It just seems like the big events, like babies and marriages, come in groups. I have a few friends, and cousins, who are expecting baby boys. Or have recently had a cute little boy. So I've been searching high and low, for the perfect crochet patterns. It's so tough to find little boy patterns. But I've found some cuties!
Seriously! Does it get any cuter? I just love this little hat. A "little man" hat. I don't know if it's the hat, or the baby, but it sure makes me smile!
And these booties. Too cute for words. I've never seen any crochet patterns quite like this. But I'm loving these booties!
So now that I've found some cute patterns, I'm crocheting like a mad woman! So many babies. So little time. Seriously, one of my cousins had her baby in May. I'm still working on the gift! And I'm going to a Baby Shower next weekend. I need to get some serious crocheting done! ♫
For a few years now, I've worked on the 4th of July. It's been amazing. I know. It doesn't sound like a good time. But it really is.
First of all, the community is amazing. Always trying to give back. They acknowledge the kids. And their health problems. And their needs. So many businesses offer to help. In any way they can. As in, donating items, giving money, or giving time. Especially for the holidays. This year was no different.
The kiddos enjoyed berry pancakes. Everything had to be red, white, and blue. The kitchen also set up a cookie decorating station. We had crafts. And at noon, DJ J came to broadcast live. Let's just say, he brought the party! Kids were dancing all around. And we had a BBQ.
We convinced the kiddos to chill in the afternoon. Naps, movies, and overall down time. But by the evening, we were back to BBQ-ing. DJ J was still there. He was supposed to go DJ at a club. Instead, he hung out with all of us. Oh, and Ol' Blue Eyes was doing a MAW at our hospital. The kiddos were so excited!
But the best, was after dark. We figured out what kids would stay on the "Play Deck," which would stay inside, and who would get to go on the roof. People were moving around. Getting kids were they needed to be.
Everyone was over the moon! Berry sundaes were delivered. And we waiting on the fireworks. The city really delivered. 5 separate fireworks displays! The kiddos "ooood ad ahhed" until almost midnight! The fireworks were amazing!
And as we wheeled kids back to their rooms, all they could talk about was the day. BBQs, flags, and fireworks. It's nice to give them, a bit of the "normal" life, that they usually miss out on.
Seeing all of this, it makes me grateful. Grateful that I am doing a job, that really makes a difference. God has guided me here. To do good. To make these kids feel better. To make the world a better place.
Some days, I wonder why I'm in this field. It can be so hard. And heartbreaking. Literally, heartbreaking. When we lose a patient, it's like losing a family member. It's tough to see all the suffering. But days like this, make it all worth while. If only, we could give the kiddos, more of their childhood back. ♫
I never watched "The Hulk." Not the movies. Not the TV show. It just didn't interest me. Not my style of TV time. But when my parents came to visit in March, my Mom found this show. OK, so the fact that I only get 2 English channels, and 6 Spanish ones, might be the reason.
My Mom was looking for something to watch on TV. It was already getting warm outside. OK, it was HOT! And we were looking for something to do. My Dad was taking nap. We found "The Incredible Hulk" on RTV.
My Mom was so excited. She watched every single day, while they were at my house. And I have to admit it, it was a pretty good show. A few times in the next weeks, I watched. And well, I became a fan.
Yes, I work. And 90% of the time, I'm not at home in the middle of the afternoon. But those few days, that I was home, I watched. Yes, I was becoming a fan.
Well, recently, the schedule was changed. Some "Western" now comes out. Ugh! And I was really starting to like this show. But what can you do? I did enjoy it for the last 3 months or so. ♫
I just want to wish everyone a very Happy and Safe 4th of July! I wish I could be home. And celebrating with all of my familia. But work calls. And all of those duties. So enjoy the day. Eat lots of yummy comida! And be safe. We don't need any more wildfires. Happy 4th of July! ♫
He tells people all the good things. Tries to act like "the good guy." But he's not. And there are some people, that can see through it. They call me and ask me. I'm truthful. If you want to know, just ask. I'll tell you.
This song, the moment I heard it, reminded me of him. Because he's mean. Cruel at times. I know. I've experienced it. He knows the most hurtful things to say. And just when to say them.
But like the song says, one day, I'll be doing better. Living a better life. And where will he be? You know, there are already so many people, that don't want to be around him. He's going to be all alone.
It's sad. A person like this can damage so many lives. Hurt so many people. Be so deceitful. Can literally ruin a family. But I won't let him ruin me. I'll prove to him, that I'm a better person. I will make more of my life.
It's horrible to have to feel this way. And to know the real reason. But I can't change it. He doesn't give me reasons to change it. All I can do is, pray. And let God take care of it.
I guess the craziest part is, he wants to go to my house. Yes, my house! Really?!?!?! Because that will never, ever happen. Not when I know the truth. When I know that he sent an ex-con my way. Trying to intimidate me. It didn't work.
But one day, people will know the truth. They'll know the kind of person that he is. The kind of things that he does. They will know the facts. All I really know is, I'm not going to let him get me down. Not for one more day. I'm stronger than this. And I will prove that much. ♫
♥Dinner with my Compadres L and G. ♥Lots of fun time with My 'Lil Cowgirl and J. ♥Great friends who come over to visit...often! :) ♥Good country music. ♥Lots of fun dancing at work. ♥Sunflowers. ♥Unexpected pizza dinners with friends. ♥"Girly time" with My 'Rella. ♥Cookbooks. ♥Yummy desserts! ♥Good books. ♥Old neighbors. ♥Time with my cousin. So much fun! I hope we can do it again soon! ♥Yummy food! ♥Old Mariachi friends. ♥Winning at the Casino. ♥Sweet kisses from My Jellybean. ♥Time with my parents. ♥The gorilla special on PBS. I'm a PBS addict! No lie. :) ♥The "I Love Lucy" marathon that was on today. ♥Fresh summer fruit. ♥My strawberry plants.
Spice
★Horrible cases at the hospital. Poor kiddos. It always breaks my heart. ★Cutting my foot... ★Family drama. What the heck is up? It's going on, on all sides of my family. ★Paperwork. I've been buried alive in it. It's nuts! ★People not wanting to pay their bills. I'm tired of billing them. Come on folks! ★Triple digit weather. ★All of this driving. ★The NASCAR race last night. Not all of it. Just the last few laps... ★All these fires... ★Missing my favorite little girls... ★The crazy windstorm on Monday night. Totally increased my yard work! And the trees look horrible!
Another week has gone by. I really can't believe how quickly the summer is going by. This week has been a very emotional one. But I'm sorta glad to see it all behind me. Although, I will miss my cousin. Who is moving this week. But it was so nice to spend time with her. Happy Sunday! ♫
These beauties, are one of my favorite flowers. They're Oriental Poppies. They range in color from pure white, to a coral red color. But these pinkish peach ones are my favorite! They're just so pretty to look at.
Late in the Spring, I found a package of roots. I bought them. And planted them. Very recently, I found seed packets. I bought 5 packs. They were 5 for $1! I couldn't pass them up. But these beauties, they just don't want to grow for me.
What really breaks my heart is, My Music Man, he just threw a bunch of seeds in his yard. Dude hasn't been home, in at least a couple of weeks. Darn it, if his plants aren't already getting flower buds. How in the heck does that happen? I don't know. But I'm still hopeful that my poppies will grow and bloom this year. ♫
I bought this book in May or June. But with everything that was going on, I hadn't had the chance to read it. Then, one very H-O-T day, I sat down and read. A pitcher of iced tea, my book, and a fan.
It's all I really needed. I started and finished the book. That very same day! It was such a good book. I could easily see myself, reading this book over and over again. It was so magical. So full. The book is so detailed, you could just imagine all the scenes, the smells, the sounds. I completely, 100% recommend this book!
I would go into so much detail. But I don't want to give the story away. Now I can't wait to see the movie. I'm a big Reese Witherspoon fan. So you could imagine how excited I am. A great story, and one of my favorite actresses. If you want the book, I got it at Target for $6 or $7. It was on sale. And definitely, well worth every penny! ♫
I almost got married once. Only a handful of people know about this. Until now. But ya, little 'ol me, once almost got married. Here's the story...
When I was a freshman in college, I was juggling a lot. It was the first time I lived on my own, I was in college, had a new mortgage, worked a "real" job, had to figure out how to do laundry, I pumped my own gas for the very first time, and "really" cooked! I was just trying to survive. Oh, and then, 9/11 happened. That changed a lot. 9/11 would change a lot about my future education plans. Things that I never thought would change...they changed!
Some time between starting college, and 9/11, I met him. My Music Man. The one man, that would haunt my life...and at times, save me from myself. He was that man that every single female fell for. Every SINGLE one! Which isn't horrible when you work for tips...you know, as a Mariachi. But from the beginning, I never felt “worthy” of being around him. Like I wasn’t good enough. It wasn’t the way he acted, or treated me. But the way other people viewed him.
We became fast friends. Spent lots of time before and after rehearsals together, laughing and talking. Before long, we were in the same Mariachi, spent at least 40 hours a week together. And learned how to pack food in our luggage. Anything to save a few pennies, to pay for college. Yes, we took oranges, peanut butter, and crackers with us to Orlando. Because we were poor…
Ya, we figured out that I cheered at his old high school. At least 8 times a year. My Music Man is 3 years older than me. But he still went to his old high school’s games, after he graduated. During the time when I was on my high school's varsity cheer team. He went because his younger brother went to the games. His brother is younger than me.
Yes, we had met years before. When I cheered. And he was trying to figure out how we (the cheerleaders) could bend “like that.” And how in the heck, could we pull off those tricks. And why in the heck would we cheer, in the middle of a snowstorm, in tiny skirts. We were hardcore cheerleaders. The ones from his high school, they rarely went to the games. And our coach, well she thought that cheerleading was our life. We didn’t miss a thing. Including the Band Competing in the “Battle of the Bands.” Yes, we cheered for that! :P
So ya, we met. We actually shared a meal. Because 5 of us, and our coach got stuck, in his hometown. And we were stuck at Wendy's. Eating French fries and Frosties, at 2AM, during a snowstorm. We had met. He actually bought us real food. As in meals. I remember him telling us, “You ladies need a proper dinner. I saw how hard you worked. Very talented.” The only guy on our team was with us. And he was not impressed. I remember him calling him a Jack A#@. Under his breath of course. Did I mention? He was also my best friend. Somewhere between passing out the food, and going for ketchup, My Music Man asked me, for my phone number. And I gave him, a friend's phone number. Instead of mine. :)
But in college, it was different. He made my heart skip a beat. My tummy would get butterflies. And well, it just felt “right.” Hilariously, we were set up together. To sing. Lots and lots of duets. Which required a crap load of rehearsal time. And a bit of acting...
We started to realize things. Like he lived a few blocks down the road from me. Any given day, we were both happy to be eating Ramen noodles. Yes, we were those "Poor College Students." He walked to school, to save money on parking. I spent hours in the library, trying to save money on books. We both enjoyed old movies, and the craziest jokes. Running was our second favorite past time, to music of course! And hunting, fishing, and camping...well to both of us, it's just a part of life. :) Let’s not forget Salsa dancing. And the occasional midnight, ice cream run. :)
I also had a roommate that was making life horrible. So I needed someone to vent to. To tell how frustrated I was. Because I did everything in the house. All the cleaning. My food was frequently stolen. Things were being broken. No one cleaned but me. And well, my roomie wasn't doing anything. So I vented to My Music Man. Who listened. Really listened. And at the perfect moment, gave me one of those big bear hugs. Remedy to all!
Then, one day, we were talking to some friends. They had recently gotten married. And now, 90% of their tuition, books, and fees were paid for. Why? Because they were a married couple. HELLO!!! The bells were going off. We had this amazing idea...
It was the end of January. I was a freshman in college. I needed money. WE needed money! Ya, I had scholarships. But well, I needed help living. You know, once in a while, I wanted to eat a decent meal. So the idea was born.
We decided to get married. Nothing else would change. He'd stay in his $1000/month apartment. The entire place could fit into my living room. No lie! And I'd stay in my home. But school, it would be completely paid for. Completely! It sounded like heaven. :)
Being the chivalrous man that he is, My Music Man decided to take things into his hands. He paid for our blood tests. Yes, our state requires them. And he footed the bill for the license. He also went to an Antique Store, and bought us rings. They were the perfect fit. No sizing required! Quite beautiful, if I say so myself. :) We were all set. Our appointment with the Justice of the Peace was set. 4PM on a Friday afternoon. It gave us enough time to make it legal, and still make it to our Mariachi gig. How very romantic we are! :P
Well, our vocal lesson lasted longer than it should have. And we couldn't find a parking. Which made us late. And we missed our appointment! We couldn't wait another 30 minutes for the last appointment. We'd be late to work. So we figured we'd try again, the next week.
God had other plans. You see, My Music Man's Dad, is good friends with a certain Indian Chief. Who signed a certain paper, declaring that a certain man was at least 33% Native American. This allowed the government to pay for his entire tuition, fees, and books. And he got a monthly stipend. This happened on Monday. 3 days after our original wedding date.
So now, we didn't have to get married. His school was paid for. And with that extra money, well he paid for gas. To get us to work. You know, we had to travel, at least 50 miles one way, to gigs. And we did this 4-5 times a week. I also had a steady stream of food. We now lived off of PB&J sammies, or bean burritos. We were really living it up!
In the years that have followed, actual “real” proposals have happened. With big diamond engagement rings and all. So fancy! He's gone on to bigger and better things. Traveling the world, performing his beautiful music. Making a 7 figure salary. Touring with amazing performers. As the jobs have gotten better, the rings have gotten even bigger. And I've still said nothing…
I'm not sure what it is. But I don't want him to "settle." Or feel obligated to me. I started thinking about this recently. Because we had a serious conversation. And we also went down “Memory Lane.” Because he was getting ready to sell one of his cars. And we found a small box. With that beautiful ring.
The one that he bought. At that dusty Antique Store. The original ring. That would have made me his Mrs. And he my Mr. We had planned this, to pay for school. But he's not the kind of man, that would just walk away. I've always known that. Had we gotten married, all those years ago, we'd probably have 2.5 kids by now. With some dogs running around. In a beautiful home. My Music Man providing for his family. Allowing me, to live out my dreams. Because, he's that "Old Fashioned Man."
I'm not sure if our path was a good one, or a bad one. Or if we really should have just gotten married. Could you have imagined how we would have told our families...talk about insanity! We may have killed my Dad on the spot! And his family…well I don’t even know what to say. Did I forget to mention, just 6 weeks later, we were in Sin City. Oh ya baby! We almost took the plunge again. This time, I don't really know what prompted it. But we were standing in the “Little White Chapel.” Calling some friends. Apparently, you need a witness or two. :P Instead of saying "I do," we shared a mini wedding cake.
Out of all the men I've ever known, he is probably the only one, that I really saw myself, having a life with. Envisioning our life together. All those conversations we've had. Talks about how many kids, where to live, careers, finances, and religion. All of those things. By the way, we wanted 3, maybe 4 kids. And 2 dogs. :)
But in the end, I'm just not sure. I don't think I could ever really give 100% of myself to anyone. I'm just not that person. And honestly, he needs that kind of a woman. He was meant to be an amazing husband and father. That much I know.
After nearly 10 years, I know that much. That this man, no matter what he says, needs that kind of a woman. That gives 100% of herself. And as much as I want to be a SAHM and wife, I'm just not sure we were meant for one another. But, I thank God every single day for him. He is definitely one of my very best friends. We've had our good times, but we've also had some of the worst times together. And we've made it out of those bad times. Actually, those bad times, made our bond stronger. Much stronger. He knows some of my deepest, darkest secrets. The things I’m most afraid of. And I know all about his dreams for the future.
Who knows. One day, I might just show up, in my hometown. Newly married. I might still become that "barefoot and pregnant woman." His Mrs. and “Baby Mama.” The one that gives up her career, to be the SAHM. You know the one. That makes all the class snacks, goes on every field trip, and has dinner on the table...when her hubby gets home. I guess you just never know what My Music Man and I will do. There have been so many opportunities. You just never know...
And just a little bit of fun. But really I like that song. You know, our life paths are not set in stone. Not yet anyway! I might just pick up and do something silly. Like let myself fall in love. There is still a little bit of hope out there. ♫
I honestly can't believe, that another week has gone by! I still haven't slept. It's been a busy few days with work. Then leaving yesterday morning, to come help my parents. So I'm looking forward to some rest and relaxation this weekend. But first, here are this week's Friday Fill-Ins.
1. Blue skies make me happy.
2. Taking a trip down memory lane can make you both happy and sad.
3. Kids are hilarious.
4. Getting away from "real life," relaxing, and having lots of fun trying new things; these are some of the best things about vacation.
5. Love is complicated and unpredictable.
6. I've never been to the submarine races.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to relaxing in the backyard, tomorrow my plans include watching the NASCAR race in Daytona and Sunday, I want to enjoy a fun dinner with friends! ♫
I'm a college student by day. And a musician by night. I love to craft and cook. I LOVE rainy nights. And I like to spend my Sundays watching NASCAR. ♫
