I am MOM

I saw this amazing post made by a blogger on one of my Social Media timelines and felt so in tune with it.

I am their safe space.

I am the dinner-maker, the laundry-folder, the planner-signer.

I am the repeating voice who tell them day after day....YOU MATTER!

I am the sideline cheerleader, the swing-pusher the lost-stuff finder.

I am the face of LOVE.

I am their constant reminder... YOU ARE TREASURED, WORTHY, and ADORED!

I am theirs. Forever.

I am MOM!

May the Lord protect them as we maneuver through Covid-19 times. With Faith, Love & Trust, we shall overcome.

  

Glad We Didn't Put off Our Big Vacation

Our family went on a big 3 week vacation to Orlando, Florida in December of 2019-through January 2020. We took off for about 3 weeks & even we were aware that that was a long time to play hooky. But as a family, we decided together that that particular time was as good a time as any. The boys anticipated their schedules next year would be ramped up even more than it already was--the First Born will be a Senior & the Youngest will be a Sophomore (and most people would agree, that 2nd year of high school is pretty challenging academic wise). Personally, I was apprehensive because the boys would miss a couple of days before Winter Break & another day after school came back into session.  I debated. I resisted.  But I was voted out & eventually gave in.  So, The Huz & I made our plans, & the day finally arrived. 

We had an absolute blast for those 3 weeks.  Because the kids are older (we took a similar vacation when they were younger), we essentially vacationed as adults--and that means we weren't restricted about bed times/naps etc & felt truly free to take advantage of all Orlando has to offer us.  We visited the Universal Orlando Resorts & all the Disney theme parks.  I was SO tired keeping up with my guys, but I had an absolute good time & we made the best memories.  

A quick fast forward to Quarantine 2020.  We are now in the middle of a Pandemic that has already ravaged other nations & taken many lives. Rest in peace to all those souls & my sincerest sympathies to their loved ones.  As a huge precaution & to take pressure off our healthcare system, our State & local government has issued "Stay At Home" orders (with schools transitioning to distance learning & people working from home if possible.)  We only go out when necessary (for groceries, supplies & other types of food) & keep with the "social distancing" recommendations of at least 6 feet apart.  We're also wearing masks when we go out.  Times have definitely changed within the past few months.  And it often feels unreal.  

I pray a lot.  But I'm also thankful that my family is doing well.  And I hold on to our memories often. And I'm especially, especially thankful we didn't put off our Orlando, Florida vacation.  We were doing absolutely EVERYTHING opposite of what we're doing now.  We were in crowded theme parks & practiced zero social distancing.  And I'm SO glad we did it.  And I continue to be thankful every day. Thankful for the memories. 

Looking forward to being able to go out again & feeling safe about it.  I'm not sure life will ever really go back to normal.  I can't even believe how close I got to total strangers just a few months ago! LOL! 

I send the world the best wishes.  This challenge will pass & it will be nothing but history.  Until then, be safe. Stay home. Stay healthy.

Walking Safely During a Pandemic

My family & I (pre-quarantine days) hiking Los Penasquitos Reserve. Beautiful memories I hope to continue to make when we all beat this Covid-19 crisis!

Walking Safely during a Pandemic

How do you stay safe when you're out walking? Here's a few tips.

• Practice good physical distancing. Stay away from crowded locations whether they are designated for walking or not, and if you stop to chat, stay back a bit (maintaining 6 feet of separation from others is highly recommended when you are out).
• If you are somewhere where others are walking, walk a little faster or slower to maintain a safe separation.
• Walk in small groups with people and pets you know, or go out on your own.
• Don't push traffic signal buttons with your fingers, wear a glove or use an elbow.
• Wash your hands very well when you get home, and leave your shoes by the door.
• Avoid touching your face when you are out.
• Be extra aware of your surroundings.
• Be aware that there is less traffic and drivers are taking advantage and speeding.
• If you are driving, please be more careful, and look out for the increased number of pedestrians and cyclists.
• Be friendly and kind! We are all in this together.

A Beautiful Message from Pope Francis

So happy to share this:

A Gentle Reminder From Pope Francis

This life will go by fast.

Don't fight with people, don't criticize your body so much, don't complain so much.

Don't lose sleep over your bills. Look for the person that makes you happy. If you make a mistake, let it go and keep seeking your happiness.

Never stop being a good parent. Don't worry so much about buying luxuries and comforts for your home, and don't kill yourself trying to leave an inheritance for your family. Those benefits should be earned by each person, so don't dedicate yourself to accumulating money.

Enjoy, travel, enjoy your journeys, see new places, give yourself the pleasures you deserve. Allow dogs to get closer. Don't put away the fine glassware. Utilize the new dinnerware; don't save your favorite perfume, use it to go out with yourself; wear out your favorite sport shoes; repeat your favorite clothes.

So what? That's not bad. Why not now? Why not pray now instead of waiting until before you sleep? Why not call now? Why not forgive now? We wait so long for Christmas; for Friday; for Reunions; for another year; for when I have money; for love to come; when everything is perfect...look...

Everything perfect doesn't exist. Human beings can't accomplish this because it simply was not intended to be completed here. Here is an opportunity to learn.

So take this challenge that is life and do it now...love more, forgive more, embrace more, love more intensely and leave the rest in God's hands. Amen.

 

Books are Uniquely Portable Magic (Reading Recommendations)

Thank you Stephen King for this wonderful quote! And I couldn't agree more! 

Here are my recent Contemporary Romance reading recommendations. Again, they are selections for mature audiences only! 🙈

Defying the Odds by Kele Moon

Clay is a mixed-martial arts champion fighter, a strong yet silent type with a difficult past. Melody is a struggling waitress trying to put her life back together after a difficult marriage filled with physical & emotional abuse. Their emotional & physical connection is inevitable, but Melody pushes Clay away because she doesn't want to pull him into the drama of her life, still in fear of her abusive ex-husband.  But luckily, he isn't one to give up to easily & fate steps in to make it that much harder for Melody to completely walk away from Clay.  The story is heartwarming, with moments of fear & suspense thrown in, & plenty of humor thanks to Clay two best friends. I definitely got the feels from this romance!

The Girl He Knows by Kristi Rose 

Hank has always been there for Paisley. And Paisley has always known that she could count on Hank whenever she needed him.  He was there for comfort and support when her father died, when she needed a prom date and when she needed a friend after a nasty divorce with a cheating husband.  When their friendship turns physical, she’s quick to make sure they both agree that there are no strings attached.  She doesn’t ever want to risk losing him as a friend, despite feeling a very strong attraction to him—I mean it could just be the crazy physical chemistry, right?  As a reader, it was a pleasure taking a journey with Paisley through her self discovery—rooting for her every step of the way.  

Getting Out of Hand by Erin Nicholas  

I loved the two main characters in this love story! There’s Mason Riley, the nerdy scientist who happens to be all kinds of hot.  And Adrianne Scott, the former business woman who wants nothing more than a relaxing life in the sleepy town of Sapphire Falls. Both characters are not super experienced with relationships and have never fallen in-love with someone before.  But even in the short time of meeting & knowing one another, they both know that what they have is very special.  But will being together cost Mason his life’s work and possibly affect the lives of those that need him? And can Adrianne come to grips with her fears in order to follow her shot at happiness?  It was a great journey reading this story! 

There is so much magic in reading--whatever genre you choose! 

I guess you could argue with Science, but with these conclusions, why would you want to? 

 

Long Beach is Home (An Ode to the West Coast City)

Thank you One Draw for this catchy song, along with the visuals, as a fantastic ode to Long Beach, CA! I've been seeing it multiple times on my Socials timelines from posters who love the city and there are many of us! The tune highlights sections of neighborhoods that have a personality all their own.

Articles about Long Beach:

"The readers’ guide to the Seven Wonders of Long Beach"--a list of places that make Long Beach, CA even more special! 

"The 18 Essential Long Beach Restaurants, Summer 2019"--delicious places to eat in Long Beach, CA  

Just a little extra Long Beach pride. LOL! 

 

 

Superhero Cockroaches Fighting Food Waste

Yes, this video features some feisty cockroaches working hard to combat waste in China. I'm sharing it because it's pretty darn cool, but also because it was originally shared on Facebook followed by some super negative criticisms and scathing comments, well known to happen in the Social Media atmosphere. Don't get me wrong, my loved ones can attest to the fact that I'm not a big fan of critters & such and I'm proud of myself for even having the courage to watch this piece. But what got my attention was the reactions I received from my comment.

What I appreciated was that I received 20+ likes for the comment amidst all the other not-so-nice comments on this piece.  The reality is, yes, for some of us, dealing with unpleasant things is cringy & we may not want to deal with it or support it. The subject of cockroaches being very high on that list. However, even if you're not an environmentalist, I think it's safe to say that there's SO much waste in the world. Even if you don't think that has any direct impact on your life, having someone find ways to naturally dispose (truly dispose) of waste is generally a pretty good thing. You can tell (maybe) I'm trying to appeal to the non-ecology, possibly anti-Climate Change believers. Either way, there are things to help the earth out there and people willing to & pretty darn smart enough to come up with creative & innovative ways to do it.  They need our support.  It can be done, it IS already being done. Let's cheer for it. (Even if we're doing this 😬).