Oprah said many times that getting older was great. She loved her 30s. When I was younger, I thought she was crazy, but now all I can hear is Deana Carter's song Strawberry Wine and totally relate to the part "I still remember, when thirty was old"! And man - do I agree with Oprah. 30s are great - because I've become way more wiser than I was back in the day.
Some lessons I've learned over the years..............
Try not to say "I would......". Oh baby you may eat those sweet words one day. I made the mistake of telling someone years ago how "I would.....". Well until I was in that situation, I didn't know what I would do and the truth is - until you are in a situation you don't know. You think you do, but you have no clue!
Don't sweat the little things. I used to get so upset over spilled milk, broken glasses, dents in the car, etc. But nowadays I just laugh and move on to bigger things. Why stress over stuff that can be replaced and doesn't really matter? No need for it.
Trust in God always. I used to have OCD badly! Like be halfway on a vacation and have to turn around to come check that the iron was unplugged badly :( Poor D got used to it and poor Chelle ended up getting it worse than me. Luckily - one little trick has helped me in times of stress - I just say "Jenn, Jesus is handling it, chill out". And in that instant I'm relieved. Sometimes I have to repeat it several times, but it always eases my mind.
The only person you can control is yourself. I've been burned several times by human beings. By loved ones. By people I work with. By people I trusted with all of my heart. Sometimes in minor ways, sometimes in major life-changing ways. I've had the desire to kill people (not joking), leave people, get revenge, etc. But I've decided in most cases it's easier to take the high road - not stoop to their level, and simply be myself. I can't worry about others' choices, decisions, or thoughts. I am only in control of ME.
Learn from yourself and others. One of the reasons I miss Oprah so much is because I learned so much from her shows. I love true life situations and listening to people who have been there, done that - and survived! I love documentaries. I LEARN DAILY from others. Be it good or bad.
Don't stay at work too long or bring it home. A few years ago D and I went through some pretty trying times. I was never at home........was at work, at my kids' schools, at church, at community things, etc. I got so caught up with trying to help everyone else, that I forgot what and WHO really mattered. It took us almost divorcing for me to realize that although I love my job, my community, and my church that my family came first. It's a hard lesson to learn and my kids and D probably still think I'm away too much. Chelle will say I'm on my phone too much. But I do my best to refuse to put other things before them. It's super hard. But I have seen friends lose kids and spouses and I will do my part to make my time with them as worthwhile as possible.
I could go on, but will stop for now. I am so grateful to learn from my mistakes as well as others'. I am learning daily. I'm glad I am older and wiser in my thirties.
I will say again how fortunate I know I am. As I read fb posts, blogs of my friends, newspapers, watch tv and news, I am quickly reminded that my simple life is not so damn bad. I absolutely love living in Navasota, Texas, U.S.A, in my little house in the hood, driving a Ford, being fluffy, having a busy life, awesome kids, a crazy husband , and a job that is sometimes tiring!! I know for sure that someone out there would love my life for just five minutes - and I am so thankful that they can't have it - because it's all mine!!!
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
It's My Birthday Week!!!
Happy Birthday to ME!!! I won't give away my real age. Some of my kids think I'm 22 - so I'll go with that! Some think I'm in my 60s. :/ This week D has been on nights for the first time in many, many years. But it has given us a break from each other (and made me realize how much I need this man in my life - to help with errands, cooking, cleaning, and just being here to bug the crap outta me!) Not to mention me bugging him - I live for that. :) I now think God put him on nights this week so that he is not super mad that I've been gone almost every night on dinner dates with my friends.
Saturday I had a great day watching Lil' D powerlift - that child's strength amazes me! He doesn't even practice or try and he's super strong! I am so proud of him. Then we were fortunate enough to go to the HLSR Cook-Off with the Flores's. Val and I have been friends since diapers - we share lots of history - our Gmas were bfs, our moms are super close friends, and we were as well. Her hubs Paul is my cousin. We went several years without talking, but thank God reconnected a few years ago :) . We have many secrets we will take to the grave and I'm loving making new memories with that crazy girl! Anyway - we had a super fab time at the cookoff.
Sunday I slept all day and loved every second of it! My body requires lots and lots and lots of sleep.
Monday my awesome friend Shannon planned a bday dinner for me. I love how she is so thoughtful although I get annoyed with her plans that revolve around me. The reason is - I hold grudges and if someone doesn't come and I find out - I get mad. LOL - it's the truth. So I'd rather not do the whole Jennifer's dinner. But she insists and everyone knows -what Shann wants, Shann gets! Thanks Shann and all my other friends who showed up - I LOVE YOU!!
Tuesday - watched Lil D play soccer, then my BFF Shelly took Maura and I out to Chuy's and then we had dessert at Spoons. I need to buy stock in Spoons. Anyway - Six years ago God put Shelly in my life and I am so blessed He did. I can talk to her about anything and everything (and I have). We have so much in common and laugh everytime we're together. I thank God for her. She has a heart of GOLD and she is one of the hardest working, most caring people I know. And having my other BFF Maura there was icing on the cake! If you don't know her - you are missing out. She is one crazy white woman! Dinner with the three of us nuts was OFF THE CHAIN!!
Wednesday - Cleaned house, napped, read some blogs, caught up on some shows.
Thursday - God willing will be dinner with JCW folks :)
Friday - soccer again and then resting the rest of the weekend!!
I am blessed...........got super cute jewelry, a shirt, B&B stuff, flowers, dinners, giftcards, cards, notes, broccoli, phone calls, fb wishes, hugs, and still have my gift from Chelle. Thank God for another year - I promise to make it better every time!
Saturday I had a great day watching Lil' D powerlift - that child's strength amazes me! He doesn't even practice or try and he's super strong! I am so proud of him. Then we were fortunate enough to go to the HLSR Cook-Off with the Flores's. Val and I have been friends since diapers - we share lots of history - our Gmas were bfs, our moms are super close friends, and we were as well. Her hubs Paul is my cousin. We went several years without talking, but thank God reconnected a few years ago :) . We have many secrets we will take to the grave and I'm loving making new memories with that crazy girl! Anyway - we had a super fab time at the cookoff.
Sunday I slept all day and loved every second of it! My body requires lots and lots and lots of sleep.
Monday my awesome friend Shannon planned a bday dinner for me. I love how she is so thoughtful although I get annoyed with her plans that revolve around me. The reason is - I hold grudges and if someone doesn't come and I find out - I get mad. LOL - it's the truth. So I'd rather not do the whole Jennifer's dinner. But she insists and everyone knows -what Shann wants, Shann gets! Thanks Shann and all my other friends who showed up - I LOVE YOU!!
Tuesday - watched Lil D play soccer, then my BFF Shelly took Maura and I out to Chuy's and then we had dessert at Spoons. I need to buy stock in Spoons. Anyway - Six years ago God put Shelly in my life and I am so blessed He did. I can talk to her about anything and everything (and I have). We have so much in common and laugh everytime we're together. I thank God for her. She has a heart of GOLD and she is one of the hardest working, most caring people I know. And having my other BFF Maura there was icing on the cake! If you don't know her - you are missing out. She is one crazy white woman! Dinner with the three of us nuts was OFF THE CHAIN!!
Wednesday - Cleaned house, napped, read some blogs, caught up on some shows.
Thursday - God willing will be dinner with JCW folks :)
Friday - soccer again and then resting the rest of the weekend!!
I am blessed...........got super cute jewelry, a shirt, B&B stuff, flowers, dinners, giftcards, cards, notes, broccoli, phone calls, fb wishes, hugs, and still have my gift from Chelle. Thank God for another year - I promise to make it better every time!
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Favorite Things about My Favorite Person (Me!)
Not sure why, but I feel like telling you my favorite things in life!
Music - country - ALABAMA -I'm not 100% sure, but I believe my Daddy took me to see them at the rodeo when I was a kid. Regardless, I LOVE them and am super pumped they're back together! I like Tejano as well, reminds me of my parents dancing when I was a kid, and now my Mom and stepdad.
Shoes - flip flops - I think my feet and toes are pretty even though in reality they're just chunky sausages :/
Place - my house - I live on the land where my gparents lived, my parents lived, uncles and aunts lived, and brothers lived - I love it here! I also love being on our boat on the lake - I love the peacefulness a day of fishing brings - just ask David - I fall asleep pretty quick on that water :)
Sound - kids laughing - Lil' David playing his game, Kimberly and me being silly, Hilda Mable's grandson, children on the playground - all these sounds make my heart smile :)
Smell - Old Spice reminds me of my Dad, my boys' cologne, David's cooking, Chelle's lotions
Food - was once shrimp - but now fajitas - I once tried becoming a vegetarian - but David waving a beef fajita taco in my face was all I needed to kiss that idea adios
Day - Friday - I feel a sense of accomplishment from working all week; I also love the days before school where we prepare to welcome a new group of kids
Flower - carnations! Roses are so ordinary and typical - B O R I N G & W A C K - I also like wisteria (not sure on the spelling)
Color - PURPLE!! Is there really any other color? Nope - didn't think so!
T.V. Shows - Oprah - reality shows - documentaries - I love to learn from real life human beings
Movies - horror and suspense - I love to be scared (and thank God my kids do too)
Moments - I love the feeling of security and pride when all four of us are at church together; I also love the peace I feel while driving or riding in a car when it's raining (scary for most folks) - but I remember laying in the back seat of my parents' car while my Dad drove and watching the droplets fall down the window - it's so soothing to me :)
Pictures - my kids' pix - nothing makes me cry like looking at those memories - where has the time gone? I can go right back to that moment when I look at those pix; I also like looking at old family pix - once again, where has the time gone?
Weather - cold and rainy
Feel - hugs at school from kids who see the good in me :) - best feeling in the universe; cozy beds (not that I've been in many - lol)
Tastes - fresh cherries, peaches, and watermelon - and of course anything my mom cooks! (Danny Meekins' cheesecake is pretty good right now too)
Sights - happy kids, goofy faces, Rattler and Aggie games (of any sport) - I love the sound of the band, fans, whistles, everything! A CRUCIFIX (enough said)
Animal - dolphin - I remember doing science fair in jh and we could write a paper - and researching dolphins interested me so much - I have since collected dolphin things, my first tattoo was of a dolphin, and lots of dolphin jewelry
Possessions - a garnet ring my mom had made for me when my Dad passed away - it was a stone he had in a ring that he bought in Mexico on vacation - and she had it put in a ring for me - coolest idea ever! A silver rabbit piggy bank that my parents got in Kansas City on vacation for me - I can still see them driving up in the back of our house and unloading things - the rabbit being one. Pictures of course, baby books of course - but most importantly - a possession I have told David I would divorce him over if it was ever destroyed - a Raggedy Ann and Andy chalkboard my Daddy bought me - I can still remember the day he brought it home and had it on my front porch as a surprise with a box of chalk and an eraser! Oddly enough - in my years of teaching - never got a chalkboard - I could choke the person who invented white boards :/ - I don't care if dust is everywhere or my slacks got white - I WANT A FREAKIN' CHALKBOARD! lol
Last, but certainly not least - person - JENNIFER RENEE SANCHEZ RAMIREZ - that's right ME!! I love me some me! I love family and friends - but the fact is that the only person anyone can count on all day every day is themself. Others will let you down. Trusting completely in someone else is a mistake. (my opinion of course). I read posts from several people daily (some are close friends of mine) who strive for attention, who apparently are unhappy with themselves by the things they do and say - I see it, as so many others do. They want to "fix" things about themself or their life - and in the meantime they are missing out on seeing the big picture - on living fully, on enjoying today, on embracing who they are. God knows (and so do you) that I have many flaws. I screw up big time on a daily basis. I could sure stand to lose weight, iron my clothes, brush my hair (yep, I admit some days I don't), speak nicer, see the good in others, be more positive, etc. etc. etc. But one thing that I am so proud of - is the fact that I LOVE ME. WITH ALL MY FAULTS AND FLAWS, I LOVE ME. Just Jennifer - that's all I need :) and of course Jesus Christ to be with me along the way.
Music - country - ALABAMA -I'm not 100% sure, but I believe my Daddy took me to see them at the rodeo when I was a kid. Regardless, I LOVE them and am super pumped they're back together! I like Tejano as well, reminds me of my parents dancing when I was a kid, and now my Mom and stepdad.
Shoes - flip flops - I think my feet and toes are pretty even though in reality they're just chunky sausages :/
Place - my house - I live on the land where my gparents lived, my parents lived, uncles and aunts lived, and brothers lived - I love it here! I also love being on our boat on the lake - I love the peacefulness a day of fishing brings - just ask David - I fall asleep pretty quick on that water :)
Sound - kids laughing - Lil' David playing his game, Kimberly and me being silly, Hilda Mable's grandson, children on the playground - all these sounds make my heart smile :)
Smell - Old Spice reminds me of my Dad, my boys' cologne, David's cooking, Chelle's lotions
Food - was once shrimp - but now fajitas - I once tried becoming a vegetarian - but David waving a beef fajita taco in my face was all I needed to kiss that idea adios
Day - Friday - I feel a sense of accomplishment from working all week; I also love the days before school where we prepare to welcome a new group of kids
Flower - carnations! Roses are so ordinary and typical - B O R I N G & W A C K - I also like wisteria (not sure on the spelling)
Color - PURPLE!! Is there really any other color? Nope - didn't think so!
T.V. Shows - Oprah - reality shows - documentaries - I love to learn from real life human beings
Movies - horror and suspense - I love to be scared (and thank God my kids do too)
Moments - I love the feeling of security and pride when all four of us are at church together; I also love the peace I feel while driving or riding in a car when it's raining (scary for most folks) - but I remember laying in the back seat of my parents' car while my Dad drove and watching the droplets fall down the window - it's so soothing to me :)
Pictures - my kids' pix - nothing makes me cry like looking at those memories - where has the time gone? I can go right back to that moment when I look at those pix; I also like looking at old family pix - once again, where has the time gone?
Weather - cold and rainy
Feel - hugs at school from kids who see the good in me :) - best feeling in the universe; cozy beds (not that I've been in many - lol)
Tastes - fresh cherries, peaches, and watermelon - and of course anything my mom cooks! (Danny Meekins' cheesecake is pretty good right now too)
Sights - happy kids, goofy faces, Rattler and Aggie games (of any sport) - I love the sound of the band, fans, whistles, everything! A CRUCIFIX (enough said)
Animal - dolphin - I remember doing science fair in jh and we could write a paper - and researching dolphins interested me so much - I have since collected dolphin things, my first tattoo was of a dolphin, and lots of dolphin jewelry
Possessions - a garnet ring my mom had made for me when my Dad passed away - it was a stone he had in a ring that he bought in Mexico on vacation - and she had it put in a ring for me - coolest idea ever! A silver rabbit piggy bank that my parents got in Kansas City on vacation for me - I can still see them driving up in the back of our house and unloading things - the rabbit being one. Pictures of course, baby books of course - but most importantly - a possession I have told David I would divorce him over if it was ever destroyed - a Raggedy Ann and Andy chalkboard my Daddy bought me - I can still remember the day he brought it home and had it on my front porch as a surprise with a box of chalk and an eraser! Oddly enough - in my years of teaching - never got a chalkboard - I could choke the person who invented white boards :/ - I don't care if dust is everywhere or my slacks got white - I WANT A FREAKIN' CHALKBOARD! lol
Last, but certainly not least - person - JENNIFER RENEE SANCHEZ RAMIREZ - that's right ME!! I love me some me! I love family and friends - but the fact is that the only person anyone can count on all day every day is themself. Others will let you down. Trusting completely in someone else is a mistake. (my opinion of course). I read posts from several people daily (some are close friends of mine) who strive for attention, who apparently are unhappy with themselves by the things they do and say - I see it, as so many others do. They want to "fix" things about themself or their life - and in the meantime they are missing out on seeing the big picture - on living fully, on enjoying today, on embracing who they are. God knows (and so do you) that I have many flaws. I screw up big time on a daily basis. I could sure stand to lose weight, iron my clothes, brush my hair (yep, I admit some days I don't), speak nicer, see the good in others, be more positive, etc. etc. etc. But one thing that I am so proud of - is the fact that I LOVE ME. WITH ALL MY FAULTS AND FLAWS, I LOVE ME. Just Jennifer - that's all I need :) and of course Jesus Christ to be with me along the way.
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