Good Bye!

This is my last post for a few weeks. I'm heading out early in the morning and leaving all technology behind... except for my digital camera, iPod, GPS System and cell phone. This adventure is exciting and I can't help wonder if something big will happen to change the course of my life. That would be sweet. I need something to motivate me and build self-confidence. Yesterday, I was all ready to enter an erotica poem contest, and then I got nervous and didn't submit it. I'm hoping next time I'll have the guts to go through with it.

I wish everyone a safe holiday weekend, and we'll see you when we'll see you.

Hysterical Lyrical?

I wrote these poems today while thinking about my journey. I’m not an expert or gifted poet, but it was fun writing them.

Here's a song to listen to if you get bored with the poems. It's my favorite Van Morrison song titled "Into the Mystic," and is fitting for this moment in time (awesome pictures on this video)."

Travels

Staring at an open road,
An endless painting, God bestowed.
Freedom, we all take for granted
In a song, seldom chanted.

Praise the splendor of this nation,
Absorb its beauty, on vacation.
Make it to our destination,
Laugh, talk, sing, good vibrations.

We made it to the new thirty,
Pull back time, it’s in a hurry.
Take pleasure in these forty years,
Do something fun, buy naughty gears.

“Will” I return?

On the move, ready for flight
Trouble sleeping, throughout the night.
Had a bad dream, my car hit a tree
Surprised by life’s disposal of me.

Called my lawyer to set a date
Things to entrust, since I lack a mate.
Dividing possessions, gives a chill,
Although it was time, to make out my Will.

Birthday Road Trip

Today is my one and only childhood friend's birthday. We're 17 days apart, so to celebrate we are taking a road trip east. WooHoo! Is that blog acceptable? This expedition begins at the end of this week. I can't wait to see some of this country, kick back and enjoy the celebration with my life long friend. Funny thing is I didn't think she'd go, but I mentioned it anyways. Our friendship survived over the years even though we are very different in personality and lifestyle. She even asked, "What happens if we're not talking after the trip." I told her, "We'll get over it. In our younger years, we went on vacation together, and we know each other's quirks and pet peeves. Besides, we have our own rooms, so it should cushion the aggravation."

I need to credit her decision to her husband. He told her it was a once in a lifetime opportunity. She is out of a job right now, so she doesn't have to worry about taking off work and they have enough of people to watch their daughter while he is working.

A two week break from work is my kind of vacation. I'll make sure to take many pictures and post a few here, but for now I must get ready for her little shindig. Her husband called me this week and I answered, "What up, sweet cheeks?" He laughed and said, "Not much hot buns." What? The call came from her phone. So, we're going to surprise her with a little get together with friends and family.

Take care and enjoy!

To Eat or Not to Eat: that is the Poundage

Problem: Today, it took me fifteen minutes to figure out what I was going to wear to work, and not because I have an array of clothes to choose from, or that I wanted to look nice today. It’s because I couldn’t find a pair of pants from my dwindling wardrobe that are a decent fit. I KNOW the fashion industry is changing sizes making a size 10 from 10-years ago a size 8 today. Too bad I can’t blame my overload on the fashion industry.

On April 6, 2008, I decided to quit smoking, which was a 26-year habit. It was a spur of the moment decision, not one of pressure, but nonchalant. Well, it’s been 4 months, 2 Weeks (136 Days) and probably 10 to 15 pounds heavier since my quit. GAH! Before I quit smoking, I was already working out and eating healthy based on a routine I had when I dropped four sizes in the past. I’m still working out, I eat somewhat well, but the bad foods get in the way. This whole juggling to quit smoking/lose weight is driving me nuts. The thing is I know what I need to eat and do to lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle, it's the filling of time and that gets in the way. So, now I’m muscular with a lovely layer of fat on top. Nice vision isn’t it. Smoking did help me keep a reasonable weight. I’m 40-years old, a non-smoker and the weight is increasing my anxiousness. In my older years, I’ve been health conscious yet, I’m struggling between putting something in my mouth, or grabbing another smoke. I don’t need to be a size 4, but a comfortable size for me.

Resolution: For now on, when someone asks about my weight, I’m going to say, “I’m a woman of substance.”

The Gospel According to Joe

A writer friend, Greg Barrett published his book, The Gospel of Father Joe. I had the honor of meeting up with Greg during a July book signing in Chicago. He talked about his visits with Father Joe and the experiences with the children at the Mercy Centre in Bangkok, while everyone at the signing absorbed his passion. Greg not only wrote about this place, where Father Joe along with others teach and nurse AIDS orphans, but he believes in it and hopes to change the world one person at a time. These children were dealt a tough life yet, somehow they wear a contagious smile every day. It’s hard to imagine children suffering from sickness and poverty and still able to smile and laugh. Father Joe best explains it by saying, “You try to laugh with them. That’s very important. Laughter. That’s where God is, of course, in the laughter.” I love this line. It's something I'll say to myself during the tough times.

Recently, President Bush made a visit to the Mercy Centre in Bangkok. In a report from Dan Rivers, he talks with Father Joe about who and what is needed for the Mercy Centre to operate. YEAH, Greg! Word is getting out.

Greg’s book is an inspirational one, but most of all, it spreads awareness. I definitely will recommend it to everyone. Since I started reading his book, I find myself reaching out to people, something I don’t normally do. Granted, my reach is in small strides, but it’s something. Some days I will forget to “point towards the moon,” and some days, I'll remember. Thank you, Greg.

Age of Leo

I started this blog several days after my birthday. *clears throat* It was my 40th birthday, and someone on the writing forum gave me the idea of posting a little something about mortality. You see, turning 40 didn't bother me as much as 30, although I can't help think about how the years are moving fast and I'm tripping to keep up. This last decade whizzed by, and the frightening questions I have is will I accomplish everything I want, or leave a decent history? Only time will tell, and if I don't leave on a positive note, who cares, I'll be dead.

Here is one of my horoscope readings, Leo July 24 - August 23:

"Reality jumped out the window last night and hasn't been seen since." As odd as this sounds, it may convey the energy of the time. Great magical and mystical experiences could come to pass, particularly around the lunar eclipse on August 16. The days leading up to it are days of wonder; afterward, you may ponder where they went."

Can I consider being hung over on my birthday 'magical' and 'mystical'? I spent magical moments with the toilet and mystical moments begging God to put me out of my misery. It also mentions the lunar eclipse, August 16, when I yelled at my sister. Not so magical for either of us.

At this time, I'd like to wish you all a Happy Birthday and I hope you can cope with mortality better than me.

Full Moon Rising

Yesterday, my sister and I spent the day with my aunt and cousin. I don't see them often and for some reason I was agitated and easily annoyed, so began a yelling tirade towards my sister, which kept on until several minutes later when I apologized for being so horrid to her. Sometimes these moods come over me, and it wasn’t until we were driving home at night when I saw the full moon when it clicked. I pointed to it and said to my sister, “I wonder if the full moon is responsible for me going off on you.” She said at work she notices the change in patient’s behavior when there is a full moon. So, I decided to browse the internet to see if there is a correlation between behavior and a full moon. I mean, come on, I need something to blame my psychotic mood swings on.

I found an article on the National Geographic site from 2004, and I gotta tell you I was quite disappointed to learn my mood swings have absolutely nothing to do with the moon and everything to do with my character. BAH! Then again, this article also discusses a study regarding whether or not dogs bite people more so when there is a full moon. It seems more dogs bite people in England during a full moon than in Australia. Hmm… I wonder if the study included the Dingo, an Australian dog, or what some women call some men.

Anyways, my behavior prompted me to do a little research, and although that research didn’t come out in my favor, I know now not to put blame on the moon and stars. Before I end this conversation with myself, the article did mention that the “full moon has been portrayed… as cause for celebration.” Maybe I can’t blame the full moon on mood, but I can place blame when I’m celebrating. Good to know!

The Beginning of Blogging

Today's the day I found my blog voice. It wasn't an easy decision to make, but the virtual world convinced me of its benefits.

As you probably already read, I'm an aspiring writer. We're springing up all over the place. I want my blog to be part of my history, to connect me with the world and ultimately improve my writing skills. I hope to find a few people out there patient enough to read my thoughts, and come back for more.

I belong to a writing forum called, The Writers Block. This place has inspired me to get back to writing and connect with other writers. There's nothing better than learning from your peers, improving, putting a smile on someone's face or a tear in their eye, because of something you wrote. Something that touched them. Something they were able to connect to.

I've recently started writing poetry. If you're a family member, quit laughing, because I do enjoy it. Being a writer, I'm my worst critic, so I couldn't say whether my poetry leaves a lasting impression but it gets the creative juices flowing. Maybe when I build up some self-esteem, I'll post a poem or two.

Well, it's time for me to get moving on this beautiful Saturday morning. Have a great day.