I went Home

My weekend was filled with all types of emotions: sadness, happiness and peace.  Friday morning, I headed back home to my hometown, Hereford which in the panhandle.  My dearest friend in the world had a family situation and I made my way back to see her.  I do not want to get into the details because I want to respect her privacy.  However, I was able to be with her when she needed me.  I am so blessed that I was able to do so. She has always been there for me and she knows all my deep dark secrets so I had to be there or she would completely spill. :)

While I was there, I stayed at my Aunt Irene's house.  I was there for two nights and enjoyed my time with her.  It was a bit sad because my old apartment is two blocks from there.  Lots of memories came back to me as I drove past my old block.  During my stay, I did try past my apartment. It still looks the same except for the trees. Now they actually look like trees as opposed to tall, skinny sticks with five leaves.   

Being back home did kind of recharge me and here's why.
1. Silence can be good: I sat outside in my aunt's backyard and watched their dog play in the grass. It was 9:30 at night, there was no sounds of airplanes flying by or sirens.  The only sound I could hear was the train passing through Hereford.  I sat there and closed my eyes and enjoyed the silence.  It was so calming.
2. Network down: I didn't really use any social networking.  Actually, I really didn't follow anything.  I spent my time talking to my two aunts and lots of cousins.
3. Sunday driver: I took it slow.  It's a small town and people tend drive slower.  No one is really in a rush.  Of course it was the weekend but even so, it was nice to take a leisurely drive.

I know you can't go home again but you can visit and make more memories.  For today's soundtrack, the theme is home.  Enjoy!

Thanks for reading my blog!
Julie

It's My Life and I am going to LOVE it!

My youngest niece turned 13 this week.  I still can't believe it.  Where did the last 13 years ago?   Whew, that was fast.  I started thinking was about when I turned 13.  I, much like my niece counted down the days until I turned that magical age.  The age when teen was officially part of my life. Why is that?

The other thing I thought of was as a teenager we couldn't wait to get to older.  Then about 30 we didn't want that number to increase.  Now, in our 40's I hope that we all think how lucky we are that we've arrived.  Right?  Life gets better at 40 and beyond.  I like to think that I am so much smarter and more laid back on some things.  I personally think that the older the better. The alternative is not something I do want just yet, so I am going to live hard, play a lot and love immensely.  For today's soundtrack, the theme is LIFE.  Enjoy!!

Thanks for reading my blog!
Julie

Songs for my mom.

Today would have been my mom's 79th birthday. Wow, that is crazy!  I can't believe that she's been gone so long.  In the past, it was sometimes a bit difficult to get through this day.  But this year I spent this evening having dinner with two of my sisters and my youngest niece.  Actually, it was our last book club meeting.  We finished reading "To Kill a Mockingbird" this week and hopefully this Sunday we will be watching the movie.  It all came full circle somewhat.  You see, my mom never learned to read or write and now here we are; her daughters and granddaughter meeting to discuss a classic book.  It was such a great moment.  I think she would have been proud of us. 

Even though mom didn't have those skills she was still a computer.  She knew everyone's birthday and she made sure she called them on their special day.  To this day, I have cousins that tell me that they miss her birthday calls.  I don't know if I told you but I have about 65 first cousins, so as you can see she had a lot to keep up with due to the fact that we have a jillion relatives.  She also kept a small pocket-size Hallmark calendar and in the back of it, she wrote the phone numbers she needed. (I was wrong, she was taught her numbers but I don't know by who.)  It was a list of numbers but no names.  She knew every single one of them. Remember, we didn't have cell phones that could punch up someone's name and their number pops up nice and pretty for you.  She was one smart cookie and she missed terribly. 

That's pretty much all I have today.  Today's soundtrack is based on songs that remind me of my mom. Enjoy!

Mom loved to dance and she could dance to this one.

 Her one and only concert - Eddie Rabbit.

Dolly just reminds me of my mom.  

In the 70's/80's, she was everywhere on the radio or TV.

Thanks for reading my blog!
Julie

I will stay calm when I Drive

Not sure what to write about today.  Haven't really done a lot this week.  I've been reading my book, "To Kill A Mockingbird" and hoping to finish soon because we are wrapping up our book club on Monday. It's getting so good. Once we finish the book, we are going to watch the movie. Can't wait!

Okay, I know what to write.  Everyday I drive to work I see people making the stupidest decisions as they drive.  I think the little stick on the left-hand side of the steering wheel can be used quite often, not just right before you make the turn.  Also, if you are going to pull out in front of me, you might want to go faster than me.  And what about driving with headphones on?  Isn't that dangerous or stupid?  I am going to say stupidly dangerous. 

I am trying really hard to be calm and not plow down the next moron that makes a stupid mistake.  I've decided that we should make some kind of invention that can be used in your car that tells a driver they are being an idiot.  What I mean is, maybe a digital screen that reads "Hey moron in the black range rover (TXB 185), next time use a signal when you move into the lane".  But then I realized that 1) How would you type it in?  Maybe it can be voice actived?  and 2)If they aren't paying attention to the road then why would they pay attention to a digital sign?  So I guess I will just remain calm, put some great music on and drive safely.

So today's theme is driving. Enjoy!

Thanks for reading my blog!
Julie

Jem is truly outrageous and I am not

The other night I had a sad realization while I was watching Toy Story 3.  I am watching the cartoon and notice that Barbie has a better booty than I do. What the heck?!!? Then it got me to thinking about how cartoons are much better off than me.  A sad extremely funny fact.  Below, I state my case.

1. The aforementioned booty.  I've been working out for a year and this doll still beats me.  I better double, maybe triple my workouts. And of course, she pretty much everything - a corvette, dream house, a closet full of clothes and like 8000 careers.

2. Stewie from Family Guy dates more than I do.  Not really a lot I can say here.  You guys know that it's true.

3. Daphne from Scooby Doo never had frizzy hair. I have to use 2 types of conditioners, blow dry my hair straight and then use a flat iron.  Whew, typing out my routine is making me tired.

4. Judy Jetson never had to deal with traffic because she got to fly every where. Those of you that drive in DFW have probably wished that we could be flying by now, right?  Great, NASA is dropping the shuttle project and they still haven't fixed this problem.  Where are our spaceships we were promised in the 70's?

5. Jem was rock star and had pink hair.  I can't sing and look horrid with pink hair.  But I could totally rock the cute pink outfit.

So there you have it.  All these cartoons have a leg up on me.  LOL!  Today's theme is cartoons. Enjoy!

Thanks for reading my blog!
Julie

Let's Dance Garcia men

Today I spent the day celebrating my sister I's birthday, along with all my sibling, some of my nephews and my niece.  A nice, fun lunch and then a chance to catch up at my sister's house.  As we are sitting there talking, we had some music playing in the background and my great nephew began to dance.  I love it, because he truly dances like no one is watching. He is four years old and is a little dancing machine.  I finally said, "thank goodness that he dances because it took 3 generations to finally have a Garcia man love to dance".  Neither his dad nor granddad hit the dance floor like the Garcia sisters do.  As I mentioned before, my sisters and I love and I can't stress that enough, LOVE to dance.  We get it from our momma.  So it is a breakthrough that we have a male in our family that can help us continue the tradition.   So in honor our dancing skills, today's theme is dancing. Enjoy!!

Thanks for reading my blog!
Julie

S-A-T-U-R-D-A-Y Night : Alone

Another Saturday night at home alone.  I am not pulling a Macaulay Culkin - no jumping on the bed, trying on aftershave or lip syncing to Bing Crosby.  Instead, it's my usual Saturday night.  Dinner, FIOS and my squatter; Oliver all at home.  This act is getting a little old but I don't know how to change it up.  I've tried the interweb dating services and I've gone on quite a few first dates but that's it.  And to be honest, 99% of them, I only wanted that one date. 

What do I do next?  I can't seem meet anyone at my job.  A lot of my friends are single so that doesn't help and then the rest of my friends are married.  I've thought about sending out an all points bulletin email to all my friends and family and asking them to set me up with a nice guy.  Not sure if that sounds desperate or maybe just some good grassroots marketing.  It's a toss up.  Anyone got any great ideas for me?  I am pretty much willing to listen to what you got. 

So there you go, another Saturday night blogging and feeling sorry for myself.  Thank goodness for all 5,000 channels I can surf.  For today's soundtrack, the theme is Saturday. It would be to depressing to make it "alone".  I could totally come up with huge list but I want to end on optimistic note.  Enjoy!

Kidd Video - my favorite Saturday morning cartoon.

My favorite Saturday afternoon show - American Bandstand.

Thanks for reading my blog!

Julie

My mind still thinks I am 17 but my body - not so much.

This past weekend, my body was screaming at me that I was 41.  On two different mornings, I awoke to some major pain in one part of my body or another.  Sunday morning, my lower back was killing me. I was stooped over and I felt like I bench pressed 10,000 pounds.  About 7am, I took an Advil and went back to bed.  No help.  Next up was a heating pad.  It was me, my heating pad, my squatter; Oliver and 90210.  Still nothing.  Finally about 2:30pm I decided to take a really hot bath.  So hot that my skin was lobster red but it was worth it.  I was able to walk upright and not cry.  Thank goodness I was better because I wanted to enjoy my time at my sister's pool.  Plus a little adult beverages sure didn't hurt.

Monday morning, yet another pain.  This time, the culprit was my left arm.  I have no idea how in the heck my arm was feeling like I had moved an entire car.  This time I took a cue from my Sunday situation and immediately took an Advil and took a super hot shower. Success!  I was feeling like a 30 year old again.

For today's soundtrack - it's age.  Enjoy!

Disclaimer - this is from a rated R movie - so the clip is also.

Ah, Dave Grohl - I love you!

This is what my mind tells I am.

17 - holy cow!  Was I that age once?

Thanks for reading my blog!
Julie

Grateful that I am Living in America!

Hello and Happy 4th to Everyone!
I can't believe we are in the middle of the year all ready. Crazy!  It will be Christmas before you know it. I am so grateful I was live here and to know that we have so many wonderful men and women that have sacrificed their lives for us. I am truly blessed.

I am sitting here, over-sunned, exhausted and needing another nap.  Yes, I took 2 naps today. Why?  Well because I am a rock star. :)  Saturday afternoon was spent with my sisters, my niece and nephew having a nice leisurely lunch and gab fest.  It was such a nice day.   My plan for Saturday night was just to read a book and chill out but a friend of mine asked to go see Musiq Soulchild at House of Blues. To be honest, I've only heard one of his songs but who cares; it was a chance to hang with my buddy and to enjoy a new artist (at least to me).  I got home at 1am.  A great day!

Sunday was pretty much an all you can eat, drink and pool-fest.  I was caramel but I am now mocha.  We had a nice surprise too.  My big brother, sister-in-law and nephew (he lives in McAllen) joined us for our celebration. It was so nice to see them.  We had such a great time remembering old times, talking about movies, sports and enjoying time together. Great food and drink!  I think I got home about 12:30am. 

Coming home so late made this morning a bit difficult to wake up at 7:30am.  I really wanted to sleep in but it was the annual 4th of July parade here in the crooked I.  I met my family at 8:30am and it was packed.  I tell you what; the McDonald's next to the parade route was making a killing.  The parade was fun - lots of floats and good looking cars but they really skimped on the candy this year. :)

After the parade I came home and took about a 35 minute nap and then headed to my sister's house to discuss our reading of "To Kill a Mockingbird".  Have I mentioned its part of my niece's summer reading so my sisters and I are reading it with her?  We meet ever Monday to discuss the book.  Had a nice little lunch and a great discussion about our chapters we read.  Then homeward bound for another nap. But this time it was a 2 hour nap. Man it felt great!  Of course, I probably won't be able to sleep tonight but it was so very much worth it.

All in all, a fantastic weekend for little ol' me.  Hope you had a great weekend too. I would love to hear how your weekend went.  So for today's soundtrack, it's so with the obvious - 4th of July and U.S.A., U.SA, U.S.A!  Enjoy!!

Thanks for reading my blog!
Julie