Houston Post Harvey – Taking it Day by Day

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I’ve lived in Houston since 1997. It’s flat. You don’t realize how flat until you’ve traveled to Austin or San Antonio. The Texas Hill Country quickly reminds you that Houston’s only hills are its highways and beltways. It’s also full of traffic, and as recently shown on the news, prone to flood. We have bayous and creeks surrounding our flat terrain. Still I love this city for so many reasons such as :

1. Diversity. This is truly an international city. Global companies choose Houston to place as their U.S. headquarters consistently. We attract business and opportunity bringing people from all over looking for work. Annual Greek and Italian festivals along with the city’s international festival, highlight just some of those cultural activities that the city and its suburbs love to celebrate.

2. The people. Because there’s such a diverse group of people in the 4th largest city of America, people learn to interact with others from such different backgrounds and we do it daily. That’s why people came together so quickly to help during Hurricane Harvey. Houstonians help when the cry for help is sent out. They may have cursed at you the day before for not merging onto the freeway correctly, but the next day that person is there to help you evacuate your flooded home.

3. Food. We have the best. Fajitas and margaritas are a staple. Bar-B-Q and chili cook offs are as frequent as weather updates. Spanish tapas bars, hip Montrose eateries, elegant Galleria restaurants, taco trucks, China town, and seafood dives where you can “peel n eat” crawfish and shrimp, dot our city’s landscape.

4. Sports and entertainment venues. We have the harvey picRockets, Astros, Texans, and Dynamo. We still have loyal Oilers fans. Our fans have been deprived of a championship for a long time, but they remain true and steadfast. Houston also attracts the best performances from opera, to country, rock, jazz and we have a symphony that gives free performances to the public in Herman Park.

5. Resiliency. People here pick up the debris and tattered left overs from the storm and get to work. Neighbors help neighbors and volunteers show up in full force to aid in cleaning homes, schools, and businesses affected by the flood.

It’s going to take time for Houston to rebuild. We have flooded before. It will most likley flood again…but hopefully not for a while. We’re Houston Strong and will take life one day at a time. Congratulations Houston! You showed America and the world what we’re made of. Now time for a margarita.

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Ask a silly question and get a silly answer!

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Maybe you’ve seen these groups that have emerged on Facebook as the “go to” for question asking.  They’re named, “Ask…” and then the name of the community.  It amazes me the kinds of questions that are asked on these sites.

I enjoy getting recommendations for an electrician, a good bakery, or a fence repairman.  But.  There are some questions that leave my speechless.  One day a man asked, “Hey ya’ll.  I’ve been coughing for three days.  What should I do?”  My first thought was “Dear Lord I hope you don’t have a child to take care of.”  If you can’t figure out what to do, like, see a doctor or visit a pharmacist, then you shouldn’t be allowed to take care of children or operate machinery.

But then the crazier thing is how people think they know everything and have all the answers to the questions!  For the cougher, one person said drink tequila with a worm, another lady gave a homemade recipe for a cream that he could rub…well I’ll leave the rest of that part off.  No one said, “Go see a doctor.”  Geniuses.  They don’t have a medical degree, but hey, they know how to take care of a cough!

Another lady posted a public service announcement and plea to the group.  Her big, shocking ( literally) discovery, was that the new HEB grocery store baskets gave static electric shocks to people.  She wanted everyone to call and complain to the store about how unsafe their baskets were.  Wow.  And all this time I thought we as humans, generated our own static electricity!  What do you know.  It’s been grocery carts all along.  Someone give this lady a research grant.

I don’t know everything, but that’s ok, because when I do have a question, I’ll be sure to visit one of these Ask groups since they seem to know it all…but first I’ll call HEB!

 

 

March Madness…for several reasons

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March brings showers and April spring flowers…or something like that.  I enjoy seeing green!  It’s a sign of new life after cold temperatures.  Actually our winter here in this part of Texas was so mild, that I blinked and it was spring!

With that burst of new life comes new energy, new ideas, and some busier schedules.  College basketball tournaments are about to start as well…have no idea where the term March Madness came regarding that! Outdoor recreation kicks into high gear, people begin to spruce up their yards and homes, and vacation planning for spring break is in full force!

As a realtor, this is the time of year that we begin to see people plan on buying their first home, or selling what they have and upgrading to a larger space.  Here is a quick newsletter from the real estate team that I’m apart of: http://imprv.co/awel

Take a quick read and let me know your thoughts and questions about real estate.  Read More »

And the Oscar goes to…yawn.

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Princess Grace ExhibitGlamorous dresses, lines of limousines forming and creeping like slithering, snakes, reporters and photographers yelling people’s names, and a bright, red carpet.  It’s all about honoring Hollywood.  People who live what 98% of the world will never experience or know, yet we’re supposed to tune in and clap for them.

Don’t get me wrong.  I love movies and find the celebrity lifestyle intriguing.  But, the last few years of the Oscars have left me unsatisfied for several reasons.

Political speeches are becoming redundant.  I get it.  Hollywood celebs love the Democrat party, want equal pay, hug trees, and think Meryl Streep is God’s gift to mankind.  And for the record, I love Meryl.  However, when everyone gets on stage and says the same thing, the echo effect takes control, and a four-hour long broadcast is quickly about to become five!  I’m all for free speech, but just say your “thank yous” and move on to the next category.  Millennials, whose attention span may be ten seconds, are about done with the accolade parade as well.

The fashion parade and commentary is the same.  Celebrities are asked who they are wearing, how much the jewelry is worth, and my favorite question; “How long did it take you to get ready?”  That’s a loaded one.  And the dresses that the actresses are wearing cost more than what some people earn in a year. It was only fun to watch it when the late Joan Rivers was there to add her snide remarks to the fashion mishaps.  It’s not the same without her.

Finally, the viewership goes down every year.  Stats further bolster my argument, and the cable tv shows dominate the ratings, along with the 24 hour news cycle. Viewers find highly paid actors patting each other on the back a little…well…boring.

Kick it up a notch Oscars producers!  Recognize some people who help America run day-to-day.  Let’s roll out the red carpet for teachers, police officers, fire fighters, veterans and their spouses, volunteers, and so many more.  Instead of giving out $30,000 gift baskets to presenters and award winners, automatically donate to a charity that will make a difference in a person’s life.

How long will it take you to get ready?

Fantasy Football Fatigue

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I know when football season is approaching.  It starts with the men in my house planning a fantasy football meeting, slash party, slash draft, slash my wrist (sorry I slipped with that one) kind of event.  But before the event even occurs, there’s the “research” that goes into the players.

July is when I begin to faintly hear the discussions concerning players and their health.  By the beginning of August men become like students finishing their Senior English papers;   on the computer, checking periodicals, combing through statistics, and starting their “picks”.  And for once it’s picks that don’t involve nasal cavities.

Then the draft day comes.  This isn’t a quick meeting.  This involves several hours of talking, debating, finally drafting, and then coming home with the hope that this team will win the Super Bowl.  Then the season games begin!

Sunday lingo on the way to church for some people may be, “I wonder what the pastor will talk about today?  What are we having for lunch?”  Ours starts with, “I should have played John Doe.*  I didn’t.  Now watch he’s going to score all these points and I’m going to lose this week.  My team is horrible.”  Sigh. I’m hoping the sermon will revolve around keeping the Sabbath holy.  Something like, “NFL…Not For the Lord’s Day!”  I can only pray.

When the fantasy team is doing well, it’s incredible.  There are high fives, whooping and hollering, and the testosterone level is excruciatingly high.  When the team is doing poorly, a television remote is bound to fly, tempers flare, and suddenly men are talking to the television like they can really be heard.  “John Doe * you stink.  Why didn’t I trade him?  Is it too late?”  I myself would like to be traded to a wine bar.

When I was in college there was a class offered called “Sports Psychology”.  I honestly used to think that it was about men and why they get so worked up about sports!  Then I learned what it was really about.  I like my idea better.

So girlfriends, wives, sister wives and such, brace yourselves for a couple of months.  Next it’s playoffs, then the Super Bowl, and then we’re free…until fantasy baseball in the Spring.

*John Doe isn’t actually a NFL player.  The author doesn’t know many players’ names.

A new page…

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I acquired my real estate license a while back.  Between that and juggling family, I have been so busy and neglectful in blogging.  So, to pick up where I left off, I’m trying to commit to blogging at least once a week.

Today is September 11th, and no one can look at that date without remembering what it represents; a day of unfathomable tragedy.  No one would have predicted that on a Tuesday morning the worst terrorist attack in the nation’s history would occur.  People awoke that morning, got their kids ready for school, made breakfast, dressed and showered for work, and commuted into their place of employment, not knowing it would be their last day on earth.

The truth is that none of us are promised tomorrow.  In James 4:13-14 NIV, it reads “Now listen you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow.  What is your life?  You are  a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”  The reality that the verse points to is that life is short and things can change in mere seconds.

Now fifteen years later I watch the memorial on television.  Family members take turns reading names of those who lost their lives that day.  Among them are moms, dads, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, firefighters, police, and other first responders.  I hear a diverse chorus of last names, and a bell ringing for the times that the planes hit the trade center towers, the Pentagon, and the flight 93 that crashed with everyday heroes on board struggling to take back control.  One man who was remembering his older brother said, “Fifteen years feels like fifteen seconds.”   Another read the name of his wife that he lost, and looked at the crowd asking, “When will peace finally come?”

Another school year has come and my kids are one year closer to graduating. My high school reunion, 25th, just occurred.  I look at everyone and remember them as seniors, but truthfully we are forty somethings with families.  Time isn’t slowing down and never will.  Cherish days, make memories, say “I love you” more often, and ask yourself, “If this was my last day on earth, where would I go?”

The Bible doesn’t answer all of our questions about heaven and life after death, but we do know that Jesus himself wants us there.  On the cross while he was waiting to die, the two other men hanging on either side of him had differing views.  Once yelled at him to prove that he was the Messiah and to save them all.  But the other criminal reacted with “Don’t you fear God since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve.  But his man has done nothing wrong.  Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”  Then Jesus answered him and said “Truly I tell , today you will be with me in paradise.”( Luke 23:39-43 NIV)

There’s comfort in knowing that we will see our loved ones again someday.  The families this morning at the 9-11 memorial service echoed that sentiment repeatedly.  But don’t forget to acknowledge who Jesus is just like the criminal hanging there.  Don’t put off accepting Him…there might not be a tomorrow.

 

 

 

 

When Children Play…

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Childrens-Church1Reading and watching the recent world events would make anyone sad and troubled.  Mass shootings, earthquakes, violent protests among many other negative occurrences, are enough to cause worry and dread.  I watched television pundits yell at each other today over gun laws, read opinion pieces on terrorism, and finally had enough of the ranting and raving and turned it all off.  Seems like the only safe and happy channel to watch right now is the Hallmark Channel and its sappy, Christmas love movies.

Then this evening, looking out my study window, I watched my two kids playing outside.  They were playing with children much younger than themselves, and one with special needs.  Games of tag, hiding behind mailboxes, riding scooters on the sidewalk, and looking at our neighbors’ Christmas lights, all gave me a grateful look inside their world; a place I haven’t been to in years.  There was no yelling, no fighting, no judging, no bullying, and no trying to look cool or fit in…just being kids who wanted to play.

As a kid our childhood was full of imaginative games.  Christmas time was especially exciting with school parties and knowing that family would be coming to visit along with the big man Santa.    We didn’t have to think about a mortgage, a car payment, renewing insurance,  and work deadlines.  The words “job security” and “terrorism” were completely unknown to us.  We were encapsulated in a safe, protected bubble of peace and assurance.

The world they live in is full of danger, but they don’t see it.  They only talk of promise and potential.  Concerns that we face are ours alone.  We shoulder the burden of worry while they plot their Christmas wish list.

Jesus spoke about children.  In Matthew 18:2-4 It reads, “Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said “”Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.  Therefore, whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives on little child like this in My name receives Me.””

Meek, humble, playful and ready to serve were the qualities Jesus referred to.  In our society, the rich, powerful, and most likely to grace the cover of a magazine, are the ones who seem to receive all the glory.  But Jesus came and called out the changes to the world system as He saw they should be.

Cherish the play time and “embrace the inner child” as some would say.  The laundry can wait, and the mopping of the floor could be done another day.  Your children will only be with your family for a short time.  Their lessons of youth are a welcome comfort for all of us.

 

Feeling Sorry for Thanksgiving

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Rockwell, Thanksgiving.jpg
Rockwell, Thanksgiving.jpg

I really feel sorry for Thanksgiving.  Once Halloween has come and gone, there is a short amount of time before Thanksgiving arrives.  A couple of weeks of grocery store sales on turkeys and trimmings is all you might really notice about the holiday.  People may speak about where they’re going to spend the day, but before it even arrives, it’s overshadowed by the approaching Christmas season.

Thanksgiving is almost like the middle child.  It deserves more attention for all the good that it represents, but the beautiful, more attractive Christmas season casts a shadow over this short holiday. Black Friday sale announcements start earlier every year, and more department stores are opening their doors on Thanksgiving Day.  What a tragedy that retail profit is trumping family time!  But the hurriedness and excitement of it all seems to just shrug it shoulders at Thanksgiving.

I once went to Target on Thanksgiving night with my husband.  We thought we were really going to grab some great deals.  Problem ended up being that we were grabbed; physically.  Do you really want to know what kind of people show up on Thanksgiving night at some of these stores?  Our experience has taught us that they’re not very nice people!

In between picking up scooters and DVDs,  I tried to pick out a pair of women’s boots when I was pushed aside.  My hair became tangled in some lady’s ( I used the term “lady” loosely) button down jacket, and out of the mass crowd of barbarian shoppers, I saw my husband waving his arms at me.  He was signaling that it was time to evacuate.  We walked out with a few items and more of a headache.  People were shouting at employees for items that had sold out, and let’s just say we would have been better off being at home with family; warm and cozy with a piece of leftover dessert.

Now I have to admit before going further, I love Christmas!  It’s my favorite holiday as it seems to be for a lot of people.  I love our family decorating the tree, baking goodies, Christmas parties, gift exchanging…singing “Happy Birthday” to Jesus…the list goes on.  It’s a cheerful holiday.  But what about Thanksgiving?

If you really look at the story behind Thanksgiving, it’s one of danger, uncertainty, faith and survival; much like the times we’re living in I would say.  It’s more than just coming together to remember what the Pilgrims did, and passing the gravy.  It really becomes more than that.  We pause with family and friends and take the time to be grateful and thankful.  The only gifts involved with Thanksgiving are those of hospitality, sharing, gratitude, and reflecting on all we have to be thankful.

I remember as a child our family taking the time to talk around our dinner.  Each person had fond stories to share of past holidays, and special recollections of family members that had passed on.  “Remember Me-Me’s dressing?  Hers was the best” coupled with “I miss Granny’s smoked turkey,” and the sayings would continue.  Our family would discuss current events, while the older generation would reminisce about how good life used to be.  No one would have cell phones out and the television was off.  The only thing we would turn the television on for was the Dallas Cowboys game (this was before my Houston Texans came on the scene).  Games like trivial pursuit and UNO were pulled out, and no one thought of going out on Thanksgiving night except to watch a movie or take a walk.

So enjoy this holiday.  It’s a quick but an important one.  Take the time to be thankful, put down the cell phone, and converse with family and friends.  Forget about shopping on Thanksgiving night.  Those sales will come and go, but your family won’t always be together.  Pass the gravy, enjoy the laughter, and DVR those Cowboys!

Happy Thanksgiving…

We’ve Got “The Look”

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Cypress Mom

Blog photoI’m afraid we’ve developed into “that couple” with “The Look”.  The look isn’t glamorous or trendy.  It’s not one that I’ve desired, but I believe it’s found me like it will find every adult eventually.

“The Look” sneaks up on everyone.  Then one day you realize you have it and there’s no going back.

I’m talking about “The Look” given to other parents when their children are misbehaving, are out of control, crying, whining, and any other annoying thing you may think a small child or baby would do.  I have personally received those looks!

I can remember sitting in Olive Garden with our soon to be one year old.  He was sitting in his high chair and looking all around at other tables.  He was waving and being so cute.  At some point crankiness set in and he began to fuss.  The fussing turned into crying and before we could…

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We’ve Got “The Look”

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Blog photoI’m afraid we’ve developed into “that couple” with “The Look”.  The look isn’t glamorous or trendy.  It’s not one that I’ve desired, but I believe it’s found me like it will find every adult eventually.

“The Look” sneaks up on everyone.  Then one day you realize you have it and there’s no going back.

I’m talking about “The Look” given to other parents when their children are misbehaving, are out of control, crying, whining, and any other annoying thing you may think a small child or baby would do.  I have personally received those looks!

I can remember sitting in Olive Garden with our soon to be one year old.  He was sitting in his high chair and looking all around at other tables.  He was waving and being so cute.  At some point crankiness set in and he began to fuss.  The fussing turned into crying and before we could enjoy the rest of our linguine, he was in a total meltdown.

It was like a code blue situation in a hospital.  My husband and I began reaching for toys, snacks, a bottle, and anything to resuscitate the happiness back into this screaming baby.  We knew we needed to vacate the premises immediately.  But before we could enjoy our last bite of their delicious bread sticks, we had to pay.  Looking around for the waitress, we began catching “The Look” from other tables.  Adults were hurling icy stares in our direction with tight lips and shaking their heads in disapproval. In my mind I know they were sending messages “Why can’t you stop him from crying?” and “You need to leave instead of ruining our meal.”  I can’t say that I blame them.  We didn’t want our meal ruined either, but parents never plan meltdowns of a baby or toddler…they just happen.  And they happen in the most inconvenient and crowded places.

I received those looks in stores, restaurants, airplanes (my favorite), and of course church. Right in the middle of the Christmas Eve candlelight service with all the beautiful candles lit, my son started singing, “Happy Birthday to you!”  It was Jesus’ birthday after all.  But the old couples looking at us sternly were not in the mood to celebrate!

One time in Target, my then three year old daughter was having a meltdown about some crayons that I wouldn’t buy, or a dog treat that I wouldn’t get for the dog, or some other item that she kept asking me to purchase.  I kept saying “No”  as strongly as I could, when she stomped her feet and stated she wasn’t leaving.  “The Look” started popping up from other adults watching to see how I would handle this showdown.  I did what every mother of a strong willed child has to do on occasion and called her bluff.  I remember saying, “Fine.  I’m going home.”  I proceeded to walk towards the check out lanes.  Soon the pitter patter of little shoes was close behind me screaming, “Mommy don’t leave me!”  Now more looks.  Great.

Then children grow, become less of a public embarrassment, and it happens.  One day I hear a meltdown occurring in the produce section of the grocery store.  I turned to look and see what grotesque creature was ruining my shopping for a Pinterest recipe that was already doomed to fail (because they usually do).  I gave “The Look”!  The baby was bright red and the mother was quickly placing apples in a bag.  My look was saying “Really?  You’re worried about apples?  You’re kid is as red as the one you just picked out.  For heavens sake run and don’t look back!  Leave the basket, grab your child and go!”  I couldn’t believe my impatience but it didn’t stop there I’m ashamed to say.

In the mall at a children’s clothing store, a lady was next to me with her stroller that was so large I assumed it was NASA’s latest Mars Rover project.  Her toddler was running around the store getting into everything while I was trying to shop.  I kept giving her “The Look”.  Interpretation, “Can you please quiet your kid and move the space mobile?”  Ugh.  I did it again.  Each look made me feel horrible later on.  Why did I just look at another mom this way?  Why am I not being more empathetic?

We’ve aged and so have our kids, and by doing so we have forgotten how hard it is to parent little ones.  When they’re babies they can’t tell you why they’re crying.  Moms and dads are just as frustrated as the poor baby.  We also are accustomed to more quietness.  As our kids have started reading books or watching television, they just naturally begin to quiet a little.  The house isn’t inundated with temper tantrums about a dirty diaper, being hungry, or Barney singing “I Love You, You Love Me”.  Thank you Lord that part of childhood is over.

Our kids begin to act in a socially acceptable fashion and follow our cues.  Now when we go to restaurants they are old enough to order for themselves.  They are more likely to reach for our cell phones and play games than to cry and throw food. We still see babies out in restaurants, church, and stores.  They bring challenges to their parents, and one day they will grow older and their parents can enjoy being in public again.  And those adults will begin to give “The Look” to their younger counterparts just as we have.  It’s a cycle.  It’s life.

We’ve got “The Look” and will try hard not to use it.  I will from now on only promise to use it for situations that are really dire and when messages must be conveyed…”Lady your Mars Rover stroller is taking off…hopefully with you and your baby on board!”  There I go again.