It's all RANDOM

Oh my goodness, where do I start? What a jumble of thoughts and ideas that are running through my mind. I want to blog about SO many things! Let’s see how much stuff I can say in this one post! Here goes…

First off, can I just state the obvious? I love my husband. I’ll be transparent and admit that there were times early on in our marriage that I worried that I didn’t feel that true love forever feelings like I should, to be married to someone for the rest of my life, or that my husband even loved me enough either. Of course, this idea was measured in my mind by what I ‘perceived’ to be ‘true love’, based on all those romance novels that we gals seem to eat up on a daily basis. Those and epic films like Casablanca, Sixteen Candles and The Notebook! LOL (okay, Sixteen Candles is a stretch, but I always loved Jake Ryan and wanted to be his bride! LOL)

Boy was I ever wrong.

My love for my husband is a river that runs through every vein, every nerve, every thought, and every heartbeat that is in me. And not just in the romantic, swooning kind of way, although, I do still get butterflies when he is near. But in a steady, sweet, quiet, trusting way that has changed my life. Even in the midst of an argument or a blah phase of our life, I find that love can run very, very deep. Love doesn’t always have a ten-piece orchestra playing in the background. Usually the sounds of bill collectors, car trouble, clogged drains and piling up dishes and laundry are a steady beat throughout our days. But what I hear mostly in the foreground is laughter. Lots of laughter… the very best kind. The kind only true love can generate. What a beautiful life I lead! Completely imperfect and flawed and completely beautiful! Oh, and here’s a fun fact! We’ve been married for seven months now, and this Sunday will be our very first Valentine’s Day that we spend together as a couple! LOL. Life sure is colorful and full of surprises and variety isn’t it?? Gotta love it!

Okay, so for my sister’s sake, I’ll move on to my next subject! LOL (Deb can only take so much of her sister’s sappiness and believe me, she’s endured a lot of it!)

Living in “The South” has proven to be a test, a trial, a blessing, a gift and an adventure all rolled into one. We live in a town 45ish miles west of Jackson, MS called Vicksburg (also in Mississippi). For you history buffs, the famous Battle at Vicksburg was fought here during the civil war and the confederates surrendered on July 4th! Of all days! It took many years before this town recognized and celebrated Independence Day! I live within walking distance of the military park that is the actual battlefield. It is breathtaking! When I can, I’ll have to post some pictures on here. We have found that it is the perfect place to drive through after a long hard day at work. It’s peaceful, serene and scenic. When you finally exit, you feel rejuvenated and refreshed. We love it. And we love this town. It’s really cute and quaint, but with most of the conveniences that we need to make living easier and enjoyable. I just wish Sam’s Club wasn’t 38 miles away!! I love to shop there and have to make monthly trips.

Another cool thing is we live on the actual banks (or bluffs actually) of the Mighty Mississippi River! Yes it is a little bit brown at times… not the most pristine color of water, I admit, but still so beautiful! The interstate crosses it on a magnificent bridge, where when you get halfway across, lo and behold, you are now in Louisiana!! Yep, I live about 4 miles away from Louisiana. It’s so weird for me to think that I can cross state lines every day just like that. Needless to say, I’m enjoying discovering a new world and culture and a new life, even at the ripe old age of 34… LOL! (yes, yes, I know I’m a spring chicken!)

With all this newness, I’ve had a bout of losing myself. I forgot who I was and how much of me that I was letting fall to the wayside as I’ve tried to fit in and figure out where I belong in this sea of the unknown. And I did the worse thing possible. I allowed ME to disappear. My personality, my independence, my spunk and drive… withered away. Not completely, but enough that I was becoming unrecognizable. What a pitiful state to find yourself in. Well, no longer. I have come to the realization that I’m only at my best when I’m completely ME. Figuring that out was like a window opening and a cool spring breeze blowing in. Liberating. I’m getting my confidence back. My mojo. My strut in my stuff and swing in my step back. Thank God! I sure missed her!!

I can go on and on with this post. I can talk about how much I miss my family, how I long to go on a shopping spree at Macy’s, or how much I crave Del Taco! LOL! I can go on and on for paragraphs about my step-son Scott and how much I enjoy being his 2nd mom and how much I love that rascal! I can talk about my beautiful mother and how only now do I truly understand and appreciate the amazing woman that she is. I can talk about the infamous DEB and how she dazzles me daily with her talent and beauty and drive. I can talk about how sad I am to have missed the birth of my new niece and how much I miss one of my very best friends, Eileen. I could, but for now I’ll leave with one more thought.

How Great is Our God?! Words cannot even begin to describe His Greatness. As high as the heavens and as deep as earth, sky and space, He expands and exceeds our human capabilities of measurement. Not just His being, but His attributes and His ways and thoughts and acts. Incredible. Most importantly, His love is perfect, complete and flawless in every way. And all for me. I have no words. I have no way to live up to it or return even a fraction of it. All I can do is accept it. Allow Him to love me and to try to love Him with all that He put in me. Wow, allowing God to love me?? Yes, He is a gentleman and won’t force His way into my life. Who can possible refuse this type of love? I certainly can’t. And I won’t. Love me Lord… forever, love me!

Amazing Grace…. How Sweet The Sound.


Food from…
The Queen’s Table of Thought

(Photo: Aftab Uzzaman)

October 16th... for the 59th time!

So this post is a tad late... can't say I have a grand excuse, just got busy doing stuff.



Oct 16th, 1950... what a day that was! Of course, I wasn't there to celebrate the spectacular event that took place, but I've had great benefits from it.



Like being born. LOL!



Yes, that was the day that my father, Peter Robert, was born. He was born to Peter Raymond and Elizabeth Ann, my grandparents. Being the first child and the product of a great love story is something to celebrate indeed. Whirlwind romance, short engagement, apparently they couldn't live without each other, resulting in marriage and then came my dad, the first of four!



This year, we celebrate birthday number 59. I have to say, it's hard for me to imagine that my parents are no longer in their 30's. I know that sounds funny considering I am in my 30's, but of course when I'm around my parents, I still feel like a kid. And to think my parents were younger than I am right now when I made my grand entrance into the world. My dad was 25 when I was born, and I was so close to having the same birthday as him, but was 5 days too late. I've always loved the fact that we share the same birth month. Somehow, being a daddy's girl, it always made me feel special and unique.



It's true. I grew up a daddy's girl. We did so many things together, or I'd always be tagging along whether he wanted me to or not! I remember loving to watch him shave and he'd put a dab of shaving cream on my nose. (I used to wonder how come I couldn't shave my face too!) Whenever he would leave to pick up people for church, I'd be riding right beside him. Sometimes we'd be in a car, and sometimes we'd be in a van because we'd be picking people up that were in wheelchairs. I'd try to help him set up the ramps, but usually ended up just being in the way. Still, he'd let me come along every time. I'd ride with him to pick up Sunday School kids or go on bus ministry. I'd sit in a hard plastic chair to watch him get his hair cut at the barbershop by Country Cousin's Market in Costa Mesa, CA. He would let me work the fireworks booth with him every July and as I grew into an adult, eventually we started a new tradition. The two of us would be the ones to go every year and buy the fireworks for the family.


As I am typing this blog, so many memories are coming to the surface. Looking back, I'm realizing the many things that my dad and I used to do together.


I'll save you all from reading a very long list, but I have to keep my blog tradition!



So here is just a partial list of things that were all about my daddy and me!

1. Watching Lakers games together
2. Slowly I turn... step by step...
3. Singing Duets
4. Going to teach Bible Studies (he'd teach, I'd babysit the kids)
5. House hunting
6. Talking about movies
7. UFC Nights!
8. Buying Fireworks
9. Shopping for Perfume for Mom for Christmas (Giorgio Beverly Hills anyone??)
10. Browsing FedCo
11. Combing out Deborah's hair! (LOL)
12. Taking care of the kids while Mom was away (Ladies Retreat!)
13. Picking up people for church
14. Debating (no one ever won!)
15. Going to Twinkle Park (with Mom too!)
16. Riding bikes at the Back Bay
17. Working in the fireworks stand
18. Eating lunch at the Hilton Hotel at General Conference in Anaheim, CA 1984
19. Going to the barbershop (at least until Peter came along!)
20. Watching him shave in the morning
21. Reading bedtime stories when Mom was too tired or busy (he's skip pages!)
22. Sitting in his lap at church
24. Going on Space Mountain (or NOT going on it after 1 hour wait!)
25. Driving in the truck on long trips listening to Chicago and talking about everything!

Happy Birthday Dad!! I can't believe this is the first birthday (since I've been around) that I haven't been there to celebrate with you!! I know that may sound sad, but when you think about it, it doesn't really matter where I am or where you are, we can celebrate together in our hearts! That's the power of love and I love you very much Dad! I wish you so much joy and blessings this coming year. The best is yet to come, I just know it!!

Love always,
your #1 girl,
Catherine Elizabeth

Pedroline... The 28th year

Pedroline (pronounced pA-drO-leen) is a name that just rolls off the tongue. Half masculine, half feminine, it completely describes the fashionista that is my brother! Okay, so he loves fashion, but let me set the record straight, Peter is not feminine in any way, shape or form!! (oh my, I better stop while I'm ahead, the jokes just keep coming... I'll leave the 'shape' part of that statement alone! HA HA HA)

I have no idea who or why we came up with that nickname for Peter, but nevertheless, he is stuck with it. Of course it is just one of many nicknames for our complex brother.

28 years ago today, Peter made his grand entrance into the world. 45 minute labor and boom there he was... perfectly pink and healthy. He really is a miracle baby (in fact all my siblings are miracles) and it wasn't until later in life that we've realized that the perfectly pink was hiding the truth... Peter is a bit off, a bit slow, a bit flawed, a bit, shall we say... SPECIAL. But we love him just the same, just as if he were normal like us!! Of course none of that is entirely true, but we've always had a too much fun giving him a hard time. LOL.

Today I salute my brother Peter on his birthday. It's hard to believe that he is 28. That's a serious age. 30 is looming ahead and responsibilities and taking life seriously are the daily pressures that come as you start to leave your 20's behind. So Peter, as you celebrate the day of your birth, ask yourself this... What Would SpongeBob Do?????

In usual blogger style... here is a list of Pedo Stuff. (does anyone else notice how these lists get longer and longer each year?? funny that.) ;-)




28 moments of Peter's 28 years:

1. Goose Egg Forehead with 2 black eyes
2. Pneumonia on Christmas Day
3. Beside bell ringing
4. Jerry Macguire and a girl
5. Beating up 5 guys on the corner
6. BMX Madness
7. Standing in the corner
8. Cammo in the backyard
9. Shooting the wife in Big Bear
10. Laugh attacks in the middle of the story
11. Singing the testimony
12. Sam Ash Limelight Nights
13. Label swapping
14. Dribble Shirts
15. Goodwill Hunting (or Thrifting)
16. Carebear hugs
17. The mouse and the giant strawberry
18. Headlock sleep wrestling
19. Boonsters!
20. Spongebob bedtimes
21. D2E
22. Drive by healings
23. Cruising to Mr. & Mrs.
24. Backscratch Begging
25. Poker face
26. Madlib crying
27. Bee running (ending in TIMBER!!!)
28. What about JIM??

In case none of you know this.. #28 is actually a serious one. Peter spent his time and money looking out for a homeless man named Jim. He bought him meals and even went and would buy him new pairs of pants. This is the epitome of my brother. His compassion showed up early in life and he's maintained that sensitivity to others needs up to this point. Peter, you make me proud to be your sister!

I hope this year is abundant in blessings and that you receive your deepest heart's desires!! Happy 28th Birthday!!

Love
The Big Queen Sister! :-)

SUPERHEROES

Happy Father's Day to every dad who makes a difference every day!!

Dad, I wish you a wonderful day and want to say thank you for all you've done for me. Even though the miles may separate us, I will always be your daughter and you will always be my daddy. I hope the rest of the 'kids' treat you well and you get a dip in the pool and some yummy bbq food to celebrate!! I love you!!

Gramps, my first father's day without you. I thought about you often today and remembered a lot of the words of wisdom you passed down to me. I miss your smiling Irish eyes. There is so much I would share with you if I could, but alas, the time of sharing is done. Thank you for the many father's days I got to spend with you! I love you.

Paul, you are the newest man in my life and I know you've been bombarded today by the many avenues I've taken to say happy father's day. So I will simply say that seeing you as a father just shows me more and more of who you are. A man of integrity and character and wisdom. I love you more and more and look forward to a lifetime of celebrations with you!


Pastor Morgan, you have been my 'spiritual' father for 12 years. I want to just say thanks for being there for me and helping me through the good and bad times. You are a rock and I am forever grateful!! I love you!

Happy Father's Day Blogger World... CELEBRATE!!!
The Queen

Toto, I'm not in Cali anymore!!

Boy, have I landed in a different world! It's not bad, not in the least. I find it interesting and exciting. (If you can call quiet, peaceful & small exciting!! LOL)

I had crawfish for the first time!! I'll admit, when I saw them scooping the crawfish out of the boiling water into our bag, I thought to myself, can I really eat that? Can I?? But once we got all 5 pounds home, (for just the two of us!!!), I forgot my original thought and dug in. That is, once Paul showed me how to pinch the tail off and get the meat out and then suck the head. Once I got the hang of it, I was chowing down! Mmmm Mmmm Good. With sweet corn on the cob and red potatoes soaking up the juices and spices, it was a feast fit for a Queen! ;-)

I'm experiencing so many different things. Like having to walk into the post office to mail anything! Unless you can catch the mailman in the morning as he goes by. There are no drive up post office boxes or boxes at the corner to drop your mail. It's a bit of hassle, until you realize you really have no other pressing engagement, so why the impatience?!

Another thing is the leisurely way of doing things. Everyone is very meticulous and slow. However, things actually get done. How does that happen?? I don't get it. But I like it! LOL The only thing that tries my patience every day is the stop signs. You have to make a complete stop. And if other cars stop at the other corners, everyone sits there and figures out who goes next and they are super courteous and try to let you go first. O.M.W. I don't have the leisure of zipping through stop signs and beating everyone to the punch anymore. It definitely "worketh patience"!!

Also, the women around here are mostly very feminine. I see skirts and dresses and jewelry and "done" hair and "pumps" everywhere. These women take their femininity very seriously! Now mind you, it's not the high fashion capital of the south by any stretch of the imagination, but still, I think in California the ratio of women in pants or suits or men's jeans versus skirts is about 95 to 5. Here dresses are about 90 to 10. It's just strange for me to see that. It is definitely noticeable.

Also, bugs love me in the south. I had a couple of VERY miserable and itchy days, when I had sat outside too long and got 7 bites! I'm guessing mesquitos, but whatever they were, they swelled and itched like nobody's business!! I hope they don't leave marks!!! I also found a lizard skeleton in my closet! (And Paul had cleaned out the closet fairly recently!) It had a skull and a spine and legs and toes. The skull was the weirdest thing to see. I scooped it up on a piece of paper and tried to take pictures of it without getting too close. It was grossing me out big time!

Also, did I mention the real estate? You can find a major fixer upper for $17,500.00!! That's less than what I paid for my car! And I got a simple Toyota Corrolla. For a move in ready house, you can easily find something around $70,000.00. Again, less than some cars I am acquainted with. The rent here for a 2-3 bedroom with 2 baths is in the $550.00 range. It just amazings me the difference of cost here. Although, a gallon of milk is about $3.50 here and in my hometown in California the current price is $1.99. I'm not sure why that is. Hmmmm. Something to ponder.

And the thing that gets me the most. When people go shopping, they don't grab a shopping cart, they get a "buggy". A what?? Yep, a BUGGY. I know. I refuse to say it. I will always say shopping cart no matter who points and laughs at me!! ;-)

There's so much to tell, I could ramble on forever. I can't even keep track of all the new things I am seeing and experiencing. I'm sure as new things come to me, you will hear alllllllllll about it! It's too fun NOT to share!

TGIF!!

Queen Cat

Twenty-Six

Yesterday was my sister's birthday.
What a whirlwind day it was.
I didn't have a chance to post until now. So sorry!

Deborah, my baby sister, I hope your birthday was meaningful and full of love and laughter. I know it probably wasn't the grandest birthday you've ever had. It wasn't the least stressful or most exciting time I'm sure. But, to celebrate another year of growth and family and friends and changes and all the in-between is a blessing nonetheless.

I am sad to think I did not get to share it with you. I would have never known that #25 would be the last birthday we'd spend living, working & playing together. Change is hard, but remember it's all things work together for good...

So here is my ode to Deb... 26 things that she does that makes me miss her most!!

1. JOHN WAYNE!
2. Peeking from the supply closet door while I'm "trying" to work
3. Talking to the cars while merging into the carpool lane on the I-5 after work
4. Eating Paul's Place even though she knows it makes her sick
5. Singing soprano
6. "Cooking" nachos in the microwave
7. Always examining if she has swollen ankles
8. Using a whole bottle of bleach to clean a bathroom
9. Laying on the couch reading a Julie Lessman book
10. Making pesto pizza and stuffed mushrooms
11. Reading her Bible before going to bed
12. Singing and praying in the shower
13. Making 'another' doctor's appointment
14. Saying she doesn't feel good
15. Snort laughing
16. Picking on Sonia
17. Sideseat driving
18. Ordering the most expensive thing on the menu
19. Craving gelato from Luccia's
20. Borrowing church clothes from my closet
21. Playing with Zee Zee
22. Yelling at the dog (used to be Tiffany!)
23. Fighting with Peter in her sleep
24. Fixing mom's hair
25. Laying across my lap watching TV in the bonus room
26. Sitting next to me at church

Happy Belated Birthday Deb! Your gift is in the mail!! Hope you like it!!!

Love you lots!

Queen Cat

A Friday TAG!!

I'm trying really hard to keep up with my blog!! Sooo glad it's Friday. Not sure why I'm glad, maybe it's just programmed in us to be extra happy on Friday... but for whatever the reason, I am ecstatic to see Friday arrive. Looking forward to another fabulous weekend here in Small Town USA!! :-)

So... on to the business at hand:

I was tagged by Deb at The Daily Bee!

Rules of the Tag

::List Six Unimportant Things that Make you Happy::
Mention and link to the person who tagged you::
Tag six of your favorite bloggers to play along, and comment on their blog to let them know they've been tagged.

Here goes: Six unimportant things that make me happy!

1. Holding hands across recliner armrests!
2. New Shoes!!!!
3. Actually being Queen of my very own castle!! ;-)
4. Hats!! (I love hats, and when I need a pick-me-up, I just slap a hat on and away I go!)
5. Pedicures... they are pure bliss!
6. Good morning texts (It really doesn't matter if we are in the same room, they still make me smile!!)

There you have it!!! Six unimportant things that make me happy... although if they make me happy, they are definitely important to me, even on the smallest scale!!

Now to the tagging...

Mom @ Nana's Words
Eileen @ Say What?!?!
Yvonne @ Aune's Adventures
Rita @ Macias Moments


TGIF everyone!!!! We are survivors!!! :-)

Hope everyone's weekend plans include some rest and relaxation, laughs and giggles, good company and everything unimportant that makes you happy!!

Queen B.

Completely Confused!

This is my first post from the good old state of Mississippi!!! The state I now call home! Who woulda thunk it!! But, yes, it is true. I now live in the deep south. It's humid and warm and green and plush and chalk full of history. It's long drives of rolling plains and tiny towns in between. It's water towers galore and picturesque courthouses. The after work traffic lasts about 15 minutes and after 7 p.m. the streets are quiet. Scattered thunderstorms are about every 1/4 mile and happen mostly in the summer. It truly is a different place. Yet, somehow I feel at home. I think the added element that my heart is here has something to do with it. Home is truly where your heart is!



Surprisingly, the one hiccup in this state of complete bliss is an inner struggle that has crept up on me. I've never quite been in this situation before and had no idea what to expect, this moving across country. In the deepest part of my heart of hearts, I am completely content and happy and joyful and know I'm exactly where I need to be. But my surface is an emotional wreck. Tears threaten at every turn, without notice and usually without legitimate cause. I hate it. And totally not used to it at all. I'll be the first to tell you how annoying I am. I annoy myself with these emotional outbursts. When will it stop?? Please say soon.



Everything seems topsy turvy here. I am wondering where that strong independent woman who could handle anything set before her has gone. At times I feel like a 5 year old about to throw a pity party or temper tantrum. And I used to be efficient. Now I'm all thumbs and left feet. I even open packages from the wrong end and forget things. Paul has taken to leaving me notes for reminders. I'm starting to wonder how I managed to make it through a day without him. I'm hoping one of these days I'll actually be able to finally at least feed myself and change my own diaper!! LOL. Seriously, that's how I feel!!

See, Completely Confused. why me?? Huh? Huh? huh?...

Maybe I'm trying too hard. I need to relax and just live life, I know. Now that's just preaching to the choir! I guess I'll try harder to not try too hard. HA. Catch 22!!

If you know me at all or have read my blog at all, you know I overthink EVERYTHING. And here I am doing it again. Deep breath. Whew.

Emotions mixed with Imagination is a lethal combination.

Selfish, Petty, Ungrateful. Yep, I'd use those words to describe my silliness too. But give me a chance. Isn't acknowledgment the first step to recovery?? LOL. Fingers Crossed!!

For now, my confused self is gonna pamper herself with a relaxing evening!

Hasta La Vista Baby!
The Queen

Communication Crisis

I've had communication on the brain these past few days. It amazes me how many avenues of connecting with someone that are available to us today.

The spoken word has taken on a whole new meaning in our advanced age of technology. Since the invention of the telephone, where for the first time people did not have to be face to face or in close proximity to hear each other's voice, communication has reached a level that exceeds what was ever thought possible. And every day we find more and more ways to further our connection with each other. We can use a telephone, computer, television, intercom system, voicemail, even electronic birthday cards to carry on a conversation or speak to a person who is not physically in our presence.

The written word has moved beyond the ink and paper. There was a time when a letter or book was viewed and respected as a treasure, handled carefully and proudly shared with anyone who would listen. We can now send 'letters' all over the world with the push of a button. We text, email, instant message and blog with ease.

Humanity has not been such a close knit group since the days following the great flood!

Still, my wonderings have taken me to the thought, If communication is so accessible then why do we still fail so miserably? It seems these days that there is an undeniable lack of communication amongst families, coworkers, friends, governments, communities and really, society in general. Has the English language become too difficult and complicated for us to put together a cohesive sentence? Have we lost the art of speech and conversation? Have we dumbed ourselves down with the 'shortcuts' of communication because we are in too much of a hurry? Has OMG and TTYL turned our brains to mush?

I don't think that is the issue.

We are strong intricate creations with enough brain power and emotion and heart and soul to easily "reach out and touch someone" in any way we so choose. So what is the real problem? Why do we miss the mark so badly and so often? In my humble opinion, the true reason is, we've stopped saying what we mean and meaning what we say. We have the tools to successfully execute and we have the words to speak, what we don't have is the sense of value in what we say. We've lowered ourselves to pretty speech and empty words of promise or compliments that hold no worth. We smile on the outside while we are crying on the inside. We laugh when what we really want to do is cringe. We grin and bear it. We conjure up big words to sound like we've got it all together, when in reality, we have no clue what we are doing.

It may work for a while, however, in time we realize just how far away from honestly knowing someone or being known for our true selves we really are.

I want to be a person that you would always know where you stand. That when I say I love you, you know I mean it. When I say I'm sorry, you would know it's from the heart. Good communication breeds a level of trust that most people only dream about... I plan on keeping that dream my every day reality!!


~ The Queen~

News Worthy!!

So I know it's been a while since I've blogged. I've been up to my eyeballs in wedding plans the past few months. I've also been busy blogging on our wedding website. I guess for while it will take the place of this blog, until I finally descend off of Cloud 9... ;-)

I just wanted to share some fun pictures with everyone. My work corkboard is like a breaking news bulletin with all kinds of Paul & I 'stuff'! I still wonder at the hand of God and how much creative power He has. Never in my wildest imagination (and believe me, I've got a very healthy imagination!!) did I ever conjure up a scenario as spectacular as these past few months. All I did was tell God that I would enjoy every step of the desert place and allow Him to prepare me for what He had in store for me. Once I took my hands off of my life, God stepped in and gave me my heart's desire... and then some!!



So now, I am happily engaged to a man beyond my dreams and ready to start a new life. Which means... I am moving away from California. Something I never, ever thought I'd do. And, I'm leaving it for... Mississippi! WHAT?? Now that is just strange. No mountains! No OCEAN! No Palm Trees! No DISNEYLAND!!! No Del Taco and IN-N-OUT! Oy Vey!! (and that's just scratching the surface.) But if I stayed in California.... that means, No Paul. And that's not even an option. So, I will be living (at least for the time being) in Mississippi, where my heart is.

(as you can see, he's been VERY good to me!!)

Here is a glimpse of the beach where we will be getting married... that's the Gulf of Mexico in the background. The sand is a beautiful pure white with enough seashells to keep any scavenger content all day long! We were there that day to check out the house we would be staying at and to take our engagement pictures.

So, tonight (in less than 12 hours) I head back to Mississippi for quick trip to interview for a company that actually paid for my plane ticket! Of course I really really want to make sure and land a job before I come home, but also, the best thing is seeing Paul again for a couple of days... which is the highlight of my trip!!

So stay tuned for more News Worthy stories in a couple of days!!

<3

The Queen 'B'

Life and the Living of it!

Well, as promised, here is a post about Life, my Life...

Boy has my life taken a right turn... So much has happened in such a short time and I couldn't be happier.... (well, I could be happier, but I know I just have to be patient, it's just around the corner!!)

Cryptic enough for you?

Alright, well since I've got to get back to living life (see previous posts to understand that!), I'll leave you with a link... read the story and you will understand ...

http://www.momentville.com/PaulandCatherine


LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL!!!

The Queen

Instead of Talking...

I love to talk.

at times.

When it's a subject that interests me.

Or when it's with a person that stimulates my thought processes.

And I got to thinking... a blog is a lot like talking. Granted it's a one sided conversation, but nevertheless, there's a subject being "discussed".

I like to discuss life and living and current events and values and favorites and lists and music and movies and books... you name it, I'll have something to say about it! But as much as I enjoy sharing my opinions and view points (and if you know me even a little bit, you will agree that I can exhaust a subject at any given time!), I realized that I've been doing something a lot lately in place of talking.

Instead of talking about life, I've been living it. Really, truly living life. All in, up to my eyeballs, grab the bull by the horns and hang on living. How scary! But talk about having the best time! Or, wait, not "talking about having the best time, HAVING the best time!

So, if you've wondered why I'm not around as much... there's your answer. The life I've discussed over and over on this blog is now being lived, and lived to the fullest.

(of course, I promise to come back from time to time just to update you on what a great time I'm having.... maybe.) :)

Q. Cat

100th Post, & Patience....

I tried to keep track of when my 100th post would come up and then life just carried me away and I forgot all about it! So even though this is 105, I want to just stop and commemorate reaching 100.

When I first started blogging, I had a very different viewpoint of how I would go about writing about my life. I have had a lot of fun sharing facts, fiction, opinions & feelings with whomever was willing to read it.

I generally love to give my viewpoint anyways, so a blog is right up my alley. But then I didn't keep up with like I should... that's my procrastination side of me. LOL. Regardless, here I am with, finally, 100+ posts in the bag.

I'll try to make sure there are plenty more where these came from!

So today for my post I wanted to talk about impatience.

I'm a very internalizing type of person. Not many people get a chance to really know how I'm feeling deep down inside. I seem to manage my emotions best when I keep them to myself. Some people have to talk things out. That is not me. I need to let them stew and sit inside as I look them over and try to figure them all out. Every once in a while they will boil over and spew all over the unlucky victim at the time, but for the most part, I'm a pretty even keeled person.

So back to impatience. I've noticed even more lately how impatient I've become. I can't tell you the conversations I've had with people who try my patience. Of course, they would never know because those conversations are all in my head! I am impatient for an event to happen, I'm impatient for time to pass, for the results to come in, for someone to spit out a sentence. For someone to figure out what they want to do. For the phone to ring. For food to finish cooking. For stoplights to turn green. I tell you. It's bad. It's something I know I need to work on, but I get too impatient to let the process take place. Yes, it's a vicious circle.

Internally, I groan and complain and let whatever is going on around me pass me by. I want to stop and smell the roses. To take time to enjoy or live in the moment. My pastor spoke about being in the desert place (like when the Israelites were wandering in the wilderness). That we shouldn't scorn that place in our lives. It's a place of preparation for things to come. A place of growing and learning. I used to think that being in a desert place in life (when nothing is happening or things aren't coming to fruition like they should) was a bad thing. That I did something wrong... but now, I realize that the only way to get to where I want to go, is through the desert. But, impatient me wants to run, not walk, even fly through that stage of life and get to the next place quickly. I'm starting to realize that this would only handicap me once I got there, and I would not be able to handle all that is in store for me. Lord help me achieve the virtue of patience.

I've been in the desert. I do want to get to the promised land. But I guess I should stop, relax and look at the scenery. There's nothing like a desert sunset. And the stars shine so much brighter in the desert! I know the dreams I have are just beyond the horizon, if I'm patient enough to survive the desert long enough to get there....


The Q.

An Amazing Day To Be Alive...

I am reminded again today, what an amazing time in history I live in.

As I've watched all morning the Inauguration events of the 44th president of the United States of America and witnessed the historical moments taking place, I feel alive.

I feel alive because of the concern I have for our country and our world. For the feeling of expectancy that has come over me for the future. For the dismay I feel as I listen to the wording of speeches and interviews, knowing none is said by accident or coincidence. For the joy that I have for a future brighter than ever before. For the peace I feel knowing that nevertheless, God is in control. For the patriotism I feel for the country I love despite our flaws.

I am alive because I can feel. No matter the range of emotions, it's exhilarating to live in such exciting times.

Agree or disagree with our new president, it's time to back the office, which is different then backing an individual. With respect to the different views of other bloggers who may read this, I have reasons to feel trepidation toward the man now holding the highest office in the world. But, I believe that this nation still finds favor with God and so I back the office and administration that leads our nation. I urge everyone to do the same.

Breathe.

All is well.

No reason for fear or doubt.

The world is in His hands.

I am in His hands.

...And He has allowed me to live.

What an Amazing Day to be Alive!

I'M ALIVE

(Celine Dion)

I get wings to fly
Oh I'm alive...

When you call on me
When I hear you breathe
I get wings to fly
I feel that I’m alive

When you look at me
I can touch the sky
I know that I’m alive

When you bless the day
I just drift away
All my worries die
I’m glad that I’m alive

You’ve set my heart on fire
Filled me with love
Made me a woman
On clouds above

I couldn’t get much higher
My spirit takes flight
Cause I am alive

When you call on me
When I hear you breathe
I feel that I’m alive
I am alive

When you reach for me
Raising spirits high
God knows that

That I’ll be the one
Standing by
Through good and
Through trying times

And it’s only begun
I can’t wait for the
Rest of my life

I know that I’m alive

I get wings to fly
God knows that I’m alive

God Bless America!

~The Queen~

My Favorite Way to Start the Year... Blogger Style!

So, it's been 12 very short months and here I am again to write down my current favorite things.... you can go back to the one I did in December 2007 (for 2008) to see the similarities and differences that a year makes.... here goes:

My Favorite Book: I don't have just one favorite this year!

My Favorite DVD: P.S. I Love You and Dan in Real Life
My Favorite CD: Gavin DeGraw
My Favorite "Toy": My new laptop (yay me!)
My Favorite Color: Green
My Favorite Skirt: Black short skirt with ruffled bottom
My Favorite Shoes: Black Marc Fisher Heels
My Favorite Lunch: a Lean Cuisine
My Favorite Website to browse: Facebook!
My Favorite Song: Gavin DeGraw - "I Have You To Thank"
My Favorite Church Song: "Beautiful" / "God With Us"
My Favorite Comfort Quirk: Scratching my ears with a bobbypin (seriously it's so relaxing)(same as 2007/2008)
My Favorite P.J.'s: My .04 Seconds Derek Fisher T-Shirt

My Favorite Blanket: Leopard Fuzzy Blanket
My Favorite Cable Channel: Food Network/HGTV/Style Network
My Favorite Cable Show (non-food network): Jon & Kate Plus 8 / Top Chef / Who's Wedding is it Anyways / What Not To Wear

My Favorite Food Network Show: Iron Chef (same as 2007/2008)
My Favorite TV Sitcom: The Office!
My Favorite Athlete: Kobe Bryant / Derek Fisher
My Favorite Current Singer: Michael Buble (same as 2007/2008)
My Favorite American Idol Contestant: Elliott Yamin & David Cook

My Favorite Candy Bar: Big Chunk
My Favorite Restaurant: Steakhouse 55 / Lucca's
My Favorite Food: Lobster Bisque / Caesar Salad
My Favorite Drink: Tied between Iced Tea / Diet Coke (same as 2007/2008) & Cherry Coke!
My Favorite Starbucks Drink: Grande Hazelnut Hot Chocolate
My Favorite Eye Candy: Michael Buble & Wenworth Miller

My Favorite Clothing: My camis, jean jackets, belted tops

My Favorite Screen Legend (Male): James Stewart (same as 2007/2008)
My Favorite Screen Legend (Female): Doris Day (same as 2007/2008)
My Favorite Current Actor: Steve Carrell
My Favorite Current Actress: Reese Witherspoon
My Favorite Time of Day: Early Evening
My Favorite Show to Watch at Bedtime: Friends
My Favorite Daydream: Moving, Working for RTD Productions full time, One or two other dreams... lol
My Favorite Romantic Daydream: Hmmm... having Michael Buble and Wentworth Miller fight for my affections! LOL
My Favorite Online Service: Paying my bills and reconnecting with old friends!
My Favorite Fun Website: FACEBOOK, Blogger, Myspace, NBA.com
My Favorite Blog: The Daily Bee, and my own!
My Favorite Accessory: HATS!, Belts, Headbands & Sunglasses
My Favorite Blast from the Past: Where to start?! Kamye, Rebekah, Paul, Yvonne, Rita, John, Phillip, Michael, Jennifer, etc....
My Favorite Friend: Brenda Nicklas (same as 2008)
My Favorite Indulgence: European Pedicures and Spa Facials
My Favorite Scent: Pineapple Cilantro (same as 2008)
My Favorite Body Scent: Victoria Secret's "Pure Seduction"
My Favorite Scripture: II Corinthians 4:7-9 (same as 2008)
My Favorite Store: Macy's / Nordstrom

New for 2009

My Favorite Activity: Being with my family and friends.. doesn't matter what we do!

My Favorite Place to Spend a Saturday Afternoon: Either on a picnic or at the mall

My Favorite OC Place: Orange Circle

My Favorite Facebook Friend: Has to be John Aoki! He is so entertaining! ha ha ha

My Favorite Long Distance Friend: Hmm, I'd say Yvonne Aune. Although San Diego isn't too far!

Once again, there you have it! Some things are the same, others have really changed drastically....

So we shall see in 12 months what changes are made...

The Queen

Happy 80th Birthday Gramps ..
Our Favorite Christmas Angel...

...I miss you more than words can say...

Wintery Days in Southern California, Christmas Photoshoots and Christmas Decor...

I had nothing Christmasy on here I thought I would just post some pictures taken recently during this holiday season...

So yes, it really does snow in Southern California... granted it's way up in the San Bernardino Mountains (Home to Lake Arrowhead, Arrow Bear and Big Bear City, Big Bear Lake and Bladwin Lake (where our mountain house is located.)) ... but the spectacular scenery alone makes the drive to work on a clear crisp morning so very enjoyable! Here's some pictures taken a couple of days ago ...

Rainy Days

Very SoCal! Palm Trees and Snowy Mountains...

In the left hand mid corner there is a church steeple.. that's the famous Crystal Catherdral where they have Glory of Christmas playing nightly....

~~~~

So! I finally decorated my office today... I've been under the weather and haven't felt like doing much, but finally felt festive enough to get things decorated... now I feel so much more cheery sitting here at my desk for 8 hours a day!! I've been with this company for over 4 years and have spent 5 christmases with them... and these are the SAME decorations from every year! Next year I vow to get new decorations!! (I just keep arranging them differently so it feels new and fresh. Ha!)

I wish my computer screen was magic and I could jump in and be there by the fire with all that beautiful decor and ambience!

My pitiful little tree... ha ha ha

A little vintage twist of my office...

He's so cute and round... (o:

~~~~

As is becoming our custom, the siblings went off to an exotic, amazing gorgeous location to take their annual Christmas photo for the folks.... okay, so it was a local regional park.... still, it was pretty amazing. I think we all managed to get behind the camera at least once, with many of us in FRONT of the camera more often than not... (okay, so we are somewhat of the "ham" variety when it comes to picture time!) Well, the scenery really shines through and we all really liked the pictures. And, believe it or not, we did not coordinate our outfits! We just naturally all picked something similar... I guess that's how strong our bond is as a family... ha ha ha.

My Sister-in-law Sonia and I... vamping it up (accidentally of course!)

My best friend and cousin, Eileen & I

Peter and I on a bridge... apparently holding on for dear life for some reason... ha ha ha

The Clan - Sonia, Peter, Catherine, Deborah & David....

What a wonderful morning that was.. the memories alone were worth more than the picture (which is apparently worth 1,000 words....) ... (o:

Until next time, I hope everyone is wrapping up their Christmas shopping and getting ready to enjoy the best reason for the season - LOVE.

tootles!

The Queen..

Thanksgiving at its Best....

Oh Happy Turkey Day .. Oh Happy Turkey Day!!!

So much to write about and the day is only half over... but I wanted to say Happy Thanksgiving and reflect on this year a little...

One thing that really sticks out in my mind are the friends I've made this past year... Now that I look back, I've met some amazing people this year. And none in the conventional way! There are people that I've met along the way this year that have found a way into my heart like my blogger buddies... friends of friends that I've met on facebook or myspace or blogger... people whom I've worked with and stayed in touch for once.. ha ha ha. Friends from the past who have either found me or I found them again after more than 10 years of separation. Even long distance cousins whom I've built a new friendship with... there are even people I would consider my friend that I've never even met in person...

Friends are the people you can run to when your family is driving you crazy! Friends are the people who make you laugh and hug it out when you feel like crying. Or the people who compliment and cheer you on with sincere enthusiasm. Or the people who can drop you a word of encouragement without needing to know the whole story....

I love these people. If you are reading this, you are probably one of them.

So today, as I thank God for my family and my life and all His bountiful blessings, I say a very extra special Thank You for Friendship... I've never valued it quite like I do today and I sincerely appreciate all those who call me friend.

Also, to all my tried and true old friends... having all these new friends has taken me back to the beginning of our friendships and if I've never said thank you before, I want you to know that I know what it takes to put up with me and I don't think there are words to adequately show you my love and appreciation for sticking by me at all times. So simply today, Thanksgiving... Thank You.

I love you all and wish you bountiful baskets of blessings this season...

The Queen.

Can I Tell You A Secret?

So, I try to keep as far away from teenage drama and angst and growing pains and all that for the sake of not dredging up all the embarrassing memories that come with it. However, last night, I was once again reminded as to why I'm so happy to have left those years far behind. Granted, there are days and moments that I realize some things just never change... but this is one story that can stay in the teenage years.

Okay so, let's start at the very beginning...
Only the names have been changed to protect
the daft corny person who this story is about!
LOL.

Last night I was sitting in our bonus room watching the Thanksgiving Iron Chef showdown and kind of dozing in and out of sleep. (it was well after midnight at this point...) I felt so cozy and comfy in my fuzzy robe with visions of a Thanksgiving feast before my eyes.

Someone, male, 17 years old... let's call him Bill, was in the family room talking on the phone and playing music on his laptop.

For a long time.

It was obvious he was talking to a girl, and every now and again I could hear snippets of his conversation at which point I'd shush him and tell him he was too loud. (Hello, Iron Chef's are battling here... way more important than a teenager's phone conversation!)

I really started to sink into dreamland when I was awakened by movement. I think Bill had gotten up and was either in the kitchen or bathroom or something, but my eyes were closed so I couldn't be sure. Then I heard it...
"Can I tell you a secret?" WHAT?! ha ha ha... I was a bit more awake when he said it again..."Can I tell you a secret?" Great. Now I was easedropping unintentionally (the worse kind of easedropping!). But what was I to do. I groggily tried to register what Bill was saying to this mystery girl.

I don't think she could hear him to well either because he had to repeat himself again.

"Can I tell you a secret?" *long pause* "I like you." *embarrassed chuckle*

Awwwww. Bill usually plays the suave 17 going on 37 type of guy. To hear him be so vulnerable and embarrassed was... disconcerting and weird. An uncomfortable squirm went through me. I shouldn't be hearing this. Yet, it was a car wreck... now I had to know who he was talking to.

I contemplated getting up to go to bed, but the couch was so comfy and plus it was such an akward moment for Bill, that I felt glued in place. I must have dozed a bit more. Then Bill's music came on again and I was once again easedropping on this uncomfortable teenage conversation.

Bill: "So, I know this girl... her name starts with a P. She is very nice, has beautiful eyes, is kind of masculine, but not too much (okay at this point I think that's what I heard (the masculine part) but, please God I hope I just didn't hear right!), she is amazing, unlike any girl I've ever known... Do you know anyone like that? Do you know who this chick is that I'm talking about? Yeah her name is Prudy. You know her?"

(uh, it was obvious he was talking to Prudy about Prudy...)

More chuckles and low laughs. More "what"s and "huh?"s. (Seriously, I think they need to invest in a hearing aid or two. Or, maybe they thought what the other person was saying was too good to be true and they wanted to hear it again just to make sure. Bill sure was repeating himself a lot I noticed.)

Then silence. (man that girl sure can talk a lot.) Then Bill says, "Oh she's more than interesting, she's, she's, she's, ..... well, she's like a diamond. Beautiful and sparkling in every way." (this was said very smugly, like... "yeah, she's hooked now....)

(It reminded ME of Mary Poppins.

"Simply Perfect in Every Way." CORNY.)

Okay. That did it. It was too painful to listen to any more of this corny business. I was wide awake now and my pillows were calling for me. I got up, turned everything off and walked past Bill to go down the hall. He waved and said goodnight to me and looked a little startled. (I bet he forgot I was there.) I reminded him of how late it was and he shooed me away with a flick of his wrist. As I exited the room a looked back and said... "Say hello to Prudy for me."

And I marched off to bed shaking my head ... teenagers. LOL.



So now I'm contemplating...
What I really want to do so badly is when I get home from work, walk right up to Bill and with a very serious face ask him...

"Can I Tell You A Secret?"




hmmm. I just might have to do that.
Too good of an opportunity to miss...
The Queen.

The Speculation of a Chicken

So, now that the elections are over and the horror and dismay or elation and excitement have subsided... it's time to get down to the nitty gritty issues of our country. There is a burning question that has plagued politicians, celebrities, therapists, doctors, chefs, newscasters and the common man.

Who has the right answer?

Who can bring a solution to that age old question:

Why Did The Chicken Cross The Road???

And the Answers are In:

SARAH PALIN: Before it got to the other side, I shot the chicken, cleaned and dressed it, and had chicken burgers for lunch.

BARACK OBAMA: The chicken crossed the road because it was time for a change! The chicken wanted change! And that is what you will have in your pocket after I'm done....a little change.

JOHN MC CAIN: My friends, that chicken crossed the road because he recognized the need to engage in cooperation and dialogue with all the chickens on the other side of the road.

HILLARY CLINTON: When I was First Lady, I personally helped that little chicken to cross the road. This experience makes me uniquely qualified to ensure right from Day One that every chicken in this country gets the chance it deserves to cross the road. But then, this really isn't about me.

GEORGE W. BUSH: We don't really care why the chicken crossed the road. We just want to know if the chicken is on our side of the road, or not. The chicken is either against us, or for us. There is no middle ground here.

DICK CHENEY: Where's my gun?

COLIN POWELL: Now to the left of the screen, you can clearly see the satellite image of the chicken crossing the road.

BILL CLINTON: I did not cross the road with that chicken. What is your definition of chicken?

AL GORE: I invented the chicken..

JOHN KERRY: Although I voted to let the chicken cross the road, I am now against it! It was the wrong road to cross, and I was misled about the chicken's intentions. I am not for it now and will remain against it.

AL SHARPTON: Why are all the chickens white? We need some black chickens.

DR. PHIL: The problem we have here is that this chicken doesn't realize that he must first deal with the problem on this side of the road before it goes after the problem on the other side of the road. What we need to do is help him realize how stupid he's acting by not taking on his current problems before adding new problems.

OPRAH: Well, I understand that the chicken is having problems, which is why he wants to cross this road so bad. So instead of having the chicken learn from his mistakes and take falls, which is a part of life, I'm going to give this chicken a car so that he can just drive across the road and not live his life like the rest of the chickens.

ANDERSON COOPER, CNN: We have reason to believe there is a chicken, but we have not yet been allowed access to the other side of the road.

NANCY GRACE: That chicken crossed the road because he's guilty! You can see it in his eyes and the way he walks.

PAT BUCHANAN: To steal the job of a decent, hardworking American.

MARTHA STEWART: No one called me to warn me which way that chicken was going. I had a standing order at the Farmer's Market to sell my eggs when the price dropped to a certain level. No little bird gave me any insider information.

DR SEUSS: Did the chicken cross the road? Did he cross it with a toad? Yes, the chicken crossed the road, but why it crossed I've not been told.

ERNEST HEMINGWAY: To die in the rain, alone.

GRANDPA: In my day we didn't ask why the chicken crossed the road. Somebody told us the chicken crossed the road, and that was good enough.

BARBARA WALTERS: Isn't that interesting? In a few moments, we will be listening to the chicken tell, for the first time, the heart-warming story of how it experienced a serious case of molting, and went on to accomplish its lifelong dream of crossing the road.

ARISTOTLE: It is the nature of chickens to cross the road.

JOHN LENNON: Imagine all the chickens in the world crossing roads together, in peace.

BILL GATES: I have just released eChicken 2008, which will not only cross roads, but will lay eggs, file your important documents, and balance your checkbook. Internet Explorer is an integral part of eChicken 2008. This new platform is much more stable and will never crash or need to be rebooted..

ALBERT EINSTEIN: Did the chicken really cross the road, or did the road move beneath the chicken?

COLONEL SANDERS: Did I miss one?

WHO'S RIGHT? WHO'S WRONG? NO ONE KNOWS......


Chicken Soup for Your Funny Bone...
The Queen!