A New School Year of Firsts and Lasts

Today is the beginning of a bittersweet year for this Mom. My youngest--the baby--is now in middle school.  That alone is hard for me to grasp since I can still clearly see his bright shining little face declaring his need to go see "It's a Small World" at Disneyland.  And my first-born, also a baby in my eyes,  is officially in the 8th Grade--the last year of middle school--ready to embark on a few adventures during the year, spreading his wings & heading towards independence.  I would gladly bury my head in the sand & stay in state of denial, but time refuses to indulge me.

It was so hectic in the morning, but I'm glad I was able to snag these precious moments with these boys. First day of 8th Grade & 6th Grade.

Throwback picture: Here is the Huz with our boys about 7 years ago.  The boys were so small compared to how they are now. 

 

This year, I vow to really & truly take in all the moments.  It's the last year for the boys to be in the same school for a while (or ever, depending on where there academic journeys take them) and since time refuses to stand still, all I can do is make sure I feel every emotion I need to feel.  The Mom life--the parenting journey--is not always the easiest, but it's so incredibly rewarding.  It's about teaching your kids to NOT need you anymore.  How profound is that?!  And it hurts a bit too. But mostly because time travel hasn't happened yet and we can't go back in time & kiss their small little faces anymore.  But the bright side is, we can hug & kiss their big faces (although discreetly & not in front of anyone). And we can cultivate a new relationship with our older kids...respecting their boundaries and giving them their independence to discover themselves.  I'll be working on that more & more since both my boys are in Middle School now.  I'm here ready to listen, give advice, and hang out with them.  But I'm mostly watching, admiring...and definitely loving them with all my heart!

Completed their first day as an 8th Grader and a 6th Grader. ♥

I'm so proud of my boys!

Wishing my two hearts a great year of academic & spiritual growth.  Always, always know that you are loved very deeply. ♥♥

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The Not Impossible Choice to be a Humanitarian

What am I wearing today? What am I having for lunch? What do I make for dinner? These are just some of the thoughts that invade my mind as I open my eyes and rise out of my comfortable bed. And I'm thankful--truly thankful that my family and I live in a relatively safe environment, not overly worried about random violence and not burdened by physical deprivation.  But what are others around the world faced with? What choices are they forced to make on a daily basis?

People in crises have dire choices to make:

• Drink cholera-contaminated water OR Cross a minefield to get to clean water?
• Risk being bombed so you can stay with your family OR Take your children to safety, leaving your parents behind?
• Wait out the rising flood on your roof? OR Risk swimming to get help for your family?
• Stand up for a woman being beaten? OR Stay quiet, & avoid being beaten yourself? 

Source: World Humanitarian Day

People living in & with privilege can make their own choices too...to take action to assist those in crises. And all help is important--big or small.

• Support the Agenda for Humanity.
• Educate yourselves to the plight of people in crises all over the world.
• Use the power of Social Media to make world leaders hear your voice on behalf of those in crises.
• Donate to a charity that helps humanitarian causes.
• Spread Awareness!  

Here's some inspiring articles in honor of World Humanitarian Day:

• World Humanitarian Day: Behind the Numbers
• One Humanity
• World Humanitarian Day: Building Resilience in East Africa
• What Kind of Future Awaits Gaza?
• We Rise by Lifting Others
• Celebrate World Humanitarian Day with Wix Users
• Secretary General's Message

I honor all those who have made humanitarianism their way of life...working in the front-lines and volunteering their time, their life to helping others. YOU are what makes this world worth living--the hope that there is SO much good in the world. And for those possibly interested in volunteering, check out UNV in Action for more information.

#ShareHumanity

Thank you to all dedicated humanitarian workers & volunteers!

Words and ideas CAN change the world! #ShareHumanity

Let's move forward to a better future--embracing humanity! #OneHumanity

Happy Humanitarian Day to everyone around the world!
Hashtags: #ShareHumanity #OneHumanity #WorldHumanitarianDay

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Highlights from Las Vegas Vacation 2016

We went back to Las Vegas again this year for more desert adventures! We stayed for 4 days/3 nights and had a wonderful and relaxing time.  With Vegas, you have to plan ahead and make sure you take it easy on yourself especially during the hottest parts of the day. A notable change in Vegas is that many of the Casinos on The Strip & Downtown now charge for parking.  It's not terribly expensive--about 5-6$ for a few hours, but annoying when you remember the good 'ol "free" days. And also, don't think that Vegas is just for gamblers, drinkers and party-goers.  There are plenty of fun things for families to do--just do your research & be creative! Here are just a few highlights of our fun weekend!

There are many picture spots all over The Strip.  We found this "check-in" sign. We are here.

You must check out the Hershey Store next to New York, New York Casino! Here's a "kiss" just for you!

He's never been able to resist Reese's Pieces!

 Hershey's has a wonderful social and philanthropic history so we celebrated by dedicating our sips of their delicious Peanut Butter shakes to all the good things they've accomplished!

I guess the Huz decided to do the very important job of delivering fresh roasted coffee to the The Strip vendors! Did I mention there are MANY picture spots?

If you find a cooling station, revel in it!

Or better yet, take a dip in a pool! Here's a tip, swim in the morning or in the evening to avoid the most scorching times of the day. If you haven't figured it out already, Las Vegas summers are hot!!! LOL!

Downtown Las Vegas:

It's a different vibe here! If you're sensitive to political incorrectness, strange people & all-around weirdness, this might be a stop you want to skip. I think it's pretty fun! The world is filled with variety! If you love street or wall art, there's plenty here too! It's a feast for the eyes.

The famous Heart Attack Restaurant is located here. It's debauchery in the form of food. We didn't partake...it's too much, even for me!

Here are my guys patiently waiting to eat at the Main Street Casino Buffet. I couldn't help taking a picture seeing them peacefully sitting around pretty flower pots. ♥

I can only imagine what trouble they may be hatching. BTW: This is a gazebo outside of Main Street Casino in Downtown Las Vegas.

Fashion Show Mall located on The Strip:

It's a large mall which fits in with the "bigness" of Las Vegas!

So this is my teenager. He's all grown up & very mature. LOL! This picture was taken at Dillard's.

Where there's a Microsoft Store...there I will find my peeps.

The Flamingo Casino and The LinQ Outdoor Mall:

They have a pretty Bird/Fish habitat that's a nice change of pace from the hustle and bustle of The Strip & an added bonus: it's free!

If you love flamingos, you're love this hotel! It's theme dominates everything! I want a Manatee hotel! Someone get on that, stat!

We HAD to stop for a Chocolate Brownie Sundae!!!  Oh man!!!  This is the greatest and most dangerous offering they have. LOL!

Our beloved Puffy the Manatee experienced all our adventures with us!!! 

Along with it being a family summer vacation, this weekend was also the Huz' birthday weekend! I hope he always knows how much he is loved by me & our boys!!  He is such a center of our family life & we just adore him!  Happy Happy Birthday, my love!!!  Wishing you many many more years of health & happiness!

I also entered two Yelp entries on this trip:

• Silver Sevens Hotel & Casino 
• American Coney Island Chili Dogs

As the title of this post indicates, these are just the "highlights".  I have so many pictures I can't possibly all post, but I hope I illustrated the many things offered at this famous vacation destination. Las Vegas is a truly fun place to visit & vacation. There is so much to do and not enough time to do them all.  But for us, that's a good thing. We'll save it for the next time we're here...which will happen! Goodbye, Vegas--for now!  We'll see you again!!!!  ♥♥♥♥

 

An Important Message from Dan Rather about Presidential Election 2016

As a liberal Democrat Catholic Christian, one can probably imagine I would be surrounded by people will all kinds of political beliefs differing from my own.  Some might even say that those labels (liberal Democrat/Catholic Christian) just don't fit in with one another.  For me, they always have. It's simple, really.  I often make conservative choices for myself, but I feel that others have a right to make their own choices as long as it doesn't affect the common safety of others.  And when it comes to violence, I say, let's come up with other solutions, if at all possible. And if there's a way for us to help with social causes through policies, I will support it.  Through the years, I've learned to stay away from discussing politics with people who so egregiously disagree with my liberal beliefs--especially relatives and family members.  And with all my heart, I attempt to respect differing points of view even if sometimes I must grit my teeth.

This year's Presidential Election has felt the most tenuous in my lifetime.  As usual, I will vote for the Democratic candidate but in the past, I've never felt these crazy uneasy emotions at the possibility of my candidate losing.  This year, I'm truly concerned about everything that Donald Trump stands for.  I've heard all kinds of defense for his rhetoric and his past business practices.  I'm not willing to argue any of that, because if you've already decided he is the candidate you support & will vote for in November, nothing he says, has done, or will say in the near future will change your mind.  All I can say to that is that I hope that if he does win, our country will be ok.  That, best case scenario, he doesn't incite violence, oppress the middle & lower classes, alienate neighboring countries and our country remains safe.  In the meantime, I'm appealing to the "undecided".

Please take a moment & read famed news anchor Dan Rather's post regarding Donald Trump and his now infamous reference to the 2nd Amendment--seemingly encouraging his supporters to bear arms against Hillary Clinton.

Dan Rather

No trying-to-be objective and fair journalist, no citizen who cares about the country and its future can ignore what Donald Trump said today. When he suggested that "The Second Amendment People" can stop Hillary Clinton he crossed a line with dangerous potential. By any objective analysis, this is a new low and unprecedented in the history of American presidential politics. This is no longer about policy, civility, decency or even temperament. This is a direct threat of violence against a political rival. It is not just against the norms of American politics, it raises a serious question of whether it is against the law. If any other citizen had said this about a Presidential candidate, would the Secret Service be investigating?

Candidate Trump will undoubtably issue an explanation; some of his surrogates are already engaged in trying to gloss it over, but once the words are out there they cannot be taken back. That is what inciting violence means.
To anyone who still pretends this is a normal election of Republican against Democrat, history is watching. And I suspect its verdict will be harsh. Many have tried to do a side-shuffle and issue statements saying they strongly disagree with his rhetoric but still support the candidate. That is becoming woefully insufficient. The rhetoric is the candidate.
This cannot be treated as just another outrageous moment in the campaign. We will see whether major newscasts explain how grave and unprecedented this is and whether the headlines in tomorrow's newspapers do it justice. We will soon know whether anyone who has publicly supported Trump explains how they can continue to do.
We are a democratic republic governed by the rule of law. We are an honest, fair and decent people. In trying to come to terms with today's discouraging development the best I can do is to summon our greatest political poet Abraham Lincoln for perspective:
"We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature."
Lincoln used these stirring words to end his First Inaugural Address. It was the eve of the Civil War and sadly his call for sanity, cohesion and peace was met with horrific violence that almost left our precious Union asunder. We cannot let that happen again.

Again, I appeal to those that are unsure of who to vote for in November. Please, #NeverTrump. Never Trump!!!  

Time For an Energy Burst!

Sometimes, there's moments in life when you need a pick-me-up! Someone to encourage & remind you that life is amazing, wonderful, fun and worthwhile.  Consider that moment now! 
I found this footage & wanted to share! Get up & join them!
Balance humility with an "If I was you, you'd wanna be me too..." attitude. That means being confident in yourself without the need for anyone else's approval--and without knocking someone down. Keep it strong, keep it kind, keep it classy--always.

You are worthy! 

Such a beautiful thought!

Trust...because life is wonderful!

I hope that you were inspired to feel great about yourself! XO


 

Add it to Your Reading List: The Darwin Elevator by Jason M. Hough

While at this year's Comic Con International Convention, I was lucky enough to be at the right place at the right time and not only acquired a copy of the book The Darwin Elevator, but was also able to meet & briefly chat with the author, Jason M. Hough, while he was signing my copy of the book! What I'm also grateful for is being introduced to a book I probably would have never had the opportunity to read since I usually gravitate towards the Contemporary Romance genre in my reading choices. But I do have a love for Sci-fi and have always enjoyed "out of this world" stories.

This story has some interesting characters in it.  There's Skylar, the unreluctant hero who must lead his crew but would probably rather not and who has the "gift" of being "an immune" but has fantasies of being just like everyone else. He's the main star in this book--flawed, exciting--and I found myself wanting to follow him wherever he was supposed to go.  There's Tania, a beautiful and brilliant scientist, that has to get passed her own insecurities to discover some truths. Skylar has this need to protect her and as a reader, I think it was easy to feel that way too. As a romantic, I loved the subtle hint of a romance between the two characters.  There's Neil Platz, aaaaah, you'll just have to read about this one...what side is he on & what's his deal? Then of course, there's Russell Blackfield--this character you may just love to hate...or just hate & hate.

Here's some noteworthy reviews of the book:

“A hell of a fun book.”—James S. A. Corey, New York Times bestselling author of Abaddon’s Gate

“[Jason M.] Hough’s first novel combines the rapid-fire action and memorable characters associated with Joss Whedon’s short-lived Firefly TV series with the accessibility and scientific acumen of [James S. A.] Corey’s ‘Expanse’ series.”—Library Journal (starred review)

“The best part about alien stories is their mystery, and Jason Hough understands that like no other. Full of compelling characters and thick with tension, The Darwin Elevator delivers both despair and hope along with a gigantic dose of wonder. It’s a brilliant debut, and Hough can take my money whenever he writes anything from now on.”—Kevin Hearne, New York Times bestselling author of The Iron Druid Chronicles

“Newcomer Hough displays a talent for imaginative plotting and realistic dialogue, and the brisk pacing and cliffhanger ending will keep readers enthralled and eagerly awaiting the next installment.”—Publishers Weekly

“Jason M. Hough does a great job with this huge story. The world of Darwin and the Elevator is deliciously complex and satisfying. Skyler, Tania, and all the other characters are delightfully drawn and fun to spend time with. . . . The story unfolds with just the right balance of high adventure, espionage, humor, and emotional truth. . . . As soon as you finish, you’ll want more.”—Analog

“A debut novel unlike any other . . . This is something special. Something iconic. The Darwin Elevator is full of majesty and wonder, mystery and mayhem, colorful characters and insidious schemes.”—SF Signal

“Fun, action-packed and entertaining . . . a sure contender for science fiction debut of the year!”—Pat’s Fantasy Hotlist

“Claustrophobic, intense, and satisfying . . . I couldn’t put this book down. The Darwin Elevator depicts a terrifying world, suspends it from a delicate thread, and forces you to read with held breath as you anticipate the inevitable fall.”—Hugh Howey, New York Times bestselling author of Wool

“Hough writes with irresistible energy and gritty realism. His puts his characters through hell, blending a convincing plot with heart-stopping action and moments of raw terror as the world goes crazy in the shadow of unfathomable alien intentions.”—Sara Creasy, author of the Philip K. Dick Award–nominated Song of Scarabaeus

“A thrilling story right from the first page . . . This book plugs straight into the fight-or-flight part of your brain.”—Ted Kosmatka, author of The Games

“If you enjoy high adventure with a kick-ass crew, I suggest you take Hough’s Darwin Elevator for a ride.”—Warren Hammond, author of KOP Killer

Source: Amazon 

This book is the beginning of a trilogy.  The next book in the series is The Exodus Towers. And the final book is called The Plague Force. 

If you lead a book club, enjoy Sci-fi, and/or just want another suggestion to go on your reading list, give this book & this author a chance! 

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44 Random Questions

I found another one of those random questionnaires on one of my Social Network's newsfeed & thought, well, I haven't done one of these in a while so why not? I've found that I'm a bit of a goody-two-shoes in my life choices so don't expect anything super edgy. LOL! If you care to share your answers with me, feel free. Contact me through any of my Social Media connections or comment below. 

Because a "Happy Life" as a goal is not a bad thing.

44 random things...

1. Do you like blue cheese? No 
2. Ever smoked? No
3. Own a gun? No
4. Favorite flavor? Chocolate! or CHOCOLATE!
5. Do you get nervous before a doctor's visit? Always
6. What do you think of hotdogs? Delicious, even though I know they're bad for me.
7. Favorite movies? Many! But I love "Return to Me", "Avatar", & "Planet of the Apes"
8. Morning drink of choice is? Definitely coffee, with cream...or milk & sugar.  

My life theme in a nutshell. ♥

9. Push ups? Uh...no
10. Favorite jewelry? Wedding ring, bracelets my boys give me...I love jewelry in general.
11. Favorite hobby? Reading, writing, taking pictures. But most of all, I love spending time with my Husband and two boys...whether it just be going out to eat, going for a walk or traveling!  
12. Do you have ADD? No
13. One thing about yourself you dislike? I'm sensitive & will close off on people very quickly. I'd like to be less guarded, but it's a challenge.
14. Middle name? Go
15. Three thoughts?  I wish desserts were healthy. I want to meet kind people only. I love, love, the Huz & my sons! 
 16. Three drinks you enjoy often? Coffee. Lemonade. Water.
17. Current worry? Overall health & safety of my Huz & sons.
18. Current annoyance? Politics
19. Favorite place? Besides home...I love Orlando Florida, San Diego, & San Francisco.
20. What do you do for new yrs? Celebrate with my family.
21. Like to go? Absolutely!!!  Adventure awaits!
22. Three people who'll do this? It's posted in a blog, so the amount of participants are endless! C'mon, do it. It's fun! 
23. Do you own slippers? Most definitely!
24. What color shirt are you wearing? Black
25. Satin sheets? No. But I'm also not opposed to it.
26. Do you whistle? No. 
27. Favorite colors? Blue & yellow
28. Act like a pirate? Yes, why not? LOL!
29. Songs you sing in the shower? I don't understand why this has to be specific. I'll just answer "Yes!"
30. Favorite girls names? Elektra (LOL!), Snow.  I never think of girl names. Sorry. LOL!
31. Fave boys names? Quinn, Liam, Connor, Seth
32.:In your pocket is? Nothing. Glad it didn't ask what's in my purse!
33. Last thing made you laugh? The Husband most probably. 

Because he says things like, "Oooh, take a picture" & has zero concerns about looking like a dork. ♥

34. Best toy as a child? Cabbage Patch Doll
35. Worst injury? A motorcycle burn on the left side of my knee on my right leg. The scar maintains itself to the memory.
36. Would love to live? New Zealand. Looks so beautiful on TV.
37. # TVs? Just one, in our living room.
38. Loudest friend? My sister-in-law, R.  
39. # dogs? None
40. Does someone trust you? Well, I would certainly hope so.
41. Current book reading? The Darwin Elevator by Jason M. Hough (I have a signed copy from the author!) But I'm always reading something. Here are my "Literary Favorites". 
42. Favorite candy? Snickers & Ghirardelli
43. Favorite sports team? What's that? LOL!
44. Favorite month? February, March, August & October 

That was fun! Now that you've found out a little bit about me, I'd like to hear a little bit about you! Please share...
Jokes are always a good way to end anything...so here it goes...

C'mon, let's do it!

In closing & in honor of question #9 above, 

And #4, because CHOCOLATE!

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