"The grand essentials of happiness are: something to do, something to love, and something to hope for." — Allan K. Chalmers

I quite agree with this quote by Mr. Chalmers. I find that though my emotions are high lately, I am happier than I have ever been. Or at least I am more aware of my happiness than ever before.

My happiness springs from doing something day in and day out that is fulfilling and challenging all while continuing to search for ways to do more particularly in efforts to contribute to those around me.

I am happy because I have much love in my life - love for myself, my family and friends, my animals, my country, my world, my God and my existence.

As for hope, well, sometimes I can get confused by hope that leads to disappointment, but even in disappointment I know the hope will return and ultimately lead to happiness one way or the other.

What you do, what you love and what you hope for - all of this is what makes us who we are and all of these things in my life make me a very happy girl.

Taking A Stand

I did something this week that took very little effort and very little time, but could be a part of making a very big impact. I wrote my Texas Senators and asked them to pass Senate Bill 1738 - the PROTECT Our Children Act. Tons of children are involved in some form of molestation and abuse at the hands of sick individuals who then use the Internet to publicize their evil acts. The Internet has become both a tool and a weapon in the world of child pornography. A tool because broadcasting these terrible acts gives law enforcements the ability to see the crime, have record of it and then find the persons responsible. But as it stands now, the search and arrest of these criminals is either not top priority or not well-funded. With more resources and more government pressure, law enforcement will find and apprehend more and more of these pedophiles. This Bill would ensure those resources are available and mandate important guidelines, putting the protection of children as top priority.

More on Senate Bill 1738:

-Authorize more than $320 million spent over the next five years in desperately needed funding for law enforcement to investigate child exploitation.
-Mandate that child rescue be a top priority for law enforcement receiving federal funding.
-Allocate funds for high-tech computer software that can track down Internet predators.

There are certain inequalities and injustices that I personally take a strong and worthy stand for. I feel very strongly about this issue and the difference this Senate Bill can make. I ask anyone who may be reading this to act now! Your U.S. senators will be voting on the bill soon, so it is crucial you contact them immediately. Go to www.senate.gov to find contact information for the senators in your state. Search for your senator by name or state by clicking on the arrow from either dropdown menu. Contact information is provided here. To send an e-mail, click on "Web Form" below his or her name, and e-mail your letter to make a difference! Or type up a letter that includes Senate Bill 1738 as what you are urging them to support and send it to the address listed on this site.

If our children's safety and emotional state is not a top priority, I shudder to think what is.

As I watch the images of the destruction caused by Hurricane Ike in Galveston and Houston, I am reminded how fragile our surroundings are. Gone in a flash, we can lose everything we've worked so hard for or that we've been given with such love. It's sad that humans place so much importance on the material, but it doesn't take much for us to be reminded how very little all of that stuff counts when you have your life and the lives of those who truly make your life mean something. In the words of my best friend from high school who lives in Houston and has a little girl, is nine months pregnant and has a beautiful home, "It's just a couple of inches of water in the house. No big deal at all." And she means it, whether a few inches of water or complete demolition, it's no big deal at all. When you have the life of your child and your unborn baby to think about, lamps and beds and trinkets don't seem to matter so much in these situations. On the other side of things is the beautiful nature of human kind that brings out the very best in people when such devastation occurs. My Mother has made many new friends along this journey and discovered the pure gold that is at the heart of so many of her old friends. Being a single woman in the complete darkness of night when a storm has swept through your city can be quite frightening, but not once has she been concerned. Not when one of her windows broke out completely, not when she had to single-handedly remove a large tree from the hood of her car to move it away from rising water, not when it was pretty apparent that food and water supplies would dwindle quickly before the electricity would be restored. Instead of fear, she was surrounded by strength - strength of self and the comfort of neighbors, people who seem to realize it takes a village to keep one another strong in times of need. Though terrible destruction is never welcome, I'm sure we can all appreciate the reminders it brings of appreciation for one another above all else.

Toast of the Day

On my way in to work this morning I re-lived a childhood memory, which involved my Mother's constant insistence that I eat breakfast. I remember those very rough early mornings when I had to go to school and she would call into my room for me to get up. I always asked for "one more minute" and she, being smarter than me, had probably already accounted for that trick of mine when first waking me so she would reply, "alright, one more minute." After doing this about two or three times, Mom would come in and ensure I was up. Her next step would be to prepare some sort of breakfast for me. Since I'd be half-asleep and not in any mood to eat, my Mom would try to woo me with cheese toast (love cheese!) or cinnamon, sugar toast. No matter my resistance, she would tell me to take it with me in the car and just try to eat it. Of course, after a few short minutes into the car ride, I'd bite into my toast of the day and finish it right up.

As I hastily prepared two slices of raisin toast for my breakfast this morning and ate them in the car as I drove to work, I thought of the good 'ole days when Mom would have to beg me to eat my toast of the day. Now if I don't get my breakfast, as my Husband can attest to, I am not a happy camper. As I have grown to adulthood - getting myself out of bed, dressed and ready for the day with a smile on my face - I think to myself, "Man would I love to have Mom's toast of the day made just for me with so much love and concern for my empty morning tummy." It is these loving, motherly moments that seem to make me smile these days. Thanks, Mom!

So much to say...

*My niece started high school last week and she has just moved into a new area where she knows no one. High school was scary enough without having not one friend to speak to.

*While in Houston last week I enjoyed some triumphs and a defeat. Amidst some good work and new connections with alumni, the SMU Mustangs got crushed by the Rice Owls and I was immensely disappointed, but I will be back in the saddle again for this Saturday's game because I have hope that we'll redeem ourselves.

*Upon returning from Houston, I celebrated my husband's birthday. He's a wise, happy man of 36 years and he's getting better and better all the time.

*Shout it from the rooftops! Our best friends are having a baby!! So incredibly excited about the Shuff Baby. Greg and I look forward to being Auntie and Uncle to the little p'nut.

*The Democratic Convention kept me glued to the screen between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. last week, but this week's Convention is not holding the attention quite as well. So far it's been a poor satellite connection and lots and lots of blue haired men with boring speeches. I'm trying to give the Republicans a chance, but it's really, really tough. Better luck tonight when I get to hear from Sarah Palin, the controversial figure of this whole event.

I really don't like birds. I can appreciate them as creatures of this Earth and there are some that I think are beautiful, but if anyone were to ask I'd have to say I feel more dislike than like. I avoid walking under trees where I know a number of them are hanging out. I walk on another side of the street if I see one hobbling down the sidewalk in front of me, and I have white noise that fills my bedroom every night because I do not like being awakened by the nervous chatter of the birds outside our bedroom windows.

I was heading into the parking garage here at work yesterday evening I came upon my car and saw that a black bird was perched on the driver-side mirror. He was just hanging out so I stood back and allowed him to finish his rest because I did not want to go near him. But he didn't move and I soon realized why...he was pooping on my car!! I started yelling at him, telling him to get away. He squaked and spread his wings at me, but did not move from the mirror. I swung my bag in his direction and he still didn't move. It wasn't until one of my colleagues who was seeing this entire scene drove next to me and honked that the bird reluctantly flew away, giving me one last nasty squak before he did. As I turned to wave and say "thanks" to my co-worker, I realized how silly I must have looked, but I didn't care. Being on the bottom floor of a parking garage, I never imagined I'd be dealing with birds pooping on my car! Isn't that part of the reason NOT to park outside - to avoid this sort of thing? Ugh, if I didn't like birds before, I certainly despise that black bird after this experience!

Right now in my life I am experiencing a book that is having a tremendous impact on my life. Really it's so much more than the book, but the ideas and beliefs it teaches. I find myself taking notes, reading certain passages aloud and then having audible "aha!" moments as a result of the enlightenment that the words, parables and teachings in this book provide. I'm not at a place where I want to share what book this is just yet as it might be a bit controversial for some to know I'm having such a strong response and having such an important journey through its words, but I can say that it's all good, it's all right.

What a wonderful weekend!!

In addition to spending 24 hours last Thursday and Friday surrounded by the beauty of Possum Kingdom Lake while at a retreat for work, I also spent the weekend with my first love - my niece, Hannah! She came to Dallas just to spend time with her doting Aunt Lar Lar, as she likes to call me. We did girlie things like have our nails done and shopping; we also spent time talking and talking and reading and reading - two things we both love to do. I also very much enjoyed experiencing Greg and Hannah's interactions with one another. I know Greg adores my niece as there's nothing to her that one can't adore, but I also see him enjoying her humor and her innocence. They playfully joked with one another and we all laughed together. We both appreciate her pure and open perspective on things. It was a wonderful weekend and she was such a good sport putting up with our craziness during one of the most disorganized, disorderly weekends we've probably ever had. As always, Hannah handled things with poise and sweetness and enough warmth to make us both feel like it didn't bother her one bit. I've loved this babygirl since she was still in her mother's womb; I cried and screamed and smiled when she was born; I took care of her when her parents worked both during my high school and college days for several years; we've always had a special relationship that I cherish dearly; and I've watched her grow into this beautiful, caring, compassionate, intelligent young woman. And though Hannah says that I am someone she looks up to, she is someone I aspire to be more like, as well. Thank you for a wonderful weekend filled with lots of fun, smiles, love and laughter and thank you for being you, Hannah.

July 30, 2008
Aries (3/21-4/19)
"In order to get a lot done today like you want to, you're going to have to learn how to say no. Stop worrying so much about staying social -- accepting every invitation that comes your way might be a great way to stay busy, but it's also an effective way of driving yourself nuts! Is there some reason that you're avoiding alone time? Think about it. Clearing up your schedule doesn't have to be difficult if you make sure it's not so crowded in the first place!"

I'm celebrating...

...rain in July!

...Doby's new haircut.

...our beautiful home.

...small miracles.

...Wednesday!

...new carpet and new furniture in my office at work.

...finding our lost camera.

...inexpensive life insurance.

...my husband's overwhelming talent and hard work.

...my niece coming to stay with us in two weeks!

...lots of opportunitites to travel in the fall.

...my commitment to working out.

...the health and happiness of friends and family.

...letters written between me and my great aunt, Eldys.

...finding old friends and finding out more about new friends on Facebook.com.

...my cousin who is back home in San Diego, doing well. I miss him.

...all of the July birthdays!!

"Love is not blind — it sees more, not less. But because it sees more, it is willing to see less." — Rabbi Julius Gordon

This quote makes so much sense to me. As Greg and I come upon what will be eight years since we first met and started dating, I feel more connected and more in tune with my love for him now more than ever. I'd like to say my love for him is something that has happened gradually, that it has grown steady over the years, but that just isn't true. My feelings have been abundant and overwhelming, but they have also been careless, crazy at times and downright absent at other times. I'm ashamed to admit some of this, but I can because we are in such a glorious place now together. What I can say with much confidence is that this love I feel for him right now today is honest and sincere, and my love for him allows me to see him like never before and see less of the imperfections. Somehow when you love someone as completely as I love my husband, the cracks a crevices (pun intended) help to create the beautiful artwork that is this man I call "husband." The cracks and crevices make him more whole and complete until the cracks and crevices are no longer imperfections at all, but lines and circles of curious wonder. I am not blind to any of the things that make him who he is; I see everything and love him all the more.

Here's to my husband, Greg, to August of 2000 and to seeing less and loving more.

After a disturbing ordeal this morning that involved a dead mouse in our attic that had "cooked" in this scorching Texas heat the last few days, I find that I can't take my sense of smell for granted. My Mission?: To get the thought of the dead mouse, and its ridiculous odor, out of my mind. Here is an ode to some of my favorite, most pleasant scents.

-My husband right out of the shower, or really any time.

-My grandmother, who always smells of the perfect mixture of sugar and spice and baby powder scents.

-Freshly mowed grass.

-A rain storm just before or just after it falls from the sky.

-My grandfather's cologne.

-Suavitel static cling liquid and dryer sheets.

-Bulgari perfume and products that I fell in love with at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Buckhead in Atlanta, Georgia.

-My home when Greg is making his soups - roasted garlic, tomatoes and onions - yum!

-Fabuloso floor cleaner after a good mopping.

-My dogs after a bath.

-4510 blazing with all of those fragrant, indulgent candles.

-Babies.

-Anything washed at my brother and sister-in-law's house as it smells so fresh and clean.

-Car leather and new cars.

-Cinnamon buns and chocolate chip cookies in the oven.

Ahhh...the mouse smell is gone from my mind and my nose!! Mission Accomplished. Thanks for your steady and sure removal of the "package" this morning, Greg!! I appreciate your willingness to take care of these unfun, manly tasks.

Feeling a bit "batty" today for some of the great movies I've seen recently. I find it difficult to spend the time and money to go to the theater to see a movie unless it's sure to be really good entertainment - an experience. My love affair with "Sex and the City the Movie" and now with "Mamma Mia!" makes it safe to say that I am movie mystified right now. I literally walked out of the theater on Saturday following "Mamma Mia!" and had the thought that movies are one of the best human creations ever, right up there with books and music. If someone had asked me, I don't think I would've ever put movies anywhere near the importance that books and music, or stage productions for that matter, play in my life until now. And, it's just not the same seeing these amazing films in the comfort of your own home, though I appreciate that experience very much. Being able to laugh with all those around you, know that you're all experiencing the scenes of the movie similarly but uniquely all at once actually adds to the movie-watching experience. You feel your emotions more deeply in the company of so many others who share your reactions.

I found Meryl Streep's performance in "Mamma Mia!" to be simply breath-taking, and completely energizing all at once. Her character was interesting, quirky and lovable - just like my very own Mamma Mia!!!

As I plan to embark on my next movie event - "Dark Knight" - I am sure to, once again, feel that excitment and true energy that movies provide for me. I can't wait for my "batty escapade." And, I'll make one tiny little confession here: I L-O-V-E the Batman movies; I also loved the Batman TV show. Something about that dark, brooding hero who does not seek public recognition has always intrigued me. Now that I'm older, I can also greatly appreciate those Bat Leading Men - Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer (whom I've ALWAYS appreciated!) and now Christian Bale. Yep, I'm really excited to see "Dark Knight."

Fancy Jargon vs. Action

In an article in this month's issue of "BizEd" magazine, I read about the United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, and his plan to achieve the UN's eight Millennium Development Goals. The UN is charged with taking some of the world's most prevalent and overwhelming issues and addressing them on a global scale. As one who is particularly invested in how to get a job done - processes, plans & execution are what drive me - I find it interesting that the UN is charged with these daunting tasks with little or no insight for how to achieve these goals. Don't get me wrong, all of these goals are worthwhile and necessary to ensure a better life for current and future generations, but I would like to know more about how the UN will act to achieve the goals. The UN Secretary-General speaks to the importance of world businesses in achieving these goals, as businesses possess the power to make these goals a reality through corporate social responsibility (fancy jargon for "businesses that care about more than the bottom line"). I tend to agree with Mr. Ki-moon, but I also think what he speaks about doing to reach these lofty goals sounds a lot like meeting after meeting after meeting to talk about the importance of the goals, instead of putting plans in place that respond to the problems. How do we go about putting people on the ground in areas of concern, getting money in the hands of medical workers, having medicine at the disposal of the medical workers, informing and educating at an early age and beyond, etc., etc.? I hate to be so skeptical of the UN and our fine leadership, but action speaks louder than all this fancy jargon.

Here, the UN Millennium Development Goals, which are set to be achieved by 2015:

Eradicate poverty and hunger,

Improve global educational opportunities,

Promote gender equality,

Reduce child mortality,

Improve maternal health,

Fight diseases such as HIV/AIDS and malaria,

Inspire environmental sustainability,

Establish a global partnership of organizations to achieve these goals.

Reading this makes me think that, although the government and organizations like the United Nations are necessary, maybe some of the more socially-invested celebrities and the country's wealthy, as well as the average Joe who just takes matters into his own hands, have it right. Just gather your resources, whether that's oodles of cash, weeks of your time or a team of your best friends and the best professionals for the job, arm yourself with what is needed to bring about change and make it happen on your own terms through your own actions. You may not get your face plastered on a fancy magazine for it, but at least you, and all those you've helped, will know that you took action while this country's leaders and business people are busy making "to do" lists that they discuss over pastries and coffee in meeting after meeting where the latest fancy jargon makes men and women in suits sound intelligent.

Tales from the weekend...

Friday: spent QT with some of my favorite people

Saturday: self-motivation followed by brunch with a friend followed by relaxation at home then dinner with our best friends

Sunday: a mighty "to do list" for the house that was conquered almost completely with my Hubby followed by a feeling of accomplishment and then a freaky movie ("Untraceable" with Diane Lane-creepy!!)

Monday morning...here again.

Ain't it the truth???!!!

"Wisdom is knowing what to do next; virtue is doing it."—David Starr Jordan

I'll allow the photos to speak a thousand words about my trip to Vegas this past weekend...

First night - Planet Hollywood & Paris Hotels

Second Day (above & below) - Family Friends, Pool Time & Shopping!!

Saturday Night in Old Downtown Vegas with my Texas-sized Beer!

My favorite day - Lake Las Vegas Ritz Carlton - shopping, the marina, yummy pizza...

My favorite night - Caesar's Palace for dinner at Bobby Flay's restaurant, Mesa Grill; Bette Midler's "The Showgirl Must Go On;" and drinks and fun at the Mirage Hotel's Beatles REVOLUTION Lounge and Club. What a FAB-U-LOUS night!!!

The Divine Ms. M!

Beatles Mania

Doesn't my smile say it all?!?

VEGAS, BABY!

Vegas is a place I've been to only a few times, but each time has been a distinct occasion and a vivid memory. The first time was Easter weekend in 2000. My best friend, Mandy, took me on a lavish weekend getaway in celebration of my 21st birthday. Twenty-one years old, carefree and having fun. I remember eating the most delicious meals, one of which was at Nobu at the Hard Rock Cafe. I remember the indulgent massage that is by far still the best massage experience I've ever had. Who can forget the pool time and shopping?! The Venetian Hotel was magnificent and the time spent with Mandy was awesome. Yep, we brought home a newfound respect for Sin City and some great memories that we still reminisce over.

About two years later, in December of 2002, my brother and sister-in-law were married in Vegas. We all stayed at the Monte Carlo, which I can remember thinking was nice but didn't even compare to the Venetian because at this point I am a true Vegas Expert. We spent most of our time, though, at the Bellagio Hotel where the wedding and reception were held. Now that's an amazing hotel - beautiful rooms, great decor, awesome restaurants and those singing and dancing fountains can't be beat. I remember all of the yummy food we ate, how nice it was to be in such a fun place with my Dad, sister, brother and soon-to-be sister-in-law. Oh, and we met Wayne Brady! But all of this could not overshadow the occasion that brought me and my family to Vegas in the first place and the wedding was perfect. I was maid of honor and stood for two people that I care deeply for and that I'm still very close with. That seems like so long ago now - three children and four homes later to be exact! In 2002, Vegas was a great locale for two special people to start their lives together.

My next trip to Vegas was in spring of 2003 for my bachelorette party. This momentous occasion was shared with another bride-to-be, Jenn B. We pooled our efforts and invited all of our shared friends and had about 12 girls in attendance. What a blast! Our party planners, Mandy & Sara, did an amazing job - we were greeted at the airport by a stretch limo, once in our rooms at the Paris Hotel we were given slippers and other girlie gifts, we had dinner at some of the best places, saw a male revue show that knocked our socks off (and the boys' clothes off!), we danced until all hours of the night and even ran into one of our teen heartthrobs, Joey McIntyre, who completely disappointed. But what I remember most from that weekend is really bonding with the other bride-to-be as we would sneak off from the fun late at night to share a plate of french fries and talk about how much we wanted to just go to bed and sleep. It was a great trip.

My final Vegas experience was later in 2003. I've blocked out the exact date, but it was a trip for my husband's bachelor party. He was accompanied by my Dad, my brother, his brother and brother-in-law. I thought, 'what could go wrong?' Well, I won't re-hash the entire ordeal as it's not a good memory, but I will say I remember calling my Dad to check-in and he would be sitting in his hotel room working crossword puzzles and drinking from the wet bar he brought along with him from home while my brother was a fixture at the blackjack tables even winning big one night and taking all the fellas out for a steak dinner before they went to see the "Rat Pack" perform. Later I heard that John, Greg and Dave enjoyed the weekend watching the horse races - a strange way to gamble while in Vegas, if you ask me.

Now I am embarking on another trip to Sin City and this time it's all about me, my Mom, Aunt Carol, Nikki, Misha, David, Gramma Helen and BETTE! Vegas is home to some of the most important people in my life. Carol and her family have been part of our family for many, many years. When they lived in Houston, where I grew-up, we spent lots of time with them, including about every Christmas Eve until they moved away. Carol and my Mom have been the best of friends forever and they are both wild, crazy, fantastic people that I adore!! This weekend will be about spending time with Carol and family, and it will be the first time for me to experience this extravagant city with my Mother. We meet tomorrow at the Vegas airport and our adventure will begin. Who knows what might happen along the way, but I know how it will end...with a truly glorious dinner at Mesa Grill by Celebrity Chef Bobby Flay and a smashingly enjoyable performance from BETTE MIDLER!! Now this is sure to be the making of some beautiful Vegas memories.

What's just as good as a night with a great friend, dinner and wine?? Seeing a movie about great friendships, great loves and great moments together.

I saw "Sex and the City" the movie for the second time last night and it was just as good the second time around. I laughed out loud again, cried again and felt that rush of emotion that only a movie with so much truth about love, fashion and friendship can cause. I so, so, so enjoyed the film and I can't wait to own it and watch it over and over. Here, some of my favorite movie moments:

Carrie's '80s fashion show - good friends enjoying champagne and memories. Makes you nostalgic for sure.

Charlotte's Poo-kipsee...one of the best laughs of the movie.

Famous lines not easily forgotten, and a note to say I may not remember exact lines but you get the point:

"What does your gut tell you?"

"When I color, I use every crayon in my box!"

"You might never know... But do you love each other enough to take the chance and move on together?"

"I think I'm ready to come out of my Mexicoma."

"I curse the day you were born!"

Cosmopolitans - "Why did we ever stop drinking these?" "Because everybody else started."

"Cheers to the next fifty years..."

Stronger - Part II

I recently reported that I am getting stronger in my weekly Fitness Five Class with four of my co-workers and I now have the proof to show for it! After five weeks of working hard twice a week, I am now able to do 88 sit-ups in a minute without resting (I could only do 48 before); 28 push-ups before exhaustion (I could only do 5 before!); my blood pressure and resting heart rate are both down; my arms and legs are stronger; I am more flexible; and overall I feel like a real champ!!! We have a week off from official training next week and then we come back strong the week after July 4. My goals for the next session are to lose weight and increase my cardio strength. Can't wait to see what this next five weeks will bring...