alwaysbloom

Happy Birthday Mom!

2010-04-08T18:41:00.000-07:00

Today's my mom's 80th birthday. Doesn't she look good?!!! We went to the Claim Jumper, had some lunch, then back home to open gifts and have cake of course! My mom is the best! Last week my brother drove in from Phoenix to celebrate her birthday. Happy Birthday Mom! We love you!

Officially discharged!

2010-03-25T12:45:00.000-07:00

If you just looked at the title, you'd think I was getting out of a mental institution. But, luckily that's not the case. This morning I went to my doctor's appointment for my final update. They took some x-rays and the doctor says my wrist bone is all healed and I have to continue to work on my finger cause it's not bending quite all the way yet. I can go back to lifting weights and even swim, just to gauge the activity with my pain tolerance. Thank you Dr. Liu and staff for all your help during the last 5 months. I'm so happy today!

March Birthday Girls!

2010-03-19T17:44:00.001-07:00

Okay so this is a first for me......blogging twice in one day! Didn't post anything for 5 months and now I have two in one day! Well, in the post I just did about being out of rehab, I said that today was a good day for many reasons. Here's one of the other reasons why.

We celebrated March birthdays for Jackie, Colleen Myler, and Pat Sanders. (Well, I think this was Jackie's third or fourth time but when you are spoiled, so it goes. Just a joke Jackie in case you didn't take it that way.) We had Mexican food at a restaurant I can't spell the name to. And the ladies got some nice gifts. When they started singing happy birthday and putting on the sombreros on Pat and Colleen, you had to be there to see this. Luckily, I had my camera (imagine that) and took some pictures to share. As the guys were singing, I suddenly heard a noise where one guy slammed something on the table. I had no idea it was shots of vodka they had for Pat and Colleen. The pictures are priceless! So enjoy the pictures. It's all about good times with friends! Happy birthday ladies - Jackie, Colleen, and Pat!

Out of Rehab!

2010-03-19T17:07:00.000-07:00

So the last time I posted on my blog was October 30, 2009. Two days later, I suffered an injury while horseback riding breaking my wrist, jamming up my finger, and tearing ligaments on my shoulder. I did not know at the time how bad it was, but it was, and today is a good day for many reasons. First I have to let you know I never broke a bone in my body before. This was all new to me. I have a permanent plate in my wrist and a bump on my shoulder forever. I learned alot about myself, my friends, my body, and life itself.

After this whole experience, this I know for sure: (1) The human body is a remarkable thing. How it is designed, functions, and recovers is unbelieveable. (2) Take care of your body. It's the only one you have. Exercise, eat healthy, and make sure you get the essential vitamins, minerals, etc. it needs. It's okay to splurge now and then, but take care of your body cause it will take care of you. (3) You are stronger than you think you are. Your mind and attitude has tremendous effects on how you get through tough times. Stay positive, work hard, and be patient. (4) You can't live without friends. They are your life line at times and will be there for you without expecting anything in return. Friends are the best! (5) Live your life now. Don't put off what you can do today. What are you waiting for?

Now that I've got that off my chest, thanks for listening, thanks to my friends, my mom, and my dog, Bisquit. And I couldn't end this without saying thanks to my hand therapist, Jesse, and my shoulder therapist, John. Jesse gave me the t-shirt today, my last day of therapy, pictured above. I still have lots of work to do but today I am officially "out of rehab!"

Visit with my nephew and brother

2009-10-30T20:07:00.000-07:00

Chainmaille! (The lady in black make the chainmaille body armor.)

We went to the Renaissance Festival at Sunset Park. Bren had lots of fun learning archery.

Here's some pictures when my nephew, Brendan, and my brother visited earlier this month. Cutting out a pumpkin face........Brendan drew the face himself. Had a fun time with them!

San Francisco and Catalina Island!

2009-09-04T12:51:00.000-07:00

Saw this sign hanging on the wall of the Lobster Trap restaurant we ate at on Catalina Island. That's my new saying. Had a great time and but it's good to be home.

After four days, it was driving down south and taking the ferry to Catalina Island. Near the top is the Wrigley family mansion. The island is pretty much self-contained and many people live here. Most people have golf carts for their transportation instead of cars.

Here's one the restaurants we ate at. Most restaurants in Japan have wax replicas of their food choices in a window right outside the entrance.

We stayed in Japantown while in San Francisco. It was like you were in Japan with the people, food, sights, and sounds. Here's the Japantown Peace Pagoda.

The next day was more of San Francisco. You have to do a Segway Tour if you haven't. It was the most fun! We traveled on these segways for about two hours touring downtown San Francisco and then by the wharf. Didn't run over anyone or cause any accidents! I highly recommend this. Training was 45 mins and then you go. It's very easy.

We crossed the Golden Gate Bridge to get to the wineries in Sonoma. The bridge is a sight to see!

After the trees, it was off to the wine. The first stop was at Loxton Winery. We had a great group and the tour guide was so funny. He made the trip worthwhile. Of course the wine added to the day!Our first full day we saw redwood trees and tasted wine. This is inside a tree trunk at Muir Woods National Park. Watch out for bugs!

Here's Pigeon Point Lighthouse along Highway 1. This is close to San Francisco. It was so beautiful!!!

Drove to San Francisco and then back down to Catalina Island last month. It was a well needed vacation that a friend and I took. It took us about 11 hours to get to San Francisco. Here's some pictures along the way...... first is the cabbage pickers. They worked continually and I know their backs were hurting at the end of the day. Good job guys!

One year for Bisquit and me!

2009-07-25T16:16:00.001-07:00

One year ago on July 22 was the day I adopted Bisquit. We have come a long way during the last year. She has brought me lots of experiences while helping me with patience, understanding, kindness, responsibility, teamwork, sacrifice, discipline, laughter, and love. She has made me laugh many times and has been my comfort during lonely times. What an 18 pound dog can do for your life!

Rappelling!

2009-06-27T15:53:00.000-07:00

Last month I went rappelling and it was a blast. We were 60 feet up at Red Rock Canyon one early Saturday morning. Our guide/instructor, Greg, has been doing this for about 30 years so he has the experience (thank goodness!) and the skill (even better!) to make sure we are safe. The tough part is going over but once that's done, it's fun! They say just don't look down! Here are some pictures of me and the others having fun in the canyon.

My mom

2009-05-30T08:06:00.000-07:00

My mother was in the hospital recently for 12 days. It was the first time for me to see my mom in such pain and illness. I was scared. She was in the hospital on Mother's Day but we made the best of it to celebrate with her. Fortunately she is slowly getting better; she's back home now and eating!

This whole experience got me thinking about my relationship with my mother. She is one of the most strongest women I know. She has the most kindest heart. She puts everyone else first. It is a scary feeling to realize she will not always be around. I cherish every moment with her. I want to thank everyone who said a prayer for her and sent me well wishes for her. I appreciate it more than you know!

Happy Birthday Bisquit!

2009-04-21T20:08:00.000-07:00

Today is Bisquit's birthday! She is 9 years old today. I adopted this Lhasa Apso last July from Craig's List. I guess I was feeling a little lonely without Roxie and I wanted to provide a dog a good home. Bisquit and I have come a long way. It was a rough transition at first for us. She has taught me alot about patience, understanding, and love. She is a very playful, loving dog. She, too, has taken a part of my heart. This is a recent picture of her. Isn't she a sweetie?!

Happy Birthday Roxie!

2009-04-18T19:08:00.001-07:00

Today is Roxie's birthday! She is 4 years old. For those who don't know about her, she is our English bulldog who lives with her father. But I helped raise her since she was 8 weeks old to about 2 years old and consider to be her mother. So even though she lives with her father (my ex), he and I remain friends and stay connected for her. I know some of you may think I am crazy talking about this "mother/father" thing, but she will always be in my heart even though she is with him. This picture is a recent photo of her.......isn't she cute?!!!

I did a 5K Race today!

2009-02-28T11:47:00.000-08:00

Henderson libraries held its 2nd annual Read & Run for Your Health 5K Race this morning. It was a little chilly at 7 am but good weather for a 5K run. It was in downtown Henderson starting & finishing on Water Street.

There were about 400 runners including the Henderson Police Academy recruits (gotta love those young men in uniform). It was my first 5K race in 8 years and I finished in 32.13 minutes. Not shabby for an "old lady." My goals were to finish without stopping and in under 30 minutes (one out of two is what I did). The last half mile got me as it was a slight uphill.

In my age division (45-49 years old female), the best time was 24 minutes and that's not shabby at all! The best time was in 15 minutes by a male runner who I believe is in his 40's! Good job to everyone who participated!!

Snowshoe Fun!

2009-02-25T20:12:00.000-08:00

Went snowshoeing last Saturday at Mt. Charleston. Had a blast!! Some guys from work, their family members and I went on a 4 mile snowshoe hike. It was not that cold and the scenery was awesome! I fell a few times but no worries cause that's part of the experience. Nature, the peaceful feeling, and good times are what it's all about. If you never done it, you have to try it.

Happy Birthday Brendan!

2009-02-11T18:58:00.000-08:00

Today is my nephew, Brendan's, birthday. He is 12 years old today. He lives in Phoenix and I miss sharing life's moments with him. He will be all grown up soon and I'll have missed out on seeing him grow up day-to-day. We see each other a few times in the year, but it's not the same as if we lived in the same city. So.....I'm just an aunt missing her nephew on his birthday. (This is a picture from his 10th birthday. I'll post one from today's birthday later when I get it.)

A beautiful day!

2009-01-17T19:30:00.000-08:00

Today was a gorgeous day! It was simply fabulous! It was 68 degrees here and I'm sure everyone enjoyed our fabulous weather. Can't complain except I just wish it would stay like this the whole year through. Wouldn't it be nice?

Welcome 2009!

2009-01-01T14:23:00.000-08:00

It's the new year! I'm wishing everyone a healthy and happy new year!

I am starting to read a book that gives me practical and inspiring ways to improve my life one week at a time ("Life Makeovers" by Cheryl Richardson). For week one, instead of starting with new year's resolutions, I am going to start with reflecting back over the last year. Many people begin thinking about the changes they would like to make in the new year. Or maybe they have a sense that something needs to change but are not quite sure what it might be.

I am going to begin by acknowledging what I've accomplished and who I've become over the last year. Join me in setting aside some time to reflect on all you've done right over the last year. Here's some things to consider:

What qualities of character have you strengthened?
Have you shared an act of kindness or supported others in some way?
What special memories have you created with those you love?
What have you achieved or accomplished?

Start with listing the 25 things you are most proud of accomplishing over the last 12 months. Keep it easy. The list can be anything from goals you have achieved, how you've grown as a person, or the positive changes you have made in your life. Find some time this week and let's get started.......

I love quotes. Here's one to think about at this new year: "Love yourself first and everything else falls into line." -Lucille Ball

Happy Birthday Tracy!

2008-12-26T17:13:00.000-08:00

Today is Tracy's birthday (my sister-in-law)! Happy birthday Tracy! Have a wonderful birthday. Enjoy your day!!!

Christmas!

2008-12-26T16:56:00.000-08:00

It's the most wonderful time of the year.......hope everyone had a joyous Christmas! Thanks to my family and friends for the gifts I received! Here's picture of Bisquit in her Christmas dress.

Snow!

2008-12-18T10:57:00.000-08:00

Can you believe it snowed in Las Vegas yesterday? It was beautiful! Here's a view of our winter wonderland right in our neighborhood!

Hi All!

2008-12-10T11:21:00.000-08:00

I'm finally starting my blog with the help of Just Jackie! Thanks Jackie!! Stay tuned for more......