Hard Work.....Pays Off!

Ohhhhh my it has been an....ummmm what do i say? Well, an amazing week.

Sis and i did so much work on our new business. Both front scenes and behind. I knew from the moment we decided to go into this business, we were going to do amazing. I mean, 2 cute ladies in the Commercial / Residential cleaning business....yeah do the math :-)))

However, i will say this, it is NOT easy work. There is so much hustle and bustle and determination. But if we continue on this path, we can and will be retired in no time. Both Suzie and i desire the same things in life. To be happy and at peace....relaxed with our families. To be able to sit at home and enjoy our time doing nada!

We know and understand that running a successful business will never be easy. We know that this is going to take so much of our time and energy.....at first...but we also know that our hard work WILL pay off! This has been such ana amazing journey for us both.

This is NOT a "hoop" dream (as my ex use to call it) this is what people who desire success in a short period of time do. A hoop dream is something like "recording an album....starting an acting career, opening a clothing store....starting your own hat boutique...." you get it. Which by the way, many people have succeeded at...but it is NOT easy and few make it. I don't have that kind of patience.

So these are just a few pics of our journey for the past few days. We always end our days with a bite or just a chat over some good convo.

If there is something you want to do, GO GET IT. Stop sitting around and dreaming about it. My sister and i use to talk about a cleaning business allllllll the time. Finally, we are at such an amazing place in our life and decided; now is the time!

I Love you sis.

Fly Away!

We planned our day down to the last minute today.

But when we saw that the clouds were not going away, we had no choice but to change our plans.

We were on our way to Wild Water Kingdom (Captain and i) and realized it was too cold. We got in the car at about 10am and it was so chilly. I, of course did not want Captain to get sick so i decided to change the plan. That was so hard as my lil guy had his geart set on the water park. So did i :-(((
So we decided to head to Cambridge to "Dinga's" house. Which is what he calls my sister. Stands for "godmother" in Portuguese.But many of you may know that the 401 was closed. Both east and west. I did not know this. Thank GOD i was only stuck in it for about 15 minutes before i spotted a side road that people were turning on and took the same turn. I think the tow trucks use this driveway. ...there were so many pot holes on it....but we took our time and it only took us a couple minutes to get off the highway. So i headed elsewhere.

I decided to take Captain to see the planes landing. That's his FAV....well one of..anyway. Let me tell you, we had a blast. It was so much fun. There were a few other families there. He enjoyed watching the planes "fly away" as he calls it. I love love watching the look on my babies face when he watches these planes. He is totally amused.

At the end of the day, it was all worth it. We got to spend quality time together and than went to eat.
We ended the day with "rock skipping."

What did you do today with your family?
Share with us.......


You don't need money to have a great time with your family / kids. I saved myself about $70 today. Just by going to see the planes fly awayyyy...Now that is what you call a perfect day :-)

Woman of Worth

I'm not going to spend to much time on this because I feel sooooo relaxed and would like to relax....:-)

I attended the Woman of Worth Conference today. Let me tell you, it was so amazing and i feel so inspired to do better, seek better and live better. All the speakers, including Colleen Blake Miller did a FAB job.

I believe that all the woman there were meant to be there. they say "don't be upset when someone does not show up...because the person who was suppose to sit in their seat DID"
I'm a big believer of that.

When i got in i quickly checked my email and read Colleen's Blog and love what i saw so I'm going to copy and paste it here...just to give you a vibe of what I'm feeling.

The ONE lesson i learned today by Bishop Blake was, "seek ye first the kingdom of God" and all things will fall into place. There were many women who questioned what to put first in their lives and all i could hear God saying (to me too) was GOD GOD GOD!!! Nothing comes before God.

I too, have been battling with my one on one time with God. I mean i get "busy" and "caught up" and leave Him to the back burner. This has got to stop. If i do not give God my time, what can or will He possibly give me?????

Enjoy this song......

People ask me

Isn’t it crazy
To believe in something you can’t see?
And people wonder

Why do I still ponder
Over an old dream
That appears will never be
You see my faith is strong and anchored
My faith cannot be wavered
My faith makes the unknown reality

And one day, if I pray
I know my dream will come to be

I believe God
He is incredible, invincible
He can crumble the impossible
Yes, I believe God

Although my faith sometimes is tested
On this shaky road I trod
I, oh I believe God

When life’s storm is harsh and bitter
And my ambition starts to wither
I wont be driven to crumble or complain
You see, doubting God is never
The option to consider
I’ve seen too many miracles
Hidden inside my pain
Oh, now faith is the substance of things hoped for
The evidence of things not seen

God works in mysterious ways
By faith my miracle and my breakthrough
Are going to spring forth from my pain

Yes, yes

Oh, yes

I believe God

(I believe God)

He is incredible, invincible

He can crumble the impossible

(it’s possible)

I believe God
Although my faith sometimes is tested
On this shaky road I trod
oh I (I)
undoubtedly I believe God

I believe

I’m a believer

I believe

I’m a believer

I believe

I’m a believer

I believe God

God can

God will

(x3)

I believe God
God can
God will

(x3)

 

Aim for A Beautiful Day!

I woke up this morning, and it was so gloomy and yucky outside. It almost ruined my day ALREADY and it was only 7am. Then i told myself, "it is beautiful outside, I'm going to have an amazing day at the studio and in my meetings, I'm going to smile all day, I'm going to notice people, be present and in the moment and above all, I'm going to love everyone today!"

God is amazing.
We must seriously tap into ourselves and transform our minds. Uplift ourselves. Love ourselves and others.

Today, tap into your breathing. Listen to your breathing. Don't get caught up into an emotion. An Emotion only lasts 90 seconds, so why do we get so caught up in it? LET IT GO and move on. BREATH from within yourself. Listen to it. Be aligned with it.

These are my words for the day.
I'm off to Hot Yoga......

xoxoxo

I Love My Lil Garden!

I had the day off today and stayed home most of the day.
I skipped on Hot Yoga this morning and went and did some things for my new business with my sister.
But when i got home, i decided to go over to Wal-Mart and purchase some gardening products. Kirk came along with me. I think we made some good choices. I have a very small garden in my new house and really wanted to make it look simple yet "pretty."

We had a blast just setting it up. We laughed and shared small talk with the neighbours.

Everything we picked up came up to under $50 and well worth it. I took these pictures because...well I'm proud lol.

I don't know if you have started on your gardening, but it does not have to be a big deal. i mean; keep it simple. There are sales going on everywhere. Set the tone for your visitors before they even enter your apartment/house.

I'm happy with my lil garden!

What An Awesome Daddy's Day!

Today was a special day.

Captain spent the entire day with daddy and my sister and i went for spa treatments. We figured since we had a meeting at my house, we would just discuss the same topics over a nice mani and pedi.

After that, we went to a nearby small lake and took pictures. It was such a beautiful day.

We have been working on a business plan and got so much done today. Captain is always with me on Sundays so i don't normally "work" Sundays. But today is Daddy's Day or Father's Day so i got a small break. Although it was a break, i was still working.

I got in late from the wedding, so it always seems like I'm working (lol) But to be honest, it's a great feeling. My jobs do not feel like "jobs"

Sis and i took pics, enjoyed relaxing together, discussed business plans and even came back to my house and barbecued steak for dinner and on top of that, we had time to eat. Now, I'm home with my familia enjoying the wonderful breeze that is coming through the windows.

I hope you all treated "the daddy's" good today.
Captain did.

A Heart That Obeys PT 4&5

As i read the words Elizabeth wrote in these two chapters and the way she started off the chapters, i truly thanked God for giving me the strength to raise Keeno into such an amazing young man. Only God.
I gave him the basics (just like Elizabeth), of faith, homemaking, and cooking (which is what he now does as his job at work and in school-Culinary Arts)

But the one thing i believe i did not give him "always" is obedience. In sayng that, i mean in EVERY way. Not just with me, or his family.....but in general. God is looking for obedience in all areas. It was the ONE thing he looked for when choosing the King. He even took the crown away from Saul because he did not believe Saul was fit to be King (other reasons too) 1 Samuel 13:14
This is why he gave David the title and said that David was "....a man after my own heart" this is where the title for the book came from. There are many reasons why He did this and if you read Samuel, you will find all of them.

Ok so what am i saying? We must live our lives with our hearts after God. In the bible He says, "In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths" Proverbs 3:6

Do you believe this?

I do. I have plenty of reasons to tell you why i know this is the truth. Now, I'm not saying I'm innocent but there are certain things i just won't do. Period. Read between the lines. Cease doing what is wrong. The moment you think of doing something that would be against what God would like or want, stop. Just stop. When you are laying up with that man, you know you don't feel right. Stop and get out. I'm not just talking about fornicating or committing adultery here tho... I'm talking about gossiping, anger, lying, stealing...and the list goes on. I ask my friends and family, "if God were standing right here with you, would you do this." Just ask yourself that.

Obedience is a foundation stepping stone in life but above all it is a stepping stone on the path of Gods will. Without it, who are we?

Is there an area in your life that you feel you are not up to par with God? If so, go ahead and do what you need to do. I can't tell you what that may be, ONLY you and God know that.

As you step ahead and desire the things and people of God, you will see a transformation take place in your life.
I DID!!!!!

I'm One Lucky Woman/Mother

Yesterday was a long day for me. After dropping my Captain at school i headed off to my 75 minute Hot Yoga class, and than got ready to head to the studio from Carla's (my boss) house. From the moment we got in, it was meeting after meeting, task after task and by the time i knew it, it was 10pm. Wow, the day was busy. I was so hungry by the time i walked in the house. I knew Keeno and Kirk (my foster son) went paint balling and i did not think they were home yet. To my surprise, they were. They started telling me their "stories" and showing me their bruises from the paint balls (lol) I had not walked into the kitchen as yet, and when i did, i was speechless. My sons had prepared a nice hot meal for me. Chicken breast. Yummy!!! I was so pleased just to watch them as i got to sit back and relax. They gave me so much love. Keeno (as always) hugged and kissed me up (lol) while Kirk laughed and told me all about his planned day for tomorrow.

I stayed up with them chatting and enjoying the present moment. When i went to lay down to sleep, i started crying a bit. Happy cry. I realized how lucky and blessed I am. I thanked God for my life, my kids and my family. I told God that i have no regrets and would never take back anything from the past. Not that i would do it again, but it is in the past and my kids and i are at such an amazing place today. We are happy and at peace. We may not have money (yet) but we are not hungry. Our bills are paid and we have food to eat. My kids are healthy, so truly what more can i ask for?

My Captain loves me so much. I get about 100 kisses and hugs from him a day. He tells me DAILY, "mommy you are a princess. You so buutiful (beautiful) and i love you bigger than the uniberse (universe)." He caresses my face and cheeks so gently and constantly reminds me of how pretty I am. He tells me stories and sooths my heart. He knows when I'm upset even tho i don't show it....or at least i don't think i do. But he/they know. He makes my world all the better. He makes everything ok.

If you are a mother, please put everything aside. Take some time out for your children. Turn off the cell phones and TV and just enjoy staring into their eyes as they talk to you. You don't even have to say much. Just be still with them. They know when we are not paying attention. Trust me.

No matter what is happening or has happened, I'm one lucky woman :-))))

Hot Yoga vs Yoga!

I never in a million years would have ever thought Hot Yoga was so powerful and affective.

I have tried yoga many times but there is no comparison. I mean zero.
This morning i went and signed up for Hot Yoga classes at a new studio by Bramalea Mall called "Moksha Studio"

When i first walked in, i did not expect them to be open because they have been building the studio all year and the sign still reads "coming soon".... But to my surprise they were. The owner Paris (her name) was in an we began chatting for awhile. She was in amazing shape and i was amazed to hear that Hot Yoga was all she did/does. She went on to tell me how Hot Yoga changed her life in so many ways......

I got there at about 9am (after i dropped Captain at school) and the second class for the day started at 10am. The first introductory month was $40 for unlimited times a month. You can't beat that. So of course i purchased a month.

I know for a fact that this is going to change my life.

Lately i just have not been feeling the gym so i walk an hour to 2 hours a day (usually very early) and then i go to the country club up the road for muscle toning. It is a beautiful club/Golf Course. I think this will be great for my body. I will continue my walks about 2 to 4 times a week and i will start my Hot Yoga classes about 3 to 4 times a week as well.

I need something different. The gym is just not motivating me enough. I don't know if it has something to do with the nice weather but i want to be outdoors. The walking is amazing and works fine....and now the yoga classes will be a great addition to my "fitness world."
I got home awhile ago, and let me tell you, I'm beat! I feel so exhausted....but i know it is because it is different for me. Plus, Captain stayed up late (lol)

When i walked out of that studio, my clothes were soaked. I mean like i could take them off and rinse sweat out of them. Every person in there was soaked. Thank God i had
a towel on my mat. I have never in my life felt so good.

If you have a Hot Yoga studio beside you, i advise you to give this life changing exercise a try. You will be amazed! I don't feel right even calling it "exercise" It is a way of living. LIFE!

Read all about Hot Yoga here...

PLEASE treat yourself better my friendly bloggers...

A Heart Committed To Prayer- PT 3

I will lift up my eyes to the hills-

from whence comes my help?

My help comes from the Lord.

Psalm 121:1-2

Last night as i watched Joyce Meyer on her television program which is on GRACE (the name of the network)

I was amazed by her intelligence and passion for God's work & people. But, there was one thing that she said that really got my attention; "God gives each and every one of us a gift(s) and each gift comes with a manual (the bible). We all want the gift, but nobody wants to read the manual. Than we wonder why we keep messing things up." It was a powerful message.

Why do we struggle so much with our prayer life?

If it makes you feel any better, we are not alone. Please understand that we don't have to be ashamed by this. Despite your position in life, everyone goes threw this. At some point. Some continue to go threw it their entire lives. I truly believe that God knows what is in our hearts, without us having to say it. Yes. That is true. But we must speak to Him daily. We will be surprised at the amazing blessings that begin to blossom from our hearts. The incredible words of worship that we will establish which will strengthen our relationship with God. It's an amazing journey. One that we will not regret.

My prayer life is up and down, off and on. But i will say this, when I'm praying everyday and speaking to God throughout the day, i feel so beautiful; inside. Prayer changes everything for me. When i want to react in a situation that left me upset, and i pray first-I'm no longer upset. But if i react according to my flesh, i can literally bite someones head off with my "words."

If i want to make a decision about a friend or family member, prayer will give me that answer. If i want to make a decision about work or school, prayer will tell me what to do. There is nothing that will not be answered with prayer. If you are listening, you will get your answer.

Somethiing so simple, yet why don't we do it? I really don't know the answer to this question. I do know however, that we just go about our days and put important things like prayer on the backburner because we figure we can get to it later. There may not BE A LATER!

I'm giving you the 7 Blessings Elizabeth includes in this chapter that come from prayer:

Blessing #1- A Deeper Relationship with God

Blessing #2 - Greater Purity

Blessing #3 - Confidence in Making Decisions

Blessing #4 - Improved Relationships

Blessing #5 - Contentment

Blessing #6 - God- Confidence

Blessing #7 - The Ministry of Prayer

I can tell you from my personal experience and testimony, that ALL of THE ABOVE are real and 100% true.

Nobody has to know what you pray for and about. That is between you and God. If you start telling everyone what your prayers are about, than that is not a relationship with God. Keep that stuff for Him-Only.

No matter where you are right now, at home, on vacation, at your desk, in a hospital or with your family- give God a prayer. Get in tune with Him. You may be thinking, "what is a small prayer going to do right now?" you will be amazing of how one small prayer a day will transform your life.

It did for me.......

A Heart Abiding In God's Word- PT2

For you should be like a tree planted by the waters, which spread out its roots by the river.
Jeremiah 17:18

Sometimes life will throw things our way that will make you start "all over again" and this may upset us, anger us or even discourage us.

Elizabeth speaks of a scenario in this chapter that is very moving. She describes a story about a plant that had no roots....make this long story short, this is how God works in US! How can God grow in us if our roots are not grounded in Him. If He is not IN US, than what will He have to "work" with?

Do you remember what God promised us? Read John 10:10
He sticks to His promises but He must first see that we are serious about HIM.

Elizabeth talks about the HIDDEN ROOTS. Well, all roots are hidden....from the public eyes. However, God sees them. We want what shows on-on the inside to come to "action" on the outside.
We want people to see God in us. The manifestation. In our work, with our families, partners and friends. We need our roots to grow deep into God so that He can pull us away from this world. Away from people people people. You think "your/our" ministry will grow more if you are spending more time with people, in crowds, with the bible study group....NO that is not what God requires from us. He wants you to be alone with Him. Praying and seeking His voice and guidance at all times.
She also says "she exchanges her weariness for His strength, her weakness for His power, her darkness for His light, her problems for His solutions, her burdens for His freedom........" So well put.

If your roots are rooted in the Lord, you will bear life long qualities but you will also bear fruit faithfully.

So how does a woman draw near to Gods heart?

1. Develop a habit of drawing near to God- Only through routine can you develop this...

2. Design a personal time for drawing near to God- For me, it is the time i spend walking in the morning or while I'm driving.

3.Dream of being a woman after God's heart-Elizabeth says to "describe the woman you want to be spiritually in one year; and this will put wings on your dreams."

I know i want to become the woman of my dreams and I'm going to put in more than i have been ..."10%" is what he requires. Just 10?? Wow!

Dare yourself to be better, do better and go ahead and find another place to plant those "seeds" or simply start watering your "garden/tree" :-))))

A Woman After God's Own Heart...PT #1

I woke up this morning with GOD on my mind. I must admit there are many mornings where i wake up and "forget" to glorify Him. To thank Him for waking me and sparing my life... another day. What a privilege, yet so often i/we forget to say "Thank You Father."

On my walk this evening, i took a book with me that i have already read but my heart told me over and over again in the past month or so that i need to read it again. Yeah.....one of those books.
The book is titled "Woman After God's Own Heart" by Elizabeth George. An amazing author who has written a few favourite books of mine. Like "A Woman's High Calling." Her passion is to teach the Bible in a way that changes women's lives. She has also been active in ministry for over 25 years. She is truly a woman of God.

As i began to walk and read Chapter One titled "The Pursuit of God" i felt this presence in my body, around me and with me. Than something happened but i won't get into that....Elizabeth starts her chapter by talking about the walks she takes every morning...and than goes on to talk about her mother in law who had passed away days prior and the wonderful thoughts she had of her. How she was a woman after God's own heart. A worshipping woman who loved, walked, served and spoke about looking forward to being with Him in eternity. Her words resonated with me so deeply. If there is one thing i know or sure of is God knows the desires of my heart. He knows what i long for and how much i love Him.

As i walked and read my book and than took small breaks to take in the scenery around me and to say a few words to God, i realized that time was passing. I was not getting any younger, yet i was getting older. That is for sure. There is less and less time for becoming that woman i know God wants and needs me to be. The woman i have been called to be. My life counts in His eyes. He wants me and all of me. God is a jealous God and although there are no men  or a man in my life, he sees the other "worldly" things we put ahead of Him. like work, the kids, friends...family etc. All of these things matter but they are not above God. Nothing and no one is.

I almost forgot about the story of Mary and Martha (Mary's sister) until i read it today. When Jesus showed up for dinner at their home, Mary was present and sat with Jesus (God) giving Him her full attention while Martha was busy in the kitchen preparing for Him in order to impress Him. Martha even made comments about how she was doing all this for Jesus and that Jesus must tell Martha to help. "She became overly involved in her hostessing." Mary put worship at the top of her "to do list."

Mary chose one thing needed. She was preoccupied with one thing at ALL times-Him.

What are some things we can do to become more devoted to God?
How can we tell the whole world "watching" that we are women after God's own heart?

-Choose God's ways at every opportunity-Proverbs 3:6

-Commit yourself to God daily- Offer Him a fresh commitment each day.

-Cultivate a Hot heart. Revelations 3:15-16
The bible says it is better to be hot or cold for luke warm ".....will spew you out of my mouth"

When you are praying at night or in the day pray out loud. I don't mean start screaming...i mean just talk out loud. Trust me, it will make a difference in the comfort of your own praying.
There is something that Elizabeth mentions in her first chapter that truly captured my attention. But i will tell it in my "own words" to relate to my "own" story.

When i was in the world i use to pump hip hop and all the latest and oldest R&B music while i was driving....than i started listening to just R&B...and than i would just listen to the radio..after i was saved i would listen to classic R&B, soul music, jazz...than i decided gospel music or any type of Christian music would do...i moved on up to sermon tapes...than the bible taped on a CD...(this is over a period of about 10 years) until finally NOW i very rarely listen to music, unless Captain is in the car requesting one of his fav gospel songs.... otherwise i don't crave it. I don't think about it either. I value my quiet time spent with God in the car. I pray and  talk to Him. I worship Him and i give Him thanx every moment i get.... especially in my car. If i do listen to music, it's gospel or maybe Spanish music once in awhile. But i find I'm in the best mood when i drive in silence and with the presence of the Lord.

I will be walking in the evenings and for 45 minutes in the mornings. As i walk i will read and be humbled by the voice of God. I will also walk with you through each chapter for the next little while. As God speaks to me, i will speak to you.

As i sit here in my room by my bedroom patio, writing and blogging there is one thing I'm sure of; I'm a woman after God's own heart...

Join me on this journey....

Spice Up Your Life!

As i sit here at my desk at work, I'm making my "summer" plans with my brother John, as a family. We usually get together during the summers but this summer will be a bit different. We want to do some camping this year...so we are planning a couple trailer trips. Yes, although we all have jobs and are pretty busy with other "life" tasks, we know and understand how important it is to get together as a family at least once a month.

I'm writing out all the things i want to do this summer to "spice up my life" and on my list i have written:

Camping
The Zoo
Wild Water Kingdom
African Lion Safari
Sports (with Captain)
Wonderland
Museums
The Beaches
Water Parks
Rollerblading
Bike Riding
Women's Groups/Events
Writing Courses (part time)
My Happiness Project Group (we have 9 months left)
Social time with friends
Walking
Hiking

This list will grow and I'm very serious about it ALL! My focus this year is "family & friends" I have been going.. going... going for almost 2 years with "no breaks" and i must admit, I'm tired. I'm tired of doing so much and not feeling fulfilled. It took some time for me to finally understand that my family and close friends are the only ones that make me feel good. I mean, i love my jobs and all, but i adore my family and the way they make me feel. My ideal "job" would be to be a "stay home mom" (lol)

I love looking into my niece's and nephew's their smiling faces or when my niece hugs me and tells me I'm beautiful...when my nephew calls me "tata" which he has been since he was a baby. It's suppose to be "titia" but he always said it "his way" (lol) I love when we have family sleep overs and just like our childhood, we make big sleeping areas on the floor in the living room so that we can all crash on the floor....but we stay up most of the night. I love having family potlucks. I love waking up to my older brother bugging me at like 4am, and i act like I'm annoyed, yet I LOVE it. He sits or lays beside us on the floor and makes weird noises. About a month ago, he turned on the coffee machine on purpose because it sounded like a tornado hit the house....lol Keep in mind we were laying right there! I flipped but when i put my head back down to go back to sleep (i had just fallen asleep an hour prior) i could not help but laugh my head off. My brother John has been doing foolishness like this since we were kids. One day when i was about 10 years old, he chased my sister and i around the house with a plug in saw...but the joke was, it wasn't even plugged in LOL!

Growing up, i never understood the importance of "family" and didn't really care. I was selfish and cared mainly for "friends" or the "so-called friends" and paid very little attention to "who mattered" but this all changed. When? Well, mainly after my separation. I had neglected them and after this happened, they were the exact ones who were at my side. So today i say to you all, "never ever ever neglect your family for anyone or anything." Please take these words serious. It does not matter what happens between you all, be the bigger person. You would never imagine how far that can go.

If you want to open a business, start a new journey, take a trip.....start with your family. Don't listen to those people who say "never mix business with family" that is a lie. Anything you put your mind and HEART too will be a success.

So my question to you today is, what will you do to spice up your life this summer? Maybe you can write down all the things you want to do this summer and plan dates to do them. Not everything requires money. Write down the dates you will plan these events and the reasons why you would NOT.

Don't limit yourself and your family. Take chances. Dare to be brave and go for it. I have never went "hiking" but I'm daring myself this summer. If you have kids, HAVE FUN! Gretchen Rubin says, "so many parents say they never have fun but how can that be if you have kids? Go have some fun with them. Build a fort at home....create things for you all to have fun....with kids you will always find ways to have fun."
That is true.

Go ahead. Get that list started.

My Baby Sis....

Through joys and worries, peace and strife

A faithful sister's there for life
A trusted friend so full of grace
No one can take a sister's place

I found that as apart of a poem online about sisters. It really resonated with me.

Yesterday i spent the entire day with my little sister. When she came to pick me up, we decided to go and surprise mommy at her house. Recently mom had sold her house and by the time it was sold her and my step dad still had not found a new house to purchase. They decided to move into a building for a year and save some more money. Well my sister had not been there yet, and when we pulled up she literally "ducked" (lol) Just joking. But just as i was when i first saw it, she was very shocked to see where mom had moved too. The building and area is, let's just say, ummm "interesting." I can totally understand moms innocence in why she chose this place, but sis did not (lol). I'm getting use to it now.

We brought my car loaded with shoes and bags for mom. Like 40 pairs of shoes and 30 bags. Yes, i did a "cleaning out" in my closet. But this was not just "any" cleaning out. These items were almost new.
Below is a picture of sis pulling out Keeno's work boats in the trunk. She thought i was giving them to mom and starting cracking jokes lol.

We grew up in the projects downtown and mom does not care where she lived, as long as she is happy...and she is. Sue and i got so many jokes yesterday. We cracked ourselves up all day.

You know you live in the "ghetto" when there is an ATM machine in the lobby or the elevators look like this.....they are still not as bad as the ones in our "Bleecker Street" building. Overall, it was a great feeling in this weird kinda way.

Anyhow, after we had a visit with mom and enjoyed a drink with her and Carlos and started skyping back to Portugal. We took so many pictures and got jokes from Carlos (our step dad of 26 years)

After we left there we headed to Moxies to eat. I was planning on having something healthy, but we chose "burgers" and let me tell you, it was amazing. We ate those bad boys in minutes lol.

Sue and i talked about so much things. I see her all the time, but we spoke about things from our childhood that we chose to put aside most of our lives. It was so therapeutic and uplifting. I mean why did we "hide things" anyway? It is and was apart of our story. I can see that there is such a sense of release between the both of us.

It is amazing how affectionate we are when we are together. We never fail to say "i love you" or constantly hug and kiss. We remind one another daily of what we mean to each other, in little ways. We make sure to send "daily love words" and never fail to speak often/daily. We value our time together and have no regrets. Yesterday, she was reminding me of so many things we did and phases we went through and we got some serious laughs. So many of those things i had forgotten.
After our dinner, we walked to the mall across the street so that we could pick up a couple things. Had more jokes and enjoyed the "walking." We were in no rush. There was about 3 hours left to pick up Captain, across the street.

One of the most funniest things she did when we went into a "sales" store. Can't remember which one it was, and i picked up a dress and said, "oh wow mama look, this dress is only $10, you think it would look good on me?" and she said "yes, you should buy it" and turned around to take a picture of me holding the dress. I took the camera from her at that point.

When i turned back around Sue was standing there with an outfit in her hand saying "so you think this would look good on me?" We broke out laughing so hard. It was so unexpected and it was the way she did it and what she was holding in her hands. You can see below. She had that exact expression on her face and i told her to hold her position so i can take a pic.

We had such an amazing time and we did not want the day to end.

My sister's love is what keeps me grounded. Her love is what makes me feel special and excepted. When i think of ever loosing her or something happening, i get sick. I can't help being so paranoid at times. But it's the thoughts of her ever loosing me, that i can bare to think, yet, they haunt me. I'm sure this is because of our past and everything we have endured.

I have grown to a place in my life where i know and understand "friends" are so special, but the older i get i hang onto my baby sister's love. I value her so much and at times i do have small regrets of the things i have done to her.....but she does not hold it against me. We don't have any space our my memories for bad memories. ZERO. We hold onto the good and keep it moving. We may not have had the best "family upbringing" but we had the best times together with our "siblings." If it had not been for our brothers and each other, we are sure we would not have made it though our childhood. Our children love one another and we can't ask for anything more.

I love my family and i adore my siblings. I could not ask for anything more, at this point in my life, except that mom moves out FAST! (lol)

Thank you Lord.

Her Zest!

Let's face it, we don't always have time for friends with our busy lives.....but i make sure that despite what is going on in my days, i make time to see them, even for an hour or two. At times it can be tricky.

The other night my "prima- Natalia" which means "cousin" and that is what i call her and one other very close friend to my family (she lives in New York)  anyhow she called me and said "hey do you want to go for a stroll in the morning?" Now, keep in mind she lives in Toronto and the drive to my house which is now at borderline Vaughan/Brampton would take at least 20 minutes. With no traffic. Naty and i speak all the time, but it has been too long since we have seen each other. When i say too long, I'm talking just over a month.

Naty is loyal and such an amazing heart. I, along with many others, all agree that "there is no other like Natalia." She is half Spanish and half Italian, and let me tell you, she carries BOTH jeans 100% (lol) But she is truly a Latina! I LOVE HER!!!! Her ZEST for life is amazing.
She is the "friend" that surprised us and dressed up like Santa Claus this past Christmas for our XMAS potluck. She is one of my FAVOURITE people in the world. She is the friend i can count on for EVERYTHING! She is like blood to me. Literally. You know the friend you know would be at your bedside every step of the way?? Yeah, her. Captain adores her and she "spoils him" (too much)

We made our plans to meet that next day and take a stroll.
Look, we may not always have time for one another, but a quick stroll, a coffee, a run.....there is always an hour or two. We walked, chatted, laughed, reminisced (we have been steady friends for over 15 years)
made plans for our futures, spoke about families, children, her papi (man), Landmark Education....i mean we chatted and chatted. The beautiful scenery that we actually stopped to look at. We took our time to admire nature and GOD!

I did not want to go in and get ready for work. But even though i knew i only had an hour and a half, we kept our promise to go for a stroll. While we were getting in a workout, we got in some "bonding time." She ended up dropping me to work yesterday because we wanted to spend that extra time together so i left my car at home.

My friends, despite what is going on in your life, make time! I know it can get hard,but we have got to do it. At the end of the day, all we have is our family and friends. Put everything aside every now and than, and have some "girl time." There is nothing more soothing than that. We all need it. We can't go our entire lives just working working working. It is not possible. We need love, attention and care.

We made plans to go camping this month and a few other things for the summer.
The older i get, the more i crave my friends and family. Nothing else is as important. I use to chase and run after "money and fame" but i have come to place of understanding. I understand that "that stuff" is nada.

Today, I'm spending my day off with my baby sis. We are going "shopping and walking" taking our time TOGETHER as we take this life journey TOGETHER!

Come on, reach out, all the love you want and need..... it's right there.