Random acts of kindness

Last night the call came in; help the ATV won't start and we are down in the beach and darkness is coming! The beach in question was an inaccessible road to traffic other than on foot or ATV's. Of course someone decided to try to drive down and rescue our kids; going down was not the issue; coming up was! I made a phone call after taking the ATV up and out for help! Now our car was stranded! My friend called her friends who came with a 4 wheel drive vehicle to pull us out. That was not happening since once they came down they could not get back up either! So without blinking an eye they got out of their vehicle and started building a road from rocks that they began to scrounge around and find! It took hours to do this and they never gave up until they made this highly dangerous road somewhat driveable for a 4x4! Once they were up they then continued until they could drive our car out! Just watching their cheerful disposition as they worked diligently to get us up and out safely was so inspiring! People just don't do that anymore! Or so I thought; before this saga began another complete stranger came from out of the dark with a portable charger for the ATV to see if he could help! It was just amazing to be surrounded by people who wanted to help just because that is what you do. While we were trying to call for help and then wait for them, to show the way, another person just up and comes out to see if we needed help! They operate the Coco Loco restaurant on the road to our disaster! They opened their business and turned on the lights so our rescue team could find us in the darkness of the desert! They also refused payment for our beverages and were just grateful we made it out! So we shall continue the cycle and pay it forward by referring everyone we know to their businesses and remember them in our prayers for years to come! What could have been potentially a very expensive loss turned into an adventure in which we met some incredible people and were reminded that kindness still exsists in our world!
Live with Love and Laugh Often

Signs the hard way

Well I am up and cannot sleep. We had some unexpected company at 2:30am. My husbands nephews came by to visit and to tease. While they had great fun doing so it now has me up and unable to sleep. I went to the emergency room today because I was having a reaction to a medicine I am taking and walked out with pneumonia. I knew I was not feeling well for awhile but that was a surprise. I have been wondering for several weeks why I am having so many things go wrong with me when all I want to do is return to my little slice of heaven in Mexico. Now I know it was the medicine I am allergic to. I would never have put my symptoms together if I had not been stayed by my foot and seen a doctor who picked up on it! So now I am already feeling better on the one hand because I am stopping this medicine I have been on for years yet I have pneumonia on the other. So on this trip to Texas I have found I am allergic to two medicines I take; I am content to go without replacement ones for now just to get back to my little casita. Obviously I am staying put though until the rest of me heals. If I paid more attention to the signs in my life I probably would have been spared the foot injury that came my way to slow me down. I would have been winging it back to Mexico and in trouble; if not for being hobbled; thus seeing several doctors and one noticing the medication issues that I was blind to because I had been on them for awhile and it just felt normal to feel this bad! There is something to be said for paying attention to oneself first and others later You; will live longer! I would go on more however my cat wants my lap now. Live with Love and Laugh Often

Baja Days and then the Days: Government Waste

Baja Days and then the Days: Government Waste: As a Veteran I have been struggling with what happened to me here in Texas. I just spent three plus months at the Connecticut VA having all...

Government Waste

As a Veteran I have been struggling with what happened to me here in Texas. I just spent three plus months at the Connecticut VA having all sorts of tests done on me at I am sure some expense. While I appreciate it and needed all of them I feel that they should suffice for any other VA.
I found myself in Texas due to family illness; shortly after; I needed to see someone; THE ONLY WAY BACK IN THE DALLAS VA WAS for me to start getting the exact SAME tests over!!!! I tried to explain it is all there in the system; So until I see the primary care Doctor in November I go through the EMERGENCY room for care and really waste time and money. I will however be run through the mill again at such an expense. I am not due for any follow up until January 2012; ALL I needed was a prescription refill! I have given blood twice and all must be well because no one has called to give me any results since the end of September.
Now I am not sure why but if the Dallas VA cannot COMMUNICATE with the Connecticut VA the computer system is the first thing that needs to be fixed AGAIN!!! I know it is possible so do it and save money, money money money! So the first thing we should do is connect the dots and STOP wasting money! I am sure there are people skilled enough to do this already working for us. Here is the odd part I guess; Government employees work for us,we pay their salaries, so when I find such mismanagement with people skills I just want to scream! FIRE SOMEONE! This is my company! Oh and there is always the phone as a back up or have records faxed; hmm to complicated I guess!
Live with Love laugh Often

Baja Days and then the Days: Electoral College- Relevant?

Baja Days and then the Days: Electoral College- Relevant?: I just had this amazing conversation with my brother about the electoral college and it's relevance today. He asked me a question I hadn't t...

Electoral College- Relevant?

I just had this amazing conversation with my brother about the electoral college and it's relevance today. He asked me a question I hadn't thought about since US government in college; how it started. I knew that answer but I had no answer for is it still relevant. We both agree that the President should be voted in BY THE PEOPLE and today that is possible since we now can vote with absentee ballots from ANYPLACE in the world! If you live in the frozen tundra areas you just need to pay attention and cast that vote in a timely manner if you want your candidate to win.
They have served their purpose and we need to make changes so the vote becomes that of the People and by the People again. In case you missed it Congress voted themselves a raise however those of us receiving VA checks did not get our COLA this year. That brought up another issue as to a straight Federal tax. They did not need to raise our personal taxes because they just raised or put a federal tax on other things. He asked me if I ever really looked at the receipt from my hotel bill. I said no I just pay it and he said well the next time check the little tax on there it pays for their utility bills and there is a little for the government. He also asked me about harvesting crops and what did I know about how that works; another issue I was amazed to learn just how it works within the government. I will also be looking into the Fish and wildlife departments; did you know there is one to study fresh water trout and one for salt water trout? We don't need more federal jobs we need the ones that are already there to work efficiently and fire people if they don't. A federal job should not be for life. Do a great job or give an unemployed person the chance to show you up. We are paying them after all and EVERYONE seems to forget that. So we will not settle for complacency anymore. WE are their bosses and we need to get that back in perspective! LIVE WITH LOVE AND LAUGH OFTEN

Baja Days and then the Days: Listen to the Winds of Change

Baja Days and then the Days: Listen to the Winds of Change: "I must start off by thanking all those who know me better than I know myself; or are at least smart enough to know when I am off my axis. A..."

Listen to the Winds of Change

I must start off by thanking all those who know me better than I know myself; or are at least smart enough to know when I am off my axis. 

A very wise woman last night told me to listen to my inner self; take a breath; look at things item by item; and I will be able to handle it all once again!  Then oddly enough I spoke with a very wise man who at the end of our conversation said;    you know over the years the one little saying that has always stuck with me is "we are our own worst enemy".  Well this morning I was contemplating the entire past week; and realized that they were both lucky to have such a great shaman in their lives; and I would benefit from a visit; you know to get centered again; sayings on a coffee cup only go so far; when, it dawned on me, it was my sage advice they were repeating back!  I am so damned smart when I AM NOT the last one left to jump off the sinking ship just as I realize; crap no more life vests and I didn't dye my hair because I was letting it breath.  Who needs to let their hair breath really now! The things we worry about; cause us to miss the beauty right in front of us!  I have learned ONCE again PERSPECTIVE people.  AND my favorite of all: somewhere when life closes a door on us God opens a window; a vent, an overhead ceiling tile; but somewhere he sends us what we need we just need to see it!

Live with Love and Laugh Often

Baja Days and then the Days: Spending Cuts

Baja Days and then the Days: Spending Cuts: "I am so tired that Congress and The Senate keep looking for ways to cut the budget but they have not looked at their own expenses! We as th..."

Spending Cuts

I am so tired that Congress and The Senate keep looking for ways to cut the budget but they have not looked at their own expenses!  We as the people need to re-evaluate the outrageous benefits that they have apparently voted themselves in.  After all it is our money!  They do work for Us and I believe that somehow, someway they have forgotten that!  We need an accounting of exactly what they get when they leave office; and let me tell you it will surprise you; to see how much money we as the people decided they are worth! They get their pension AND their social security of that you can be sure; but I know people who worked for years and became disable; seriously; and can't draw a dime until they are 62 because they lack specific quarters!  Time for a revealing of the budget we must have approved but don't remember as a people!  Hello does anyone else feel the same??????

Live with Love and Laugh Often

MUSIC or SO I Thought

Last night I attended a concert for the first time in years......At some point I just started listening to the sounds around me; not just the music.  Voices, conversations, people talking just to be heard but really saying nothing.  Imagine competing with the volume of a concert to try and carry on a conversation just to be social.....It just seemed so odd.  Somehow as I was listening to the sounds I also began to feel the emotions of the people around me.  I wish I hadn't, I seem to be more perceptive than I like and I was right about the tension building; and the blissful blindness to it by others.  I don't Like tension, so I avoid it at all costs.  Sometimes the pain starts before anyone even knows they have created it.  I hated that moment; it drained me, completely, I was filled with awe one moment, floating back in time and then crashing back to earth and reality. That night I thought about music and how much I love it; and then I thought about every concert I had ever been to and realized there was always a reality check after; so that is why I avoid them.  I will continue to love my music but in my own special way; quietly and alone so I can get lost in the sounds of silence!

Live with Love and Laugh Often

It Has Been Too Long

It has been too long since last I wrote!  Time it seems just rushes by.  So many things both good and bad come clashing into my little world, and I must make the most of it.  Strangers met on planes I take refresh my soul with hope; family and friends overwhelm me with the love I need.  Distance becomes a thing gone by with technology so new today.  My faith in man grows stronger; by random acts of those I love; they need not know it shows.  I find myself in such a place where life is now, filled with colors; bright vibrant ones, you know.....It is the little secrets of life, that I get to have, because God gave me all of YOU.  Your joy, your pain, your new life, it all fills me to overflowing!  That glass I looked at years ago; I saw half full is now spilling over,  the time we live in is just right for us because it is our time.  You see it now and so I smile and breathe and laugh and live again! 

Live with Love and Laugh Often

Baja Days and then the Days: GIFTS

Baja Days and then the Days: GIFTS: "Recently I have been the recipient of gifts from several unexpected people. Normally it is unusual to 'gift' me. Other than my children I ..."

GIFTS

Recently I have been the recipient of gifts from several unexpected people.  Normally it is unusual to "gift" me.  Other than my children I have rarely received a surprise gift; with the exception of a friend of mine.  My dearly beloved finds it easier to take me along and say okay here's the deal  I wanted to surprise you so pick out a present!  Somehow he still doesn't get it!  I thought about why he doesn't get it and realized it is because he just can't, even for that one moment in time, stop thinking he knows what I want more than I do.  It is impossible for him to actually think about me as a person and all the things he knows about me, then seeing what I buy myself, go and take the time to find something for me.  The effort required to "not" think he knows me better than I know myself is just to much to handle, therefore no surprises.  I am not complaining here I am just sorting out.  It has just been so much FUN to be surprised every other day; just like a child again.  Each gift has been spot on tailor made for me!  I don't think I would have even picked out half of them because they are so "the me I forgot about".  It has been great fun visiting home again.

Live with Love and Laugh Often

Hard Work

Yesterday I sent my men folk off to work; so to speak; and then I went to work around the house.  I dug out my easy gliders; which if you have never used; you can move just about anything!  I decided to rearrange our bedroom; which was in desperate need of attention.  During one of my absences from home someone changed things up a bit to let us just say wow!  So using my monumental strength..... and common sense, more of the latter, I succeeded beyond what I was shooting for!  I have decided that not all the television I watch is in vain.  I must have picked up some ideas some place for what I did and I thank those experts who take the time to appear on the morning shows and give advice.  While I may not realize I am watching apparently I am listening!  Today I will finish up and just wish the space saver, organizer lady, was here to do it for me!  I will admit I have become the Queen of if I don't remember it get rid of it!  My poor husband!

Live with Love and Laugh Often

Reebok

I don't usually promote products; and I should write the company on this one, however I decided just to share it with you.  I have suffered greatly with foot pain from broken bones and various other bad habits.  I bought some Reebok Toners since I left my Shape ups at home and It has been like heaven on earth!  I wear them all the time and with everything!  Unfortunately I bought white with purple accents; but you can't pry them off me and I don't care!  Match or no match I wear them gladly!  I never thought I would again walk in and out of a grocery store without pain and misery.  Now I can park any place and shop as long as I like and still walk back to my car!  Yeah me!  While this may seem small and petty to some; to those who know it is the smallest of small that makes a difference in the quality of our life!  They may not work for you but I am so blessed to have found them for me and today I am buying the all brown or all white; can't make up my mind just yet!

Live with Love and Laugh Often

Looking Forward

Recently my husband reminded me of all the adventure that awaited us; now that we are soon to be totally retired.  We have sooooo much to do.  The places to go are endless the lists keep growing; and I know I will never get packed!

Then the first doctors visit started and then the next.  Well he was right, we have a lot of stuff to do, and a lot of places to go, and I sure as heck have a lot of paper work to do, because he has retired I guess, and I still haven't packed!
 
 I pondered the one thing he said," ain't it a bitch, you get old enough to enjoy life, and you are to broken to do it".  Well I think of it more as a safety net, a way to slow us down so we can grow old enough to see our grand children.  I believe if we had the same crazy insane ability we had at 20 any now we would not last 6 months.  What we could pack into a weekend back then most people take guided tours for now; and definitely bigger boats! I am old enough and wise enough now to enjoy life slowly and gently,  for the simple beauty and grace that each morning brings and the promise of an adventure if I so desire.

Modern medicine will fix the broken parts or at least attempt to sooth the pain and we will let nature take care of the rest.  Life is truly always about looking forward no matter how broken or dispirited you feel because the next great adventure is surely just around the curve!

Live with Love Laugh Often

Four Leaf Clovers Now

For five years I have walked the beaches of my little hideaway; and as I searched for answers to the Universe I would find pieces of sea glass.  Each major score was given up by the ocean in response to a very difficult dilemma. 

I returned home for a very trying time in my life and thought I would be here for two weeks.  Illness intervened and I have been here now for over a month.  In that time as I searched for answers and talked to God I would find four leaf clovers!

It took some time for me to realize that the clovers were; while delightful, one of those signs that I tend to miss.  St. Patrick used the three leaf clover to teach the trinity to what he considered pagans in his time.  I realized that my four leaf clovers, were for me, my sign to remember, that God has carried me through all things with Patience, and would again take me through this.  

I needed to be here for many different reasons that at the time I could not foresee; however once again to my utter amazement; and I still don't know why I am always so surprised; God knew I was needed here and not back in my little hideaway in Mexico.  

You see I believe that God lives within us all; and if we listen patiently to his voice, he will guide us.  However being SO very human I always need those signs he sends me, to remind me, to shut up and listen and then I usually get it right!  I have found a plethora of four leaf clovers so you can imagine how closed off I was to Gods voice until last night.

It was a simple moment in time with my husband and son that made me realize WHAT God was telling me; and then the flood gates opened and I slept last night like I have not slept in years.

So once again while not all signs are obvious I am grateful to God that he takes the time in my life; to keep pushing me into the light, so I don't miss the real party, which is living in this moment which is all we have.

Live with Love and Laugh Often

Baja Days and then the Days: Mother's Day

Baja Days and then the Days: Mother's Day: "Today I am reminded of who I am and how I got here! I am the person I am today because I was blessed with the gift of life! Giving birth r..."

Mother's Day

Today I am reminded of who I am and how I got here!  I am the person I am today because I was blessed with the gift of life!  Giving birth redefined me as a person.  I was one person until the moment I gave birth 29 years ago!  It was in that very moment that all of life and the mysteries surrounding it were clarified for me.  I knew it was going to be a journey that I did not want to miss.  All things had new meaning.  My belief structure in so many things began to change the moment God gave me the responsibility of another person.  Then I was blessed once again shortly thereafter; and while that was all I could have they became my greatest treasures and will always be.  My Children Brought out the best in me and helped me learn to deal with the worst in me.  They helped me see the world in all it's brightness and glorious colors; to appreciate each day that I draw a breath.   My children keep me grounded and humble as I pray each day and night for their safety and their health.  I realized that Happiness is a word that turns to Joy; such a small word yet so much more than happiness; each time I hear their voice or see their face.  I realized that there is not a richer person on this earth than I for the gifts I have been given by my two children each time they say I love you!  I am a far greater person than I could ever have imagined and have achieved far greater things in my life than I originally planned; just for becoming a Mother!  I would not trade this role in my life for ALL the money in the World.  So today I say thank you to my children for the journey thus far; it has been epic and I look forward to the rest of the story!

Live with Love and Laugh Often

Baja Days and then the Days: Reflections on Recent Events

Baja Days and then the Days: Reflections on Recent Events: "This week the world caught it's breath for a moment in time when it was announced that the number one terror suspect in the world had been s..."

Reflections on Recent Events

This week the world caught it's breath for a moment in time when it was announced that the number one terror suspect in the world had been shot and killed in a US military operation.  There were many feelings running rampant around the world; relief, joy, sorrow, emptiness, it seemed no matter which you held someone was there to criticize you for the way you felt.  How strange we are not even allowed to feel as individuals anymore.  This man was the source of great pain globally; this was not just something isolated to the US; however we took up the banner to find him and finish what he started at all costs.  If I were one of the people who had suffered a loss due to his evil I would have been hunting him myself for the last ten years; so I have no issue with the outcome.  I would not have said to this insane man hey buddy what do you have under those robes, he could have had a detonator set to blow the whole place if ever invaded; no one knows and why take the chance.  Now the game is up a notch whether we like it or not; there will continue to be those who believe his subverted message of the Qur'an.  It is time to stop hounding our government and let them get back to work on the ever evolving issues of our safety, jobs, health care, etc.  The president has shown to us and the world he can multi task; but it would really help if he were not dealing with insignificant issues.  I don't understand why people don't understand that to keep them safe sometimes it requires secrets so that no one gets hurt and we are better for it.  One thing is for sure if he had any assets here in the US now that he is dead I do believe it would be appropriate to confiscate and use for payment to us for the work it took to find him!  So I guess what I am basically saying is stop ya bitching and get on with your living; let the people who know deal with the stuff they got deal with it ; stop trying to make a mountain out of a hill top and take this off the AIR.  We wanted him we got him and it is over!  Same message to all his friends!

Live with Love Laugh Often

Bin Ladin Who Knew

I am sitting here listening to the news; who knew what; when did they know; can we trust them and so on.  I guess since I am not a reporter and I am not a politician I can tell you that YES Pakistan knew that bin ladin was sleeping about 1000 yards away from their military base.  That his great big compound was built for the very specific purpose to protect him and allow him the chance to get away if needed.  He died like he lived a coward.  He used his money to buy his way and Pakistan was content to take from both him and the US.  It is not the first time and it won't be the last.  We have cut the head off of a very large snake; however like all snakes there is always another one just waiting to eat the weak and take the power.  He left behind a message that I don't think we should air simply because he does not deserve it.  Like most mass murders they are in love with their own voice and we should not do it.  Pakistan officials will deny everything to save face, take away the money and I am sure we will get more cooperation.  Oh and just for good measure you can be sure they are hiding other terrorist groups and will as long as the money keeps coming!!!!  So enjoy all the double speak that you will hear but I am sure it is as simple as that.  Money talks!!!  Coruption is everywhere!

Baja Days and then the Days: Time and Time

Baja Days and then the Days: Time and Time: "I came home for a funeral. I became ill after and was not able to return to Mexico. So I stayed with my family and friends not knowing why..."

Time and Time

I came home for a funeral.  I became ill after and was not able to return to Mexico.  So I stayed with my family and friends not knowing why; once again I had a new illness and then another.  It seemed I just was destined to be here.  I began to think about time and put it in perspective as I see it.
     I have always believed that God puts me where he wants me at any time in life for a specific purpose I just need to be open to see why.  Usually I miss the signs right up front and trip over all the obvious red flags and then I go OH!  On this trip as I was finally getting to the point where I could get out of bed my sister in law wanted to go to church.  Well in 35 years of marriage that was a first so I thought I don't care what it takes I will go.  So Sunday May 1st 2011 we went to the Potter House Church in Grand Prairie TX.  It was an amazing service; if you need a boost in your life I suggest you go there!  The music alone was professional and uplifting.  I thought this is why I have been detained in my travels; God wanted me to experience and share this with my family.
     Then last night Osama bin Laden was killed.  It is a historic moment in my life and that of my adult son and I was here to share that moment!  While I wish harm on no person; there is no person who I have wished this end on more.  His commitment to continue to pursue and subvert the Qu ran for his own evil agenda is like any other wealthy man who takes the word of God and raises and army for evil and needs to be stopped.  There is no God who would use his people for such evil but Man you can be sure will take his mega wealth and confuse his people under the guise of a gods word and commit evil for his own glorification.  It was never about America being evil or anything else it was always about; once again a Man with Power who wanted to be glorified by his people.  How sad that time and time again men still fall for these false prophets to the world.  That they will kill other men, women and children because some Man needs self justification.  A good shrink really would be so much better and someday people as we are seeing are going to say all you CRAZY dictators YOUR time has come. 
     Eventually TIME will catch up with all of them it is just so sad that so many must die so that others may see!
     Time is not blind, it is endless, it is Man and his own capacity to see himself as timeless that is absurd, that is flawed and that given enough money can be sold cheaply to those without a cause or without a hope of any other kind, because after all man is man, and time is time.
Live with Love and Laugh Often

Baja Days and then the Days: Tonight

Baja Days and then the Days: Tonight: "Tonight I cannot seem to sleep. I hear the ocean roar, louder than ever before. It seems to take my mind back in time and over a..."

Tonight

Tonight I cannot seem to sleep.  I hear the ocean roar, louder than ever before.  It seems to take my mind back in time and over and under and home again.  Tonight I lost a brother.  To some he was my brother in law but to me he was a brother. 
Our history together was so very interwoven that there is no part of my life that does not contain a segment of him.  He brought great pain into my life and took it back twice fold.  It seems for every wrong he made two rights, he loved my children like his own and took great pride in everything they did.  I learned the meaning of forgiveness from him; and I learned the concept of; it is what it is; from him.  While there was never a more human whirlwind to come through a persons life, there was also no more humble a man.  He never wanted anything from this world except maybe for people to understand and give love to each other.  It took him many years and lots of trials by fire to find his rhythm but through it all there was always that one constant.  Somehow it made forgiveness come. 
I think tonight I cannot sleep because I know he will not be there to greet me and make me feel warm and safe; wanted and cared for; to laugh and to irritate just for good measure and keep me on my toes.  I think tonight I cannot sleep because tonight I lost a brother.
I love you Tim Rest in Peace

Baja Days and then the Days: Coffee Party; My Mistake

Baja Days and then the Days: Coffee Party; My Mistake: "I posted a blog about starting a Coffee Party; well it is already in play; however my Coffee Party is intended to be different. It was..."

Coffee Party; My Mistake

I posted a blog about starting a Coffee Party; well it is already in play; however my Coffee Party is intended to be different.  It was intended to ask questions; point out the obvious; help find solutions; not call names and point fingers.
     I mean lets look at this morning; every reasonable person in this country knew we had to have a CIA mission going on in Libya however; we would never have TOLD anyone.  You see my coffee drinkers think that the lives of those COVERT operatives are as important AS the person who decided to jump the gun and be the unnamed source.  Realistically it can be traced; lets face it; the President makes the decision and tells only so many people......Hmmmm....who would want to undermine the President for their own political gain.  Now that is something to consider but we won't sit around and cast dispersions.  The news will certainly lam bast somebody; chances are not the right person; but they will have fun any how.  I can only imagine that tea party.  It must have been very expensive.  If you want to keep a secret in Washington you absolutely cannot tell anyone in Washington.  If you need to tell someone just call me I am great at keeping secrets. I will have your back later and say yep he absolutely wanted to tell you but did not know who had the loose lips so I am holding your secret for him until it is over, date stamped and everything.  So you can see we are slightly different than the original COFFEE Party.  We actually want to help OUR country.
    I was watching the news; not paying attention of course so I may have mis-heard these numbers and I am trying to verify them; they had to do with the budgets in New York and Utah.  I thought I heard  the word billion used.  I am sure it must have been millions; because if any state in this country or any two or three states could pull together a billion dollars I can fix our debt problem's.  It comes from drinking coffee.  You learn so much when you watch and listen.
    So to all the original Coffee Party people I apologize for stepping on your feet; however you can see that we are different and you need not worry about us.
    Live with love and Laugh Often

Baja Days and then the Days: Tea Party I Don't Think So!

Baja Days and then the Days: Tea Party I Don't Think So!: "Today I am starting the COFFEE party! It is a party for all the level headed people in America. You are invited to join. It is f..."

Tea Party I Don't Think So!

Today I am starting the COFFEE party!  It is a party for all the level headed people in America.
You are invited to join.  It is for all the people who know we can make the parts for the cars right here in American.  It is for all the people who want a mass transit system to connect these great states we live in together like they should be.. Contiguous states yet we can't get from one to the next unless we have a car or fly a plane from point A to B. Let's face it our train and bus systems suck!  Once we get to most there is no way to get from one city to the next.  After two hundred years you would think we could do more than connect by PHONE!  This party is for people who see that we are fully capable of generating jobs by developing our energy program and our mass transit system and getting back to made in the USA and giving tax breaks to US instead of the people who import into our country.  Lets make it more affordable to do business AT home again!!  This party is for TAXING the hell out of foreign investors and not being afraid to do it!  If you want to drill for oil off our shores rock on but you will pay all the taxes for all you generate.  This Party is for the type of people that can see that once we get involved in a little skirmish in Libya :where there is an insane dictator freely admitting he is going to kill his own people; we go in and since we know he supported terrorist training we just find those crazy bastards and deal with it once and for all.  This party is for all the people who are tired of pussy footing around the issues. Let's face it if you are still drinking TEA after 200 plus years you really don't have the energy to deal with the issues that really matter; and you probably don't need the money that jobs would generate here at home.  You probably would never explore getting rid of the income tax and looking at a federal tax.  Pick a number.  Fifteen percent times 300 million people that YOU know of; Now factor in the 50 plus million you don't; times 1000 dollars just as an average.  Do the math.  Now factor in Visitors to this country each year times dollars spent due the math.  Now think about all those people who spend hundreds of thousands of dollars a year times 15 percent; due the math.  All of it straight in to the federal coffers.  This Party is for all the people who sit and drink coffee and watch all the people who matter but don't get noticed; a federal tax would include them without YOU even knowing they exist.  They would still use your programs but every time they buy they would actually be paying you back!  So you could still sit back and drink your TEA and scratch your head and wonder what the hell happened and how we balanced the budget! 
Live with Love Laugh Often

Baja Days and then the Days: Blindness of Time

Baja Days and then the Days: Blindness of Time: "Today I walked my beach; well what I call my beach: I walk it just about every day and have for five years. While I was walking I real..."

Blindness of Time

Today I walked my beach; well what I call my beach: I walk it just about every day and have for five years.  While I was walking I realized that my theory about the changes in the oceans or at least my ocean were actually happening.  The sands of time were surely running out.  The experts were right about how we (and I mean that globally) have misused our earth.  It never ceases to amaze me how people are surprised by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, sink holes, flooding and other natural disasters.  I do believe that most children by the time they are in middle school understand the principle of structure.  If you take out the bottom, the top caves in.  Pretty basic stuff.  Yet we stand around with stunned expressions on our faces; all the while we continue to; drain the substructure of our earth.  We drill out the oil, drain the water, pull out the natural gas, mine the heck out of everything and anything world wide.  Then when the  earth decides to settle; after all we have left all these empty pockets all over the world; we go Oh!  I suppose we will  have to self implode before it will really occur to the majority of the people that we need to use what is on and above the earth; instead of what is under it.  Leave our floor alone and use what is free; OH ya that is the kicker it is free.  Wind; Sun, Hydro; I could go on and on but we choose to be blind and follow the rest.  So in order to get what we need we will go to war at some point to generate money for the economy; jobs; oil; etc.  History will repeat itself because we have and I suspect will always have permanent blindness of time.  We think we have forever to fix it!  I know you won't read this because you are blind too.
Live with love and Laugh Often

Baja Days and then the Days: Beauty

Baja Days and then the Days: Beauty: "Each day I awaken and realize that unless I look for the BEAUTY in life there will be none. All around the world chaos is happening; i..."

Baja Days and then the Days: Injustice

Baja Days and then the Days: Injustice: "It has been awhile since I felt compelled to let off steam! However; when I was denied my social security benefits after a debilitatin..."

Beauty

Each day I awaken and realize that unless I look for the BEAUTY in life there will be none.  All around the world chaos is happening; if it isn't a natural disaster it is one created by man who is directed by his GREED not his CREED.  There is  no such thing as killing for peace; however because of the greed of many a man other men are forced to kill to try to protect those left behind.  It is the very nature of an evil dictator to kill for profit and glory and force the hand of Peace to become violent.  So as responsible caretakers we do what we can to resolve an issue started by a big Bully to ignorant and to frightened to even stand up in person for what he believes.  He will run for cover; leaving chaos behind; blame those who came to help and some will call it a beautiful thing.  Success; we can now go back to helping those in real need; whose lives have been destroyed by nature; not by choice.  It is a beautiful thing to have choices; it is an evil man who uses them to destroy the hopes and dreams of the people who depend on him.  It is a beautiful thing that so many people care enough to give of themselves to help strangers they will never meet; defend homes they will never set foot in; send food to people who will never know them; give until it hurts because it is the right thing to do.
It is a beautiful thing that in this world LOVE and Compassion will outlast Greed and evil!
Live with Love and Laugh Often

Injustice

It has been awhile since I felt compelled to let off steam!  However; when I was denied my social security benefits after a debilitating illness I was just to tired to fight; now it has happened again to someone very near and dear to my heart for the very same reasons. 
     After spending a lifetime working in the private sector; (in my case I even spent 12 years in the military) we both decided to go into education.  The idea of course was to spend the next 20 to 25 years doing something tangible, our children were grown and time was on our side.  Well the unexpected happened and a catastrophic illness took us both down.  This is not about me but about my sister.  I have already lost everything she is about to loose everything.
     The system is such that because she chose to educate our children and pay into a teacher retirement fund she does not have the credits anymore to draw on her social security until she is 62.  She can buy those credits; however; if she had tens of thousands of dollars just lying around; well then this wouldn't be a problem would it. 
     Like most single parents it took every last dime to raise 3 children and get them through college and then get herself through graduate school so she could start over. Before she had the chance to bankroll those millions of dollars that we pay our teachers disaster struck in the form of a series of illness.  One day perfectly healthy and the next day a nightmare.
     If she had just quit when she first was diagnosed and not tried to go back to work over a three year period; interestingly enough her credits would have been good.  Unlike some people She wanted to work and pay her way in the world and now when she can't walk and breathe they say to bad to late.
     So is our health care for women fixed or getting better?  I'm not sure at all.  She has been denied twice for benefits.  Will loose her home, need to file for bankruptcy, all the things you would think the government would NOT want to happen.  Such a system we have in place for those who choose to do the right thing!  I am ashamed today!  Ashamed I did not fight the fight when it happened to me; that I gave in to pressure and was content to let it all go.  To live below the poverty line because I am to ill to fight the system.  My social security that I have been paying in since I was 15 should be available to ME early if I qualify and total disability should be enough!  The fact that I tried to take a job for a few years teaching our children and did not have time to develop a retirement outside of that is irrelevant.  If lawyers can't get it for you who can and by the time someone does it is too late because your home is gone and so is life as you knew it.
    How strange that working in education can be so devastating to your health!
Live with Love and really try to Laugh often it is all we have

They Say Every Dog Has His Day

I always thought of that expression as a way of saying something negative about a negative person.  I never associated it with a real dog.
Recently I was placed in the precarious position of deciding whether to keep one of my guard dogs or have her put down.  She has decided to challenge the other dogs for alpa female of the pack, however she decided to include me in the pack.  Now I treasure my dogs!  They have protected me on several occasions from bodily and while they are large and powerful they have always been gentle and loving toward me. 
The terrible dog fight followed the night I found a rattle snake in my kitchen and I just wasn't prepared for any more stress.  The offending dog aggresssivly damaged the larger dog while the larger dog never broke skin on her.  My initial reaction after treating the injuries and the multiple vet trips was to put her down.  I had to wait three days to do this and suddenly I thought no I WILL retrain her and keep her.  A wonderful friend saved the day by sending me a tremendous e-book on training an aggressive dog; and I must say after continued steady work we have SUCCESS!
I feel so blessed to have had the delay that led to my decision to retrain my dog and a friend who took the time to send me the information that helped guide me through the tough spots.
So today I can say yes every dog does have her day and if they are lucky an owner who sees.
Live with Love and Laugh Often

Unexpected Angels

There are many times in our lives when we feel we have control; and then the unexpected happens!  I was driving home from a town quite some distance from where I live; it is a beautiful; desolate, and lonely long drive by ones self through the desert and mountains.  I usually love the drive; however this time I was concerned both going and returning because I knew I was driving on unreliable tires on the right side of my car and of course I was pushing daylight!  Naturally I had a blowout.  I set about moving all the groceries out of the way to get to the tools to change the tire as cars whizzed past; most of them were fellow Americans who I can only guess did not know how to change a tire; I mean why else would they pass by another American woman alone at sunset on one of the most dangerous roads in Mexico and not stop to help? I was keeping one eye on traffic and the other on my tasks when I noticed a car turn around and come back.  There were three Mexican men who spoke no English and I speak minimal, at best, Spanish who came to my rescue.  We looked at the diagram of how to work the jack and within minutes they had lowered my tire; decided my spare was not in good shape, cautioned me about it, replaced my tire, cautioned me repeatedly to drive very slowly home and left!  Their concern for my safety was palpable as they showed me the tire issues and showed me where my flashers were in my car, so sweet, and then in their very best clothes, not work clothes just got on the ground and took care of my problems. Then they set about trying to put my car back together again; tools groceries, etc, I said no, no you did enough!

I think what was so very sweet was when I tried to pay them I had to force the issue; and they seemed embarrassed by my need to pay them!  What they did not know but I did was that I had already counted the number of cars that had passed me by and I paid them accordingly.  

I will never see them again but I will never forget them!  When we least expect it God sends us Angels to protect  us,
Live With LOVE and Laugh Often

To Heavy

Today I was going to write about how long it has been since last I wrote!  However I feel to heavy in my heart to just let the words flow.  Sometimes it is not the physical weight we carry but the emotional ones that weigh us down.  Yes it is still sunny and beautiful, and I am so very glad to be back, but my heart is not in it just yet!  We are back to that funny little master of ours called Time.  I just need some more. 
Live with Love and Laugh often