Xavierism

Happy 4th of July, USA!

***Random Play
*Nichole Nordeman's Woven & Spun
*Trisha Yearwood's (Songbook) A Collection of Hits
*Oleta Adams: All The Love
*Patsy Moore: The Most Private Confessions of St. Clair
*Julia Fordham: That's Life
*Sade: Lovers Rock

First of all, thank you for the Birthday wishes, cards, emails, voice messages, and phone calls. I do appreciate the Love. Another year older but I feel like a kid surrounded with all the Love. Thank you.

It's great to see that The Statue of Liberty's Crown will be open again for the first time since September 11th, 2001. Such a beautiful Lady! I know that I take the little things for granted living here in this country. Freedom and liberties can not be taken for granted. I was quickly reminded of that while viewing coverage of the recent protests that took place in Iran. People all over this world desperately want to express themselves freely but instead live in fear. That's not living.

I salute those that have served and are currently serving in the US military. Conservatives, Liberals, Republicans, Democrats...we voice our opinions because we love our country. I'm blessed that we are able to stand up for our political choices & rights. May we always remember those that died for this country. Happy Birthday to the greatest country in the world!

Current Music: Oleta Adam's Sweet Side of Life
Current Mood: Blessed!

Thoughts on My Birthday/Repost from 07/02/2008

Baby Xavier on his 1st Birthday

***I felt this post from last year describes very much how I feel today. I thought a repost of this entry would be appropriate.

***Random Play
*Maureen Murphy: Won't Wait Around EP
*Laura Marie: Drawn
*Guyton Maurice: 20 Questions
*Mozella: I Will
*Sia: Some People Have Real Problems
*Melissa Polinar: Sound Vault Sessions EP

Last night I caught myself asking God for a Bubble Gum wish. With every thing happening in the world, I couldn't believe I was asking him for such a self pity wish. I was reminded immediately of an episode of Touch By An Angel when Tess says, "God is not a vending machine where you stick in your prayer and pull out your prize." That's so true. I remember as a kid and didn't want to go to school the following morning, I'd make silly deals with God. My favourite one that I can remember was "God, If you make it so that I wake up and it's Sunday again, I promise to be good when it's Monday, okay?"

One of my favourite chores to do around the house is to hang the clothes to dry on the breeze catcher. Doing so reminds me of childhood memories when Buelita would wash clothes out on her back yard. She would hand wash the clothes on an old time washing machine. Then she would hang the clothes on the clothes lines. I remember walking up and down the rows as the clothes would dry. On windy days, the coolness of the damps clothes would feel good against my arms and face. On those same windy days, the wind chimes would be ringing and ringing. It's as though they were singing and sharing their own story. To this day, I hear wind chimes and I think of my Buelita.

Today is another Birthday. I'm a year old yet I'm better looking than ever (<--pure sarcasm). How ever God manages that, I'll never know...but I'm thankful! I'm in my 40's yet my spirit is like that of a teenager's. I remember the growing years where we'd play with the neighbourhood children until it was time to come in to eat dinner with the family. Board games were part of our culture. Riding bicycles up and down the street was actually fun and worthwhile. During summers, Mother would make popsicles from the Tupperware molds.

I'm another year older...but so much younger inside. I'm a responsible adult but deep down the child in me lives on through my wonderful memories. I'm blessed to state that I could never blame a thing on my childhood. Love was abundance. The only thing that is different this birthday that all the others is that I won't get to hear my Father say, "Happy Birthday, Son!". It's been seven months since he's passed on and my life feels somewhat incomplete. Although I've felt that emptiness since Buelita's death. It's a comfort that she comes to me in dreams. I've sensed her from time to time...so I know her love is always with me.

All in all, I'm blessed to be where I'm at in this world. I wouldn't want to be in my 20's. I wouldn't want to be someone else. I may envy someone else's waist size but I wouldn't want to be that person. I'm happy being me. At the end of the day, I thank God for blessing me with two wonderful parents. Like all my other Birthdays, I do not celebrate another year of my life, I celebrate that life that was given to me by my parents & God.

Thank you for the phone calls, emails, text messages, ecards, comments, and the love today. You've made me feel special. I'm honoured to have the people I call friends and family in my life. Thank you!

To all the Americans, embrace and Have a wonderful 4th of July! May Americans and this government wake up and realize that so much of this world could care less about democracy. It's time that the US stood firm and proud again. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else other than The United States of America!

*****BLESSINGS!*****

Current Music: Laura Marie's In Code
Current Mood: Blessed, Thirsty, & Hot!

Cherish This Moment

~Edit: I wrote this earlier this morning but forgot to post it. Duh!~

***Coffee of the Day: Gevalia Cinnamon coffee & Chocolate Toffee Cream

***Random Play
*Christopher Jak: The New Nostalgia
*Laura Marie: Drawn
*Melissa Polinar: Into EP
*Eliza Rickman: Gild The Lily
*Diana Winter: Escapizm
*Josh Damigo: Raw

I woke up before the sound of birds this morning. I wasn't shure what I should do...whether to go back to sleep or stay up. After taking a walk around our yard and pool, I decided to go for an early morning run. Instead of headphones and music while I ran, I wanted to mediate and really listen to my body.

I thought about the deaths of Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson. Like so many baby boomers, I remember both so well from my teenage years. Since my Father passed away in 2007, I now view death in such a different manner. In recent years, I've lost a Grandfather and two grandmothers. Losing my Buelita, my Father's mother, was an emotional turning point. I felt as though I lost one of my dearest and most treasured cheerleaders in Life when she died. I didn't realize that losing one's parent would leave such a huge empty spot in my Life. That's exactly how I felt when Father physically left this world.

Since my college days, I've worked with various Hospice organizations. I've been present while many patients have crossed over. It's a beautiful experience when a loved one has passed on and family members surround their loved one with so much Love. There's a peace that's present. A calming peace.

I currently work with a Hospice group as a Volunteer coordinator and a volunteer. When Father died, I took a break. I didn't feel strong enough to deal with the sorrow of others and their families. Earlier this way, I witnessed a good friend fight as Cancer patient to gracefully accepting that the disease would soon take her Life.

Where am I going with this? I'm getting there. I knew friends that lost parents but I never knew the pain and loss that one feels when a parent dies. That all changed. I truly have empathy for those that lose a parent. My Father was a good man. I was blessed to have such an amazing Father figure in my Life. So when I heard the death of a celebrity, family member, or friend, I always remember that the person we lost was someone's Father, Mother, Grandparent, Brother, Sister, Husband, Wife, or Child. I was really put off by so many that thought it was a appropriate to make jokes about Michael Jackson's death. I wasn't a big fan of his but when the news broke of his death, a visual immediately came to mind. It was the memory of my Father's body in a body bag on a stretcher on it's way to the funeral home.

Yesterday, friends and myself learned on Twitter.com that Megan Porter, @megapixel, was killed in a car accident. We never had the pleasure of meeting in person but we did have one phone conversation and countless of chats. She was only 24 years young. I will miss her a great deal. That's far too young to leave this world.  I know that she would want me to Live & enjoy Life to the fullest. It serves as a reminder that if you love someone, let them know. Allow yourself to express your Love to your loved ones. You may not have tomorrow to do just that.

Today, I thank God, my Angels & Saints, for allowing me to cherish this moment.

Current Music: Laura Marie's In Code
Current Mood: Loved & Blessed

Menu Plan Monday for June 29th Week

*Menu Plan Monday thanks to Orgjunkie.com. So many bloggers participate in this affair. Plan your menu for the week and browse Laura's site. Check out all those that participate and get wonderful ideas for all upcoming meals of the week. If interested, feel free to join in the fun. Let Laura know I sent you. Below is my Dinner Menu for the week:

*Monday: Pasta & Zucchini *Recipe found on Finding Joy In My Kitchen blog.

*Tuesday: Ground turkey in Curry sauce with rice & broccoli.

*Wednesday: 13 Bean Soup made in Crock pot.

*Thursday: Special evening...dinner out with friends. I will be making a Chocolate Coffee Zucchini cake. I'll be shure to take pics!

*Friday: This is 4th of July! I believe we're having friends over for BBQ & pool fun. 

Time to work on today's blog post.

Have a great week!

*****CHEERS!****

Menu Plan Monday for June 22nd Week

Having Coffee At Pool side Earlier This Evening.

I know I'm late in posting for Menu Plan Monday...please forgive me. No excuse so I'm not even about to try and offer one. Since I've lost ten pounds through better eating habits and exercise, I am doing my best to cook and eat most of our own meals. Not only do I save money by doing this, I know exactly what the nutritional values are for each meal. 

*Menu Plan Monday thanks to Orgjunkie.com. So many bloggers participate in this affair. Plan your menu for the week and browse Laura's site. Check out all those that participate and get wonderful ideas for all upcoming meals of the week. Below is my Dinner Menu for the week:

*Monday: Since it was a hot one today, we kept it simple and had rotisserie chicken sandwiches and garden salads. Simple yet delicious!

*Tuesday: Ground Turkey & pasta in a light pesto sauce.

*Wednesday: Chicken With Grilled Peaches & Arugula.

*Thursday: Grilled Salmon with Cucumber & Celery Salad

*Friday: Ground Chicken Chili This is a fave recipe. You'll love this chili!

I've collected so many wonderful recipes from other bloggers as well. I hope to include many in next week's menu. Hope Monday was kind to each of you.

*****CHEERS!*****

Current Music: Tina Arena's Live Version of My Heart Will Go On
Current Mood: Sleepy & Blessed

Back it up, Back it up!

A Moment with Vanessa at Side Bar.

It's been a good day. I gotta admit that Twitter.com has saved my sanity. Things may not go my way or as planned yet I always have distractions of the best kind. Thanks to all those that I follow and follow me on the site.

I should have learned a lesson from others that recommended backing up one's computer system. Usually people warn and instruct others to do so after they lost valuable information because they didn't do that themselves Well folks, I'm telling you from personal experience, back up your systems! I was trying to import info from laptop to netbook and CRASH! Laptop crashed and I couldn't save a darn file. Long story short, I had to do a recovery on my laptop. I lost everything. So if you're a reader of my blog, please feel free to send me an email (xavier@xavierism.com) with your contact info or comment with your email address. I'd so appreciate it.

Thankful to a great weekend. I spent most of my time with Rodan's family and close friends. Our pool was the setting for the best of conversations & good times. I look forward to Summer!

*Menu Plan Monday thanks to Orgjunkie.com. So many bloggers participate in this affair. Plan your menu for the week and browse Laura's site. Check out all those that participate and get wonderful ideas for all upcoming meals of the week. I look forward to trying out so many. Below is my Dinner Menu for the week:

*Monday: Pot Roast

*Tuesday: Mandarin Chicken Salads

*Wednesday: Ground Turkey/ Taco seasoned & Pasta

*Thursday: Mushroom Cigars & Chicken Strips with Mango Curry

*Friday: Homemade Supreme Pizza

*****CHEERS!*****

Current Music: Carole King's So Far Away playing in my head
Current Mood: Happy, Happy!

Menu Plan Monday for June 8th Week

Recently Planted Bangkok Red Bougainvilleas in Our Yard.

Thanks to Laura at www.Orgjunkie.com, I have a reason to blog on Mondays. She has a huge following of people that share their week's menu planning. Thanks to over 280 bloggers that participate, I now have a variety of personal and new recipes to incorporate this week. I am doing my best to cook more at home rather than eat out. Yes, I love eating out but I want my times out at great restaurants to be special rather than taken for granted. So this idea would be ideal for Rodan and myself.

For now, I would like to post a simple weekly dinner menu so I have something in place to share. Here goes:

*Monday: Chicken wings & Salad

*Tuesday: Zucchini Tart & Veggies

*Wednesday: 13 Bean Chili made in Crock Pot. This is a favourite. It's not a recipe just something that I make often. I will keep log while I add so that I can share recipe.

*Thursday: Leftovers & Salad

*Friday: I plan to make a recipe from a follower on Menu Plan Monday. I'll keep you posted.

Okay, time to get back to work. Hope each of you has a great week!

*****CHEERS!*****

Current Music: Missy Higgins' Sugarcane
Current Mood: Hungry