Where we are now!

When we were a little girl or boy we had dreams and visions of what kind of life we would have when we grew up. Funny thing, most of us if not all, are doing something totally opposite or something we thought we would never do. For example I knew I didn't want to live in Texas when I grew up, but wasn't quite sure how or when I would move on. I'm 34 now and have lived in 4 different states (Cali, Florida, New Mexico, and Hawaii) and I never thought I would be able to say that.

One saying that really gets me is "Got to keep up with the Jone's". This society we live in is so embedded in our head that both parents need to work so we can have the finest things like cars and a huge beautiful house. Along with that you need to pop our a couple children and live happily ever after. Who says this and is right?

The main reason why we end up where we are and who we meet is through the hands of God. He is our master planner and only he knows what we will accomplish in life. We tend to fight him at times because what we may think is good for us may not be. When in doubt pray to the Lord and ask him what he wants us to do, for all he is the one that gave us life!

We are all human and sometimes it is difficult to understand what we are suppose to be doing or how to do it. An example is being a military wife. It is very exciting by possibly traveling around the world, seeing new things and meeting new friends but on the down side spouses are left behind due to deployments, living far away from family and seeking new employment every 3-4 years. I truly believe this is one of the greatest test of marriage of becoming stronger or ending it forever. It is what we make of it and reflecting back on the values and morals we were taught as young children.

To everyone that is reading this please take a moment and think to yourself "how did I get here and how happy am I"? Happiness is within and only you can be happy with yourself before you can be happy with someone else. Life is short and you, your spouse or family member can be gone tomorrow so live for the moment and today!

Motivation

What gives us motivation? Is it the people around us, out inner drive or a task or goal that drives us to accomplishment? Everyone has motivation and is interesting what motivates each and everyone of us. Some have motivation in learning and stimulating their brain and other are motivated in health and fitness.

Ahhhh health and fitness, yes that would be me! I sit (yeah sometimes I just sit) and wonder why and how I have such a drive to want to exercise and stay healthy. Some think it is pure craziness and others encourage, I like both responses myself. First, I broke my back when I was 17 and wore a back brace for six months (well not all six months of course) and today it affects me a great deal. I can not sleep in a soft bed nor can I lie on a sofa for a couple of hours without having to get up and stretch it out. Staying active is a key component in keeping my back healthy and strong, for example, running is an awesome weight bearing exercise that keeps me from hurting or in pain. Second, I enjoy sports and trying new things. I don't necessarily want to be good at just one thing but experience many.

I guess I would have to say my motivation is staying out of pain, enjoying life and making my Mom proud of me. We are only here for a short period and there are sayings about live life, be strong, love one another. All of those are all so true! If sports don't motivate you then something does and only you know what that is. People all over the world are suffering from lack of food, missing limbs on their bodies etc. I could go on but I pray everyday that I have the ability to do what I enjoy each and everyday, not many can say that!

This message is to ask yourself what motivates you and why! Would love to hear your feedback!

Family visit to Houston June 23-July 7

Going back home for two weeks was a blast! I had purchased my tickets months before my departure date and was excited the day I booked that flight. When the day finally arrived I was a bit sad due to leaving Brian behind knowing I wouldn't see him for two weeks but excited about seeing the family!

I got into Houston on June 23rd and was greeted by my Mom, sister and two nieces. We headed to the resturant, Aquarium where we saw sharks, fish, sting rays and many fish while enjoying our lunch. After lunch we rode the train and a farris wheel which overlooked downtown Houston. The next day my friend, Rene came to visit me from Jacksonville and we enjoyed a day at the Galleria and lots of Mexican Food!

The first weekend i was there my family and I headed East to San Antonio. We stayed at The Hyatt Wild Oak Ranch Resort which had a lazy river, swimming pool and two waterslides. It was very hot and it was refreshing to cool off in the water! We ventured over to a drive through animal park where we got to feed all types of animals from our vehicle. Then headed to New Branfuels for a little shopping and some tasty lunch!

The second weekend was spent in Lake Palastine at my Uncle's Lake house and got to see a lot of family members. It was like a small family reunion. We swam in the lake, tubing pulled by the boat, fishing and tons of eating! It was an awesome time and was great spending time with the family.

Friends

Why do we need friends? Everyone has friends for most of the same reasons but some of us have them for different reasons. Friends come into our lives and can make such a great impact but sometimes we lose touch, why is that? Friends can be the root of happiness and are needed for so many important reasons. I normally come back to Houston and see my friends but this time it was a bit different. I got to see friends that I haven't seen almost since high school and it felt like we were hanging out just yesterday. How come that is? Society pushes everyone along so fast that we lose touch over so many years but yet the closness never fails. Some people have many friend and sad to say but some don't have any at all. I am truly blessed for the friends that have come, gone, stayed and that will remain in my life forever! Without friends, I would not be the person I am today! Thanks to all my friends, love you all!