Last night I was going back to memory lane in regards to junior high and high school. I think the most important thing that sticks out in my mind are three influential teachers that were and still are a part of my life. I'm first going to start with Mr. Carey. I just smile when I think about this man. He cared so much for his students. He wanted more than anything to see each one of us succeed. He was pretty tough though. He had his own tactics to put the fear of God in you, and alot of the students were intimidated by him at first, but once you got to know him, he was such a great person and teacher! I was a brat in high school and gave him such a hard time but it was all in good fun. The thing was that he always acted like he was tough but underneath it all, he was really like a teddy bear. Even when he seemed like he was annoyed by me at times, I could always get him to crack a smile or laugh with some goofy thing I would say. When I got married a year and a half ago, he wasn't able to fly to FL and come, but he left me a voicemail on the morning of my wedding. It meant so much to me that he remembered that day and told me how proud he was of me. He'll always have a special place in my heart!
The second person I want to mention is Mrs. Hudson. The first time I met her I really liked her. She was just real! You see, it was like a breathe of fresh air. You would know what I mean if you were raised in the church and school I went to. It's not my intent to bash anyone, but if you want to know anything about my background you can refer to my earlier blog and then you would get somewhat of an idea. Anyways, Mrs. Hudson was real as I said before. You can always tell by someone's eyes. She has a warmth and true generousity about her. She was also my cheerleading coach through junior high and most of high school. When she and her husband moved, cheerleading was never the same. It was so much better when she was there, and I didn't have quite as much fun as I had when she was coaching. It was nice to be treated the same as everybody else. She was kind to everyone. Just a little thing like that made the whole difference in the world in my life as a teenager.
Now, last but not least, there is Ms. Chelle Y., yes, one of our favorite bloggers. I waited to write about her last because you'll see at the bottom of this blog. What can I say about our teacher/student relationship? Well, it started off a bit rocky in junior high. I thought she was the meanest teacher ever! :) But she won me over by the end of seventh grade and she has always been the dearest teacher to me! You just don't realize what a brat I was back then. I always got in trouble at home for my bad attitude which usually wasn't demonstrated by talking back but by the faces I would make. Man, oh man, the faces I would make. Could never hide how I felt. You see, we were both stubborn. I was making it my goal to never like her and she was making it her goal to win me over. Thanks for not giving up on me! :) I can't even put into words how much I love you and how much you mean to me. You are such a wonderful person! Despite your physical ailments and all the heartbreak you have been going through lately, you are remaining strong. Even if you don't feel like you are strong and you're just putting on a brave face for everyone, I know deep inside you have the strength to survive this!! Below is a song by Natalie Grant called Held and I wanted to "dedicate" this song to you. This song was written by the singer for her friend that lost a her baby and her husband on the same day. I think that it can apply to anyone that has a heartache of any kind. The main message that I want you to remember is that when everything else is falling apart you are being "held" by your friends, family, but most importantly our wonderful God that loves us so much! I cry when I hear this song because I think of you and many other friends in my life that are going through a hard time. This song is not meant to cause any sorrow but to give comfort because we know we are being HELD! Love you!
Well, it is 3 a.m. and I thought I would get a head start on my blogging today since I'm having a hard time sleeping through the night. I borrowed this from Christine. Anyone can copy this if they want. I think these things are fun!
-A is for age: 26
-B is for beer of choice: I don't drink beer so that answers that. :)
-C is for career right now: In a transition to move so you could say I am a full-time housewife for right now! Which means I am a jack of many trades: laundry folder, dish washer, chef, vacuum cleaner, duster, etc.... :)
-D is for your dog's name: I don't have a doggie.
- E is for essential item you use everyday: My computer....I have to use my email and blogger!
- F is for favorite TV show at the moment: I have alot of favorites, but I love all of the CSI's.
- G is for favorite game: I'm hooked on Scrabble at the moment. I keep beating Jeremy so that is why I must love it....he he
- H is for Hometown: San Jose, CA
- I is for instruments you play: None
- J is for favorite juice: Grape juice, only Welch's
- K is for whose butt you'd like to kick: I actually do not want to kick anyone's butt.
- L is for last place you ate: Well, I ate at home for the past two days, but the last place to go out to eat at was a Mexican restaurant called Perico's. Yummy!
- M is for marriage: Married to a great guy--Jeremy!
- N is for your name: Grace but some like to call me "Gracie".
- O is for overnight hospital stays: Never, except for when I was born I suppose.
- P is for people you were with today: Let's see, today was pretty uneventful for me. I was only with Jeremy when he got home from work. (not that I don't enjoy being home with Jer) That just didn't come out right....lol
- Q is for quote: Everything in life happens for a reason and just keep going even though you may not understand what is happening today…
- R is for Biggest Regret: Being in a relationship that I know I shouldn't have been in during some of my college years. But that is the past and there is no time to dwell on regrets, is there?
- S is for sport: I don't like sports, but if I had to choose, I would say basketball.
-T is for time you woke up today: 8 a.m.
-U is for current underwear: That is only for my husband to know. :)
- V is for vegetable you love: Salad, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots.
- W is for worst habit: Biting my nails when I'm stressed, nervous, or scared.
- X is for x-rays you've had: My spine as a child and teenager....scoliosis
- Y is for yummy food you ate today: Chicken black bean and corn tostadas
-Z is for ZODIAC: I know that it is Leo, but I don't believe in that stuff.
It seems just like yesterday that I was that little girl playing on the beach, but at the same time it seems like a lifetime ago. Life is going by way too fast and you don't notice it until you are an adult. I was thinking about times when I was a kid and it's true, I don't remember a lot of the trips that my parents remember taking. I don't know why I don't remember some of the things that everyone else remembers, but for some reason I don't. But one thing that I remember and it's only a short glimpse of memory, but I can still see it. I believe I was in kindergarten; it was a school day but this time my dad was home from work. He told us that we were going to have a skip day from school and we were going to have fun as a family. You know, I don't even remember what we did that day, but I do remember thinking, "Wow, what a cool dad I have. He's letting us skip school for a day." I do not remember many things from when I was little, but that one glimpse into memory lane stands like a still picture in my mind. I see my dad packing the car (maybe we went to the ocean that day), and I see me and my brother standing next to my dad with smiles on our faces because we didn't have to go to school that day.
Another vivid memory I have was having to do yard work on Saturdays. Now, at that time, it wasn't a fun or happy thing to have to do. All of our friends in the neighborhood were playing outside while me and my brother had to pick weeds or help my dad wash the cars. I remember thinking at that time, "My dad is so mean. He never lets us have fun." What a difference of thinking from my first to memory to this one. The only thing is, I'm glad now my dad made us help him work in the yard. He taught us how to take responsibility for things, and when we did do something, it better be done right the first time. He taught us that life isn't always going to be fun and there are times when you don't like to do something, but it is just what has to be done. My parents never spoiled us; they loved us but they didn't spoil us, and sometimes I see parents that don't give their children any responsibilities. I think how sad for those children; they will have a pretty hard life as an adult. Have you ever watched or seen that reality show "Sweet Sixteen"? It's amazing to see these sixteen year olds getting everything they want but not having to work for anything. Their parents buy them designer clothes, expensive cars, and throw them double digit birthday parties. What is that teaching our young people? I've heard from reports since shows like these have come out that regular teens coming from middle class families are demanding from their parents what they see these rich kids getting. I heard one girl say that she deserved to have everything that they have. I can't say how grateful I am to my mom and dad that they taught us the value of a dollar. If we wanted something that was expensive and we really didn't need it, then we had better save our money or maybe we'd get it for a christmas or birthday gift. I just have one thing to say, "Thank you, mom and dad, for teaching us kids about having character, integrity, and teaching us that life isn't always easy." I'm glad that I didn't live in a "fairy tale" childhood because there are valuable lessons that need to be taught to children, so life isn't as hard as an adult.
I kept hearing how great this show was for so long, but I never watched it. Now, I think it is on its 5th season. I just started Season 1, but how in the world am I going to catch up to it.
I must admit that I bite all my nails off when I'm watching these shows. Jeremy just loves it and I think he is definitely hooked now. I think the new season comes out soon or is already airing and I've got four to catch up on. I think it is near impossible!
I can't sit still and watch the episodes because they make me too nervous. I usually try to wash dishes or fold laundry so at least I have something to fidget with. :)
Jeremy becomes so animated when he's watching. After the hour is up, he's like "Ready to watch the next one?" And there I am a nervous wreck trying to recuperate from the last one. I don't know why I put myself under the intense excitement....I guess it is for the pure excitement that it causes. :)
I don't think we'll ever catch up to the newest season. If Jer had his way, we would have a 24 marathon all weekend long. If that was the case, you may have to put me into a mental institution! Ha!
The first time I heard this song it hit me like a ton of bricks. I think many women and teenage girls struggle with this one thing--self image. I know I have struggled with it since I was a teen. "Am I pretty enough?" "I hate my legs--they are too fat." "I wish I looked like that model." "Why did God have to give me this body....I just want to look like her." Sound familiar? I have stood at that stupid mirror countless times scrutinizing and demanding perfection of myself, yet I don't think I'll ever be satisfied with what I see before me. I believe God gives us the responsibility to take care of our bodies which means to exercise and eat healthy. God said our bodies are built togther acting as a temple for Him to dwell in. Wouldn't you think that because our body is a "temple", we should take on the responsibility to take care of it? I also think that since our body is so precious to God, we also need to have the right self image. I know it's hard and I don't have anything physically wrong with me, but I still look at my reflection and see a woman that isn't quite there yet. Shame on me! God is the one who defines you and me--not that stupid mirror, not the magazines that say we need to look like this or that, not our so called friends that say we look like we've gained some weight.
God makes no mistakes. He is perfect which means every little piece of us is extremely beautiful. We have an obligation to "maintain" what God has created and to not abuse our bodies, but the "imperfections" we see are perfections to the One who created us. *I will keep reminding myself of this....you do the same too!
Mirror by Barlowgirl
Mirror, Mirror on the wall: have I got it? 'Cause Mirror, you've always told me who I am I'm finding it's not easy to be perfect So sorry, you won't define me Sorry, you don't own me
Who are you to tell me That I'm less than what I should be? Who are you? Who are you?
I don't need to listen To the list of things I should do I won't try, no, I won't try
Mirror, I am seeing a new reflection I'm looking into the eyes of He who made me And to Him, I have beauty beyond compare I know He defines me
Who are you to tell me That I'm less than what I should be? Who are you? Who are you?
I don't need to listen To the list of things I should do I won't try, no, I won't try You don't define me, you don't define me You don't define me, you don't define me
Who are you to tell me That I'm less than what I should be? Who are you? Who are you?
I don't need to listen To the list of things I should do I won't try, no, I won't try
Who are you to tell me That I'm less than what I should be? Who are you? Who are you?
I don't need to listen To the list of things I should do I won't try, no, I won't try
Well, I woke up very early this morning (2 a.m. precisely) with this horrible throbbing pain in my ear. I couldn't seem to be able to lay on my left side without my ear throbbing. From the outside, my ear looked just fine...no redness or swelling. I couldn't figure out what was wrong especially since I don't think I've ever had and ear infection in my whole life. I went on my trusted internet to WebMD.com and diagnosed myself. I guessed that I had otitis externa, which is commonly known as Swimmer's Ear, but I haven't taken any baths or submerged myself in a pool lately! Of course, when you need to get in to see a doctor, you never can, so I had no choice but to go into the emergency department. It's pretty embarrassing to go into that department when you look just fine but you have to say that your ear hurts. The doctor on call there was very nice and looked through her otoscope to look inside my ear. And sure enough.....I was right I did have otitis externa, my ear canal was badly swollen. She said that it could just be one of those things where bacteria got stuck deep in there and by using a Q-tip I probably made things worse. Now I'm paying the consequences for trying to keep my ears clean; you just can't win! Anyway, I'm much better now because she sent me home with antibiotics and IBprofen to ease the throbbing and pain. I love to try to diagnose myself and I was quite proud that I guessed correctly....I should have gone to medical school! :)
This song has always been an inspiration to me, especially when I am going through something that seems too big for me to handle. It reminds me of Psalms 18:2 "The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower."
I am reading this book right now by Dr. Dobson. You are probably wondering why since it's for men, right? Well, my husband read it first and he asked me to read it as well. I thought at first, "this is going to be boring." but I have been very intrigued.
Alot of the book focuses on children and how important it is to slow down in life and capture the precious times that there are to have with your family. Too many overworked fathers are neglicting their wives and children and it's taking a toll on the relationship. There is also a great section of the book that focusing on the relationship between a husband and a wife. I've come to like reading these books for men because I get another perspective of how my husband may be feeling, about his masculinity, and how he ticks so to speak.
It reminds me that it just isn't all about me! Marriage is a partnership and it takes both of us to work on things. I am blessed to have a husband that is sensitive to my needs, and there are times I completely take it for granted.
I have made it a conscience effort and prayer in my life to ask God to help me see when I am being selfish and only putting myself first. I want to do everything that is possible to love, cherish, obey my husband. Now, all you liberated women out there don't get uptight about the word "obey" because when I say that I mean that I want it to be that Jeremy and I have such a strong marriage that I know that I can trust his leadership and respect that when he needs to make a decision that I know he is guided not by his own leading but by God's leading. At this early stage of marriage, we are trying to make a firm foundation so when life throws curve balls, we can withstand it all--not individually or independently but together as it is intended to be.
1. Who is the last person you held hands with? My boyfriend......just kidding! My hubby, of course.
2. If you were drafted into a war, would you survive? I have no idea. Human willpower is amazing when it is tested, so I hope I would be able to act under pressure.
3. Have you ever drank milk straight out of the carton? Not milk but I have with juice.
4. Have you ever won a spelling bee? I don't think so. It may have been a spelling bee game that we did in class, but I don't remember ever winning.
5. How fast can you type? I haven't tested myself since college, but I'm pretty sure I'm still as fast. It was 75 wpm.
6. Are you afraid of the dark? Most of the time it doesn't bother me, but on the nights that Jeremy is already asleep upstairs and I'm watching those t.v. shows like Cold Case or the documentarys on serial killers and that type of stuff.....I start looking over my shoulder and start thinking I'm hearing things. You're probably asking why I watch it then....well, I guess it's that "cop" blood that runs in the family.
7. What is your eye color? Hazel
8. When is the last time you chose a bath over a shower? It's been awhile but it was definitely a few months ago when I was working at my previous position....seemed to always be stressed out.
9. Do you knock on wood? Nope, I'm not too supersticious. (This is why I didn't win the spelling bee.....I mean, superstitious)
10 . Are you drinking anything right now? Yes, a bottle of water to keep myself rehydrated. Did a long, hard work out so have to get those fluids back in me.
11. Can you hoola hoop? When I was a kid, I was able to do it for a long time; I haven't tried since then so don't know.
12. Are you good at keeping secrets? As long as you make me swear not to tell, I can keep it to myself.
13. What do you want for Christmas? "All I want for Christmas are my two front teeth..." :) Seriously, that's all I want! ha ha
14. Do you talk in your sleep? I'm pretty sure I don't because I had lots of roommates in college and they never mentioned it if I did. (but I did snore sometimes) My husband hates when I snore but it's only when I'm really exhausted and in that deep sleep.
15. Who wrote the book of love? It was definitely our wonderful God because He demonstrated the greatest gift of love and it's all in the Bible!
16. Have you ever flown a kite? All the time when I was a kid.....we would go to the Berryessa Park and fly them. Those are some sweet memories as a child.
17. Do you consider yourself successful? I think so but not in the world's mind probably. I have no debt except on the car I drive (which is paid off in 6 months) and the mortgage on the house, but no credit debt or school debt......I consider that pretty successful.
18. How many people are on your contact list of your cell? I think about 20. I would rather email or see people in person instead of talk on the phone.
19. Have you ever asked for a pony? What do you mean???? I'm still asking for one! :)
20. Plans for tomorrow? Going to church and then the rest of the day just hanging out....hopefully it will be sunny and I can go to the pool.
21. Missing someone now? I wish I had my family closer.
22. When was the last time you told someone 'I love you'? Let's see, that was when I kissed my husband good night yesterday. (Actually, it reminded me to do it right now, so it was 5 seconds ago I yelled it to my husband across the house.)
23. How are you feeling today? Very good because of my husband dragging me to the gym this morning. I get very lazy on Saturdays and do not want to be good and continue working out from the weekdays. (I'm sure that is why I didn't tell him I loved him this morning cuz I was too disgruntled at the time that he dragged me to the gym.) But now I'm so glad he did!
24. Are you black? No, does it matter what color I am???? It shouldn't.
25. Have you ever been suspended or expelled from school? No, my brother took on that responsibility for me....he he
26. What are you looking forward to? Getting on with our next adventure to South Carolina and getting Jeremy settled into his new position in the Army.
27. Have you ever crawled through a window? No, but I would definitely do it if I had locked my keys inside and that was the only way in.
28. Can you handle the truth? If it is something bad about myself, I'll resist and get proud for a minute or so, and then I'll really think about what is being told me.....you have to hold yourself accountable, so yes, I think I can handle the truth.
29. Do you like green eggs and ham? I do, I do, Sam I am (This was Jeff's answer, the friend I stole the questions from, but I liked the answer so much I thought I would keep it for myself) :)
30. What 3 things do you always bring w/ you to places? Cell phone, purse, and keys.
31. Any cool scars? I have one on my hand that I got from my dad's boat when I was thirteen....there was a jagged edge and ripped my hand up pretty bad.
32. Do you like or have a crush on anyone? What kind of question is that for a married woman??????
33. How many kids do you plan on having? There are no plans of that so far, so it's really up to God.
34. What do you do when no one is watching? Dance and sing.....I would be too embarrassed to it in front of anyone.
35. Have you ever been in love? I'm in love right now!
36. Do you talk to yourself? Not outloud, but in my head sometimes I hear voices :) Kidding....no, I don't talk to myself but my mom does all the time.
37. Is there something you want that you don't have? A million dollars would be very nice.
38. Who are you thinking about right now? My mom and dad.
39. Who did you last hug? Jeremy and my kittie.
40. Where is your phone? In my purse.....wait, no, it's still in the car. (thanks for the reminder!)
41. What is the last movie watched? Code Breakers (it's about West Point)
42. What song do you currently hear? "She Walked Away" by Barlowgirl
43. What do you want? I would like to take a nap in a few minutes.
44. Would you ever date anyone on your friends list? Another question that is not intended for a married woman.
45. What TV Show are you watching? CSI: New York
46. What is your cell phone number? Nice try....I'm not that gullible! 210- almost got me!
Compassion International is an organization that is personal and very dear to me. For about two years now, I have been supporting a beautiful little girl from India. Her name is Malika. I receive letters and pictures from her and it's such a blessing to hear that she loves to learn Bible stories, learn about Jesus, and gets a normal education through Compassion. I know her family is poor and her father provides for them as best as he can, but many times it is still not enough. Most of us are so blessed and downright spoiled with everything that we have. We spend money like it's water and don't even think twice. I encourage anyone that reads this to view this video above and if your finances allow you to, please consider helping a child or teenager, not only to provide for their physical need of food, clothing, and medical attention but also their spiritual need to learn that there is a God that loves each one of them so much that He sent His Son just for them.
I pray for my "child" every single day that He keeps her and her family safe and that God provides for them every step of way. I also pray that I will always have the privilege and opportunity to support Malika until she is an adult.
Okay, I couldn't resist but to put this up. The longer version is below. My husband went to the Airforce Academy through his college years and even though these guys are mean, tough machines....well, I don't think so from this video....he he
This is the long version from the video on top and this cadet does not stop moving!! (Just forward the parts where he's waiting for his roommate to come in.)
I absolutely love this movie and this scene is my all time favorite. "You have bewitched me body and soul...." Awww, I love that line. :) I could watch this movie over and over again. Can you believe I haven't bought it yet???? I know, I must be crazy! I just got done reading a book called "Darcy's Daughters" and it was really good. It's set 20 years later and Elizabeth and Darcy have 5 daughters and it focuses on one primarily. No one is as great as an author as Jane Austin, but I give alot of credit to the other author to try to start again where the story left off. There are other books about the other daughters and I definitely plan to read them. If you haven't seen the movie, you must! I love the character Elizabeth Bennett and I love that she has a mind of her own...witty character.
Here is me and Buster moments before he got stuck in the cage to go to his new home. Look at those eyes! Big as saucers! Whenever he saw the cage come out, he usually would freak because it could only mean one thing--going to the doctor! But not this time buddy....he went to his new home. The little boy we gave him to has called us already three times to let us know how Buster is doing. I don't think I'll have to worry about him not getting enough lovin. Nonethheless, it was so hard to walk away from him; I cried in the car as Jer drove home. It does feel weird not having him around the house. He had his own unique personality and it was so cute.
But I think more heartbreaking than walking away was the little boy that we gave him to was crying too for another reason. Jeremy volunteered about a year ago with the Big Brother, Big Sisters organization and he was assigned to be a "Big Brother" to Marc. Marc was very upset that his big brother was moving in a few weeks and was crying and saying, "I'm going to miss you, Jeremy." It was too sweet! Jer told him that he would always have a little part of him because he had Buster now, and it was important that he take care of Buster because Buster represents the friendship that Marc and he had formed over the year. I don't like seeing little kids cry; it was too sad, so of course, when I got in the car, I just had to let the tears out.
It's been one full day without my Buster, and I'm not used to his being gone. I caught myself calling all three cats to come upstairs, and instantly remembered that Buster was now a companion for another family. It's very sad but I'm also glad that we gave him to a little boy that thinks that he will always have a part of Jeremy because he has Buster.
Little Buster is the black and white kitty in this picture. We have to give up one of our cats since we have to move into an apartment in SC and they will only take two cats. The other kitty is Bugsy and she is best buddies with Buster. She's been with him since she was just a tiny little kitten. Tomorrow we'll be dropping off Buster with his new family, and even though they are extremely excited to have him join their family, my heart is breaking because he is part of my family! How do you choose among three of your cats? I didn't do the choosing; Jer pretty much did. We couldn't give away Bugsy because she isn't the friendliest cat and it takes a special type of person to love her. I don't think most people would have the patience to deal with her weird antics. Buttons (who is not featured here) is this major mass of fur and is very high maintenance (plus he's pretty scared of people too). Buster is really the only sociable one and would make a family very happy. He really doesn't mind strangers after a good 15 minutes; he loves to be petted and have his little chin scratched. I know most people would probably think I was making a big deal out of nothing, but I really love my animals and they are like little children to me. I truly believe that your pets should be for life; you just don't get rid of them if you are tired of them or they become an inconvenience. It really does break my heart that I have to let one of mine go. I'm glad we found a good home for him and I told them that if they ever think about giving him away or anything like that, they have to let me know because I don't care what I have to do but I will take him back! Yes, I guess I am a crazy cat lady but they are more than pets to me.
Name: Gracey Home: United States About Me: Welcom to my site! This is a place for me to write from day to day or sometimes from week to week. It just depends what is happening in my life. Please stay as long as you'd like and hope to hear from you soon as well! See my profile...
posted by Gracey at 
