Up Up And Away

I'm counting the days till I leave for Mesa, AZ to spend Thanksgiving with my daughter and grandchildren. It's been a year since my last visit, Taylor and Frederick have grown so much. Of course ya'll know that Nana Ida will arrive bearing gifts (smile), did you think grandma would do any less !!!!

Twinkle Toes

Taylor has been taking ballet for several months , she even once won a blue ribbon for knowing all the positions and turns in class. Here is a picture taken after her first formal recital, entitled " A Gift for Mommy ". I plan to spend this Thanksgiving with my daughter and grandchildern, I'm hoping to see "twinkle toes" in action while I'm there.

Coincidence - - I Think Not !

Einstein said " There are no coincidences or accidents. " About two months ago in downtown Detroit there are what is called River Days. They are days filled with free entertainment, food, rides and fun for the entire family. I elected to take the bus instead of paying the huge downtown parking fees. I boarded the bus and sat next to an elderly lady and we started talking. Oddly enough our conversation was about moving away, of which she stated she was moving to North Carolina, I stated that I want to move to San Antonio, Texas. She stated her son lives there and she recently visited him. While there she attended his church. It is the same church I attend when I'm visiting San Antonio and will be joining when I move there. http://wofsa.com/ She said " I'm going to tell my son about you." We exchanged email addresses and cell phone numbers and I got off the bus several stops before her. Three weeks later my cell phone rings, the call was from a number I didn't recognize but decided to answer. It was her son, we exchanged introductions and talked about life in SA. We talk weekly, email each other frequently, and converse as if we've been buddies forever. I believe God has allowed my one more buddy to help me with the transition when I move. I will keep all my readers posted as things progress.

Grandma's Gems

One of God's blessings in life is to become a grandparent ! I sometimes call just to hear Taylor say " Hi Nana" and listen to Frederick playing in the backround. Although they live in Mesa, AZ and I'm unable to see and hug them as much as I would like, I lay hands on their picture and pray over them every day ! But Mesa is only four hours away on a plane (smile) !

Texas Bound !

Several people have asked me " Why Texas, Ida ?" Well, it all started back in 2004. I was at work when my coworkers asked " Ida, When are you leaving to take you annual trip to Toronto ?" I replied, " I'm not going this year. " " Your not, then where are you going ?" Out of clear blue, I said " I'm going to Texas. " I didn't know anyone down there, except the pastor and his wife of the Word of Faith Church, but my spirit told me Texas ! I booked my flight and hotel and off I went to San Antonio. I stayed a little less than week, but fell in love with the place, vowing this would one day be my home. Well a few years have passed since then, but my love for Texas and San Antonio have not diminished in any way, but have grown stronger. I sense that the time has come for me to go home ( smile ) to Texas. Everything I do now is focused on wrapping things up here and leaving. As things progress I'll keep everyone informed. Keep me in your prayers ! Yeeha ! For more information about San Antonio check out this website: http://mysa.com/

Good Read

Currently reading: The Big Rich by Bryan Burrough. It's the story of the rise and fall of the Texas oil fortunes. Most of my buddies say they are not surprised considering I want to make Texas my home. :-)

The Newness of Life

Although I had to work last night and was unable to attend service this morning, I stopped in the chapel after punching out to give thanks and pray. This past lent was one of the most challenging I've had in years. I was attacked in my physical body, in my finances ( greatly), and in my mind. Upon seeing my physician I was told that I was internalizing my stress, which accounts for my massive hair loss. Also that I'm thirty pounds overweight and with a family history of diabetes on both sides of my bloodline I was setting myself up for an adult onset. I don't claim any illness, but neither do I need to open the door to any either. I've now embarked on a semi-vegetarian weight loss program, and am now spending more time in prayer and meditation. My car was the victim of a hit and run, resulting in over six hundred dollars of damage. I had been struggling with an important life/living situation and have made my final decision - more about that later as it is now a work in progress. As my Lord rose to a new life, I too am rising to a new and better life ! Remembering always - - - Psalm 32:8 - I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. Also - - Job 22:28 Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways.

Long Time Friends

Some friends you know are friends for life. Carole and I met when our daughters were in the third grade, and our daughters are now in their thirties, married with children ( smile ). Whenever our life schedules allow we met in Carole's kitchen for food , coffee, and conversation. Although I generally plan to stay no more than two hours, my visits usually last six to eight hours ! But after all, what are friends for !

Keep a true Lent

After being in Lent for one week ( Ash Wednesday was February 25th ), I elected to post this entry. Lent is a time of fasting, prayer, self reflection, enlightenment and action. Although this time has been labeled a "A Catholic thing" some basic reading of church history would eliminate that misunderstanding. It is a time the early church fathers designated for we Christians to examine ourselves for what is not Christ-like, and eliminating it from ourselves permanently. Through this time I invite we Christians to use this season in the spirit in which it was meant. We all have something the Lord can reveal to us about ourselves that needs to be "crucified" permanently, so that on Easter we too will be "resurrected " and even more a new creation in Christ ! *****How do Christians determine what day Easter will be ? ***** Easter Day always comes on the first Sunday after the full moon that occurs on or after March 21. If the full moon falls on a Sunday, Easter is the next Sunday. Easter can never fall earlier than March 22 nor later than April 25. *****

All That Jazz

Working the midnight shift can have its drawbacks when it comes to going out for the evening. However, I did have last night off and decided to check out a place that received great reviews in the entertainment section of the paper. Located in Grosse Pointe Farms MI it's called The Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe (http://www.dirtydogjazz.com). The performing artists were the Stanley Jordan Trio and they were outstanding. The Menu selections varied from Kobe beef to seafood and foul. The intimate rustic setting added to the ambiance of it being a jazz cafe. I signed up for their email updates for future performers. This place deserves two thumbs up !

Big Daddy's B-day

The house was full, present were children, grandchildren, family and friends. "Mr. C" as he is affectionately known celebrated his seventieth birthday. There was plenty of food, fun, and laughter to go around. Thank God for a long life well lived !

Superbowl Sunday

I kept my yearly tradition of spending Superbowl Sunday with my brother Mike, sis-in-law Anita.

I'm not a big football fan, but I enjoy this yearly event. My friend and brother actually watch the

game. I enjoy talking and having coffee with Anita. This year it's Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Arizona Cardinals, personally I always root for the underdog.

Arizona, the underdog appeared to have won until the final two minutes of the game, when Pittsburgh made an amazing comeback touchdown ! Oh well, better luck for the underdog next year.

Top Notch Dining

Occasionally my friend and I will dine out at a new restaurant we've heard or read about. Yesterday we dined at downtown's new seafood place the Detroit Fish Market : http://www.detroitfishmarket.com/. The menu had a wide selection; my appetizer of seafood gumbo was the perfect blend of spice and heat, also good was the mixed greens and goat cheese topped with raspberry vinaigrette dressing salad. Dinner for me was the Chilean sea bass, and my friend had the fried catfish nuggets and broiled whitefish. Dessert was bread pudding topped with a caramel and bourbon (smile) glaze and vanilla ice cream. The decor was rustic with beautiful hardwood floors, brick laid walls, huge sea mural on the back wall, and a back room lounge for private parties and after work or after theatre gathering. This one definitely deserves a return visit.

History

Today in America for the first time an African American took the oath of office for the presidency. Although I am republican, it was a joy to see this happen in my lifetime.

Investing in myself

Sometimes when I look at a person who has achieved a goal or desire, I'll remark how gifted, talented or persevering he or she is, and think their someone special. During my scripture reading time I read again the parable of the talents. ( Matt 25:14-29); when the Holy Spirit reminded me me that God gives all of us at least one gift or talent, and He expects us to recognize, develop, and use it for the betterment of mankind. I began to take inventory of myself, remembering that I too persevered to achieve a goal. I stepped out faith in God's word (Luke 1:37 and Jeremiah 32:27 specifically), and at the age of forty graduated with my associates degree ! I knew that my talent/gift is to be in business / entrepreneurship, but when I decided to return to school, I was abruptly put into a divorce situation. I prayed to the Lord to get me through this challenge and then I could return to school; but the more I prayed, the more the Lord said " Go now " ! I again stepped out on faith and enter my church's http://woficc.com/ Kingdom Business Institute. There were times when I questioned whether or not I really heard from God. Sometimes the tuition money didn't come until a few hours before it was due. The divorce was final at the end of my first year, but by God's grace I completed the two year program, graduating with a GPA of 4.0 and perfect attendance ! It was the best two years of education I've experienced to date. Now at the age of fifty-one, I'll step out on faith again to pursue a batchelors degree, remembering the promises of God's word. Scripture references: Jeremiah 33:3 - - Jeremiah 32:27 - - Luke 1:37 .

My Student

Over the years at the various places I've worked there has been opportunities to train students. Every now and then I'll have one I consider exceptional. I believe my recent student Triolya to be one of those students. She embraced her training wholeheartedly, learning as much as she could, and was well liked by the staff and clinical manager. I forsee her doing well in our profession.

Celebrating # 51 !

Another year has pasted and now I'm celebrating number fifty-one ! I started my day with thanksgiving and praise to the Lord for giving me another year, did a little shopping and ended it by having a quiet dinner at one of Detroit's newest upscale restaurants. The past year brought blessings; the birth of my grandson Frederick Tyler, greater self awareness, four great vacations, healthy relationships; and I even completed my 50 state quarter collection (smile). As I grow into my (smile) mature years, life is more about simple pleasures like sitting by the water on Belle Isle praying to the Lord, and cherishing every moment possible with my grandchildren. But good vacations are nice too !