I've got sunshine on a rainy day.

I know, I haven't been here in almost two years.  They say writing is therapeutic and soothing to the soul so I should probably come visit more often.  Not that my soul is unraveled or anything.  Everyone needs therapeutic soothing every now and then. 

So much has happened in the past two years:
 - I am still in school.  It feels like I will be in school forever! But that is o.k. Graduation will come soon enough, then it is back to work for me. But at least I will be doing something amazing while working. 
 - My sweet grandbaby, the one who makes my heart do flips, she is now 2 1/2.  She is talking so much now and I crack up laughing when I hear some of the things she comes up with. Toddlers are so hilarious. 
 - I have been blessed with two handsome boxers.  Buckley and Wilson joined our family in February 2013 and they are now 6 months old.  They are a lot of work, but so worth it.  Sometimes I say to myself "what was I thinking getting two of these huge chewing machines." But honestly, it wouldn't be the same experience without both.  They each have different personalities and so many things that I love about each one.  They are like two peas in a pod following each other around everywhere.  I am so glad that I was blessed with both of them. 
- Lisa, David, and the baby moved out to their own place.  It was bittersweet.  It was the first time Lisa left me and her dad.  It wasn't like she was going off to camp.  I knew that she would not be coming back to live with her mom and dad again.  Life had certainly taken a curve ball; one that was joyful but also difficult at the same time.  Barry and I both find joy in watching her blossom in adulthood as a wife, a mother, a student, and a child passionate or Christ.  Maybe we were not perfect parents, but I think we must have done something right.  She is a beautiful person inside and out. 
- Brian, my baby boy, is not a baby anymore.  He turned 21 years old this year.  Seems strange in a way to think that my youngest baby is an adult.  He is busy getting his t's crossed and i's dotted with paperwork to attend college this fall.  When he sets his mind to doing something, there is no stopping him. Determination is a good quality to have. He is such a sweet soul.  A friend was over on Thursday picking up a box of coop items and he was so sweet to help her without being asked.  I am so proud to say that he is a gentleman. A gentleman with tattoos and an eyebrow piercing, but a gentlemen nonetheless.
- Barry and I celebrated our 24th wedding anniversary this year.  We didn't do anything too crazy. However, June 2014 will be awesome.  We are planning something wonderful for our 25th.  It's gonna be fun!
- I didn't plant a garden this summer.  The boxers, being big babies, eat and destroy everything.  I have to watch them very closely.  The backyard is the only place I feel like I can let them run free.  Had I planted a garden, they would have surely dug up every plant and eating every last leaf and stem.  I guess it wasn't a completely bad idea to not plant a garden for the first time since we have been married.  The Georgia rain this summer has been tremendous.  I think it has rained everyday this month so far.  The only complaint I have is the mud that gets tracked in from dirty paws and soggy flip flops. 

Rain, rain, rain...everyday. Despite the rainy weather, it has been a beautiful summer so far.  I have joy overflowing knowing that God in Heaven loves me and protects me.  What have I done to deserve his love?  Nothing.  But it is comforting.  If you want to know how so, then it is simple.  Just make him your friend. Talk to him like you would your best friend.  Thank him for something.  And ask him for help.  He will surround you and love you.  That I can promise.  It is not about "being good."  It is not about "I have to do better and follow rules."  It is not about that at all! It is only about having a relationship with him.  Trying to be good is what we do to show him we love him.  But we are human and we will mess up all the time.  So remember, just make him your friend and talk to him.  The rest will come. 

Long Time No See

It has been quite awhile since you and I have broke bread and chatted. So, here I am. So much has happened since my last post.

1. I am still in school. It feels like I will be studying forever. Chemistry is a bear but I will survive. I'm spending (almost) every waking minute studying elements, +/- charges, chemical formulas, balancing, looking for moles, - good lord - who knew there were moles in Chemistry, lol!! It will be worth it in the end. Hard work pays off, right?

2. Barry graduated from CSU about a little over a year ago (I think). He was offered a promotion at Delta Airlines, which was well deserved. When he comes home, he will occasionally tell me about his day. He sounds like a caring boss, but one that expects you to rise to your potential and give your best. Two good qualities to have when you are the leader. He recently took a vacation day to stay home and smoke a ton bbq for his 70+ employees. My kitchen (from where he brought it in to chop and wrap it) smelled like bbq Boston Butt for days, lol.

2. The most wonderful thing has happened to the White House! A beautiful precious angel has arrived; Liliana Noel. Lisa and David had a baby girl in January (six months ago). She brings such joy, laughter, and happiness to everyone in the family. An absolute gift from God above. Her bright blue eyes, and quick little grin lights up the room. And that head FULL (did I say full?) of black hair brings such laughter at times, because there isn't much you can do with it at that age. Noni loves snuggle time.

3. Brian has one semester this Fall (2011) to complete his Senior year. He is now working at Wal-Mart and was offered a promotion after one week. I am proud of his work ethic. His previous boss couldn't stop bragging about how he always gives 110% of whatever he is asked to do. Now, if we could just focus a little of that drive on a neat and tidy teenage boys room, I would be so delighted. lol

4. David is working at Delta, preparing to attend college (and work) in January 2012. Lisa just transferred to Georgia Perimeter given they have multiple locations on the north and south sides of the perimeter.

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If there is anything I want to leave with my children, it's ~ the drive to further your education, give every effort to being the best at whatever you are set out to do (school, work, etc..), and remember that Jesus not only became a sacrifice for our soul, but He is also a friend that wants to walk and talk with you. ~

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So there you have it. My blog and I have been reacquainted - updated - reconnected...life is progressing with a hectic pace but a pleasant aroma. Dare I say "life couldn't be better." Nah, there is always room for improvement and change. But we'll work on that one day at a time. As long as I have Jesus as my savior, my friend, companion, and leader through the journey, then I will keep trudging along.

Much love

Marsha ~ Marisol ~ Noni ~ ....

If the Truth be Known

If the truth be known, I wouldn't be so irritated with you. If the truth be known, you might have a little patience with me. If the truth be known, females are typically emotional creatures by nature. And if the truth be known, many times frustration is not the little darts that mama seems to be throwing, but is typically a much bigger issue.

So I'm a little irritable today. I didn't seem to notice until Barry asked me why I was stomping around the house, Lisa asked me why I am psychotic, and Brian asked, "what did I do?" So I'm a little frustrated. I could make a list and point fingers, which might include: 1. my vacuum cleaner which is fairly new but seems to clog with every other use, or the belt always breaks when someone in particular in the house uses it. 2: Albeit, I got a lot done yesterday, I spent too many hours running errands yesterday. Somehow I took a wrong turn in Decatur and ended up on the north side of 285 and hit Friday afternoon traffic; lucky me. 3: Laundry seems to never end. 4. Finals are fast approaching and the amount of homework is manageable but extremely demanding. 5. Brian got his drivers' license today. While he seems to be a cautious driver and did quite well on the drivers' test, I worry about my car....cough....cough...I mean my kid out on the road. He's on a date tonight with a very sweet girl, and my car. 6. Everyone talks when I am studying. 7. My to-do list keeps growing. ..... ok, you get the point. I could keep going on and on complaining and looking for excuses for my ill manner today. If the truth be known, each of those things are tolerable or can be dealt with on an individual basis. If the truth be known I actually have a lot to be thankful for. 1. I have a wonderful husband who happens to be very good to me. Is he perfect? Nah. But neither am I. I tend to get irritable from time to time, lol. 2. I have an awesome son who is doing so well in school and has an awesome job. He is a gentleman and he makes me proud. 3. My daughter, who will be 20 this year, has now become a wonderful friend. She is married to a wonderful young man, David, who we are so happy to have added to our family. It is easy to see that he loves my little girl. But the most exciting thing right now is the baby that Lisa and David will have in January. They live in Buford, but that won't keep me from seeing that precious baby. (I'm working on a little nursery area in the guest room so they will have somewhere to sleep when they come and spend the night.) 4. Most of all, I have a relationship with Jesus. That I am most thankful for because without His love and guidance I'm sure I would be much more than the occasional irritable mom. If the truth be known, my irritation is not one particular thing but just a feeling of stress from an out of control schedule. If the truth be known, and I stop to think about it, I can relieve some of the stress by taking a deep breath and talking to Him.

Change

Change. In certain aspects of our life, we all want it. We ask for it. But do we have the discipline to do something about it? What do you want to change? Do you make New Year's resolutions just to dismiss them weeks later? Or do you pass over making resolutions all together because after-all "what's the point?" Or are you really good at making and keeping goals and resolutions?

I didn't make any New Year's resolutions for 2010. I didn't give it much thought really. To tell you the truth, now I'm thinking on it. I know, I know, it's almost February, but it is still a new year so I figure we still have time.


Resolution One: - b o r i n g - I know. It's a resolution that everybody picks, but it's necessary to be healthy. "Consume less sugar."

Ahhh, Sugar; it is delicious and addictive. I like it in my coffee, tea, cereal, wine, dessert, snacks, etc... I would be a pretty healthy eater if it weren't for this devil in disguise. No wonder Edmond was deceived by the old witch in The Chronicles of Narnia; she kept dangling Turkish Delight in his face. Have you ever had Turkish Delight? It's a square of jellied sugar covered with powdered sugar. Personally, I don't care how much I love sugar, I detest anything that is jellied. Excuse me while I gag. But the point is, that Edmond was controlled by his addiction to sugar.

Resolution Two: "Exercise more."

If we could count housework and constantly on the go as a legitimate exercise, then I would be good. Apparently someone sitting in a nice leather chair up in Washington making all these decisions has decided that legitimate exercise has to make our heart race until it feels like it's about to pop out of our chest.

So it appears that I need to change my ways; less sugar, more exercise. This is certainly obtainable if I can be disciplined enough to say no to the good stuff and yes to the sweaty stuff. My overall goal is to just live a healthier life.

So, the sugar reduction is just a matter of replacement; finding a healthy alternative. And the exercise is a matter of utilizing the gym at my school and the beautiful walking trail around the lake. Sounds easy on paper, right? Well, I will keep you updated on my progress.

Did you make any new year's resolutions? Do you have a goal you are trying to meet? How are you being disciplined in order to meet your goals?

Too Much To Do

There's always something to be done, isn't there? I mean, do we ever wake up and find all the laundry done, all the calls made, all the bills paid, homework done, can goods organized alphabetically, cars washed, dog groomed, Aunt Sally's birthday card in the mail, weeds pulled, grass cut, socks sorted, and dinner in the oven. We should be so lucky, right? American culture! We're so dang busy. And I'm sure all that busy stuff is important; after all we wouldn't be doing it if it were not. I didn't say we were idiots, just busy. Yes, you are right. Some people can be classified as a busy idiot, but that's not the topic for today.

So what do we do about it? How do we balance school, work, housework, spiritual time, social time, puppy time, me time, bill paying, exercise, a good night sleep, and oh yea 8 full glasses of water per day. That's alot of "stuff" to do! How do we prioritize everything so that it all gets done with a little time left over to just do "nothing?" We won't even mention Facebook, American Idol, and blogging.

On top of all that mandatory busy stuff mentioned previously, I also have short-term goals and long-term goals to throw a monkey wrench in the mix. Personally, I want to polish up on my piano playing, and further my piano playing skills. I want to lose about a 1000 pounds off my lard arse. I want to spend more time reading my bible (ironic that I should put that after using an Irish swear word - I have issues, you will see). I want to vacation in Ireland, Switzerland, Australia and Africa. I want to learn the Spanish language fluently. I want to learn sign language. I want to plow up my garden for Spring planting. I want to crochet a blanket, and I want to sew a duffle bag using my new pattern from Handcock Fabric.

Geez, I'm tired already. So how do we fit all this madness into a reasonable planner?

Wait, just a minute, I just thought of some really great things to cram into that endless list of "stuff" I want to do: "read another novel, bake a pound cake, and organize my hall closet."

Ok, where were we? Oh yes, I think first and foremost, I need a planner for my brain. My thoughts and ideas are out of control.

I think I will start by putting my plan on paper, listing first all that crap that I "have" to do, such as laundry, stopping for gas (I hate stopping for gas. No that's stupid. That's not going on the list) dinner, school work, housework...you get the picture.

Then I will list all the things that I "want" to do, such as reading, baking, crocheting, gardening.

Then maybe I will make a note by each on how long it will take to complete the things I want to do. Are you with me? Sound good so far? Then I'll have to decide which ones are more important than the other.

Wait, wait, wait...let's take a break. Let me tell you what the problem is so far with this plan. It all looks good on paper. And let me tell you, I will be in heaven spending hours writing and sorting and prioritizing. I love that stuff. I'm what you call a Staples Nerd. I love Staples (the store; you think I like real staples?). I love to organize, sort, create, fluff it up, put it together, and stick a bow on it. The problem we have here is, once the planning and prioritizing is done then you have to be disciplined to stick with the plan. Otherwise, you wake up a month down the road and find yourself back in the same chaos and blogging and whining about "too much to do."

So it appears that the moral of this story, or the blog is: discipline; discipline to stick to a plan.

So where do we buy that? Can I get it in a bottle at the pharmacy? Only two payments of $19.99 As Seen On TV? The discipline I know is when I got whipped with a belt for stealing a tube of lipstick at K-Mart on Cleveland Ave when I was 10. Believe me, I never did that again; steal lipstick or go to the K-Mart on Cleveland Ave. It's scary over there.

So what am I to do? I certainly can't whip out a belt whenever the schedule goes to hell. I mean I could, but that might be a little awkward if witnessed. :-/

Should I set up a reward system for sticking with the plan? And who decides the reward? Forget I asked that. I'm making up my own rewards. : ) In other words, how am I held accountable for my actions? I'm almost 40 years old. Do I really need a baby sitter? I think not.

So the new moral of the story, or the blog: Make a Plan, Stick To The Plan, and Be Held Accountable

Alright, what do you think? Do you think I have too many "wants?" Should I forget about learning sign language, or plowing my garden? What about being held accountable? Any volunteers?

Don't get me wrong, it's not like I'm completely incapable of accomplishing a single task. The issue is, that there are alot of things that I want to make time for, but I have alot on my plate already. Currently, family, housework, schoolwork, and spiritual time have to be on the priority.

So, how do you manage your time? Do you sacrifice things you want to do because your plate is full with the things that you have to do?

Why Blog in the First Place

I just decided to create a space to blog because I have so much to say, and frankly I don't want to be a Facebook Status over user. I mean really. Who wants to see someone's status every ten minutes that takes up the whole page. Well, I have a very colorful personality, I like to share my thoughts, opinions and experiences, but only for those that want to hear it.

So I created "Shut Your Pie Hole Marsha" for those that want to take a peak and read what I have to say. This way I can get it out there and not be so annoying to my fake friends on Facebook.

"Gasp!" Did I really just say fake? Out loud? Come on! You know the ones... the friends that send you a friend request, or the ones that accepted yours but you really don't care at all about each other. I guess the send or the acceptance was just for the number maybe. And you know the ones that meet the criteria. They are the ones that never ever ever comment anything you have to say, or any pictures you post. I guess I would be considered a fake facebook friend to some if I completely and utterly ignored someone all the time.

Well my friends, I am what you call an equal opportunity commenter. I try to do my best to spread the love by commenting people's status without being a stalker. Not because I have to, but because I do care about people's crumby feelings. I actually use that little suggestion box to the right that says "keep in touch with xyz and write on their wall." I see a name and think, ya know they are right, I need to say hello to xyz, so I do. Sometimes I just write, "hello" but at least I do. If you are on my Facebook friends then you know that I either love you, like you, think you are pretty cool, or well I don't have any ill feelings toward ya. So there, my commenting is strictly out of love and not charity.

So begins "Shut Your Pie Hole Marsha" to keep all my fake friends happy that don't really give a shmack about what I have to say. To all others, God Bless you for entertaining me a bit.