Happy New Year

Happy New Year to all that follow my blog. I pray for y'all to have a year of peace, prosperity, health and happiness. I will be cooking beef brisket, Texas cavier (blackeyed peas with onions and jalepeno peppers), collard greens and hot water cornbread. Here's to 2011 !

1st Christmas in San Antonio

This was my first Christmas away from friends and family. A buddy from church asked me was I going back to Michigan to be with my family or was family coming to see me; and I said no. She invited me to have Christmas dinner with her and her family. I had a wonderful time. We ate till we we're full and then sat at the table for another two hours laughing about any and everything. It really help me feel not so alone. Thanks so much to Alice (sitting at the table in a grey sweater) and family !

My Help (Cometh From The Lord) - Central Church of God

What ever your facing in life Quiet yourself play this video and know that God is ever present in the time of need ! Remember Psalm 46:10 " Be still, and know that, I AM GOD"

Back In Civilization

It's amazing the things we take for granted. As of 4:36 PM CST my internet and phone/fax line were up and running. Being in a position were I had to go to WiFi spots helped me learn my neighborhood, but it's nice that now I will be able to go online at night with my pajamas on, while drinking a cup of Red Zinger Herbal tea !

God is Good

This will be my first Thanksgiving alone. For the past several years this day was always spent with someone who is very special to me. It's a little hard knowing I won't see his smile , joking with him over dinner, and taking in a movie; which was usally how we spent the day. But I'm still thankful for our time together and for all my family and friends who have supported me through this transition in my life.

WiFi Oh Yeah

I haven't had my internet hooked up in my apartment yet, so I ventured out to find all the WiFi spots in my neighborhood. FedEx, Barnes and Noble, and Starbucks all are free WiFi. Where I live Barnes and Noble and Starbucks are connected and are favorite spots for all us locals to hang out. Any time of the day I come they're always full with people on the laptops, or just socializing with something to drink, and sometimes people just come to sit in Barnes and Noble to read or study. It seems also to be a favorite spot for the college students to hang out. I've often seen study groups here. I think that after my home internet is up and running, I will still come here perhaps once a week on my off day just for the pleasant atmosphere.

Exploring

I've been exploring my local area that I live in more each week. I live where I'm within a ten minute drive from a variety of stores. To the north is a large mall, south there is Walmart, Sams Club, a Mexican Restaurant,an Indian restaurant, Wendys, and a couple of Bar-B-Que places. In a strip near me there's Starbucks, Dollar Tree, Marshalls, Micheals, ATT store, Davids Bridal, and Barnes and Noble. East there is Office Depot, Sallys Beauty Supply, HEB (which is our regional grocery chain) a movie theatre, and more restaurants. I'm very strategically located to one of the main expressways, and only seven minutes from my church! I'm begining to feel a little more confident when I go out now !

One Week In

Well it's been one week since my arrival here in San Antonio. Needless to say I've gotten lost a few times; even with GPS, but have managed to get to my destinations eventually. I'm grateful to the guy I call my "Little Brother", I only call him little brother because he's much younger than me. I met Charles through my friendship with his mother. One day when we were talking I stated I wanted to move to San Antonio, and she said her son lives there. He's been such a blessing showing me where to go, what to do, and how things are done down here. I told him my way of showing him my appreciation would be to be in agreement with him for a wife. He says someone in her mid to late thirties and petite. I said to him I'll leave the particulars up to you, but I will pray that God give you a wife well suited for you. I'm grateful also to Pastor and Min. Pearson and my church family here who have made me feel so welcome.

Texas Laws

The motor vehicle and drivers license laws are so different here. First, car insurance must be written as a Texas policy due to the difference in their no fault guidelines; secondly the car must past inspection with the sticker displayed at all times in the lower left corner of the front windshield; thirdly I get my new title,registration and plates from one place and my drivers license from another. I elected to promptly get all this done, especially my drivers license, because when I inquired about college I needed to show that I'm a Texas resident to get the in state tuition rate. The bottom line is, I believed God for six years that I would make San Antonio my home and it has come to past. I will not half step or be slow about anything when it comes to being a true Texan. Yeeha !

My New Life in San Antonio

85 degrees in October is quite an adjustment for me. For the most part the hardest thing has been learning the streets. I-10, 410 Loop, 281 West, etc., oh my ! I've have found the people here to be very recieptive, and so willing to help when I tell them I'm new to the city. I want so much to just jump in and get my lifestyle stable and rolling, but I really will have to slow down and take my time.

Bomshell Stomp

One of my favorite lindances !

Texas Bound Part 3

The mover has been contracted and the transporter for my car has been hired. Boxes are are everywhere in my apartment, as I start my final check off list of what is and is not going to San Antonio with me. I am especially grateful to my daughters who have been my strongest supporters of my dream. I give thanks to family, buddies, and coworkers who have given me their support, prayers, and well wishes. To those who think that at 52 years old it is too late for me in life to embark on this new venture, I release them, with no ill feelings to be in somebody else's life for they are no longer in mine. I set my course with two scriptures in mind. Job 22:28 " Thou shalt decree a thing and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways." Psalm 32:8 " I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide you with mine eye."

Wow Wow Wow

I recently returned from my bi-annual trip to Las Vegas. This time I decided to not spend all my time in Vegas , but to go out to the Grand Canyon. Upon arrival the group was met by the Haulapai Native Americans who occupy the west end of the canyon, where we were hiking through. I was interesting hearing them tell the stories and traditions of their people. But when I hiked up the trail on stood on the cliff's edge I was blown away !!! The colors in the striations of the rocks, watching the birds soar over the cliffs and just the majesty of it all brought me to tears. Everyone, if possible should take a trip and behold one of the seven great natural wonders of the world !!!

Farwell for now

My coworker Khadra is from Somolia. She recently informed our unit that she's taking a year's leave of absence to go to back to her country. One of her reasons was so her children, who have been here most of their lives will experience and come to know their culture first hand. She will truly be missed.

Just a good 'ol gal !

I attended the annual Country Hoedown in Motown this weekend. There were various well known country artist - Dirks Bentley, Randy Houser, Zack Brown Band and others. I was dressed in my western wear and felt as if I'm already a good 'ol Texas gal !

Going out with my boots on !

This past Mother's Day I received cards from friends and family. My daughter Dayna sent a card with my grandchildren's handprints on it(we grandmas always find that so adorable)! I was throughly surprised when my youngest daughter Camille said she was taking me to the western boot store and treating me to a pair of cowgirl boots. This gift comes right in time for the Country Hoedown in Motown we have here every year on downtown Detroit's waterfront. I will be dressed in my western wear and ready to linedance. Yeeha!

They're here

My oldest daughter Dayna and my grandchildren are here in Michigan for a few days. We were able to have lunch and spend some time together yesterday. Hugging and playing with them always reminds me what the true blessings in life really are. Children and grandchildren - How great is our God !!