A Place in the World

What I'm looking for, after all this time
Keeps me moving forward, trying to find it
Since I learned to walk all I've done is run
Ready, on my mark, doesn't everyone
Need a place in the world
Could be right before your very eyes
Just beyond a door that's open wide
Could be far away or in your own backyard
There are those who say, you can look too hard
For your place in the world
Takes some of us a little longer
A few false starts gonna make you stronger
When I'm sure I've finally found it
Gonna wrap these arms all around it
Could be one more mile, or just one step back
In a lovers smile, down a darkened path
Friends will take our side, enemies will curse us
But to be alive is to know your purpose
It's your place in the world

~~~~~~~

A beautiful song by the great Mary Chapin-Carpenter and these words seems to fit the mood for the evening. About a year ago, I thought I had found my place in the world (far away) and I was all set to walk down that path but then an unexpected detour (my own backyard) was thrown my way. Initially, I was frustated and excited at the same time. The short detour has been full of twists and turns but also ironic and uncanny. I'm a creature of habit and when someone moves my cheese (just like that book) I get anxious and scared. The light at the end of the new path was so bright and my first reaction was to turn out the lights. Regretably, it's been difficult to find the light switch again in the darkness but a few false starts have made me stronger. But like those characters in the book, I have to find my own way down my own darkened path and into my place in the world...and when I do, I hope that door is still opened wide. When I'm sure I finally found it, I'm gonna wrap my arms around it!

30 Something...

Here goes--30 random things about myself...

1. I love penguins.
2. I love music and have a pretty ecclectic collection of Cd's from country to rock, spanish, classical, new age, etc..
3. I have been to Europe and travelled through the countries of Austria, Germany, Italy, & France. I learned more in those 4 weeks than I did in 12 years of school!!
4. I have two degrees--Bachelor's & Master's--my greatest accomplishment!
5. I have received two other big accomplishments...Mentor of the Year, through the Big Brothers, Big Sisters mentoring program and Outstanding Counselor of the year where I work.
6. I love birds and currently have two parakeets--Angel & Cutie.
7. I have tons of jewelry--too much and most of it given to me by my mother. Thanks mom.
8. I would love to play in band.
9. I loathe summer...especially here in Houston!!!
10. I can make some killer chocolate peanut clusters! Yum, Yum.
11. I have had two roomates in my life and live with one now...Jane who I met in college and Corinne who is a doctor living in New York...who helped get me into college. Thanks, Corinne.
12. I enjoy camping!
13. I love to chew gum!
14. One of my best friends is Jeff and I have known him for 30+ years.
15. I'm usually very shy!!!
16. I love pens! My desk at work and home is full of pens!
17. While in Rome, I shook the hand of Mother Theresa.
18. I would love to fly jets and drive race cars!
19. I hate shopping!
20. Currently there are only two TV shows I watch...The Today Show and Grey's Anatomy. The other show I watch is on hiatus and can't wait for it to return....Commander in Chief!
21. During college, I used to work at the Houston Astrodome in the money room and one night we counted 1/2 a million dollars!!
22. Blue is usually my favorite color behind red.
23. I've had 4 surgeries in my life and in one surgery my wound became badly infected and I had to be hooked up to a machine for 6 weeks to allow the wound to heal. OUCH!!!!
24. I hope someday to own a house in the country.
25. I too have never fallen in love-yet and still my life is complete!!!
26. I spoil the heck out of my niece and nephews and this May my oldest nephew is graduating from HS and my gift to him is a trip to NYC.
27. Two years ago, I threw out my vanity and began coloring my hair! :-)
28. While I don't believe in plastic surgery...if I could I would get a breast lift.
29. I used to play tennis when I was in HS and had visions of being a tennis pro!
30. Bono of U2 is one of my favorite artists that I would love to meet and have lunch with! The man just exudes charisma..in my humble opinion! :-) Besides, I've already met Ottmar and we (fanmencos) all know he rocks!

Well, that was easier than I thought. Thanks to Caprichosa for the idea.

Hands that Can/Genius

Hands that Can!
Originally uploaded by nieve44.

My friend figured out this board game @ Cracker Barrel in two tries. It always frustrates the heck out of me! He never ceases to amaze me! The board reads on the back that if you figure out the game by only ending up with 1 peg, you are a genius! Yesterday, I helped him & his wife put the rest of this fence together. Quite a task that I cannot even begin to imagine where to start. Oh, and did I mention that both he and his wife are blind! See couple here.

He is completely blind while his wife has limited vision and just graduated from college with honors AND has been accepted into Graduate school! In the years that I have known these two, I have never heard them complain about their disability, instead they re-define the word and amaze me and everyone that meets them with their ability!

Espana

Espana
Originally uploaded by nieve44.

Thanks to Josie & Boris for this beautiful card from Cordoba, Spain. A beautiful card that I will take to my office for all to see!

Btw, off to Austin for a quick trip. Catch everyone when I get back.

Band-aid

Word of the day: Band-aid

Why bandaid? What are band-aids for? For protection and to allow a wound to heal! The truth is that, "with some wounds you have to rip the bandaid and let the wound breathe".

Dentist

Word of the Day...

Dentist

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Went to the Dentist today to get my teeth cleaned! I also got a A+ on my dentist report card! Look ma, no cavities!! :-) I once read a sign outside a dentist office that said: Dentistry isn't expensive... negligence is! So true, don't you think?! It helps when you have a good dentist too and Dr. Mark Edwards is o.k with me!!

Loveydovey

loveydovey
Originally uploaded by sThig.

...everybody say .....

Awwwwwwwwwwwwwww.

Have a lovey-dovey day!
Photo by sThig. Thanks for the big smile!