A grad and a college student

Today, I had one niece leave home for college and one graduate from high school.

My sister took her little baby daughter to college, UT Austin, for a summer program. My mother and one of my sisters were so emotionally distraught because to them it seems like yesterday she was going to Kindergarten and now she is in college.

She will do great.

My other niece was excited first because she was graduating and first again because her Grandmother and PaPa were here. She is excited about going to Freshman Orientation on Wednesday. Grandmother and PaPa are taking her to orientation.

Well, I will get prepared for Tuesday, that's PaPa's birthday.

Best Burgers

Tagged my husband with one of the best burgers ever. I do not like to cook -- not at all; however, today, I prepared dinner...hamburgers.

This was a burger like no other. Beef patty, bacon, ham, Swiss and American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and pickle. It was jumbo burger on a toasted bun. Yum.

Next, I think I will try to perfect tacos!!

Looking Good

My niece had her hair done today for her graduation from high school. She has beautiful hair and when Michelle finished with it it was beautifuler (I know it's most beautiful)

She is excited about seeing Grandmother and PaPa. They arrive tomorrow all the way from the Washington D.C. area.

Well, all I gotta say is way to go Jas. I am proud of you.

On a not so pleasan note, my grandson went home today )o:

Great Reprise Tonight

pSal taught a great reprise tonight. We were divided into two groups, ladies and men, to discussed His Needs. Very interesting discussion about our relationship with our mate and how we satisfy his needs.

His Needs Teleseminar outline is finished

Yea, the outline for the His Needs Teleseminar is finished. I was so on point today with this project because my goal was to finish the outline and I did.

I am excited about this Teleseminar and based on the responses from the post card mailings and the ezine others are also.

As suggested by Alex, I have to get a USB microphone and I will be set...just waiting on June 8 to get here (that's the date of the Teleseminar).

Since I have completed the outline for His Needs, I best start on the outline for Her Needs because that Teleseminar is scheduled for June 22.

Not to follow in the shoes of Goof Off Goose but I'll get busy on that tomorrow.

What is going on with me

I think I have fallen off the wagon A-G-A-I-N! I was doing so good; however for the past few days, I have done so bad. What in the world is going on with me that I am forgetting to post on my blog?

On Monday night, my grandson and I went to Houston Grand Prix because he wanted to ride the go carts. Me being the attentive grandmother that I am said let's go.

His first request was: can we ride with the top down. My response: Of course, there is no sun so down with the top. The weather was beautiful -- a bright moon, cool temperature and NO humidity. Loving it.

He enjoyed himself and and started back home when we heard a very loud POP. Neither of us know what happened. Shortly after the POP, my grandson said GiGi, I hear a ticking noise. I heard it also but I thought it was the van next to me. Well, it wasn't, it was our vehicle. I exited the beltway, turned into a parking lot to see if the tire was flat. My grandson (who is 12 years old) got out to inspect the tires and found a piece of metal the size of a quarter in the left rear tire.

We got back in the car and headed home because I convinced him we would be OK. He urged me to stay on the feeder...just in case. I obeyed.

Thanks be to God we made it home without incident.

His night of fun riding with the top down and driving a go cart was not spoiled by a flat tire.

God is Good.. all the time!

Is today Sunday?

Ok, Ok, I forgot to post an entry on Sunday so here goes.

My grandson and I went to church and enjoyed another pSal message. We are having Family Boot Camp through Father's Day and every one was clad in their camouflage. pSal had on pink camo with lots of bling, of course! Kelly was decked out head to toe. Seriously, she had on combat boots and a beret. The Copelands had the camo working. Yes, I wore camo too.

pSal's message was on Her Needs --she kept it real.

I picked up my WOO, WHAM, WHOA, WHEE, WOW - 5 Stages of a Relationship CD, from Alex Nora after church. He did a great job on it and the music is tight. (Is that still current? I can't keep up any more.)

My grandson rapped (Christian) until after midnight. He wants to record a rap CD and I will see to it that we make that happen cause he is good.

I saw and heard it for myself

Doing what I love doing gives me such a wonderful feeling. I love the magic of coaching -- especially relationship coaching. To be able to help couples get to that aha moment is exhilarating for me as well as for them.

I witnessed a strong man admit he was wrong, explain why he did what he did, sincerely apologized and asked for forgiveness. He admitted to a couple of other things because he wants to mend his relationship and prepare the relationship for a commitment. Something they both indicated they want. Kudos for the dude.

Kudos to the couple for seeking help before they get married.

I was so excited to see progress in the session. I will be checking in with them during the week.

A Flea in Her Ear -- Again

Texas Repertory Theater's production of A Flea in Her Ear was fabulous. I saw the play for the second time tonight and it was great. The cast was phenomenal. Although they were good two weeks ago, they were even better tonight.

I had a special treat tonight, I had the pleasure of meeting Larry Lipton. He was at the theater photographing a couple who got engaged right there on the stage -- after the show of course.

Larry and I chatted for a few minutes outside the theater as well as exchanged business cards. I have permission to add his e-mail address to my e-mail list. He is a very interesting man. I thoroughly enjoyed our chat and appreciate the information he shared with me on how to grow my business.

I will have to visit with him again to learn more about the HR organization he mentioned.

Glad I volunteered tonight.

My grandson the volunteer

Volunteering is so rewarding...just ask my grandson. Today was our day to deliver meals-on-wheels and D. helped.

After introducing himself and shaking hands with everyone, he delivered the meals. The joy of the trip was at Mr. C's. Mr. C told us he was selling a 1989 Dodge Charger with 40,000 miles. I asked "where is it" and he replied "in the garage."

My husband and grandson wanted to see this beauty. I must admit that I was equally excited and expected to see an orange Dodge Charger, straight from the Dukes of Hazard.

We all walked over to the garage, Mr. C opened it as the three of us stood there with anticipation. The garage door was opened and the vehicle was revealed; however, it was not a Dodge Charger, it was a Dodge Ram. We were all disappointed. I went back to the car.

As we headed back to the Meals-on-Wheels office, my grandson said "boy, do I feel good." "Doing that makes me feel good." "I love helping people."

I think he has it...the spirit of volunteerism. That boy is so much like his paternal grandmother (that would be me)!

Oh happy day

Oh happy day...I picked up my favorite grandson today. He is out of school for the summer. He passed to the 7th grade and will be attending Stephen F. Austin Odyssey Academy next year.

We will have a fabulous summer. We would really like to tour the United States by car. Traveling to Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Oregon, Colorado, Wyoming and work our way back to Texas. Sounds exciting huh.

Tomorrow, we will do meal-on-wheels and let my grandson "tag" everyone on our route. He enjoyed serving the clients when he delivered meals last year during the Christmas break.

We also discussed going to Hawaii -- I think we will surf while we are there.

Jim's Cake Project

This was another productive day for me. In looking for a facility to hold a seminar, I had an opportunity to tour the Lone Star College Learning Center. Myra took good care of me. She was an excellent "tour guide." She was articulate, professional and very personable. Talking about making me proud.

Now, about the cake. Jim decided he wanted to bake a cake with a frosting and topping. Here is the kicker, I got to make the frosting and topping. So Jim's Cake Project became our project! The frosting and topping had to be made in a double boiler and constantly stirred. That was my job. I "tagged" him by helping with the most difficult part of the entire project.

I did it!

Yesterday, I said today would be a super productive day and it was.

Although it is my self proclaimed "day off", I got up very early, about 7:45 a.m. That's early for me and remember, it's my "day off."

I drove over to the mid-town area to deliver some things to my Sister in Christ. Left there, stopped at several Dollar General stores looking for Snapple Ice Tea mix for my husband -- no luck.

Called a potential client and set-up a tentative time to meet. Gotta check with the Queen before we finalize the session.

Spoke with both of my children and my grandson. Did not chat with my daughter very long because she was preparing for a cake party at her desk (I don't know either).

When I got home, I forwarded the clean draft of my book to my review team of one, my brother. I will get his comments/recommendations/suggestions in a day or two because he does everything timely. I want to be just like him when I grow up.

My husband needed some lemons because he is baking a cake tomorrow so I "tagged" him by going out, again, for the lemons.

Now if that is not productive for someone on their day off, I don't know what is!

It's time to go to bec. That is how our family spells bed. When my favorite son was three years old, he announced he was getting ready for bec so we started spelling bed bec in his honor. I am sure spell check will try hard to figure out what I am trying to spell. Here's an idea: if we all start using the word bec, it will get added to the dictionary. OK, OK, it was just a thought.

Night, Night.

I finished the first draft

Five Stages of a Relationship - the draft of my version is finished. I have a nice clean draft that is ready to be edited.

Yesterday, I developed a e-flyer to pre-order the WOO, WHAM, WHOA, WHEE, WOW, Five Stages of a Relationship CD.

This was a great day-- nice weather, great message at church and Alex was there. I almost cried because I was so happy to see him. I had to really compose myself to keep from crying tears of joy.

Had my Sunday afternoon nap!

Tomorrow, I plan on being SUPER productive.

Baby Brother

My baby brother (he's over 50) surprised my Mom last night by showing up at her home about 9 p.m. I was surprised by speaking with him over the phone when my Mom called me. I actually thought they were on a 3-way call!

This afternoon, my husband and I drove out to my Mom's to visit with my baby brother. It was good to see him. It has been almost a year since he was home. We had a great time discussing everything...food, politics, traveling, the military, family, grand children, work, the weather, gadgets and anything else that came to mind.

I know he has enjoyed his visit because my Mom cooked
all of his favorite foods. I know because I peeked. She had pinto beans (his absolute favorite), neck bones, skillet bread (my favorite--yes, I did eat a piece), blackberry cobbler and lots more.

When we are all home, Mom cooks our favorite dish. Talking about a treat. She prepares macaroni and cheese for my sister in Arizona, spaghetti w/meat sauce for my brother in Virginia, pinto beans for my baby brother, okra and tomatoes for me, buttered rice for my sister in Waller, mustard greens for my sister in Houston, cake for my sister in Humble and skillet bread for all of us.

It does not matter that we are all older with our own families, we all love being "tagged" by our Mom with her good down home cooking. Yum!

The Girls

Tonight, I "tagged" Angela's girls - five of them. Angela has to work on Thursday night so the girls have not been able to attend Bible study. I was able to pick them up tonight and off to Bible study we went.

It was a blessing that I got them for a number of reasons. One: everyone was excited to see them. Two: Brittney needed a head shot by Saturday for a presentation...check, Jim Dahl had his camera and agreed to take the photo and send it to her via e-mail. Three: pSal prayed with her for calm and clarity with her presentation. Four: Makaliah read me a poem she wrote.

After church, I took them home and as they got out of the car, Alexis turned and "tagged" me with "thank you so much for taking us to church." My heart melted. She was so sincere and appreciative. She is such a sweetheart. Actually, they all are.

Angela, you have done a great job with them. Kudos to you!

My book cover

Got some good news today.

I have been trying to find a student to help me design the cover for my book. Yesterday, I decided to contact the IT intern coordinator at a local school where I volunteer. The good news: I have a meeting with the coordinator and two students on Friday.

Once I get the cover designed, I will be ready to have my book WOO, WHAM, WHOA, WHEE, WOW, 5 Stages of a Relationship, published.

In the words of my grandson -- I gotta stay focused!!

Hot off the press--almost

My CD is almost ready. Alex has been working working to refine what I presented to him last week.

I say almost ready because I just gave him the music today. I can hardly wait to listen to the finished product. I still don't have a cover for the CD or my book, WOO, WHAM, WHOA, WHEE, WOW, The 5 Stages of a Relationship. I just might use my picture that Lori took of me at the park.

Before the CD is published in any quantity, I say thank you to Alex for making it happen and Lori for my photo. I will also use my Lori photo on the back cover of my book.

As I prepare for the June 8 Teleseminar, His Needs, I am more organized and focused. I guess it's because I have "been there, done that!" I am already looking for music so that I will be able to give the recording to Alex along with the music.

I almost forgot to give my husband kudos -- he was my music critic. He has an excellent ear for music. Thanks J.

Mother's Day Tag (Continued)

Today was a fabulous day. Mom and I went to church where we heard another awesome message from pSal.

We came home and had some of my gumbo. Mom told me how good it was...she backed that up by eating two servings.

Mom was in contact with her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, sister and friends. She had a wonderful Mother's Day. I thank God for giving us another year to celebrate my Mom.

Thanks Mom for everything (especially the discipline!!) we are who and what we are because we had loving and caring parents.

Mother's Day Tag

My Mother's Day "Tag" for my Mom was a ticket to see the play A Flea in Her Ear at the Texas Repertory Theater. It was hilarous because my Mother laughed a lot. She had a wonderful time.

One of the volunteers asked me -- "Is that your sister?" She was referring to my Mom!

Tomorrow Mom will go to church with me and then I will take her home. In pray she has a wonderful Mother's Day

Love you, Mom.

Leadercast 2010

Yesterday was such an enjoyable yet tiring day that I forgot to enter a post.

My day started at 5 a.m. That's right, 5 a.m. and for those of you who know me know that I do not get up before 7 a.m. (or later). I arrived at the site at 6 a.m. and people were there preparing the coffee, breakfast treats, etc.

Houston Coaches collaborated with the Y in hosting Leadercast 2010. It was live via simulcast from Atlanta and it was wonderful. The line up of speakers was second to none and I was worried about being able to pay attention. What was I thinking -- there was no way I could not pay attention with
--Tripp Crosby and his humor (TNT Airlines...it's the bomb!!),
--Connie Podesta,
--Tony Dungy (inspiring),
--Jim Goodnight (had me laughing out very very loud as he kept a straight face),
--Steve Uzzell (added a totally new dimension to photography for me),
--Ed Bastian (liked his style)
--John Maxwell (shared keys to connecting with others) (I have been reading his books for year and did not realize he is so very humorous but he is)(let me not forget to mention I love those red shoes!!), and
--Ben Carson who inspired us, challenged us and put every rapper to shame as he took about a minute to describe -- medically--how we process and respond to a question.

That is not all I took in yesterday. I was fascinated by a member of Houston Coaches, as she tweeted. She kept over 100 followers in the loop about the conference.

Oh, I almost forgot to mention Darla with her contagious smile. She was simply elegant...dressed in black and white. She knew many of the participants and greeted them by name as they entered the facility. After the conference, she told me that she would not get up at 5 a.m. for anyone but me! Darla and I are connected (-:

Let me not fail to mention that I looked cute too. I was the one dressed in the bright red Chick-fil-A Leadercast shirt. I was not alone, several of us from Houston Coaches were dressed alike, Margaret, John and Bill.

Our president was a star as well, she introduced Carla Powers and mentioned that a coach from Houston Coaches was seated at every table.

The committee that put the directory together deserve special kudos because it was exceptional, excellent, outstanding and very professionally done.

The Coaches Wall was an eye catcher. The wall consisted of an individual poster of each coach who attended the conference. The poster included a professional photo, a bio, our specialty and a list of our favorite books. Ann came up with a brilliant idea -- she took the list of books submitted by each coach and made one complete list. How cleaver. After reviewing her list, I have got some serious reading to do.

Wendy (I wont give your real name and you know that I know it!) and her committee members prepared the facilitator/coach/appointment cards for the participants. Great idea--made our job easy.

Of course John was there with his camera. My photo was snapped while I was adjusting my gig line--can't wait to see that one!!

Can you tell I had a fun time and learned a little something?

Save the date for Leadercast 201l -- May 6, 2011. See you there.

Loss of memory

Yesterday, May 5 was a wonderful day and I forgot to blog. Our grandson invited us to Zooming Out for a Global View 2010 held at Annenberg Presidential Conference Center at Texas A&M. He invited us because he was on the program, actually, his group placed third. What an honor. We drove the 80 miles up and back because he asked us to and we were glad to do it.

The relationship "tag" for me was that I had the opportunity to meet my grandson's friend Cory. I have heard so much about Cory and I finally got to meet him. I also met another friend of his, Brandon. I already knew Layne. What a wonderful group of young men. They are creative, smart and very respectful.

Although I had a memory loss and forgot to blog yesterday, I am encouraged about the future after meeting these find young men. They are awesome!

As for today, May 6, it has been fast and furious. Leadercast 2010 has been on the minds of Houston Coaches all week. We put up the coaches wall this afternoon and it looks great. I even got a nice red Chick-fil-A shirt to wear tomorrow. I am looking forward to the excitement and sharing of ideas.

Leadercast 2011 will be even better.

Excited

I am so excited, I just can't hid it! I am working on my second teleseminar. Actually, this will be the third teleseminar - the first two were on the same subject.

I truly believe getting this information to couples (married, engaged or dating) will help build lasting relationships. I have got to come up with some catchy titles for this Teleseminar. I have better stories this go around. Maybe that's why I am excited?

To top off my excitement about the teleseminar, my grandson called me tonight. He invited me to a presentation he will be doing tomorrow at A&M. He apologized for the "short notice" but wanted to make sure I knew. I will be on my way to Bryan tomorrow morning to support him. This is academics not athletics so there is NO question that I will be there.

He told me his grades are good and that he thinks he might make all A's this grading period.

Trust me, he knows that all A's means ALL A's not 5 A's and one B!

Tagged with a hand full of grapes

I went shopping and found the biggest juiciest grapes. I purchases three pounds because they were perfect.

When I got home, I washed the grapes to place them in the fruit basket and before I could get a paper towel to drain them I heard "I want some!"

So I tagged him with a hand full of grapes. The he I am referring to is my husband. Had I known he would be so excited about some grapes, I would have gotten SIX pounds!

I love it when I do something so simple that brings him so much joy.

Tomorrow, I am going to buy more grapes!

Tagged by pSal

This was no ordinary Sunday, it was special. My Pastor, pSal PREACHED today. Her message stirred me up.

We are doing a series at our church, FCI-Embassy Church, on the Happy Attitudes of Jesus. She told us there is a benefit for every be-happy attitude, the misconceptions about being a peacemaker, and five ways to be at peace.

She also told us if we are not peacemakers, it hinders our prayers and our happiness.

Her acrostic for PEACE was very timely.
P - Plan a peace conference
E - Emphatize with their feelings
A - Attack the problem, not the person
C - Cooperate as much as possible
E - Emphasize reconciliation not resolution

Now, if this does not bless ya, well...

pSal, you were all the way off the chain with this message. Thanks for "tagging" me with a message to carry me through the week. Well, until Thursday when you do Reprise and get me stirred up again.

Love, you pSal

Better

Today was much better than yesterday. I "tagged" my husband by working in his garden! Yes, I was digging in the dirt, cutting and planting vegetable. He appreciated the help and I must admit that it wasn't that bad...a little hot and humid though.

After "tagging" him, I was able to get some shopping in. That made my day great. Tomorrow will be even better than today.