Hello

It's been a while since I posted anything.  After the last post, I have been extremely busy at work and have not had a chance to get online and do what I like.  It's been crazy at work.  I had some great things going on with the yearbook at school (which I sponsor and create) and then the activities that I do for the kids.  Cinco de Mayo was paired with Teacher Appreciation this year.  I did a week long activity with the school.  It was great.  Interestingly enough one of my really good friends was being investigated for something minimal that was blown out of proportion.  It made me rethink some stuff about the world for just a few minutes until I realized (yet again) that God has a plan for us all.  He puts us in our certain paths for a reason.

My life has been going really good.  I mean I live with some friends that I love, but I really want my own space so I will be looking into getting an apartment by myself soon.  I just need my space, my privacy, my own.  I need to start baking again.  I miss it.  I know that I could bake here, but I really don't like to impose on other people's stuff even though I am told to not worry about it...

My family is doing okay, we got together for Mother's day at mom's and BBQ'd.  Got to see my mom and sisters.  I hope all is going well for everyone.

Will write more later...

Family Fun

Well it's been a long while since I last posted, but my living arrangements leave me with lil time and privacy to do what I need to do.  I am very grateful and appreciative to my friends that have taken me in, but I am ready to have my own space again.

Well this is Easter weekend and I am here in Austin (okay Round Rock and Pfluegerville) with my family enjoying the nice weather and great hospitality of my big sis and her family and that of my niece and her family as well.  They are super great for letting me and my lil sis and two of her boys stay with them.

Things have been great at work and with family.  It's really great when everybody gets along and understands the value of family. 

It is kinda strange to me how the strong wills and "say what you feel" personalities of my family don't extend themselves to each other.  When we have something to say that we think may hurt someones feelings, we don't say anything.  Rather choosing to talk behind their backs and getting frustrated with behaviors and attitudes.  I have that problem sometimes also. 

I think it's crazy that with everything that has gone on, we still haven't gotten everything out in the open.  Why can't we sit down and discuss our feelings about everything that happen and just hatch things out.  Yes I agree not everyone will be happy about the words or expressions used, but I strongly believe that getting it out there will make everyone feel better. 

I suggest a family meeting with the adults (adult nieces and nephews also) with a mediator to help control the room.  Nothing physical or anything like that, just a healthy discussion of how we all feel. 

We are all adults and have a VOICE so why not use it.

Tell me what you all think and let's set it up...

I love you all and I think it's high time we because ADULTS!!!

Concerned

I don't really know how often if at all my family reads this blog.  All I know is that I come in here and write what and when I can.  They are my feelings and thoughts that I share and lately I'm a little blocked.

There is some major hurt feelings and bad blood being thrown around these days.  Things done can't be undone and we forget what family means.

The ones that are constantly telling me that I don't think of family on a daily basis are doing everything they can to break up what they constantly fight for.

Our mom and dad were together for 50 years.  They didn't always get along.  They didn't always agree.  Heck I remember some pretty serious fights while growing up.  They did however stick together through the thick and thin.  They were there for each other and for us. I feel the least we could do is prove to them that we can do the same.

It is said that a friend may come and go, but a family member is always there.  I love my family very much.  I try to stay neutral when it comes to fights and such, but this last episode of, "no you didn't," has gone way too far.  I am really sad because I don't know what to do.  

I love you guys so very much.  We are all we have, please figure out how to apologize and make up.   

Odds

Lately I have been working non stop because it is college tour time for my kids.  I go to work on Monday after a great trip this weekend to College Station, only to get a twist on my plans for the upcoming trip to Austin.  I am told that the school may have to charter buses rather than have us use school buses.  Now this may not seem like a big dramatic turn of events, but you gotta understand.  My entire program there at West Oso Jr High is about organization, structure, and caring for the kids.  The other groups going haven't a clue what it takes to put together these trips.

You guys know me, I am always the take charge kind of guy, but when forced to be a "team player," I tend to go straight into, "I am your boss," mode.  I know it's a little self centered, but hey I am 43 yrs old and have worked hard to get where I am and absolutely love my job and the kids I work for.  I don't want someone coming along at the last minute to screw that up.

Anywho, my kids deserve a charter bus in whatever kind of package it comes in so I will suck it up and march into that meeting tomorrow and do what I do best.  Ham it up and take charge.  

Those teachers won't know what hit them... Let's face it, they love me for it.

College Tours

Well the time has come again when I take students to visit colleges.  Every year the colleges start recruiting and talking to students younger and younger.  I talk to my kids about the importance of a great education and what going to college can do for them.  I take them on two different tours.  I take my 8th graders to Texas A&M in College Station and I also take them to University of Texas in Austin.  They enjoy the trip, and I enjoy seeing their faces as they look in awe of the campus and what it has to offer.

Most of my students come from Economically Disadvantaged homes where the only future they see is working a mediocre job and or goverment assistance.  I know that's harsh, but it's what they see and are used to.  I am not dogging assistance, because I think it's an important asset in our country, but when given the opportunity to better your life, one should take advantage...

These trips show my kids that there is a bigger brighter future out there for them and they see that.  It doesn't mean that they have to go to these colleges, but it gives them an opportunity to see the possibilities are endless.

I love my job and I especially love this part where I can see young minds at work...

Valentine's Day

So today is Valentine's Day.  A day where love is in there air and nice things tend to happen. 

As usual, I get to spend the day with my favorite girl (my mom).  I bought a few trinkets and took her out to eat.  My brother Robert came up from the valley and joined us for dinner.  It's funny you don't see someone for a long time and you forget how much you miss them.  My family means a lot to me and I miss them when I don't see them all the time.  My brother is no exception.  And regardless if he is my older brother, I still worry about him and hope and pray that all is well with him.

We went to eat at a Chinese restaurant and when the fortune cookies came, I got mine and read the fortune.  I like to see how relevant they are to what things are going on in my life today.  This cookie fortune read, "The principle part of faith is patience."  How true is that.  Just today I was talking to my friend about getting reacquainted with the church.  The "forwards" I get either through email or text that say, "If you don't believe in God, just delete this" are offensive to me.  I do believe in God and I don't believe that whether or not you send a text and/or email to 10 friends determines your faith.

I also believe that when you pray to God for forgiveness, health, fortune or anything else, you need a lot of patience.  You can't expect for things to happen at the snap of your fingers.  God doesn't work like that.  I strongly believe that.

I try to teach my students the same concept of patience.  I let them know that the easier something is, the worse it usually is for you.  I tell them that something that takes a lot of work and commitment are the things in life that are the most rewarding and best for you, cause you know you worked hard to get them.

So my dear family, my thoughts and prayers are all with you this fine evening.  I wish and pray for nothing but the best for each and everyone of you.  I love each of you.  

Take care and keep in touch.

WOW

Hello wonderful family and friends.  Sorry it's taken a while to write, but I have been out of pocket due to my unfortunate homelessness... LOL.  Don't you worry, I did land on my feet.  A wonderful friend that I have known forever came to my rescue and we are working on getting a place together.  This will save us on money and probably get us a bigger place... 

So, other than that, things have been going pretty good a work and everywhere else in my life.  I hope each and everyone of you is doing great also.  Take care and keep in touch.