Merry Christmas!



Merry Christmas

If you knew me, you'd know this picture is SO me.





So this is Christmas.

          Family amassed, close in spirit and body. Food is abundant and delicious. I can not express how happy I am that this day has finally come. I have unrelenting gratitude towards God for allowing me to spend one more precious Christmas with all my family. My favorite part of my family's Christmas celebration is our Secret Santa exchange. Grandma starts it off, and from then on we reveal who "got" whom. Every person's attention subtlety falls from one person to another. Each parent and child get their own few minutes of uninterrupted love and affection shown through loving laughs and grateful gazes. There is something unexplainable about the quietness in the room as you're opening your gifts. Its not awkward or boring, instead its filled considerate mindfulness, and happiness for some one that is both polite and genuine.

      The best reminder probably is that, even after all the children are done opening gifts, not matter what they received they'll all end up playing as children should play. Running around outside, out of breath, they'll just be happy to be playing with their cousins, and being with in eye's reach of their family. Its nothing like Christmas, to remind us that what we have isn't good, its great. Can't wait for Grandmama to rip the first piece of wrapping, and get the memories started.

Three Dollars

During a recent busy day, I found myself feeling rushed after losing track of time. I would be late for a meeting and I still had things to check off my list before pursuing the meet up. As I drove, I talked myself into taking in the plush cotton fields as I drove by them. While the rest of the world is feeling the freezing breezes of winter air, Arizona cotton is blooming. The sun still shines, like its a summer season, and the skies are just as blue.

I eventually stop my car at a car wash to vacuum it. I approached the "change machine" to get tokens and shoved the rest of the money in my pocket.  I knew I was still running late, AND I knew that I was freezing as I stood there outside, but I still persuaded myself to vacuum the car. I pulled up to the machine, got out, put the coin in the slot, I could hear the journey of the token as it made its way through it, when I hear the final tink the loud humming of the vacuum took over my thoughts and I was energized to do this particular task in haste.

I didn't pay attention to my surroundings. I had been to this car wash a thousand times, and my train of thought wasn't concentrated on anything in particular. Lift up the floor mat. Look out the window. Vacuum. 'Hey, there's a guy riding a bike.' Put floor mat down. Vacuum drivers seat. Hit head on rear view mirror. *Curse* 'Mr. Bike man looks cold even though he's wearing jeans, a sweatshirt and a beanie.' Vacuum back seat. Floor. I get out of the car and walk to the passenger side. 'There's the man still. He's digging in the trash. What's he looking for?' I watched him take things out of the trash, picking out cans. I begin to vacuum the passenger side of the car. When I was finally done with the interior I took a look at him again. He was putting things in a small basket attached to his bike.

I ran the nuzzle across the carpet one last time, and when I looked up the man caught my eye. "I'll take any cans, if you have them." He spoke soft, and undoubtedly genuine. "I don't have any, sorry." The man  thanked me and proceeded to sift through the another trash can. I closed the doors of my car. While I reached up and around to hang the vacuum extension back in its place, a token fell off the top.

As I picked it up, I realized that someone had probably left it there, for another person to find and use. Immediately I thought of the three dollars I had in my pocket and the man looking through the trash. What was three dollars to me? I'm by no means well-off, but could I spare the few bucks. What could I buy with three dollars? A gallon of gas? I just filled up the tank. A small french fry at Mickey D's? Nope, not hungry. I quickly realized nothing that I could buy with three dollars would mean as much to me, as it might to him.

I waited for a minute, rubbing the rough paper with my fingers. When he approached the trash can next to my car, I got in and started it. He smiled a farewell smile and a neighborly nod. Neighbors we were, not in our eyes, but in God's. I knew what I needed to do. One hand turned off my radio as the other rolled my window down.  When his eyes met mine once again, I extended my hand and the few dollars,  hoping it was enough to make him smile. A surprised expression came over his face. His thanks were profuse and overflowing true grace. I left him standing there smiling, after I wished him "Happy Holidays".  I never made it to my meeting. But I was OK with that.

Real Wish List

There isn't much I want for Christmas. I enjoy little things daily, and my favorite way to celebrate Jesus's Birthday is around friends and family, and of course, church. So to have an actual list, is kinda... bleh. But here goes, this is my, if I HAD TO name something I'd enjoy, they would be.. 







I love this show so much. I need to write a blog post specifically for FNL. But I would enjoy having the seasons on DVD. The show is in it's 5th and final season. :(



I find Community to be VERY AMUSING. Some of the comedy rings true to it's parody of Community Colleges, but its a great show over all. :)

Sapphire Stud Earrings. <3 But not gold, I only wear silver toned jewelry.

OR



Emerald Studs. Mama's birthstone. Sapphire is Grandmama.

A Box of "Paper Mate - Profile" My favorite pens!

Thats pretty much it. Yes the earrings can be expensive,if you buy them at an expensive place. I don't need heirloom jewelry, I believe in assigning value to things, instead of buying them for their value. :)

 I also enjoy things like candles, but not any that smell like food. I'm more of a floral scent person. I'm always down for scarfs, or cute hats/head bands. I also appreciate a nice picture frame. Yeah. Thats it. No iPhone, iPad, Kindle, Lexus with a big red bow, horse, plasma tv, for me. I enjoy the simple things.

The (I Wish) List



Random things I would never even think of asking for. 


Jennifer Zeuner Swirly 3 Initial Pendant

I like monograms, I'd love to have an rPc necklace.



Jennifer Zeuner Breast Cancer Initial Necklace

I'd probably wear a "V" for my mom.

Even though she didn't have breast cancer,

 but the silver ribbon seems versatile.







Tiffany & Co. Paloma Dove Pendant

I love doves and peace.



Corral Vintage Collection Cross Boots

I like crosses. And I like boots. 

Louis Vuitton Speedy 35

I love this bag. A lot. Just sayin.

Mixer, a good one, because I think I'm a baker.

Total : $1,700.00+

Yeah.... Beck, you wish.

A date which will live in infamy..



"Yesterday, December 7, 1941 - a date which will live in infamy - the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan. "



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"It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago.  "



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"Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory and our interests are in grave danger.

With confidence in our armed forces - with the unbounded determination of our people - we will gain the inevitable triumph - so help us God.



I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December seventh, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire."

Text Source

Desert Duel

Arizona State University *Defeats* university of arizona

30-29     2OT



Dean Knuth/Arizona Daily Star



Photo by Steve Rodriguez





Credits unknown



The Territorial Cup, @ HOME in Tempe, Az

Thanksgiving 2010



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      Any other Thanksgiving, you'd find me in my sleepy Arizona town getting ready for a gathering with about 50 of my closest family members. My grandmother the matriarch and her 8 daughters and 3 sons will be waking up to get their families dressed, and  food cooked. We'd mostly likely be in charge of a side dish and one of the turkeys. Yes, that's right, one of.  We usually have about 3 although we will probably barely only get to eat two. The last one will get divided up or given to my Grandma, and a few people will "finish it up" at breakfast the next day or three. All my family will show up with their dishes 30 minutes to an hour late, because that's just how they are. But the food will be delicious, the house will be warm, laughs will be loud, Grace will be long, old family videos will be embarrassing, and the evening ending Scrabble game will be competitive. The kids will play out side, color turkeys, and only come in to eat some pumpkin pie, *Extra Whipped Cream*.

     The best part will be seeing my grandmother smile and enjoy her day. Because she is in fact, the reason our large family still gets together.

     This year I'll miss all that. My immeadiate family will be traveling today. My mother, (7th born child, 5th born daughter) brother and I will be joining my sister in Los Angeles for Thanksgiving. After having a rough two months, we knew it would be neccesary for us four to be together. So as soon as my brother gets off his 24 hour shift as an EMT, we will be driving west to Los Angeles. Usually it takes about 7 hours from Phoenix, but we're expecting to get there in 8 or 9 since we have to drive all the way through THE PHX. Its gonna be rough, but it'll be worth hitting up the hotel and making our way to my sister's apartment. I can' wait to have some fun with her.

    But I wish I was going to be here to see my grandma!

Happy Thanksgiving!



Lol.. I love FRIENDS. via



Come on people now, smile on your Brother

Timeless

     Timeless is used to describe something that's value or message stays relevant, and just as classic no matter how many years go by. When you're talking about heirloom pearls, its a good thing. But when we think of another way to use it, in a historical aspect it can be both good and bad. The good would be the promise of The Bill of Rights, which at the most part has remained 'timeless'. Americans, after all still get the liberties bestowed upon us from our Founding Fathers. That is a good kind of timeless.

     On the other hand, history shows us that battles we thought we've once fought, sometimes come up again. There has always been a matter of inequality, hate, oppression, and neglect that has shown its color through out our country's history. And more than often, we find ourselves using the words people of the past to relate to the future.

     The fact that we can still use Robert F. Kennedy's speech, "On the Mindless Menace of Violence, given over 40 years go, and relate it to things happening today, doesn't give the word 'timeless' a great meaning. Given the day after Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, Kennedy speaks about violence in America. As seen in the slide show of the video, not much has changed in America since then, leaving Bobby's words timeless.

God's Coffee

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A group of alumni, highly established in their careers, got together to visit their old university professor. Conversation soon turned into complaints about stress in work and life.

Offering his guests coffee, the professor went to the kitchen and returned with a large pot of coffee and an assortment of cups - porcelain, plastic, glass, crystal, some plain looking, some expensive, some exquisite - telling them to help themselves to the coffee.
When all the students had a cup of coffee in hand, the professor said:

"If you noticed, all the nice looking expensive cups were taken up, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress. Be assured that the cup itself adds no quality to the coffee. In most cases it is just more expensive and in some cases even hides what we drink.

What all of you really wanted was coffee, not the cup, but you consciously went for the best cups... And then you began eyeing each other's cups.

Now consider this: Life is the coffee; the jobs, money and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain Life, and the type of cup we have does not define, nor change the quality of Life we live. Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee God has provided us.

God brews the coffee, not the cups.

Enjoy your coffee!

Unknown Author

Don't Forget Thanksgiving!

I love the "holiday season". But I also appreciate celebrating any holiday on its own. I once heard Thanksgiving/Christmas/NewYears nicknamed "The Trinity". (Which brings up something else that I don't afree with, because as any Catholic knows, the Holy Trinity consists of the Father, his Son, and The Holy Spirit.) Some people lump it all in one. I like to keep the individuality of each occasion. Although I celebrate the occasions with basically the same people, there are differences. I understand that it is easier for people to just lump it all together, but I believe there is a line that shouldn't be crossed.

Most specifically, holiday music, I feel, should be reserved to the week of Thanksgiving and after. Don't get me wrong, I love me some 'Jingle Bell Rock', but I like to harbor the songs until Christmas is 100% percent of my holiday focus. I guess this blog can be considered my advocacy for Thanksgiving, because when you stop and think about it, it is definitely overlooked.

I used to work at a Michael's, and I know that in August, we set up for Halloween. And by Halloween we already had Christmas music playing, annoying glittered pinecones, cinnamon and pine scented everything, all out on display. That was annoying. I distinctly remembered customers getting angry that glitter from the gold dusted poinsettia's had made their autumn leaves sparkle. What I really wanted to say to them was, "I KNOW, right? Who forgets about Thanksgiving?!" But of course I couldn't. To this day I think Thanksgiving is the red-headed stepchild of holidays. I guess I just don't wanna get burnt out on the Christmas tunes too soon. With Thanksgiving coming up soon, I'm getting excited to hear those sleigh bells infiltrate my radio and holiday spirit.

I leave you with this quote :

"While these other holidays may not have their own catchy tunes, they deserve the same respect and reverence that we afford Christmas.Thanksgiving and Halloween should have their own turf, but Christmas and its music are taking over. It needs to stop."
From this article

Happy Veteran's Day

This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave."

~ Elmer Davis.



Army cake my bff and I  made for
our friend who was leaving
for the Army.



The population of my town is probably less than ten thousand civilians, definitely less than fifteen. At my current age of 21, I know TWELVE people my age give or take a few years, that are currently serving in the military.  That's a pretty large number for me being one person, in a very small town. I'm proud of each of them.



 8 Army
4 Airforce

There should be more than one day a year devoted to these men and woman.

A dress mess!

In approximentally 2 weeks I will be attending a special occasion, and I have yet to purchase a dress. The event is a 60th Wedding Anniversary, complete with renewing wedding vows and a huge fiesta. The couple is my best friend's grandparents, and I've grown to know and love them over the past five years! I'm honored to be taking the trip to New Mexico for their celebration!!

I've rated how much I like each of them. I have to purchase on soon!!!



6/10





9/10



8/10



9/10


9/10



Fall Festivities - Part I







Halloween

Fall festivities are always fun. Of course I was excited to see the costumes of my little cousins. In my family there were cowboys, pirates, and gangsters. When I was in elementary school, I frolicked around that October evening as Snow White. That's the only costume I really remember, and I recall that I chose Snow White because she had black hair like me. Nowadays, girls who look like me can opt to be Jasmine or Pocahontas, if they are going the Disney route. But at the time Snow white was a hot trend, so I went with the flow.

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My favorite is to carve pumpkins. I did carve this year and I dedicated it to my state university loyalty. Here is the story of the pumpkin I carved. 

My inspiration was the Arizona State sun logo,

 but I wasn't skilled enough to make they sun-ray dimension.

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So I threw in a pitchfork, a la Sparky.

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 I thought it was pretty good.

History Thursday!

I know I missed last week. But what ev.

This week in history....

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The Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri was completed. The final touches were finished in 1965, and it stands as America's tallest monument. The most significant purchase in early America was the Louisiana Purchase, and at the time even Missouri was sparsely inhabited. Once the purchase was made and Americans were interested in exploring the new west, St. Louis, became the main stop before venturing into to the new unknown land. It was dubbed the "Gateway to the West." The arch was completed 162 years after the Louisiana Purchase.

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Digging Deep.

(google images)

"My friends have overlooked my shortcomings, seen me through some dark days, and brightened up the rest of them. I'm glad to have them, I’m honored to have them, I'm lucky to have them."

-Murphy Jones

Murphy’s Romance 1985

(Filmed in Florence, Arizona) Holla!





Here we go again...

Favorite : Flower

One of my favorite types of flowers is the hydrangea. I love its simplicity and beauty. With it being fall, I miss seeing this spring time flower, even though the only place you can get them in Arizona is potted in a nursery. But still, Michael's Craft Store can't have enough in fall colors to keep me satisfied until May. Don't know what a hydrangea looks like? Keep scrolling.

I  <3 how they make their own little natural bouquet. :)

Happy Sunday Ya'll!

When doubts filled my mind,

your comfort gave me renewed

 hope and cheer.

Psalm 94:19

How I felt about a week ago.
Source

     This past week was a doozy. Well actually it wasn't. I decided to take some action, and give myself a break. As a full-time student, you might be wondering what I needed a break from. Only God knows. All I know is that I was feeling really beaten down, just by life, commitments, due dates, restrictions, and the hustle and bustle of a regular day. My mind needed to rest, my body needed to as well, and my emotions needed to get a reality check and get back in order.

     Psalm 94:19 really did help me through my week. Its funny how even though I was feeling awful and unstable, God still used me. I was able to help a friend out with an assignment, He used me. I went to the Catechism class I teach and lead the students in a live rosary. They LOVED it and were so proud to show off their knowledge of prayers, He used me. Because of my slight alienation from the world, I was able to finish all my homework with out procrastinating! I don't know if that counts as a "He used me", because it only benefited me, but still I felt good entering the weekend knowing that I could relax.

    This week only secured the comforting thought in my head that says, "He will use me." It doesn't matter where I am, what life path I'm on, and the pit stops I make, because I am on His schedule. I should not worry about too much, because I will end up where I'm meant to be. I believe in letting life happen because I walk in His path. He laid it out just for me, and he will not let me voyage it alone.

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