Thought for the day

Nine is a wonderful number when referring to a child's age or a shoe size...not so great when referring to the temperature outside your house while waiting for the bus this mornin. Missing Florida right now..sigh....

The Party is Over

Have you ever noticed that it is more exciting to pack for a trip then to unpack after it is over? Or how much fun it is to prepare for a special occasion whether it's a birthday celebration, an anniversary or just a fun get together with friends, then it is too clean up after the party is over? That's kind of what it feels like after Christmas and New Years, isn't it? The preparation, the excitement..you can feel it in the air. Today as we were taking down the tree and all the decorations, I kind of felt sad. Another Christmas come and gone... a new year is here. It was almost like the anticipation was over and ..now what? Tomorrow life goes back to what ever "normal" is for you and me. My son will head back to school, and my husband and I will work.

Don't get me wrong - there are plenty of exciting events coming, up.. plenty to look forward to... so I said a little prayer as I was closing the boxes and putting away the lights. Lord, let me never lose my excitement over the things that you have planned for me. May each day I wake excited as I anticipate how you are going to use me each day.

My heart feels lighter and I know that I don't have to feel like the party is over.. the party is just beginning!

Reflection

It's time to reflect on the year and set new goals. Did you meet any of your 2011 resolutions? I can't even recall what I had for dinner on Tuesday much less recall a goal I set last January. Another wonderful year is coming to a close. As I reflect on all the good, the bad and the ugly that has taken place this past year, I am still in awe of how faithful our God is. While people have let me down in 2011 ( wasn't you) God has been faithful...always. I am so thankful that God allowed me to meet every challenge while learning to trust him more fully. I truly believe that is one of my biggest challenges...letting go and letting God.

I pray that this new year brings you much happiness and a closer walk with God. Thanks for following me on my journey and for all your words of encouragement. Happy New Year!

Silent Night

The minute I turned on my computer I knew that Christmas was here.. There was not one email from any stores promising me last minute sales or super shipping deals. At long last the silent night had arrived and not a moment too soon. Doesn't it seem like a whole lot of cooking,, baking,wrapping and preparing each year ? I will admit that as my son gets older, Christmas gets more meaningful and fun. He had a great day followed by what he claimed to be the best birthday yet. It's hard to believe he turned eight yesterday. To mark the special occasion we stopped at the Disney store for him to pick up a few things...while he was there I used a gift card at the Coach store..hey shouldn't the parents be rewarded too?

I must have been a very good girl this year because Santa gave me an Ipad2. What that means for you is more blog postings...hold the applause.. I know I have to make up for lost time. Hoping each of you had a great Christmas and that you are enjoying the last few days of 2011.

Christmas Eve

Welcome to the day that I always remembered as a child to be the LONGEST day of the year. It’s our first Christmas Eve by ourselves…ever. I’m not sure even where to start. We are so used to being at someone else’s home, that we don’t have any “traditions” of our own. I want it to be memorable, and I can’t help but think of the special traditions that my own family held on to year after year. We always had a chocolate advent calendar, a wonderful tradition that my Aunt Lou continues with my son. Each year she lovingly sends us one of these beloved calendars that the whole family enjoys as we anticipate Christmas! I am so excited to see what traditions that we start this year that Christopher will incorporate into his future celebrations.

My husband has already volunteered to make a Turkey, so I’m thrilled that he’ll be handling that. Chris is such a picky eater that up until Thanksgiving he wouldn’t touch Turkey. Thank God he tried it and decided he liked it. Turkey it is. Don’t tell my husband, but I am sooooooooo using the fine china on Christmas Eve. If you follow my blog, you know up until recently it’s been sitting in boxes for 3 YEARS! Yes, those babies are making an appearance and I’ll wash them myself thank you. Good thing there are only 3 of us! LOL

We’ve invited a couple of our neighbors to attend the candlelight service at our church tonight and I’m so looking forward to having them join us for that, followed by dessert at my house.
Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas as we celebrate the birth of our Saviour!

Goodbye November

What happened to November? For that matter, what happened to this year? Can it really be that tomorrow is December 1st? By looking around my house, I can tell that it is. Christmas tree, check; house decorated, check; gifts purchased, working on it!

Today I had my pre-December panic. Around the last few days of November I start to panic about my son's birthday. You see, his birthday is the day after Christmas and every year I go into full panic mode that I will somehow in the hustle and bustle of Christmas forget to buy him a card or (gasp!) even a gift!! So, today during my lunch break I ran to Duane Reade (thank God there is one on each NYC street it would seem) and purchased his card. Since we've already purchased his birthday gift, the only task left to panic about is making sure I wrap it in Happy Birthday paper as opposed to Christmas paper, and to bake him a cake before his special day.

I hope each of you can take a few moments over the next few weeks and enjoy this wonderful time of year.

Holiday Spirit - NOW

I know for the majority of you, you are going to say it is WAY to early to be thinking about Christmas. Not only am I thinking about it, I am buying gifts, wrapping paper, decorations for my home, etc. Trust me when I say, that Christmas kicks into high gear around here the day after Thanksgiving. I love EVERYTHING about the Christmas season... especially the REASON behind all of it.... Jesus himself.

There is one family tradition that Steve & I just started last year with Christopher which we absolutely fell in love with. Operation Christmas Child through Samaritan's Purse. It's a way of bringing joy and the Good News of Jesus Christ to children all over the world who need hope.

It's so easy to do:
1) Get a Shoe Box.. find one at home (standard size) or pick one up at your Christian Bookstore. You can wrap the box and lid with wrapping paper if you wish. Most importantly, pray as a family over the child who is going to receive this box.

2) Boy or Girl... have your child/children decide should the box be sent to a boy or girl and pick the age category. Last year Chris decided to send it to a boy his own age. The age categories are 2-4; 5-9; or 10-14.

3) Fill the box with gifts! You don't have to break the bank... a simple trip to the dollar store will do. School Supplies, small cars, balls, dolls, hygiene items, socks, ball caps, etc. We also had Chris put a picture of himself in there along with a note from our family letting the child know that we are praying for him/her.

4) Include a $7 donation (to cover shipping)

5) Drop off the box - our church collects them or you can call 800-353-5949 to find a drop off center near you. National Collection Week is Nov 14-21!

For those of you who just can't wrap your head around doing this now with everything else on your plate, you know you think you'll get to this "later". Trust me when I say, this is so worth your time and your child will LOVE being a part of this process. If you truly don't have the time, you can even do this ONLINE! Go to www.samaritanspurse.org/occ. All the steps I mentioned above can be done online -- you can fill a box for a boy/girl and they have items you can "buy" to fill your box. All online. So simple and you control how much money you want to spend on the box. You can upload a photo of your child and can even follow your box around the world! You can find out exactly where your box winds up, whether you fill a box online or the old fashioned way.

I hope many of you will take the time to do this with your family, or perhaps you have another organization that you work with and that's great.

The long awaited update

Hi everyone. So many of you have texted me, emailed me and called me to see how my health is doing and what's going on in general. This is literally the first moment I have had to sit at the computer to try to compose somewhat of a response.

Most of you know that my infamous gall bladder surgery did not take place as scheduled on Oct 21st. At the very last minute, seriously, the doctor cancelled the surgery. He did a last minute blood test, and because of a prior blood disorder I have in my body, he decided that we need to take some other precautions and cancelled the whole thing. I honestly was VERY relieved. I was never concerned about the actual gall stones, it was always about my blood disorder that had me very concerned.

So, next step is for me to see a Hematologist this Friday in NYC. I am so blessed because my former boss is very well connected in the NYC medical field and was able to refer me to one of the best hematologists in NYC. God is so good.

Continue to pray for me-and also for my father-in-law, Domingo who is in the critical care unit of a south NJ hospital. He needs a touch in his body and we are so thankful for those of you who are already praying for him.

Love you all!

Smile!

I bet you didn't know that I'm a model... I must admit, it can be pretty annoying to have cameras going off in your face at any given moment... I didn't set out to become a model, but people just want me in their photos.. You see, every day at 5:00 pm I have to walk through Grand Central Station in NYC. If you have never had the thrill of walking through this super busy train station, let me tell you.. it is a full blown contact sport. Thousands of people dodging one another trying to get to their train on time! Not only do you have to contend with the commuting crowd, but the tourists as well! I don't know who told the hundreds of tourists to come to Grand Central at 5pm, but they are there... every day.. and they take my picture.. every day.

You see.. whether I want to be or not, I am photographed every day.... I must be in THOUSANDS of photos.. it could be just my arm, my leg, my hair, the back of my head.. but I can guarantee you I'm in those photos. In fact, a photo of me could be lurking in your best friend's mother's cousin's husband's nephew's facebook page... or a photo of me could be on their cell phone! If they have been to Grand Central Station.. I promise you I am in there. So, if your friend says they've been to NY.. ask to see their pictures and look for me!

It Has Been A While!

I hope you are still there.. I wouldn't blame you if you gave up on me. Life has just been busy so you'll have to excuse me if I haven't been blogging lately. I'd say "it's been the best of times, and the worst of times", but that line has already been used. Some wonderful things have happened in the last month... Chris started 2nd grade and playing soccer, Steve has started his own business and I now have a permanent full time job with benefits in NYC. And while it's been great to dance on the mountain top and celebrate God's goodness, we've also been down in the valley as our family mourned the passing of a beautiful 14 year old girl... my cousin John's daughter, Brenda, who unexpectedly passed away earlier this month.

It's funny because I am constantly thinking about blogging.. little tidbits that you will find funny, but somehow getting to the computer and putting my thoughts together takes a little bit more energy then I same to have these days. Hoping that will change soon!

You can do one thing for me.. say a prayer for me this Friday. I am having surgery to have my gallbladder removed. Should be a routine procedure, but the "s" word frightens me. So, if you could pray for peace and for a speedy recovery, I would certainly appreciate it!

Thought For The Day

"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen, or even touched, they must be felt with the heart."

Helen Keller

Bus Stop

It was an ordinary day at the bus stop. The usual suspects were lining up, checking emails, listening to music or sipping on their first cup of coffee. For the most part, the people keep to themselves. Being a morning person myself, I typically have to resist my desire to chat out of respect for those who do not share that personality trait.

Unexpectedly, the gentleman in front of me turned to me and struck up a conversation about the weather and, in particular, about the mosquitoes. The bugs were literally attacking him. I had a few by me, but they were seriously swarming him. He was wearing shorts, a t-shirt and flip flops and they were having a field day with him. It was my good fortune that today I opted for pants and a long sleeve sweater that had me covered from head to toe so those pesky mosquitoes could gain no entrance to my skin. Trust me.. I have my fair share of bites already.

Despite the raid on his body, this poor man kept up his cheery disposition for a full 20 minutes. He seriously was being targeted by these bugs and I’m not sure why. I felt so bad for him and surely thought if that was me, I would have hid in my car until the bus came. But, because the line can be so long and once it’s filled you could be bumped from it, he stood there and “took it like a man.”

Finally the bus pulled up and we all prepared to get on board. Only, the man in front of me did the most shocking thing… I watched as a woman got out of her car, walked up to him, kissed him and thanked him and she took his spot on line and boarded the bus. He walked away got into the car she emerged from and drove away. I was amazed at this act of love that I witnessed. This man, who was not even getting on the bus to begin with, endured a very painful wait (I can only imagine how many bites he received during those 20 minutes) all in the name of love for his girlfriend/wife. I thought that was such a selfless act.. so kind, so thoughtful and I wondered to myself how many other people would be willing to do something like that. Would you endure pain or even inconvenience for someone you love? Would you think more of their comfort then of your own?

It left me thinking about those I love and how I am serving them…how I am loving them. I have a new determination to think less of me and more of them.. not because I have too, but because I want to.

It's Over!

I woke up today thinking “I’m glad that’s over!” First the earthquake, then the hurricane which coincided with our move across the street. It was a stressful weekend, but it is done. We moved, we hunkered down, and now let the unpacking commence.

Just to give you a quick recap, it took me about 3 hours to get home on Friday night because everyone was evacuating the greater NY/NJ area. Saturday morning, we started moving. (I would like to offer a huge thank you to my brother-in-law, Ruben, and my nephew, Jonathan, without whom we would still be carrying boxes.) We worked until the first raindrops started to fall before calling it quits and hunkering down for the storm. Everyone slept great that night except for me who was clued to the live news streaming tracking Irene. Many of you were on facebook with me commiserating and that helped me so much! Thankfully we had no flooding in our new home although many of the surrounding areas weren’t as lucky.

On Monday, we hired a few guys to come and move the heavy furniture. Worth every penny! Today I am back at work -- it took over 2 hours to get here! Just grateful that we are all safe.

Here’s hoping that his week is not nearly as exciting as last week!!

Hurricane!

First an earthquake and now a hurricane. The entire East Coast is watching Hurricane Irene as it is creeping towards the northeast. I am hoping that all the models are wrong and that it won’t be anything major… especially since we are MOVING this weekend! Can you imagine carrying boxes and furniture in the rain? Either way, I know God has his hands on us.

For those of you with kids, how have you eased concerns or worries about storms and earthquakes. This week has opened up a whole new field of questions from Christopher. I think he was nervous about me when he heard the word earthquake, and I know he is less than thrilled that this upcoming hurricane has ruined our planned trip to Hershey Park. He was too little to remember the four hurricanes we rode out while living in Florida. I answered his questions as best I could and realized what he really wanted,was a task or job to do. Something to be responsible for so last night I assigned him his “hurricane tasks”.

1. Gather the emergency snacks and water
2. Gather pillows and blankets
3. Gather batteries and flashlights
4. Gather games for the family to play during the storm
5. Keep your favorite stuffed animals near your sleeping area.

It seems to have helped him cope a little better about what to expect. Most importantly, we just remind him that God is with us even through the storms of life… both real storms and other trials that come our way.

Shake, Rattle and Roll

All I can say is what a week! I didn’t think that at my age, I would still be experiencing many “firsts”. At this point, I pretty much have had the mantra of “been there, done that, bought the t-shirt.”

Growing up in the Northeast, I am used to enjoying the beauty that the four seasons brings us each year. With each season comes potential weather issues such as blizzards, occasional tornado warnings, heat waves, etc. Well, this past Tuesday I was able to add tremor from earthquake to that list. I honestly never thought I’d feel an earthquake as long as I kept my feet on northeastern soil. I figured that was a “west coast” issue and one that I wouldn’t have to experience as long as I kept this body on this coast.

I was at work on the 32nd floor of a high-rise in Midtown Manhattan when all of a sudden I felt my chair and my feet moving up and down. For a moment I thought it was just me and I jumped up. I felt dizzy and thought I was sick or something. I sat down again and still felt it and very quickly sought out some other people who said they felt it too. At first, no one knew what to do. I grabbed my sneakers, my purse and cell phone and headed to the reception area. The Fire Marshall for the building made an announcement that they were “investigating the cause”. In the meantime, our cell phones were erupting with texts and social media sites were already telling us about the earthquake. We evacuated our office and were then sent home for the day which was another challenge in itself because my bus broke down on the way. At last, I made it home and just hugged my family for a while, just being grateful that it wasn’t something m ore serious.

I must say I was really annoyed by a few “friends” on facebook who were really putting us down over the quake. I know many people have made a big joke over this (and find it ironic that the majority of them were no where near NYC on 9/11), but to those of us who live and work in the NY area, especially with the 9/11 anniversary just weeks away, any hint of an emergency just fuels us to GET OUT! So, I make no apologies for evacuating at the first hint of a tremor and, if that’s amusing to you, well let’s see how well you fare if you were literally sitting in a high rise with the floor moving underneath YOU! Thanks to the many of you who sent me sincere texts and facebook comments concerned about my safety…I truly love you and value you!

Moving By The Numbers

I know I haven't widely broadcast this.. but we are MOVING.... yes, again! Thankfully, this move is not cross country, up north, down south or even out of state. In fact, this move is not even 30 miles from our home... our move is so close that we don't even need a moving truck! That's right, people.. we are moving onto the street! (Just kidding) We are literally moving ACROSS THE STREET to another town home on our block. Long story short, the owner of our current town home is selling our unit (and asking way too much money!) and our neighbors across the street just bought a home elsewhere but don't want to sell their unit because of the down economy. The win, win for us is that their unit is move in ready and has just been totally remodeled (and did I mention CHEAPER?! ) I chalk it up to another blessing from God. Sooo... because August has not been stressful enough with doctor appointments for pesky kidney and gall stones, we are moving on Saturday to round out our crazy August.

Here's where my head is out today....

8 - Number of years married

7 - Age of our son

6 - Number of days left until we move

5 - Number of times we've moved since we are married (see # 8)

4 - Number of people willing to help us move (I hope they show up! lol)

3 - Number of years we have been living back in NJ

2 - Number of parking spaces we'll have in our new driveway (compared to only having 1 now)

1 - Number of minutes before I am discovered typing and not packing. Bye, bye....

"The Help"

I just finished reading this book ("The Help"' by Kathryn Stockett) and thought her experience on just getting the book published was very interesting considering it's a bestseller and was made into a movie that is playing nationwide now.

Kathryn Stockett's 'The Help' Turned Down 60 Times Before Becoming a Best Seller


If you ask my husband my best trait, he’ll smile and say, “She never gives up.” But if you ask him my worst trait, he’ll get a funny tic in his cheek, narrow his eyes and hiss, “She. Never. Gives. Up.”
It took me a year and a half to write my earliest version of The Help. I’d told most of my friends and family what I was working on. Why not? We are compelled to talk about our passions. When I’d polished my story, I announced it was done and mailed it to a literary agent.
Six weeks later, I received a rejection letter from the agent, stating, “Story did not sustain my interest.” I was thrilled! I called my friends and told them I’d gotten my first rejection! Right away, I went back to editing. I was sure I could make the story tenser, more riveting, better.

A few months later, I sent it to a few more agents. And received a few more rejections. Well, more like 15. I was a little less giddy this time, but I kept my chin up. “Maybe the next book will be the one,” a friend said. Next book? I wasn’t about to move on to the next one just because of a few stupid letters. I wanted to write this book.

A year and a half later, I opened my 40th rejection: “There is no market for this kind of tiring writing.” That one finally made me cry. “You have so much resolve, Kathryn,” a friend said to me. “How do you keep yourself from feeling like this has been just a huge waste of your time?”
That was a hard weekend. I spent it in pajamas, slothing around that racetrack of self-pity—you know the one, from sofa to chair to bed to refrigerator, starting over again on the sofa. But I couldn’t let go of The Help. Call it tenacity, call it resolve or call it what my husband calls it: stubbornness.

After rejection number 40, I started lying to my friends about what I did on the weekends. They were amazed by how many times a person could repaint her apartment. The truth was, I was embarrassed for my friends and family to know I was still working on the same story, the one nobody apparently wanted to read.

Sometimes I’d go to literary conferences, just to be around other writers trying to get published. I’d inevitably meet some successful writer who’d tell me, “Just keep at it. I received 14 rejections before I finally got an agent. Fourteen. How many have you gotten?”
By rejection number 45, I was truly neurotic. It was all I could think about—revising the book, making it better, getting an agent, getting it published. I insisted on rewriting the last chapter an hour before I was due at the hospital to give birth to my daughter. I would not go to the hospital until I’d typed The End. I was still poring over my research in my hospital room when the nurse looked at me like I wasn’t human and said in a New Jersey accent, “Put the book down, you nut
job—you’re crowning.”

It got worse. I started lying to my husband. It was as if I were having an affair—with 10 black maids and a skinny white girl. After my daughter was born, I began sneaking off to hotels on the weekends to get in a few hours of writing. I’m off to the Poconos! Off on a girls’ weekend! I’d say. Meanwhile, I’d be at the Comfort Inn around the corner. It was an awful way to act, but—for God’s sake—I could not make myself give up.

In the end, I received 60 rejections for The Help. But letter number 61 was the one that accepted me. After my five years of writing and three and a half years of rejection, an agent named Susan Ramer took pity on me. What if I had given up at 15? Or 40? Or even 60? Three weeks later, Susan sold The Help to Amy Einhorn Books.

The point is, I can’t tell you how to succeed. But I can tell you how not to: Give in to the shame of being rejected and put your manuscript—or painting, song, voice, dance moves, [insert passion here]—in the coffin that is your bedside drawer and close it for good. I guarantee you that it won’t take you anywhere. Or you could do what this writer did: Give in to your obsession instead.

The article was written by Kathryn Stockett

What Is Up With August

It has been a very busy month for me and my health. For those of you who follow me on facebook, you may have seen my posting about going to the doctor. About a month or so ago I started having severe pain in between meals… I mean SEVERE pains. I was nauseous and knew that I needed to get to a doctor. So, I set up an appointment with my primary doctor and, after discussing my symptoms, she sent me off for an ultrasound.

They discovered 3 kidney stones (one in my left kidney and 2 in my right). The urologist said that they will either pass or get bigger. Either way, I am sure in for a lot more pain before it gets better. So, I am drinking a ton of water and I’m on a low fat diet..just waiting until I pass these stones or for 6 months to pass.. whichever should happen first. If nothing happens in 6 months then I am back to the doctor for another ultrasound to see if they have gotten bigger and then he will likely blast them so I can pass them.

The other issue I am having is that the real cause of my abdominal pain was not the kidney stones, but rather the gallstones they found in my gall bladder! So, another visit with another physician.. this time a surgeon and low and behold my gallbladder has to come out on October 7th. So, if you could add me to your prayer list, I would greatly appreciate it.

August is just full of surprises!

Hey.. I've Been Here Before!

Have you ever wandered down a street only to have that weird sensation that you’ve been there before? Maybe you can instantly recall the first time you were there… who you were with… why you were there... what you were doing or where you were going. It’s funny how that happens in life. Maybe you visited your old hometown or a place where you used to live. It can conjure up all kinds of feelings-immense joy or intense sorrow depending on the situation.

I had such a sensation back in May when I found myself walking through the streets of NYC on my way to a job interview with a company I had worked for many, many years ago. The sights of NYC had certainly not changed all too much….tall buildings, check; lots of people, check; wearing sneakers so I don’t break my neck walking, check; musicians in the subway, check; mysterious smells, check. So much the same yet there was one very obvious change. One thing that was totally not the same as the last time I walked through here… it was ME…

You see, the last time I had worked for this company (one of the world’s largest executive search firms), I was a single gal searching for who I was. Just fresh out of college, looking to find my way. Still wondering what God’s plan for my life was. I worked here for about four years and trust me when I say that I was shy, insecure and searching for what would make me happy. I laugh because I honestly felt like the prodigal child who had come home my first few days here. To say I was welcomed with open arms is an understatement.. in fact, I don’t even think they called any of my references!

In many ways it feels like I’ve come full circle.. but yet I haven’t. Same company yes, but totally different person walking in my shoes. I thank God for that and for this amazing opportunity that he has provided for me and my family. I don’t know how long I will be here in this season of my life, but I just give each and every day over to the Lord to use me and know that he has his hand on me and my family.

Oh, and a side note for my Mary Kay customers, fear not.. I am still doing Mary Kay and plan to still be a Director. God will work it all out in his time.

Monday or Tuesday

Today must be a Monday…only it’s not. It’s Tuesday but I was so tired when I got into work today, I was convinced that it HAD to be Monday. I honestly didn’t know how I was going to get through today and was seriously contemplating a cup of coffee – which means I was REALLY tired.

So, I did my Mister Roger’s routine of taking off my walking sneakers, putting on my sweater and turning on my computer and prepared myself for what was going to be a very long day. Just as I let out a big sigh, my eye caught a glimpse of my Barbara Johnson daily calendar “Splashes of Joy”. God knows I needed a splash today. So, I flipped the page to today’s date to be greeted with: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest;” Matthew 11:28. I instantly smiled and bowed my head and gave thanks for a loving God who gives rest to the weary. I gave all my concerns, worries and fatigue to the Lord and knew that the day was only going to get better. It definitely feels like Tuesday now.