It's the last day of January so starting tomorrow my birthday month has arrived! Yippee?! Another year has come and gone and another birthday has arrived. Las year I was a bit too worried about my pending birthday...mainly the milestone age I was approaching...but, this year it's not such a dramatic number in my head. It's just another year, another birthday, another shot at getting better and improving myself...inside and out!
So, let the toll bells ring, the whistles blow as I've made it another year! This morning as I was getting ready and drudging around a bit with misery in my head, I remembered a dear friend of mine that passed away from breast cancer a few years ago. What she wouldn't give to have just one more day, one more minute with her daughter. So, why am I complaining about my life? I am blessed beyond measure, but had been feeling sorry for myself. Sad. Frustrated. Disappointed. But, none of those things are more important than losing someone you love.
So, buck up...talking to myself...and enjoy the ride! Every minute of every day that you're alive! It's a gift!
Blessings to you today!!
Sunday, January 31, 2016
Thursday, January 28, 2016
Present?
Are you "present" in your life? Are you truly living your life to the fullest everyday or are you just going through the motions? Sometimes I'm not sure how or if it's even possible to live life to the fullest everyday...as we hear that phrase a lot...but, I'm sure if I ask someone who is terminally ill they would have a different perspective for me. Most of the time I think we all just feel like we're going through the motions...our daily schedules, to-do's, habits, etc...and it's the occasional "life happens" moments that get us off kilter for a bit. But, in general we're all just doing what we need to do each day to get by, survive, get it all done...sound familiar?
And then we hear about being more 'mindful', 'present' in our lives and we try that for a day or two until real life runs over us again. How is it possible to be mindful all the time?! I think there are times in the day that I'm definitely more mindful than others, but then when I'm tired and just want to sit, watch TV with a bag a chips I'm definitely not mindful at all! Like everything else, I think it's a balancing act and a slight mental shift, but I'm hoping I can practice it more often than not. It is calming and I know it helps with our overall outlook on life, but I don't think it's always possible...at least that's not been my experience yet. You may be practicing a much more mindful life than I and I applaud you. Keep it up!
So, hopefully with greater awareness of what and why I do things, react to things, etc. I'll be able to change my perspective, my path, my feelings towards myself in a more self-fulfilling manner. We can only live, learn and grow, right?! It's the journey that we all take.
Wishing you a very mindful and soul-searching end to January! May you have presence of mind, peace of heart and grace to carry you ahead. Blessings to you!!
And then we hear about being more 'mindful', 'present' in our lives and we try that for a day or two until real life runs over us again. How is it possible to be mindful all the time?! I think there are times in the day that I'm definitely more mindful than others, but then when I'm tired and just want to sit, watch TV with a bag a chips I'm definitely not mindful at all! Like everything else, I think it's a balancing act and a slight mental shift, but I'm hoping I can practice it more often than not. It is calming and I know it helps with our overall outlook on life, but I don't think it's always possible...at least that's not been my experience yet. You may be practicing a much more mindful life than I and I applaud you. Keep it up!
So, hopefully with greater awareness of what and why I do things, react to things, etc. I'll be able to change my perspective, my path, my feelings towards myself in a more self-fulfilling manner. We can only live, learn and grow, right?! It's the journey that we all take.
Wishing you a very mindful and soul-searching end to January! May you have presence of mind, peace of heart and grace to carry you ahead. Blessings to you!!
Sunday, January 24, 2016
Staying Warm?
On the east coast (of the U.S), many are stuck inside after a massive blizzard hit this weekend. Tons and tons of snow! This winter definitely hasn't been as bad as in years past, but whenever a major storm hits there are always serious damages or sadly even some fatalities. It's just that time of year and I'm sure it won't be the last major storm to hit this winter.
I remember one big blizzard that hit our farm when I was younger. I remember my dad opening the front porch door and the snow packed up to the top of the door. We couldn't get out! There were other ways out of the house, of course, but not through the front door. Once the storm had passed and it was time to go to school, I remember trying to run across the top of huge snow mounds to get to our driveway to catch the bus. And, for some reason I'm not sure there was heat on the bus back then or not that I can remember, because sitting on the bus all bundled up in our snow gear there was snow on the inside windows of the bus. Yep. But, as a kid who remembers the cold anyway?!
Snow days are always fun, though! We usually get at least one due to ice or on occasion snow here in Texas. In the last couple years we've actually had more than one snow day due to weather. So, lets see what's in store for this winter...who knows, it could snow in April!
Wherever you are in the country (or overseas), I hope you are staying warm, dry, safe and perhaps you'll get a snow day on Monday! If so, enjoy!!
Blessings to you this final week of January 2016!!!
I remember one big blizzard that hit our farm when I was younger. I remember my dad opening the front porch door and the snow packed up to the top of the door. We couldn't get out! There were other ways out of the house, of course, but not through the front door. Once the storm had passed and it was time to go to school, I remember trying to run across the top of huge snow mounds to get to our driveway to catch the bus. And, for some reason I'm not sure there was heat on the bus back then or not that I can remember, because sitting on the bus all bundled up in our snow gear there was snow on the inside windows of the bus. Yep. But, as a kid who remembers the cold anyway?!
Snow days are always fun, though! We usually get at least one due to ice or on occasion snow here in Texas. In the last couple years we've actually had more than one snow day due to weather. So, lets see what's in store for this winter...who knows, it could snow in April!
Wherever you are in the country (or overseas), I hope you are staying warm, dry, safe and perhaps you'll get a snow day on Monday! If so, enjoy!!
Blessings to you this final week of January 2016!!!
Wednesday, January 20, 2016
Do You Believe...
Do you believe in mediums...you know, those people on TV that can sense people in the afterlife? We used to call them psychics, but now with all the reality shows that feature their so-called gifts they are now called mediums. I don't watch those shows regularly, but I have caught an episode or two here and there. The latest one I saw featured celebrities getting their readings done. It was pretty fascinating. But, do you believe?
So, it makes me wonder...what would they sense from someone who is adopted? We don't know our birth relatives that have passed. Are they watching over us? Are they guiding us or trying to give us messages from beyond? Or would the medium just sense the presence of people we actually know that have passed on? It's kind of interesting to think about, though. What vibes or auras are we putting out there that could help relay some messages from beyond? And, could a medium actually pick up on it? Would they be totally confused? I definitely think if you went to see one you'd have to meet them alone and not with your adoptive family to give anything away. Then, I think you'd know if it was somewhat legitimate or not. Right?
If anyone has had a reading done or had any experience with this it would be interesting to hear about. I'm not sure I'll every have the opportunity to get my reading done by a medium, but I have had my palms read and I've done the tarot card reading before. All very interesting.
To believe or not to believe...that is the question.
Hoping you're having a great week and many blessings for a great weekend ahead!!
So, it makes me wonder...what would they sense from someone who is adopted? We don't know our birth relatives that have passed. Are they watching over us? Are they guiding us or trying to give us messages from beyond? Or would the medium just sense the presence of people we actually know that have passed on? It's kind of interesting to think about, though. What vibes or auras are we putting out there that could help relay some messages from beyond? And, could a medium actually pick up on it? Would they be totally confused? I definitely think if you went to see one you'd have to meet them alone and not with your adoptive family to give anything away. Then, I think you'd know if it was somewhat legitimate or not. Right?
If anyone has had a reading done or had any experience with this it would be interesting to hear about. I'm not sure I'll every have the opportunity to get my reading done by a medium, but I have had my palms read and I've done the tarot card reading before. All very interesting.
To believe or not to believe...that is the question.
Hoping you're having a great week and many blessings for a great weekend ahead!!
Sunday, January 17, 2016
Celebrating 45 Years!
Yesterday was my parent's 45th wedding anniversary! We celebrated by having brunch at a local restaurant that's known for it's abundant brunch buffet. It was the first time for my nephews to experience the whole buffet scene where you could go back as many times as you wanted....which they loved! One of them even started out at the dessert table!
It was a very filling meal that left us all satisfied, but more importantly grateful to be celebrating our parents' anniversary and the love they share...and the love they haven given to each one of us. 45 years is quite an accomplishment these days! And looking back on their journey together it's quite a memorable trip! Anyone who shares 45 years together will have battle stories, scars, joyful times, surprises, low points, high points, and everything in-between because that's life. But, to go through all those things with someone you know you can lean on, trust, support and love is the ultimate journey. It's a lifetime FULL of memories!!
And that's exactly what it is for my parents. I probably listen a little closer at stories they tell or memories they share now than I did before. And, I truly appreciate them more each day! It's the thought of losing them, not having them here that scares me most and I know that's also part of life...but, I'm not ready for that to be reality anytime soon! So, I'll continue to be thankful for every new memory we all make together because I know so many families are missing a loved one.
So, here's to my parents and 45 years together! May you continue to be blessed in the years to come and may you enjoy the journey together making new memories!!
It was a very filling meal that left us all satisfied, but more importantly grateful to be celebrating our parents' anniversary and the love they share...and the love they haven given to each one of us. 45 years is quite an accomplishment these days! And looking back on their journey together it's quite a memorable trip! Anyone who shares 45 years together will have battle stories, scars, joyful times, surprises, low points, high points, and everything in-between because that's life. But, to go through all those things with someone you know you can lean on, trust, support and love is the ultimate journey. It's a lifetime FULL of memories!!
And that's exactly what it is for my parents. I probably listen a little closer at stories they tell or memories they share now than I did before. And, I truly appreciate them more each day! It's the thought of losing them, not having them here that scares me most and I know that's also part of life...but, I'm not ready for that to be reality anytime soon! So, I'll continue to be thankful for every new memory we all make together because I know so many families are missing a loved one.
So, here's to my parents and 45 years together! May you continue to be blessed in the years to come and may you enjoy the journey together making new memories!!
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
Into the New Year...
How are we already halfway through January already? Wasn't it just the 1st of the year yesterday?! Time is moving...fast it seems! Or maybe I just have too many to-do's that I'm trying to tackle and the days are getting by me faster than I can keep up with at this point. So, obviously I don't have a great hold onto this 'new year' yet...or at least what I want to be doing in the new year as I try to get caught up on last year's to-do list. But, I'll get there...right? Ha!
Well, whatever state you are in at this point of the new year I hope you "feel" like you've got it more together than I do! Are you sticking to your new year's resolutions? Are you on track with your goals for the new year? Or is it just back to the same old stuff for you? Wherever you are and whatever "new" outlook you had on 2016, I hope you're right on track and making progress. I am and I'm not...does that make sense? Some days are good and some days are just blah...ya, know?
Hopefully my new year funk will wear off...the blah state...and I'll be primed and ready for a fabulous new year ahead! I hope yours has already started!
Have a blessed day and enjoy every day!!
Well, whatever state you are in at this point of the new year I hope you "feel" like you've got it more together than I do! Are you sticking to your new year's resolutions? Are you on track with your goals for the new year? Or is it just back to the same old stuff for you? Wherever you are and whatever "new" outlook you had on 2016, I hope you're right on track and making progress. I am and I'm not...does that make sense? Some days are good and some days are just blah...ya, know?
Hopefully my new year funk will wear off...the blah state...and I'll be primed and ready for a fabulous new year ahead! I hope yours has already started!
Have a blessed day and enjoy every day!!
Sunday, January 10, 2016
Gaining More Insight...
If you've been following my blog for some time now...thank you! That means you know about the older Korean couple that sit next to me at church. Their last name is Kim, of course (you'll get the reference if you've read my book, Corn-fed with Rice on the Side). And, little by little I've gotten to know them a bit more as the weeks have gone by, but last week I probably had the first in-depth conversation with the woman that I've ever had. They normally sit to the right of me with the husband sitting closest to me, but last week they sat on my left for the first time ever so the wife sat next to me. She started asking me a few questions, so then I jumped in and asked her a few questions about her family. I asked her if they have any Korean customs they do at Christmastime and she said not anymore. Ha. It's one of those things where if you don't do it all the time you forget. I was a little surprised since they are older and I thought more traditional with their customs, but as I've been finding out they are quite modern in their day-to-day lives. I think part of that is because their children don't live near by so they aren't showing them or teaching them the old customs as often. Plus, as I've always wondered how did they ever come to attend a Methodist church vs. a Korean one. She did tell me that they had attended a Korean church back in the northeast where they are from and that they did move back to Korea for several years after her husband retired, but they are very happy living in Texas. They've lived down here for 25 years!
So, as we sat there talking about our families and where we've come from I found it very enlightening. She still cooks Korean food and when I told her I had taken my parents to a place where I live she knew exactly what place I was talking about. It's definitely fun for me to get a glimpse into their past/daily lives and hear their perceptions on the Korean culture. Who knows what other fun facts or tidbits I'll learn over the next year, but I'm sure it's better information first-hand than what I can read about.
Hoping you have a blessed week ahead and are staying warm!!
So, as we sat there talking about our families and where we've come from I found it very enlightening. She still cooks Korean food and when I told her I had taken my parents to a place where I live she knew exactly what place I was talking about. It's definitely fun for me to get a glimpse into their past/daily lives and hear their perceptions on the Korean culture. Who knows what other fun facts or tidbits I'll learn over the next year, but I'm sure it's better information first-hand than what I can read about.
Hoping you have a blessed week ahead and are staying warm!!
Wednesday, January 6, 2016
Back to Regularly Scheduled Programming....
Well, we're a few days into the new year with resolutions made (or not), kids back to school and everyone back to work. Are we still excited about the new year? Or is it just back to our normal schedules after all the holiday festivities? Have you implemented changes in the new year that you wanted to make...or are they still on your 'list'? Are you running full steam on your resolutions with keen focus and determination...or are you lacking the motivation?
Whatever mood...mode...you're in at the start of the new year, there are small changes you can make over the next few days and then add in a few more in a few weeks...it's not an all or nothing right now do it all kind of thing. I think that's why many people fail at their new year's resolutions...they think they have to make all the changes right away and you don't. Just incorporate a few things at a time and eventually you'll see some positive changes.
So, whatever your resolutions I hope you still see the new year with fresh eyes. If you didn't make any resolutions are you back to your usual daily routine? How does it feel? I think every new year calls for something new...a new perspective, a new way of doing things, a new habit, or a new attitude. So, although it doesn't have to be a proclaimed resolution for the new year it can be a new commitment to yourself...to improve yourself, to grow and/or to challenge yourself.
The new year still looks bright, so renew your commitments and keep going!! Blessings to you this first full week of the new year!
Whatever mood...mode...you're in at the start of the new year, there are small changes you can make over the next few days and then add in a few more in a few weeks...it's not an all or nothing right now do it all kind of thing. I think that's why many people fail at their new year's resolutions...they think they have to make all the changes right away and you don't. Just incorporate a few things at a time and eventually you'll see some positive changes.
So, whatever your resolutions I hope you still see the new year with fresh eyes. If you didn't make any resolutions are you back to your usual daily routine? How does it feel? I think every new year calls for something new...a new perspective, a new way of doing things, a new habit, or a new attitude. So, although it doesn't have to be a proclaimed resolution for the new year it can be a new commitment to yourself...to improve yourself, to grow and/or to challenge yourself.
The new year still looks bright, so renew your commitments and keep going!! Blessings to you this first full week of the new year!
Sunday, January 3, 2016
Happy 2016!!
Happy New Year!! I hope you all were happy and safe ringing in the new year. Can you believe it's already 2016?! Blows my mind a bit, especially thinking about 2 of my cousins who both turned the big 5-0 yesterday and today. How is that possible? I remember celebrating both of their birthdays together every year growing up. I miss those days.
But alas, a new year is upon us and that means we all have a clean slate...again. Isn't that how we all feel...for the first few days of the new year? Turn the page on the old and usher in the new. We all start off the year with great hopes and aspirations of what is possible and what we can accomplish in the new year. And then the months go by and life beats us down a little, and we forget the feeling of 'anything is possible.' It's like the start of a new season for your favorite sports team. Opening day...you have high hopes for a great season and then the weeks go by and somehow you end up dead last in your division (yes, you Cowboys)...what happened to the promising outlook? Life. Things happen and never turn out the way we hope or plan sometimes. That's just the way it goes, and the easier you can adjust or be flexible with what happens in life the better you'll be.
So, here's hoping the positive plans you're making right now for the new year pan out and you can look back with pride and triumph. If your plans include a few twists and turns throughout the year (as they most likely will), I wish you strength and wisdom for the journey. Life is unpredictable so get ready for the 2016 ride ahead!
Blessings to you in 2016!!
But alas, a new year is upon us and that means we all have a clean slate...again. Isn't that how we all feel...for the first few days of the new year? Turn the page on the old and usher in the new. We all start off the year with great hopes and aspirations of what is possible and what we can accomplish in the new year. And then the months go by and life beats us down a little, and we forget the feeling of 'anything is possible.' It's like the start of a new season for your favorite sports team. Opening day...you have high hopes for a great season and then the weeks go by and somehow you end up dead last in your division (yes, you Cowboys)...what happened to the promising outlook? Life. Things happen and never turn out the way we hope or plan sometimes. That's just the way it goes, and the easier you can adjust or be flexible with what happens in life the better you'll be.
So, here's hoping the positive plans you're making right now for the new year pan out and you can look back with pride and triumph. If your plans include a few twists and turns throughout the year (as they most likely will), I wish you strength and wisdom for the journey. Life is unpredictable so get ready for the 2016 ride ahead!
Blessings to you in 2016!!
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