My Dear Bougainvillea

A few years ago, I found Barbara Karst Bougainvillea on clearance. A gallon sized bucket, which had been $25, was now $3. Why? I don't know. It was dead. Or dying. I just think the stock was changing at Wal-Mart. It was still hot out here, but Halloween decorations and school supplies were taking over.

I bought 7. I know. It seems extreme. But with the size of my yard, either you go big...or you just go home. So I planted them. In the backyard. On the west fence. I thought it would add to my "tropical" vision. I wanted my backyard to have an "exotic" feel to it.



Vibrant pink flowers were taking over. These plants grew so well! Taking over the fence. Even my neighbor commented on how pretty the looked. I was so happy! These plants were amazing climbers. And added a bit of "privacy" to my backyard. A total bonus!



I also picked up an orange variety. I have no clue what it's "real name" is. But it was gorgeous. More of a peach color. And I planted next to the gate, leading to my backyard. It grew nicely. Not overtaking the space. But adding a nice "pop" of color.

Well, around here, most people landscape with more "tropical" plants. It's more common to see palm trees, than it is to see pine trees. And we're more than cool with that. Until we get snow.

That would be 2 years in a row. Lots of snow! My backyard had almost 2 feet of snow in it! That was February. When our temperatures loomed under 0*F. We were not happy. Not me. Not my town. Not the surrounding area.

So many plants and trees died. Costing this city, and our neighboring city way too much money. HUGE palm trees, are now having to be replaced. As for me, my dear plants have died. I have little hope for their return.

A bit dramatic? I think not! Any and all tropical plants that I had, are pretty much dead. I've been diligently watering. But I'm almost 100% sure they are not coming back. It's a sad situation really. Last summer, they were so pretty!

But I will not let that get me down. No sir! I will keep my eyes open. Looking for another good deal. Hoping that I can find a few bougainvilleas. Maybe some hydrangeas. Anything to add to my yard. It's going to be a long process to figure out what survived our tough winter, and what didn't. ♫

What Do You Think?

This is a Chupacabra. Part beast, part animal, part super creature. Around these parts, they are on the news, at least a few times a week. No lie! And there is always a debate...are they real???



What do you think? Chupacabras are pretty ugly things. They are destructive. And honestly, most of the news stories, surround upset Ranchers. Whose cattle is being attacked and killed. All I know is, I wouldn't want to come into contact with one. But are they real? Or are they just part of a myth. Like the "Skin Walker?" ♫

Yum!

Dion's Chef Salads are some of my favorites. No lie! For a few years, we didn't have a Dion's where I live. So every time I went to my hometown, I'd buy a "family size." Delish! I'd eat it all week. And it was honestly heaven!



Now I can get one whenever I want. It makes me so excited! I prefer mine without salad dressing. Followed with a yummy brownie, for dessert. Just blogging about it, is making me hungry! And I just had one of these yummy salads. Last night. For dinner.

Another thing about Dion's, lately I've gotten good entertainment there. No lie! Every time I go with my parents, there is something interesting going on. Like last night, we witnessed a HUGE fight. Just outside the door. We had a window booth. And witnessed the entire 45 minute situation. Cops and all. Dion's is a safe place. But sometimes, the "entertaining people" are just out. And well, we got dinner and a show last night. ♫

Commander in Chic

This is my "new" favorite nail polish. OK, not new. I wore it all winter. Last year. Then I lost it. I have no clue, what I did with my bottle. I've searched everywhere! Something tells me, I left it in Sin City. :(



But I just picked up a new bottle. And I'm loving it. Again! It's just the perfect dusty purple, taupe color. A neutral. But not boring. A color that goes with so much. And is a bit elegant. Yup, it's love. ♫

New Baby Boy!

I just want to say a big Congratulations to a dear friend of mine. Her and her husband, welcomed a new baby boy, into their family. SJ was born yesterday. An honest gift from God.



It's been a while since I've seen my friend. We met at a work event. And become super close over time. She now lives in our neighboring state. But what a blessing her and her family have been to me. Amigos that are familia. Congrats again! God has truly blessed you. ♫

He Makes Me Smile

There is this one man, that just makes me smile. The same way that King George sends my Mom over the edge, Josh just makes my day. There is something about this crooner. It's a little about his looks. But way more about his deep voice. Oh my!



So on this Funday Friday, I'm taking a moment to not just listen to my favorite singer, but to watch his video. Now if I could just find a man in "real life" that has a voice like his... ♫

Failing...

I'm pretty sure I have a problem. A HUGE problem. I'm afraid to fail. At anything and everything. Not quite, but pretty close. That has lead to this crazy perfectionist issue that I have. Everything needs to be perfect, have it's place, or it's time. If not, I'm going nuts.

In general, I'm an "all or nothing" kind of a woman. Is that bad? I'm not sure. But it can't be good. So here I am. "all or nothing" all of the time. I'm never OK with things being halfway done. Failure is just not an option for me.



And as good as that can sound, it really is not a good idea. Because there are so many things, that I just refuse to try or experience. Because what if I'm not that good at them?

One thing that really comes to mind is relationships. I want to control lots of things in my life. I'm not a control freak. I don't try to control people either. But I don't want to invest all that time and effort, into something that could possibly fail.

Maybe my family has a lot to do with that. Divorce in my family is really common. Ridiculously so. My parents are both on their 2nd marriage. As are my maternal grandparents. I have so many siblings and cousins that can't get it right either. Really good friends (who are great people) that can't seem to make the right choices, in relationships. So I get nervous, and let's face it, scared. So I avoid the subject.

Quite like I avoid other things in my life. Like standing up to my parents about my future plans. You know, college, where I'll live, what I'll do. I just tell them, what I know, they want to hear. Lord help us all, if I do start dating, anytime soon. If Mr. Right comes along. If I really chase after MY DREAMS...

This not wanting to fail thing is so bad, that I do avoid certain things. Like that opportunity for that Crafting Show. Or the chance at a real career in music. Because "what if?" It's horrible. It's a crutch that I need to get rid of. But how?

I'm good at a lot of things. Because I push myself. There's school, my job, music, household things, cooking, baking, gardening, sewing, crocheting, writing, decorating...the list can go on and on. But there are so many other things that I am just in fear of. The kind of fear that almost paralyzes you. Like riding a horse...

After talking with my Commadre L, I realized I need to let go of this fear. So what if a relationship fails. If I gave it my all, I know that was all I could do. And if I try and tile my bathroom and it doesn't work out, I can chalk that up to a "lesson learned." I just need to believe in myself. Deep down in my soul. I need to believe in me. Sometimes, failure is part of the game of life. ♫

An Ordinary Day

Sometimes just those "Ordinary Days" are what we need. What the doctor has ordered up for us. You know what I mean? I think I've sorta missed these crazy days. When I drive from the hospital to the DOH, then to school, then to WIC, and finally to my night class. A busy day!

Oh, and somewhere in that mix, I've found time to head to the Ranch and pick up my paperwork. Maybe I even got to steal a moment of peace and quiet, a quick shower, and half a sandwich. :) Yes, these busy days, they're part of me. Well, at least for the moment. And I really do enjoy them.



But as much as it's been "relaxing" to get back into my routine, I'm not completely in the "here and now." My mind is still wondering. Thinking about my parents. My Dad's health. About the thousands of things I need to get done. Yes, that's me. That person.

Busy day or not, crazy college costs included, it's been a good day. A day to reconnect with friends and co-workers. Something I desperately needed. My mind has been on overdrive for the last month. I needed this. And so much more. But I'll take what I can get.

And now, it's time for me to climb into bed. Hopefully shut down my thoughts. And get some rest. Who in the world thought a 6AM class was a good idea? Not me. But I need to leave my house by 5AM. A time that comes way too quickly! Good night my loves. ♫

Wedding Bells...

To say that sleep has been, well, very much an absent thing in my life...well that is the understatement of the century! And with a lack of sleep, my dreams become more frequent, and vivid. This I know, from years and years of sleeping issues...

This has lead to me dreaming about marriage. A LOT lately! I don't know why. It's not like I'm planning on walking down the aisle anytime soon. There is no one in the picture. And well, it's just not an important aspect of my life at the moment.

But that has not stopped my dreams...



Last night, or more correctly, early this morning, I dreamt up my wedding. Not a first. And unfortunately, probably not a last. But it was actually pretty hilarious. That much, I'll admit. Especially since, well this time, I saw the "groom's" face. It was an old family friend. What?!?!?!

There you go. I had this amazingly detailed dream. Dress, Cowboy boots, groom, family, friends, musicians, food, music, venue, flowers, rings, a groom (I usually don't ever see a groom) and a priest...all present. An old co-worker of mine was there to assist me. Because I was somehow lost. And looking for my groom.

In the end, I was married. Joined an amazing family. Finally had a partner in life. And well, it seemed like we really enjoyed our wedding. You know, with his momma's great cooking. Because ya, in real life, she's an amazing cook! Obviously, my mind was thinking about food at 3AM! :) It's just funny how vivid and detailed this little 'ol dream was. ♫

Thinking About Christmas...

There was not a whole lot that I expected, or wanted, this year for Christmas. I was hoping for a simple day or two at home, with my parents. I had a few things that I really wanted. A couple of craft books, a crochet magazine subscription, and a scarf. Mostly, I was looking forward to some chili rellenos, and time with my parents. And I really wanted to go to Midnight Mass at our church.

It's almost been a month since Christmas. And honestly, this year, Christmas was a blur. I'm not even sure if I wished my Mom a Merry Christmas. I spent the early morning hours talking to my Dad, and praying. Usually I'm up wrapping presents until 4AM! And I had planned on going to Midnight Mass alone. But none of that happened.

It's all OK though. Because my Dad is OK. Minus the little sugar scare yesterday morning. He's honestly doing really well. Gaining strength with each passing day. And I guess being Diabetic Certified is coming in handy now. :) But honestly, Christmas came and went with little notice by me. Sad, but true. All that was on my mind, was getting my Dad healthy. And keeping my Mom calm.

A few years ago, I had a pretty sad Christmas too. Just some personal things that were going on. In the end, my parents and I enjoyed a quiet holiday together. Just the 3 of us. And after Christmas, we took a little road trip through the mountains. That was the year that taught me a lot about myself. For all sorts of reasons.

This year, I looked back on that simple holiday. I'm one of those people that usually write out 500 Christmas cards, bake enough cookies for the US Army, and decorate my house to look like a Christmas Wonderland. Christmas is truly one of my favorite times of year. I just love my religion, and this holiday is all about religion.

But that year, and this past year, it was different. I came home Wednesday, and I saw my sad decorations. Just a wreath on my door, and some bells on my front door. That's it!!! Not me at all! I never set up my Advent Wreath, or Nativity Scene set up. I didn't pick out a Christmas outfit, never finished my shopping, or started my baking, no Christmas cards were sent, and honestly, I think I wore a mismatched pair of sweats on Christmas Day. With snowflake socks, and the same pair of ballet flats that I wore for 2 weeks! I definitely didn't pack, to be home for almost a month.

This year, I definitely became closer to God. It was the first time that I was really scared about losing my Dad. Really scared! As a medical professional, I'm trained to handle tough cases. I've saved a life with a gun to my head. But when it's your parent, it's completely different. And when you see you Dad laying on the ground, bleeding from his head, turning blue, the entire world just stops.

I kept it together. For the most part. I had to. We don't have many people to lean on. And during those first few hours, all my Mom and I really had, was each other. And I needed to protect her. I was the strong one. The one that knew what was coming. The one that sent my Mom to the waiting room, and sat there with my Dad. Knowing that pain and even a bit of yelling was coming.

I anticipated those things. I protected my Mom. And I took care of my Dad. All those nights in the hospital, I stayed up. Talking to my Dad. Praying to God. Pleading with Patrick. Holding on to my faith. And just believing we'd all be OK. I cried. But not until late at night. When my Mom was asleep.

I'm almost positive that my Dad doesn't remember any of this. Or any of the conversations we had. I held tight to my faith. I prayed. I asked God for his grace, love, and strength. And I just held out hope.

We were very lucky. To have amazing people in our lives. Having some of the most amazing friends and family. Friends who are close to my heart. People that I feel closer to than my own family. Lots of prayers. From family and friends, near and far. People who visited every single day. Loved ones that were there for us, when we needed them the most. Whether it was the daily visit, the delicious food, the conversations, the support, or the love...it all meant so much!!!

And during this time, I really felt God's love. I have amazing friends here, that prayed for my Dad and our family. Friends who have never met my parents. They held special masses, said rosaries, and just prayed for us. So many people prayed. And through the power of prayer, love, and support...my Dad made it! :)

It's going to be a long recovery. It's an adjustment for my parents. But I'm just grateful to have my Dad back. He's making a recovery. And I'm so grateful for that. I'm literally speechless. God is Great!!!

This year, Christmas came almost a week late. No fancy dinner. No mass. Heck, I was still wrapping the few presents we had managed to buy one another. It took hours to get through our few gifts. You know, we had a break for a snack, and a little nap. But in the end, I was happy to be with my 2 parents. At home. And healthy.

Christmas isn't about presents, parties, shopping, big meals, or even actually attending mass. It's about those things we hold dear in our hearts. Celebrating Jesus Christ. Remembering what's important. The power of prayer. And the love of family and friends.

This year, the Christmas tree, lights, and all that wrapping paper didn't matter. I didn't watch a single Christmas movie. And I only had 1 relleno. Yes, 1! But I've never been so happy to sit in my parent's living room, listening to my parents sleep. Silly I know. But for us, this year, it really was the sound of pure bliss.

And after weeks at home, 2 trips to my home and back, lots of cooking, cleaning, and medical advice...I'm just happy to know my parents are doing well. Years from now, I'll look back on this holiday season, and remember all the love that I'm surrounded with. The people that truly love me and my family. The people that matter most. I'll remember how love really does conquer all. And that nothing is more important than religion.

Now, I need to get ready. I'm heading home for work. I'll be back by Sunday. To work out here. Honestly, I'm just excited to see my parents! It's been less than 48 hours since I've last seen them. And only 8 hours since we've talked on the phone. But honestly, I cherish every moment that we share. Happy Friday! ♫