Reading is to the Mind as Exercise is to the Body

When I feel stressed or overwhelmed, I find that reading an engaging book is just the right activity to help me relax and feel good.  Just find the right genre that speaks to you & it's like traveling without the expensive costs. Here are my current Contemporary Romance Novels recommendations:

Wilde Nights in Paradise by Tonya Burrows

Jude Wilde made a decision 8 years ago to give up the love of his life, Libby, for reasons he thought were best for her & the situation as a whole.  Now, she returns to his life, facing a stalker & possibly in mortal danger.  He has to bury his feelings of yearning & the truth in order to protect her.  And no one said it was going to be easy.  Libby, well, let’s just say, her attraction for Jude never stopped.  In fact, as much as she hated to admit it to herself, Jude is the reason she seemed to be ruined for all other relationships with men. Will these two learn the truth about each other & finally find a way to be together?  This story is the beginning of the “Entangled Ignite” series.

  

 

My First-Jason & Katie by Melanie Shawn

This story is a love triangle of sorts between Jason, Katie, & the deceased Nick. It’s story about  It’s a story about first love and true love--& finding both at such an early age it’s difficult to define it as such. And finally, it’s about facing the truth and going after what truly makes your heart happy.  Because when two souls make a connection, no amount of denial will tear them apart.  I rooted for Jason & Katie, you might too!

reputations—those perceived & those grounded in reality.

 

 

  The Wedding Trap by Adrienne Bell

Beth has an arrogant ex and a pushy mother to deal with. So what does she do? She makes up a boyfriend so they & everyone else will leave her be.  But then her best friend is getting married & everyone expects her to bring her boyfriend “Charlie” for everyone to meet. Well, that’s a problem.  Enter Alex Tanner.  He comes into Beth’s life under unusual circumstances. But will he stay for the right reasons? Read this amusing, cute, & funny story! 

Both the mind and the body need to be taken care of.

And the world needs empathy!

I wish!

If you read some of these selections, I hope you like them. But whatever you're reading, I hope it brings you joy. XO

Don't Do Drugs...Hope They're Really Listening

Along with most schools nationwide, my boys' school participated in Red Ribbon Week at the end of October. The main message was YOLO (You only live once), Don't Use Drugs.  Of course, I've always told my kids about the dangers of drugs, but as all involved parents can relate, I hope that they've been listening and follow through in the decisions they make.  As they are now experiencing the jungle that is Middle School, I hope that the continuous conversations we've had and messages they receive in school truly help them to make the correct choices as they navigate the road called life. Peer pressure is a real and scary beast. Here is a great video offering suggestions to kids about how to say "no.

Full activities planned! YOLO!

Precious hand prints. They pledged to keep their hands off drugs.  I pray they follow through.

Red Accessories Day....because they're "too cool for drugs".

Shades Day...because they're "future is too bright".

And here's a stay drug free shirt I wholeheartedly endorse:

Tacos...yes!!!

So, for adults and kids alike, always remember YOLO and don't do drugs!
Tags: #DontDoDrugs #StayDrugFree  

Being on Time is Not Optional

As Filipino-American, I've grown up with the notion or the running joke (depending on how you want to look at it) of time being relative. When a time was set, there was always the question, "Is this Filipino time or American time?" with "Filipino time" being the later option.  This works fine during an informal house party gathering or casual get-togethers where arrival is fluid and it's preferable for both the attendees and the hosts for guests to arrive "fashionably late".  But when it's a commitment like a wedding, a mass, a rehearsal, etc. being on time is NOT negotiable.

Unfortunately, we have someone in our life that holds our time hostage--always late with a lack of disregard of the stresses that it brings many people involved. For someone in a position of authority and the well being of children in their hands, being on time is and should be priority.  Being late sets such a terrible example to children and it simply just lets them down when it is so easy to be counted on. Being late is a deliberate action especially when it is shown as a consistent behavior.  Not only do I deplore this behavior but it erodes my respect.  Friendship aside, "the late trait" is not amusing, not appreciated and deeply frowned upon.

The above video is obviously a campaign tool for early voting.  But putting politics aside, I love that a man in the highest office of our land takes pride in arriving early and considers his greatest strength his ability to do so. What a great example to all.

And guess what? It isn't!!!

I've often heard that time is the most valuable thing. So please, don't waste your own but be considerate enough not to waste others' as well.

I'm so grateful to be able to have a forum to release my frustration.  I strive to be a positive person. But when you're put in a stressful position waiting for someone who is chronically late, it challenges that resolve.  Only the person can make a change for himself. He holds that power.  I hope he exercises it.