A New Year

A new year means lots of different things to different people. To many of us, it means time to make resolutions for changes and improvements to ourselves in the new year. To some, it is just time to let go of the bad that happened last year and start anew, without looking back. And unfortunately, to a few people, it means facing new challenges, and more hardship.
For me, the first description fits best. Every year, I make resolutions and plan to become a better wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend. Also, I set measurable objectives and goals to meet. My 2008 goals were not composed of many measurable goals but included to publish something and to find part time work, of which I met both. I did not keep time sheets for my daily activities as I would have liked, nor did I find or "get" the "big picture." That one went on my list for 2009, but I'm not sure that I'll ever get it, except that I should live my life for God, and whatever He happens to bring my way.
My objectives to listen better, eat healthy and exercise, to pray regularly and to praise my family were met to a certain extent, but I had to place the same goals on my list this year. These must be a constant reminder to me to be my "check" to make sure I continue to pursue them. And I do want to be the "best," but as a human being, with the potential to sin, it's just not possible.
I wish each and every reader the best year ever, and may your measurable goals be met, and may you continue to strive for those that can only be assessed by your heart.

Angels in Devine

Driving home from Laredo, I prayed for a safe journey. I had prayed for a safe journey there as well, as we left Marble Falls at about 7 pm on a Monday night, arriving around 11 pm.
We left Laredo on Saturday at about 1:30 pm and were discussing what we would eat after two hours on the road. Jack in the Box, Sonic, and Dairy Queen had made the final list. About a mile from Divine Devine, forty minutes from San Antonio, I heard a huge "POP!" on the back of my car. I pulled over but was concerned about getting out of the car on the highway so I just made my way to the next exit, Devine, Texas, turned left and pulled into the Sonic. Without wanting to panic, we ordered, then my daughter got out to look at the tire. A flatty getting flatter.
I got out of the car and walked to the outdoor seating area. I saw a couple of guys, one a cute blond beefy football defender type, and the other a more slight, dark headed boy, and calmly walked over to them. They were both HS seniors/early college age and looked up at me as I approached the table. I asked if they knew of a place I could get my tire changed and they asked if I had a spare. I replied, "yes," and they said that they would change it for me, and immediately started to get up, hot food still in front of them. I told them to please finish their food, that we had just ordered and would be glad to wait for them.
A short time later, after we had received our food, they came over and started working. During, they asked where we had come from and where we were going, overall friendly guys that looked like they had changed a tire before. One of the boys shook his head and was amazed that I had the flat where I did, instead of on the wide open road from Laredo to Devine (the avocado capital of South Texas). It only took about 15 minutes. When they were done, I tried to hand them my last $20 and they said the most lovely words, "No, No, you're in friendly Devine, we couldn't take that from you," even as I tried to insist. I was most appreciative.
We smiled, waved and drove away, thankful for those two angels.

Sick Momma

Not to be cruel or anything, but isn't it interesting that Obama's white grandmother is ill just two weeks before the election? I understand that the media has said that she is ill, and I am praying for her comfort and longevity if it is meant to be.

As we know, however, the drive-by media has a tendency to blow things out of proportion because of the liberal organization that it is and the left wingers it supports. What if she is only "slightly" ill, and to show her support for her grandson, she exaggerated her illness to highlight the fact through photos of her and Obama that she is white, and thus her grandson is part white, to help the undecided voter flip the switch for the democratic ticket?

I am not a racist, but merely observing the current political race with eyes wide open. We shall see her prognosis in the days ahead.

FOR SALE

Houses for sale in every neighborhood. Signs in yards, on windows and mailboxes, with directional signs at the entrance of the development. On clean, well-kept yards and houses with tall grass, unruly vines and indoor discards. Million dollar homes and less than $50,000 makeover possibilities. Many homes are on the market today, with individual stories behind every sign.

One home may have a family relocating to another part of the country or overseas with a new job or promotion. Another may be a family “moving up” with a recent landfall of cash from an inheritance or professional bonus, or a savings account reaching an appropriate level. Sometimes, it’s empty nesters moving to a smaller abode, or older people, moving to a retirement community for less daily maintenance.

The sad stories are those of the death of the owner, or death in the family, leading the remaining occupant responsible unable to maintain the maintenance or mortgage. Divorce puts many homes up for sale, as neither partner wants to remain surrounded by bad memories, or can’t afford to keep up the payments. And there’s the loss of a job or income from an individual business, or over limit credit crunch that forces the owners to sell. Why, there’s even the gruesome reality that an owner killed the other spouse/occupant, confesses, and is thrown in jail, tossing the house on the market. (This one happened to my next door neighbor – he confessed in a bar when he was drunk one night that he’d put most of the body in the disposal, with the bones buried in the back yard.)

Many more stories exist, and working in the real estate market for the past two years causes me to ponder. As I walk through my neighborhood, I consider the possibilities of the current owners. Is it a welcome sign in their yard? Is the move desired or forced? Are they desperate to sell? And then there are the interior questions. Is it nicely staged and appealing? Was it a good floor plan and well-appointed to start with? Have there been any remodeling jobs completed to enhance it? Or does it have blue and purple floral wallpaper and turquoise Formica counters?

With all these question and stories to behold, I’ve come make up my own stories about the entire situation of particular houses. In the future, I plan to write either a book or a series of short stories, written from a spunky Realtor’s perspective, about some of these stories. Who knows, maybe I’ll publish a few here.

Why I Love Spicewood

The things I love about Spicewood are many, ranging from the general friendliness of the people who have either grown up here or made it their home after escaping from "city life." A few things, however, stand out, and prompted me to post this blog.

The vortex of a trail near my house that pulls me in and doesn't let me stop pursuing the end of it.

No sound but the chirp of crickets on my 20 minute walk on a public road at 8 p.m. last night.

Autos picking up children at the only elementary school in this small "post office" town ranging from a new Cadillac Escalade to a Diesel fuel truck. Eighteen wheelers and tall wheeled "show cars" have been seen in the car pick-up line as well.

The star-filled sky every clear night.

There are many more, but family life is calling. I must mention a few I don't like ... the slow internet service next to the lake or the abundance of small rodents for our cat to enjoy, blood and all, on the front porch.

Why Wait?

WARNING: Please evacuate the island immediately, as strong winds and rain can be devastating to you and your home. Loss of power and water are likely.

"But I love my home, and I can't leave my dog here alone," said the Galveston islander as Ike was preparing to strike. "I'm going to ride it out," another comments. "It might not be that bad anyway," is added. And lastly, "I don't have any money for gas, and I've got to work Monday."

So when the rains came down and the wind blew out all electricity and water use, the "Ike Waiters," as we'll name them, were stranded on their porches and roofs, without transportation to get out. So they looked to FEMA, the National Guard and other city, state and federal entitites for help and rescue. Workers risked their lives to recover thousands of others who did the same thing. Then they needed transportation to shelter, food, water and clothing to make it through the next couple of days, using public electricity and water.

These people were not "stranded," however. One third of the 60,000 residents of Galveston Island did not evacuate. Reports of people "not being able to leave" when their couch was floating or the TV becoming flooded by water are ridiculous. The evacuation plan was announced because of the likelihood of such events. The people actually stranded there now are suffering without electricity, water and proper sewage over the majority of the island causing a health crisis that mayor Lyda Ann Thomas is concerned about.

When the water has drained and the electricity is back on, they'll be making claims to insurance and to city, state and government agencies to be paid for the property destructed by the storm, time lost from work, and possibly disability for injuries suffered during Ike. And who will be paying for these gifts of rescue and living quarters for the Waiters? Why, it's you and me, of course. One Austin KLBJ radio commentator, Jeff Ward, today suggested that the Waiters be charged for their rescue. When are people in harm's way going to learn to listen?

Author's Note: My sympathies go out to those who did evacuate, and are now struggling to survive in shelters where help cannot get in quickly enough. Texas Governor Rick Perry praised rescue worker "heroes" who are doing their best to provide relief.

Proverbs 31:10-31 - Revisited for the Modern Mom

Proverbs 31:10-31 – Revisited in the 21st Century for a Mom with children in school.

A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than diamonds.
Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
She selects organic and made in the USA products and works with eager hands.
She is like the 18-wheelers, bringing her groceries from Whole Foods and HEB.
She gets up by her alarm clock while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and pays for her gasoline
She considers a computer and buys it; out of her earnings she pays for internet service for her children.
She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
She sees that her volunteering is valuable, and her electricity does not go out at night.
In her hand she holds a cell phone and pushes the microwave buttons with her fingers.
She opens her arms to the poor and extends her arms to the needy.
When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in jackets from Target.
She buys coverings for her bed at a discount; she is clothed in designer clothes from outlet stores.
Her husband is respected at the corporate offices, where he takes his seat among the board of directors.
She makes homemade greeting cards and delivers them, and supplies teachers with gifts.
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.
Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the PTA meeting.