January 2008!

Oops!! I almost didn't make my goal to blog at least once a month. Happy New Year, Everybody! I hope all is well. The holidays went well. I decided not to make any resolutions this year. I did begin even last year to make better decisions: eat the vegetables instead of fried potatoes, to drink water instead of the soda, to focus more on what's good FOR me than what's good TO me... The one thing I have got to work on is exercising! I've tried everything-scheduling it in my outlook like it was an appointment, leaving extra tennis shoes at work, pulling out photos when I wore a size 10... None of this moves me; I just haven't been motivated... Does anybody have any new suggestions!

I've been full speed ahead on planning my 20th Year Class Reunion. I've talked to classmates that I haven't seen since we graduated. I'm sooooo excited and hope everyone will make a point to attend.

In the conversations, I think what has been most interesting is that in some cases, our classmates didn't see us the same way we saw ourselves. One in particular thought she was shy. She still thinks she's shy. None of our classmates, NOT ONE!, saw her as being shy when we were in school. Is that tripped out or what? It just goes to show us that the way we see ourselves is not necessarily the way other receive us. Did that make sense?

I won't hold you long. I do think I forgot to mention that our t-shirts for the reunion are alumni shirts. PLEASE, if you attended or graduated from Lakeside High in Lake Village, PLEASE purchase at least one t-shirt. We have a cool 2-sided design and they are only $15!. Please share this information with family and friends.

I've been so occupied with the reunion that I forgot to mention that my nephew & his mom moved out of state. It's only been a week, but it seems like a lifetime. My heart is empty as his mom was like the daughter I'll never have & he like the "grandson" I'll never have. Did I say grandson? I really miss his running up & down the hall; his laughter when nothing was funny; his knocking on my door in the morning to let me know he was off to daycare; I could go on & on, but I won't. I am so proud of his mom. She's had a lot of challenges, but I pray the 1 1/2 yr of intense spiritual foundation she received from my church & my life-as well as the lessons on warfare & self-encouragement and the lessons on the power of the Word-have prepared her for the battles ahead. She's a fighter... she and her son. They can do it. I can remember her saying "I'm so tired & wish I could go to bed, but I know I have things to do"-and she actually did them. This was a sign of maturity to me. She's come a long way! One way you know when a woman or man becomes a woman or man is they see things that need to be done & don't run to tell you about it-They just do it!

I ask the righteous to pray for her increase in faith, greater strength in the Lord and a more intense focus on the Lord.

Hope to talk to you guys soon!

December 2007 - Announcement

NO, I AM NOT PREGNANT!! I bet you saw announcement & thought, I bet she's pregnant! The announcement is about my class reunion. All the particulars are listed below:

Who? Lakeside Class of 1988
What? 20th Year Class Reunion
When? May 23-24, 2007 (Friday & Saturday before Memorial Day)
Where? Lake Village, Arkansas - Chicot County
Why? to reminisce about old times; see how much we've all changed; network, for an alumni association
How? just pay $60 prior to April 1; $75 after April 1, 2008 via check or money order
Make checks payable to: Lakeside Class of 1988


CLASS OF 1988 20TH YEAR CLASS REUNION ACTIVITIES - TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

FRIDAY - MAY 23, 2008
Welcome Reception/Registration Ramada Inn and Motel 7:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
(Cost for this event is included in the registration; classmates are strongly encouraged to bring their children and faculty are welcome.)

Class Fellowship Time TBA 9:00 p.m. – until
(Cost for these activities are NOT included in the registration. Bowling, skating, casino, etc… are available in the area; if class decides on dance instead, cost for the dance will be included in the registration.)


SATURDAY - MAY 24, 2008
Class Breakfast (on your own) McDonald’s 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Class Social Ramada Inn Motel 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.(Spouses, children, faculty, and classmates are encouraged to attend. Games, including volleyball, cards, dominoes, and other activities are planned. Please wear your Class Alumni T-Shirt today.

Class Banquet Lakeside High School Commons Area 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
(Cost for this event is included in the registration for classmates. If a spouse desire to attend, cost is $20; cost for kids under age 12 is $10; but seating is limited. This event will be catered; no jeans please. Arrive early; be prepared to take class portrait before the banquet. V Pesaresi can provide an 8x10 glossy for $15. During this program we would like to have a memorial moment portion, but need help getting photos of deceased classmates & faculty. Please share any portraits you have; originals will be returned.)

For updates on information, log on to the following websites:
www.classmates.com
www.classreport.org (still under construction)

What we need you to do:
Call at least 3 classmates & encourage them to attend.
Get your registration & the questionnaire in ASAP; help us find classmates that are “missing in action.”
Assist with the fundraiser by ordering at least one ALUMNI t-shirt.
Make a donation for the Scholarship Award that will be presented in May.
19.88 (MINIMUM DONATION, PLEASE )
198.88
1,988.88
Other: ___________

December 2007

We come from a time of being thankful (November), and we are entering a period of being a blessing (December). Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year, but I try to act like it's Christmas all year long. People around me are blessed all year, whether it's a birthday, a promotion, an anniversary, or whatever. God has been so good to me. I've been blessed & favored in so many ways.

I admonish everyone reading this to remember the reason for the season-JESUS. To remain grateful in all things-our possessions, our health, our family, our LIFE! Things could be so much worse. Recently I had to park a good distance from my job. The devil was trying to get me to complain, but I quickly remembered that I was blessed because I could walk; I was blessed because I have a job to go to; I was blessed that I have a car to have to park...

Let us do this (remain thankful and grateful), not just during this season of giving and being a blessing, but throughout the year. Since this is a season of giving, I thought I would help give you gift ideas for a woman for Christmas by providing you with my Christmas list:

Memory Book White Summer Suit (might be on clearance)
Punch Bowl/Cake Bowl all in one Nice White Shirts to usher in at church
Gold Bangles - 3/16 inch Body Spray - raspberry, apple, and pear
Haiku cologne matching crock pots - medium size
car seat covers - tan or black 10kt or 14kt gold hoop earrings
money is always good jogging pants - white, orange, blue or black (XL)
big flower pots throw - brown or black chenille to match bed
gift certificate - Wal-Mart, Puff's, Cato's, It's Fashion, Fashion City

Have a very Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!

November 2007

I'm so proud. I've been able to accomplish my goal so far to post at least once a month. This month was a month of Thanksgiving. I have been so blessed.

My husband & I went to Branson, Missouri for the first time this month. Branson was what I had expected and exactly the way people had described it. I was told there were not going to be any or very few members of minority there, i.e. Indians, Mexicans, African-Americans,e tc... We saw 8 I think total and 2 worked at the hotel where we stayed. This did not make me uncomfortable.

We didn't do a whole lot. We had to attend a "timeshare" presentation. It wasn't timeshare, but very similar. The apartments were nice; much nicer than our hotel room. I expected a luxurious hotel setting. It was sorry! If it hadn't been so cheap, I would have requested to leave. The condominiums were really nice-just like a house. One day-maybe, we'll be able to travel like we want, when we want. The food was very reasonable; we had coupons and many restaurants were running 2 for 1 deals; we ate day & night-I mean as soon as we finished breakfast, we were discussing what we were going to have for lunch. We also did a little shopping and just rested. We didn't make it to one single show.

I had a couple of interviews. They were interesting to say the least; both for promotion possibilities. One was just not me. BORING!! Just reading and interpreting laws all day. Not something I think I'd want to do, plus I just didn't feel like I was qualified to do pieces of it. The interview was very inpersonable. It was all on computer or in writing. I thought-whoa! is this PHASE I and used only to weed out those who are really not interested or is this how they do business? I'd had an interview like this before, but there was still initial personal contact. Mind you I got that job. :) I think this is better in regards to recording your skills for the skill assessment piece, but to really get to know a candidate and get a feel if they can work in the office setting with the type of people, really takes extra effort and direct personal contact.

Our administrative assistant left this month. I'm really going to miss her. She was in the process of looking for a good church home. I hope she continues her endeavor until she finds one. There's too much going on in life today to not have one. We'll be interviewing in a couple of weeks. I like situational interview questions. The old: can you type, greatest strength stuff doesn't cut it with me. I like to go deeper and see how the person thinks & why they think that way... what would they do in specific situations... what type of boss do they work well with... MOST IMPORTANTLY, why should I hire you out of all the 10-20 applicants I'll talk to!

November was a month to be thankful & grateful. Let December be the month of blessings! Whether you're giving or receiving. Remember when an opportunity comes along for you to be a blessing-CEASE IT!! Sometimes things are placed in your hands to get them to someone. Don't be so selfish and think I don't need or want that . Think of it this way, "Who can I bless with this opportunity?" Be Grateful & Be Blessed!

Why Did I Get Married?

This was a phenomenal movie!! Tyler was right. This was his best yet! I say yet because I expect much more from him. This movie made me laugh and laugh & cry and laugh... It made me think about marriage and why people get married, but more importantly why people stay married-in spite of...

I ask you to:
Go see this movie-buy your ticket early in the day or it will probably be sold out.
DO NOT buy bootleg copies. If I paid $9 to see it-EVERYONE should go see it. It was worth it!
DO NOT give up if the first 5 shows are sold out! You must see this movie.
Let it be a lesson to men-treat your wives with respect and appreciate them.
Let it be a lesson to women-be very very careful who you marry and why.
Let it be another lesson to women-once you are married-don't be quick to give up. Fight til the end and still fight. but when you walk away, make sure you've done all you can do to make it work. Don't leave anything undone so you'll have to "wish I would have" "wish I could have".

Be Blessed!

Hope Restoration Specialist

Gee, it's been awhile since we talked. I think my goal was once a month. If that's true, I am accomplishing that goal. A lot happened last month. Things I remember most are:
Juvenile Justice Conference
a trip to Washington, DC for a Neglected and Delinquent National Meeting
two funerals: one in Kansas City, Missouri and one in Houston, Texas
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You'll notice my new title "Hope Restoration Specialist" - HRS. This was given to me by Dr. Brenda Caldwell-a speaker at the Juvenile Justice Conference. I was so validated and assured that what I do is what I should be doing. She showed a young man his future-graduation, people cheering for him & proud of him-which was quite different from his past. I cried. His name D. Williams. I hope to be able to attend his graduation and be a huge blessing to him; he doesn't know me-I was just one of the hundreds of people in the audience, but I have a responsibility to every CHILD I come in contact with to do what I can-no matter how great or small.

I was e-mailing my cousin in Atlanta. I'm so proud of her. I was just thinking how many people have been in my house. How much my husband and I have sacrificed and given of ourselves. My best friend calls our house M Motel. :) I don't mind that. I''m proud. My house is a vessel for family and friends to accomplish the work God has called them to. I've had two sister-in-laws, 2 of my cousins, 2 of my husband's cousins and their families, and a niece and her 1 yr old nephew to come and LIVE with us. The shortest stay was for 6 weeks. My niece & nephew have been living with us over a year. But I can say they are all success stories. They are taking care of themselves and being a blessing to others. My cousin in Atlanta is able to take care of her mom who recently had a stroke... I feel our sacrifices are paying off.

I think as Christians, you have a responsibility not only to children, but to every PERSON we come in contact with to do WHAT we can-no matter how great or small.
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My trip to Washington was interesting. I saw a classmate while there. Our 20th class reunion is fast approaching. We deeply discussed the difference between being arrogant and being confident. His defense was weak, but interesting. I explained that I felt the major difference was not seeking relationships for selfish reasons only. Arrogance = thinking what can the person do for me; how would the relationship or conversation benefit me?
Confidence = thinking I can benefit from all relationships & conversations; we can both learn something; He mentioned a friend he would be meeting, bragging of the friends accomplishments, networking capabilities, etc... again BASICALLY what the relationship with the guy could do for him. His defense was why would I hang with someone who's not doing anything or accomplishing anything. Yeah, yeah, yeah, if you want to be an eagle, soar with them... True, but don't devalue your role in the life of the chicken. What do you think?
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The funerals I attended were both good experiences and further confirmed my title as a Hope Restoration Specialist (HRS); The first in Kansas City was awesome. The whole weekend and experience was awesome. We began Friday night with awesome praise & worship. It was like a person concert by a family member. We cried and praised. I was full-no overflowing. Trish's voice was so calming. She was truly anointed. The funeral was truly a celebration of Mae's life. A recording artist gave songs of praise and worship. There was a slide show of photos. It was wonderful. Mae gave a "sermon" at a family reunion in New Orleans a few years back. It was a "light bulb" moment for me and many gathered that night. She talked about Choices Decisions & Consequences (CDC). I knew everything she was saying, but it didn't really come together until I heard her say it. Sometimes we need to fast forward & look at the consequences and decide if that's the outcome we desire or decide if we can handle them.

The other funeral was in Houston. They talked about how she installed values in her children that emphasized family and being responsible. I remember giving her a ride during a family reunion held locally. This ride was only about 15 minutes, but I could tell she was full of wisdom. In all our conversations, I never heard her speak negatively about anyone or gossip about anyone. That's definitely a unique characteristic. She was soft spoken, but when she did speak, you probably should listen. Reminds me of my mother...

Well, I'd better go. Talk to you later.

Family

This is the day the Lord hath made. I will rejoice & be glad in it. Praise the Lord! I had a good weekend. It's going to be a busy week. I'll have to get my mom's car fixed, exchange vehicles, pick up my nephew, prepare to attend a conference tomorrow, cook, & unpack from the weekend, start packing to travel to Kansas City on Thursday for a funeral. The weekend was just as packed. They say such a busy life extends your life. Keeps you busy, your mind & body active.



Things I learned over the weekend: Further evidence that it is truly a small world. I attended a family reunion on my husband's grandmother's side this weekend-this was my 4th this year. Everyone that knows me knows that I believe in attending family reunions-whether for me or my "extended" family. My husband great aunt Rebecca told me that she is not an in-law & neither am I. I've been blessed with wonderful "in-laws". My sister-in-laws are just like my sisters. Bear with me, remember I'm new at this blogging thing. Getting back to what I was talking about, his cousin, Cheryl who lives in Warren is my college classmate. His other cousin is his cousin's classmate. One cousin who he just met used to work with him a year ago-their great grandmothers were sisters. My friend, Carolyn, who was at a water park this weekend, met my cousins...



Get the point? The bottom line is that we're "related", connected, or whatever you want to call it in some shape, form, or fashion. Another thing I learned is that family does not necessarily have to be a "blood relative". I had to proof a college paper this morning & this was the subject. The paper explained that family can be a friend or even a church member. It further explained that you can not choose your "blood" relatives, but you can choose who you decide will be your "extended family". I am so blessed to have such a wonderful group of people-blood relatives, friends, co-workers, and church members-that I can call family.