeah Grandma's. Oh Me: Hello? Stacy: she left. I love kids, they have a great way of making you feel loved and totally invisible at the same time. LOL

Since I really have nothing to say right now, but it has been a few days since my last post I will just post a stream of consciousness post. I will just sit here and type every single thought that comes to my mind, without sensory ship. this is a stupid commercial on tv. Nacho go bath in the bathroom like everyone else. Hold please my leg itches. What inspires me? The TV just asked me that. Ok really a commercial for Patron asked me. Hmm I guess I've never really gave that question most thought. Have you? What are our answers? Maybe I can steal one of yours. Ok I am inspired by Pastors to be a better person, though I don't always take the advice. I am inspired by my Sister Kristi to be as giving as she is. I am inspired by my Uncle Rusty who has given his life to his son Ray who has Cerebral Palsy and needs 24 hours care. I am inspired by single mothers, but hope to never be one. I am inspired by my Sister Stacy, who daily deals with her own illness while feeding

Ever walk into a room and the whole room feels heavy? So heavy you can feel it in your heart? Or that it makes you sad too? So I just went to Good Friday service at a church in Irvine and shortly after the service started my heart felt so heavy. I had to fight back tears. Of course there are time when the songs get me and I tear up, but this was different. I felt a profound sadness in the room from many people. After praying for the congregations and for God to lighten their burdens, lighten their hearts and to hold them and take their pain...the Pastor got up to say a final prayer and he mentioned that just yesterday he watched his friend and a church member pass. I know that there have been many times in my life that I feel someone else's pain and cry with or for them, BUT what an amazing and sort of scary feeling that I could walk into a "random" (in my mind not of course in God's plan) and feel the pain of complete strangers and about a hundred of them. I

The train conductor just told some drunk guy that if he didn't be quiet he would do a tuck and roll on him. Then he said I'm gonna tuck you and roll you off this train. Haha

Daily we go through life just living for ourselves (and family) and rarely thinking about how we can give back to the world, your state, your city, your church or just another human being. Sure you can give someone a handful of change or even a whole dollar. Some days you may even give up your lunch or coffee. BUT could you give up thinking about only yourself? Could you literally GIVE of yourself? Could you give 10 months of your life, your figure, your health and heck your appetite to help someone realize a dream that they have always had? Could you be a surrogate mom? Go through the whole pregnancy and then hand over the one, two or even three beautiful babies to a couple who has longed for their own? Yes, you say...could you do it 3x???? Not many women could. Well, my sister can. Let me tell you a bit about her. Kristi grew up in Hawthorne, Ca. Just like any other kid, she played sports, hung out with friends and went to school. Nothing out of the ordinary there ri