We live in a cozy apartment with three cute kitties and a lot of love. We go by Francine and Oscar. And although we are incredibly imperfect, we strive to live our lives for the Lord.
Today is the day that marks 23 years of life on earth! I am happy about it. :)
I also just feel so thankful and am so happy that God has given me a better perspective of Birthdays. They are not all about ME, they are all about him. I have to say, I am sooo thankful for my life on this earth.
Here is a quote from John Calvin on birthdays:
The ancient custom of observing a birthday every year as an occasion of joy cannot in itself be disapproved; for that day, as often as it returns, reminds each of us to give thanks to God, who brought us into this world, and has permitted us, in his kindness, to spend many years in it; next, to bring to our recollection how improperly and uselessly the time which God granted to us has been permitted to pass away; and, lastly, that we ought to commit ourselves to the protection of the same God for the remainder of our life. — Commentary on Matt. 14:6 / Mk. 6:21
NOT EVEN A WORD: As the mailman passes by my cell, This lonely place where I dwell. He looks at me with sad dismay For he has no mail for me today. He must think that I am quite insane, Suffering with this constant pain. My friends have let me down once more, As he quickly passes by my door. Write, my friends, to ease my mind. Please don't be cruel, cold, unkind. Send me a letter of friendship and cheer, Then let me bend your ear. Maybe tomorrow the mailman will stop here. Ron H.
Would Jesus be preaching in the chapel?
This is with pictures from the Passion of the Christ (which I never watched in its entirety.) I love this song, but the video also affected me. I don't like that it looks like a music video, but love that I can associate the song with the story of Jesus (thinking, that's Judas, Mary Magdolen, Peter, etc.)
I want to start writing with Someone Care's Prison Ministry. I have been praying for a while about how best to serve and was coming up with no answers. A few things came together this morning to help me realize that I may be able to be more effective through my words than anything else. I feel very led by the spirit about this. Time for proactive change. :)
Did I mention, I got lots and lots of kudos from my work yesterday. Like, LOTS of praise and I soaked it in instead of immediately giving it up to God. It made me feel really good until I realized that everything I am, I am because of him. Because he blessed me with it.
Believe it or not, I get compliments on my voice a LOT. It is really fun (because I am not a good singer) and never have been. But, parents, people I train, other people who come observe all comment on my voice and think I am a good singer. Sooo fun, instead of just trying to tell them that I'm NOT a good singer, I think I'm going to start saying, "any singing ability I have is from God." That sounds MUCH better and I think is very work appropriate as well.
How sad am I that I can't embed the video from Dirty Dancing. Anyways, the one I am thinking of is the finale!! Where he says, "Noone puts Baby in a corner" sigh. Here's the URL http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpmILPAcRQo
I used to adore that movie growing up. Still do.
It is SIX days till my Birthday. I told Oscar that one year, I wanted him to be my slave for my Birthday. Did you ever do that as I child. haha. We used to. For example, "If you don't win this game, you have to be my SLAVE for the day!" Then we would say, "I want you to clean my room." Haha, I love it. "Or get me some bread from the kitchen." All in a highly superior voice, of course. There was some real power there. oooh, I just like to think of all the things I could make Oscar do. Wash my Car. Give me a manicure. Make me guacamole. It sounds like fun to me. :)
Yes, so Oscar has $300 hidden in the sock drawer. I found it on accident and told him of course. I keep telling him that he doesn't have to give me a gift, but if he is going to, I want it NOW. lol. I also keep stressing non expensive. Yes, he told me after his birthday he might give me mine early and now I am just dying of curiosity.
I think I would be very happy if he just got me flowers and then he had to be my slave for the day! I am liking that power idea. I would also make him write me an ehow article.
By the way, these costume eHow articles are killing me. They take a long time to write. But, are fun. And right now, I am loving the eighties. But, am not yet done with my article, so won't post it yet. blah. ACCESSORIES and MAKEUP left to write. Just got to do it.
***WARNING*****Boring blog*****Merging Xanga and Blogger these days******Just personal stuff about weekend**********
It is a Sunny morning for me. Even though I haven't yet looked outside. Ravi and Erick stayed over at our apartment Friday night to search for apartments for Ravi.
That's right. After a week long training in NEW YORK (Erick is coming with him & will be sleeping on the floor!) Ravi will be working for a short time in our area. I guess he found a nice apartment with a pool and everything.
It was nice having the boys over. Boys are so chill.
I am sure Oscar would have loved to go to New York with Ravi too, but he has a job (with no paid vacation time), school, etc. I feel guilty about it. Maybe one day, I'll be able to pay for him to go with Ravi & Erick (years from now, of course.)
As for now, it is a sunny Sunday. And we are going to church. Maybe Oscar will give me my present early. :)
You never know.
ps. Did I mention that we played online chess for the FIRST time last night. OOOOh, it was fun. I was skeptical. Really skeptical, but I loved that Oscar wanted to play a game. The first game stunk. It has been a while since I've played chess and ooooh man did I lose quickly. Second game, DUN DUN DUN DUN........I won!!! And it was a good game. Then Oscar got sad. We shall see if he will ever play me at Chess again. I hope so. I want a rematch. Is it horrible to lose on purpose so that he will keep playing with me? I've never done it before, EVER, but I had so much fun and the first time I consecutively beat him at Egyptian (card game) we didn't play for years. (Not kidding). awww, my hubby is sleeping away. I think I will get some pictures for my post.
I know, some pictures of my kids from my old job at PCDA were recently posted on the internet. So, I figure if they can post it, so can I. These are my cuties from my old social skills group.
Awww, they look so big. A is on the viewer's left. He is soooo loveable. They both look bigger as its been almost 9 months. He knew everyone's name and missed them when they weren't there. J is on the right and he loved airplanes and acting like a kitty cat.
This is B. Smart, great play skills, and also bossy and sweet. We are missing a couple from the group. But, 3 out of 6 isn't bad at ALL.
So, I never finished my blogs about my kids. I have TWO more other than my Darla dear. I have one almost written about Casper, but it makes me sad, so I have to think about it more before I post.
Anyways, I am soooo filled with love this morning. My stomach feels a little better, well a LOT better from yesterday. Oscar seriously does EVERYTHING around this house. I am so indebted to him. I guess I'm the main money earner though. Yesterday, I slept a LOT and the rest of the time was spent in bed. When I woke up the kitchen was sparkling. And Oscar is nice and I am mean. Those of you who know me, know I am SOOO mean. But, I was a big grump yesterday and he was a gentleman. So, I lucked out and he thinks he lucked out too, so we be both lucked out. But, not really because I'm pretty sure it was a blessing, not luck. And I'm pretty sure we worked really hard on ourselves to get to this level of contentment.
sigh. So, I am happy.
I JUST got addicted to Jon & Kate Plus 8. Yes, I know they are divorcing. But, I wrote a couple articles on them, and consequently read her family website, watched a video and I am hooked. I NEVER was attracted to that show in the least. But, now I am hooked. And I hope they get close to God again and get back together. And the media leaves them alone.
Anyways, this is the Valentine's episode that I watched this morning. You heard me right, while Oscar is working away, I sat in bed and watched 20 minutes of cuteness. It is from Season 3 and Kate inspired me to really be creative again and not spend a lot of money.
I think I felt like I was running out of ideas for birthday/anniversary, etc. ideas and now I feel inspired. And just happy. Yes, they will probably remove this from Youtube because of copyright, but there you go. Makes me actually like Valentine's Day again. :)
Oscar. Francine....condo...for...sale me. huh? Oscar. the condo outside is for sale? me. huh? Oscar. look outside.
I open the door. To my utmost shock Oscar is NOT talking about a newly built condo for sale in the middle of our apartment complex, he MUST be talking to the amazing palace of a kitty condo which is newly standing in the courtyard.
It only took me about 2 seconds to read the price tag saying $40 and then an immediate, "we'll take it." We claim our prize from the hungry, soon to be envious cat owners who live around us and then rush over to the ATM to get the cash.
I love our new kitty palace, as do our kitties. E.T. looks like a prince as he sits in it even as I type. It is beautiful and looks new. I just looked it up, it cost $149.00 online minus shipping.
I wish I had a camera to share it with you. Our old condo is literally dilapidated. It doesn't even stand on it's own (it has to be propped against the wall). And it has separated into two parts.
Anyways, it is the new addition to our household. I just took about 5 photos for the disposable camera. So, we'll probably get some ACTUAL pictures up after Oscar gives me my birthday present. It is the exact model of the one above.
***oooh and the people above us are moving (hence the cat condo for sale sitting in our courtyard)
My little Darla. I have decided to post on the three kiddos in my life which bring me so much joy.
First is Darla. Ok, her name is not Darla, but her mom calls her Darla because they share certain mannerisms and for privacy sake that will be her name.
Darla is my second kiddo. I have worked with her since September 2008. She is a beautiful three year old girl. She has waist long dark brown hair which always looks shiny and together. Her mom has upwards of 40 different hair clips to coordinate with different outfits. They are absolutely adorable and fall out about 5 times a session. Her mother is fashion astute and Darla has the cutest outfits. I wish I had her wardrobe. We are talking about skinny jeans, cute tops, matching shoes, clip, etc. She is VERY much a girl and loves to flip her hair and put it behind her ear (even if she doesn't have to). She used to hate necklaces (it was a sensory problem), but recently, I have been getting her to wear them for a few minutes. She loves when I put it on and say, "oooh, la la" and move my shoulders around. So, she copies me. She is so proud, she puffs out her chest and says "oon da da." The last few days we have been making our own necklaces.
What else do I love about Darla? Well, she talks constantly, and most of what she says are things she has learned from me. She loves to sing! In her free time she will walk around singing "Bunny Foo Foo," "Slippery Fish," and "I found a sticker for ___ girl" (a song I made up) all with huge hand gestures and a marching motion. She also likes to chant books such as Chicka Chicka Boom Boom and The Giving Tree. She knows the books by heart, but unless you know it, you wouldn't be able to understand what she was saying. You would still think she was so cute though because of her gusto and enthusiasm.
She ADORES reading and singing and doing corny games like rocking on her chair, jumping up and down and playing tag. The deal is though, you've got to sing it and then stop suddenly. ex: "jumping, jumping, jump jump jump, jumping, jumping, jump, jump, jump FREEZE!!!" then you strike a pose and she giggles incessantly, until she regains composure to ask for more jumping.
When I met her, she was into cause and effect toys. But, through a lot of HARD work, she is now interested in pretend play. In fact, not just pretend play, but playing tea, pretend birthday parties and pretend play with animals. Oooh, it is so fun and adorable. I can't wait to see her develop even more.
She adores me completely. Thinks I am the most hilarious person around and wants to imitate what I do.
Mom is a 5th grade teacher and amazing. HUGE affect, just like me. Dad is away in the Navy. Darla was an accident, but mom tells me the best accident she has ever had!! She makes mom's life worth living. awwww, I get so teary, when I think of Darla because of the joy she brings.
The room above is a pottery barn kids room and reminds me a LOT of Darla's room. It is like entering a magical kingdom, or at least a happy place. Mom plays a soundtrack of the beach in the background.
This is one of Darla's favorite songs at the moment.
She actually looks a lot like the actual Darla, but with longer hair, cuter clothes and a thinner face. I work with her M-F
Wish I could share more info about my pride and joy (or at least her mother's pride and joy), but really can't.
I feel so blessed to live in such an amazing country. It worries me that our President Obama has cut spending so dramatically in national defense.
Even if you don't believe in engaging in war, I would think you would still fund a defense system. What happens if we have another 9/11? What happens if all the countries who say they want to destroy the U.S. actually develop a missile that will travel that far? We won't be able to defend ourselves. There will be NO way for us to block it.
I don't think anyone will be saying "I told you so." I think they will be very sad. I think there will definitely be regret on the part of President Obama and those who did not think defense was important. In fact, in failing to defend our nation, we could possibly be throwing our freedom out the window. Then, again, who wants freedom anyways, right?
Yes I am prolific this morning.... and, yes, I am procrastinating doing work.
I showed Oscar the pictures on my blog yesterday, before I went to work and he exclaimed, "This is the best birthday present ever!" You know, I have seen those pictures SOOO many times that they were not novel to me, but he coveted them and examined every single one thoroughly. It made him so happy.
Here is the movie Oscar is wanting to see these days. Fight the food power!! I think I may be game....
Oscar's birthday is today. I am very happy about it! He is an amazing husband and I am so glad God created him to come onto this earth 23 years ago. We are celebrating his birthday on Saturday. It is the first time I have ever told him what we are doing!! It is normally a surprise. We were going to go river rafting, but it is a draught year and Oscar expressed he didn't want to drive, so I switched it around. SOOO excited for Saturday.
1) He has a test for school. boooo. 2) Food tour of our town. Includes Spanish, Indian, Asian, Oaxacan food, italian gelato visit to tea bar and chocolatier and information on the history of our area. It is 3 hours long, we get to meet the owners of the shop, etc. seriously can't wait!!! 3) Visit with mutual friend whose birthday is the 10th. 4) Go to REALLY nice spa in our area (one of the best!!) Oscar gets a massage. I don't know if I'm getting anything. 5) Go see Godspell :)
Yes, I need to figure out what I'm doing camera wise.
Oooh, as the title suggested, Oscar has received an AMAZING gift from one of his clients. What a blessing. I started crying when he told me. It is so thoughtful and generous. I really appreciate it because I don't have the money to give him everything I would want to.
Ok, here we go. 1) Golf Balls 2) $250 gift card to golfing store for lessons/shoes/whatever 3) $125 to local running store 4) $125 gift card to local restaurant
I just thought it was nice. Not only is it a lot (I mean, to give to your PERSONAL TRAINER!!), but it is unique to Oscar's personality.
Anyways, here's a tribute to birthday's past. (it will also help me remember what we've done)
2004 - When Oscar asked me out. Cheesecake factory & ferry to Coronado. We went in the water with our clothes on.
Oscar and I went to go see a movie today, his choice. He chose a comedy. We got to the theater just in time and snuggled in for the show. Now, this movie, I guess was rated R which we hadn't checked and it was funny, but not amazing. It wasn't horribly crude, but contained some parts at the end which definitely were not needed.
As soon as we left the theater, Oscar started talking (and talking fast) about the media and marketing and kids watching inappropriate things, etc. etc. etc.
I was surprised, but happy. I like seeing Oscar grow in maturity.
I've been planning Oscar's birthday surprise. I like this whole growing older thing. :)
p.s. Once upon a time I used to use Kids-in-Mind to check out movies before I went to go see them. I think I will start doing this again. This website is very well done and rates movies on violence and gore, sex and nudity and profanity. The people who run it list every single thing including # of words, etc. Check it out!!!
Oscar and I just had one of the best Independence days I have ever had in my life. ooooh, we spent the day with Cheski at the local park near where we grew up. Her dad was playing in the band and so, not only was her family there early, but positioned front and center. They were kind enough to share their blankets, food and holiday spirit with us. Oscar and I found some board games in the car and brought scrabble and Guess Who with us for all to play.
It was a lot of fun. We saw Linh, Julian and Jordan with their families, and Cathy (my old neighbor). We also saw some old acquaintances/friends such as Austin and Emily Arndt. Hmm, I feel the need to explain, Linh & Julian found us and surprised us, it was exciting to see them.
Kaitlyn joined us at the park and so did First, Ravi and Erick. Cheski has a beautiful family and just seeing all the families around us warmed my heart. I loved the country music and Cheski's dad's band, of course, and just wanted to dance my heart out. Having Oscar there made me feel extra special. He was a prince.
Watching the fireworks was a new experience for me. Throughout my life, I have watched fireworks at a distance and super close, but never sitting down. And never with patriotic music in the background surrounded by friends and family. I felt so proud of my country and so blessed to live here.
So, my eHow earnings for June are in. And I am pleased. I have started tracking my earnings on an excel spreadsheet now that it is my secret means to financial freedom. Well, in 2 years that is.
Despite being sick for the last two weeks and having ZERO productivity of eHow articles, I still beat my estimated monthly amount by $23.10 YAY!!
The bad news is that I'm behind 28 articles. :( I think I will just start from scratch in July. There is no point trying to make those up.
Sooo, I made $366.27 this month (INCLUDING my Contest winnings!!) Next month's goal is $403.84. Wish me luck!!!
Xanga is the "blogger" type site that I wrote on from August 2003 to present.
I was very dedicated in my high school days, often posting once or twice a day. As we got older, though, Myspace became popular. oooh, I fought against it, but of course got one anyways. I never left Xanga though. Actually, I think I am the only one who still has an active xanga account.
My favorite thing about Xanga is the capability to flip back in time and see what I was up to.
Actually, I just spent the last 20 minutes reminiscing. At some parts, my language is hard to bear. It is extremely juvenile. It brings me back though to that time in my life. Everything was so exciting, so new. I was so incredibly busy. Every day, working seeing friends, sometimes more than one activity. Just, so enthusiastic about everything. I don't know how I did it.
Cheers to the energy of a teenager!! And may I possess it again one day. :)
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