tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21091637982187993622012-01-15T21:47:05.933-06:00The ramblings of my inner child about my family, my faith, and my life.Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.comBlogger2381100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-2492794306330317142012-01-13T08:50:00.000-06:002012-01-13T08:50:05.152-06:00

Arg. Double arg. So, I've actually made some resolutions this year.  And, I've been working on them too.  One of them was to actually start taking a multi-vitamin.  I have noticed subtle changes.  I'm feeling better (also eating better) much happier.  I even commented to my one friend at work how I have been so blissfully happy lately.  I figured I could so get used to this!  I can definitely

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-45343501966448858352012-01-05T09:29:00.000-06:002012-01-05T09:29:17.226-06:00

U2 wasn't kidding when they sang "devil inside, the devil inside, every single one of us have the devil inside".  I have seen the devil, sometimes on a daily basis, mostly at work, but sometimes in the mirror.  By the way, he says 'hi'. You know, I was thinking of everything I wanted to say yesterday after I wrote the above.  So much happens in my day that I want to share then, when I go fingers

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-37877320174716803722011-12-31T18:51:00.000-06:002011-12-31T18:51:14.495-06:00

This year, I did not go down weight wise to a size five. This year, I did not open my bible everyday. This year, I did not say a rosary everyday. This year, I was not the perfect wife, mother, or friend. This year, I learned that I have arthritis in my knees. This year, I opened the bible a few times when I had questions or sought out the answers from other sources. This year, I said three

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-6556032355705360752011-12-17T09:00:00.000-06:002011-12-17T09:00:10.581-06:00

Not sure if you remember, but I've been saying more novenas.  So far, since I started, I'm on number three.  Check out Praymorenovenas.com  You get daily emails which makes it much easier for me to say the novenas than just trying to remember on my own.  You can post your prayer intentions for the novena as well as read the intentions of others.  During the last two novenas, I didn't post my

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-3410902382519754862011-12-15T08:07:00.000-06:002011-12-15T08:07:12.710-06:00

With all the range of emotions during this time of year, you would think I'm either pregnant, bi polar, or have multiple personalities.  Well, okay, not just during this time of year but all year long actually. lol  I can medically confirm I am none of those.   Lately though, this week, I just can't stop bursting into tears.  Here is why. This Sunday is the four year anniversary of Mom's death.

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-26494402763067372662011-12-01T09:03:00.000-06:002011-12-01T09:03:00.310-06:00

Four years ago, I wrote about our Nativity and the hard times that it has seen (http://chrpangel.blogspot.com/2008/12/story-of-nativityits-not-what-you-think.html).  This year has not been much different. Last year my son superglued Jesus' head back on AND the wise man's hand!  Yes!  Jesus will get three gifts this year!!!!  Fast forward to the other day as I was unwrapping the Nativity set. 

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-12539076230627681542011-11-30T08:18:00.000-06:002011-11-30T08:18:15.488-06:00

A few years ago, I use to pray for patience.  I like to say God gave me many gifts, coordination and patience are not one of them.  So, I would pray for patience.  Then, I heard a few people say that if you wish for patience that God would give you things to test/work your patience.  So, I got wise and stopped asking for patience.  Yea, didn't really work. I notice that I am kind of in a loop  (

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-19074857167109886252011-11-21T09:02:00.000-06:002011-11-21T09:02:26.858-06:00

Three years ago, I was pretty much hating my life.  Well, my work life.  I was working in restaurants nights and weekends and never really seeing my family.  It takes it toll.  Sure, I have made work friends.  Friends I am still close with to this day (Sarah K, Sarah C, my David and Rachel just to name a few).  I rejoiced when they bought their house or graduated (finally!) from college.  These

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-48969868115092502952011-11-20T09:24:00.000-06:002011-11-20T09:24:48.769-06:00

For those of you who don't live in Allen, Texas, who have no family, no grandchildren, nieces or nephews in Allen, Texas you will not be aware that last night was a most important night for Allen.  Last night was the semi finals in high school football.  You can joke all you want how football, like everything else, is big in Texas.  You can joke about Friday night lights.  But unless you live in

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-72137734302841975342011-11-17T17:54:00.000-06:002011-11-17T17:54:05.887-06:00

When last we spoke, I had two days left to go.  In asking for certain knots to be untied, I listed 11.  What can I say?  I was told I could do a whole bunch so I did!  lol  Out of the 11, four were for friends, three were for the kids and four were for George and I. I was slightly irked after the novena was over.  Well, more than a little irked.  None had seem to have been answered.  Great. 

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-78730420799689240192011-11-12T11:19:00.000-06:002011-11-12T11:19:17.332-06:00

For those of you non Catholics reading, or for you Catholics who don't know, a novena is a specific prayer prayed for nine consecutive days.  Just google novena's and you'll get a veritable cornucopia of novenas.  Currently, I am doing a novena to Mary the undoer of knots...http://www.theholyrosary.org/maryundoerknots.  I've heard this prayer to be very powerful.  So, I asked, 'do I ask for just

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-11983299554038063812011-11-06T10:26:00.000-06:002011-11-06T10:26:03.379-06:00

Being a parent is like wearing a kevlar vest with holes in it while holding a crystal ball that turns out to actually be a snow globe. There's a certain time during the day when the kids come home from school and you don't know what what to expect.  You don't know whose going to walk through the door.  Sure, they look like your children, but there are way to many variables.  How did their day go

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-51595422676545131522011-10-28T21:34:00.000-05:002011-10-28T21:34:48.810-05:00

Today was not the best day.  It was alright, nothing special.  Lots to do, yada, yada. There came a point in my afternoon when I lost it.  I lamented to my husband how awful things are.  I told him how I'm tired of God always saying 'No'.  I feel like I'm being smote.  I pray for x, nope.  pray for q, nope.  Y and z?  Nope.  Smite, smite, smite, that's what I felt like.  After I hung up with

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-27900640241017199412011-10-25T22:29:00.000-05:002011-10-25T22:29:56.437-05:00

Did you ever feel so lost, that you feel you can't be found?  Or rather yet, that you didn't know how you would ever be found? Years and years ago, say about five.  It was right after I went through a Christ Renews His Parish weekend at St. Jude's.  For those of you who don't know what that is, it is 33 hours with just you and God and 30 or so of your closest women friends (men for the men's

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-78235659495153648992011-10-22T21:21:00.000-05:002011-10-22T21:21:34.612-05:00

So, the past few weeks I've been working on a project.  It doesn't matter what it is.  Only a few of you know.  That's enough for now.  So, this project, I've been praying on really hard.  And to all the naysayers I have been saying "It'll work, and if it doesn't then it wasn't meant to be.  God has a plan."  Remember a few zillion posts ago when I said how much I hate that saying?  I still do. 

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-20665610834488096492011-10-21T17:18:00.000-05:002011-10-21T17:18:46.324-05:00

So, a year and a half ago, I started a bunco group (for those of you who don't know, bunco is a dice game.  Very easy, very fun.  Google it)  I got tired of being a substitute for other groups and I got tired waiting for people to move, get kicked out, or die, to become a permanent fixture in a group.  Laugh, go ahead, but us bunco gals, we take our games seriously.  It's a monthly time to come

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-45012640056601482362011-10-17T20:38:00.000-05:002011-10-17T20:38:22.860-05:00

This past week my loving husband and I celebrated our eleventh wedding anniversary.  To me, this is a huge feat.  For one, he hasn't run for the hills screaming. lol.  It's no surprise to those who know me well, that I am an acquired taste like brussel sprouts or broccoli and that's putting it mildly.  I rarely color inside the lines.  I'm a bit of a control freak.  I champion the underdog, I

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-47829825946331595732011-10-05T20:06:00.000-05:002011-10-05T20:06:18.630-05:00

Things I have learned in the past week...facing your fears doesn't mean you've conquered them.  Angels really do exist, and God really does listen.  The last two I was never in doubt of.  The first one, I just figured would sort of take care of itself.  Let's begin, shall we? Cue the Scooby Do flashback lines.... Last Saturday morning, George was leaving on a trip to Philly to spend time with

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-5773931073116852982011-09-09T08:37:00.000-05:002011-09-09T08:37:16.273-05:00

Being that I hadn't been to confession since April and something was weighing on me, I did what any good catholic would do.  I called up one of my guru's Patti!  Guru's are a special lot.  While they're your friends and you are close with them, don't ask them to tell you what you want to hear.  They always shoot it to you straight.  Sometimes with tact, and sometimes without. lol  First off,

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-46057778884219974382011-09-07T16:14:00.000-05:002011-09-07T16:14:21.753-05:00

I started my day around 630am.  I had to pack up the traveling pilgrim Virgin Mary that I've had for two weeks and send her off to the next person.  This always makes me a little sad.  I like having her in my house.  It just brings me comfort. I continued my day getting something out of my wallet which I put back in my purse (I could have swore I did!).  I then head of to rock the hair net, aka

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-31123007259829643002011-08-31T09:11:00.000-05:002011-08-31T09:11:41.510-05:00

I am a smart alec.  Big time.  For those of you who don't know me well, trust me.  And, one of these days, my mouth is going to get me into trouble and possibly get me fired.  So, you say "just keep your mouth shut".  Clearly, you don't know me then.  I talk all the time, and, I promise, it's not just to hear myself talk.  I missed my first calling as a back up singer, which I was totally born to

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-6983202731311228842011-08-26T22:24:00.000-05:002011-08-26T22:24:47.553-05:00

Like when I'm at work and my friend mops my area or my friend finishes filling out a log for me because I had ketchup all over my gloves. Like when I'm having a get together and my friend gives me her box of wine that she wasn't using and won't take any money for it. Like when I can hear my mom smile over the phone. When my daughter is so thankful that I picked her up from school so she didn't

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-62440134664869428482011-08-16T15:04:00.000-05:002011-08-16T15:04:20.314-05:00

I have a love hate relationship with funerals.  I sing at funerals.  As often as my schedule lets me.  And, at every funeral I sing, I cry, whether I know the person or not.  Today, I sang at a funeral.  While I knew who the gentleman was, my dear friends, dad, I didn't know him well. I often wonder what goes through peoples minds during a funeral.  Not the family of the deceased, but the

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-15681299206737276052011-08-03T09:44:00.000-05:002011-08-03T09:44:26.596-05:00

Good morning! Everyone have your cup o joe? tea? red bull?  Sit back, relax.  I have some things to share. This has been an amazing week.  Are you guys aware it's only Wednesday!?!  Like Ferris Bueller says "Life moves at the speed of light.  If you don't stop and look around, you might miss something".  So, this is me, stopping and looking around. Monday, I stopped by my Carol's to drop some

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-54620071225586161352011-07-30T10:36:00.000-05:002011-07-30T10:36:46.408-05:00

Shocker, right!  Yea, that little nugget of information came to me this morning. Being born and raised in my family, I was the middle child.  Or in Star Trek terms, two of three.  I felt cheated.  Mema had six kids (my mom was two of six), Mema came from something like 9.  My grandpa came from something of like 13.  I wanted to be from a big family.  That didn't happen.  So, I thought I would

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-75878440901304269392011-07-27T10:53:00.000-05:002011-07-27T10:53:38.565-05:00

I was recently at my friend, Mary's house for a jewelry party and we had to pick something we liked and wear it for the evening.  I chose a beautiful heart necklace.  We then went around the room, introduced ourselves, what piece we chose and why.  I said "I always wear my heart on my sleeve, so I thought I'd go for the neck!" which drew laughter from the others (I love making people laugh!). 

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-62872668692126130052011-07-21T16:31:00.000-05:002011-07-21T16:31:00.996-05:00

I want to say how much I am at a loss for words.  But, what I really mean is I am at a loss for certain words.  The only word that comes close to describe my day today, is overwhelmed.  I am utterly overwhelmed at all of you.  At all of the love and support that you've sent me today! I am so humbled by all of you.  From the surprise birthday bunco party last night for Amy and myself to my cell

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-81228414758590620752011-07-19T21:50:00.000-05:002011-07-19T21:50:27.740-05:00

Some days it doesn't pay to get out of bed. Today is one of those days. I'll spare you most of it and get right to the highlight...dinner.  Now, when I was a kid you ate what was put in front of you.  You didn't like it, too bad.  Liver and onions, mulligan stew, stuffed cabbage, peas.  It didn't matter.  Apparently, sometimes my kids don't seem to subscribe to the theory that George and I are

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-61829380359010477162011-07-10T10:54:00.001-05:002011-07-10T10:54:17.117-05:00

to those who get this in their inbox, to see the video you need to go to my website chrpangel.blogspot.com

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-54309897551720878592011-07-10T10:46:00.000-05:002011-07-10T10:46:41.564-05:00

Today's the day. The one I've dreaded for weeks. In thirteen hours, it will be one year since my beloved Mema passed.  I'm so glad I went to Mass last night as I don't think I could not cry throughout the entire mass today.  Heck, the tears are streaming as I'm writing this. Every second, of every minute, of every hour, of every day, I miss her.  Sure, I may seem like a quasi-functioning

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-24160063171388088532011-07-07T14:44:00.000-05:002011-07-07T14:44:53.344-05:00

I was having a conversation with one of my guru's just the other day.  She said "I don't know about you, but when I come to God for help, I usually have a plan in mind." lol  We then talked about how He doesn't follow our plan! lol  I too come to Him with plans.  For example, a couple weeks ago when I asked Him for billboards.  Yea, they're not always going to say "turn here, Gina" or "you have

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-54307432368104754982011-07-03T10:39:00.000-05:002011-07-03T10:39:57.046-05:00

I've been crabby the past few weeks.  And, that's to put it mildly.  I'm blah and just spiritually dry.  I've buried my head in the sand, hence the crab diggin. In 8 days it will be the one year anniversary of Mema's death.  I just can't deal.  I haven't been dealing.  I've been manically trying not do deal by putting my head in the sand and painting every room in the house.  Granted, they're

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-35495769994513072842011-06-05T13:58:00.000-05:002011-06-05T13:58:44.435-05:00

For those of you who know me well, you know of my deep love for bacon.  It should be it's own food group.  Truly, it should.  My love for bacon is such that my daughter and I thought about opening a restaurant called "Mmmm....bacon", where everything would have bacon on it or in it! Today, I was sitting in mass, but once again, not truly present.  I just wasn't feeling it today.  My mind was

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-83341304351210715952011-05-26T18:29:00.000-05:002011-05-26T18:29:47.373-05:00

There's something special about hands. I can be a bit eccentric, this is not news to most people.  But there's something I just love about hands.  Not just any hands mind you.  I don't sit and ogle people's hands, how they look, could they be hand models and that kind of stuff.  No, I like certain hands. I like when George holds my hand.  We'll be out and about, could be Kroger's or church or

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-15005234875161104632011-05-11T23:58:00.000-05:002011-05-13T15:21:31.509-05:00

I really don't know what's going on lately.  What I can tell you is that I'm so irritable lately that I could just pull all my hair out.  Why am I so irritated?  Good question. Dad's visit came and went rather quickly.  It was a short visit with a whirlwind of activity before and during.  Two kids bdays before, and confirmation and Mother's Day while he was here.  He looked so good and it makes

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-10162463917497360362011-04-30T08:58:00.000-05:002011-04-30T08:58:59.848-05:00

Did you guys happen to wake up and watch the Royal Wedding yesterday?!  Not me, no, George Tivod it for me :D So after, work, and kids and everyone where they're suppose to be, Maria and I sat down to watch the royal wedding.  No, not all six hours.  More like two.  We fast forwarded through a lot of commercials, a lot of people standing around, etc.  But, the wedding itself was absolutely

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-44723481577589731012011-04-25T21:23:00.001-05:002011-04-25T21:23:47.154-05:00

Once upon a long, long, time ago, there was a show called Touched by an Angel.  There was an episode where a couple was getting married and it turned out they weren't allowed b/c when the blood test was done, it came back that one of them had a rare disease and was going to die.  They opted not to find out which one it was.  And, they got married in the forest by Della Reese.  As they are talking

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-45680069721086074622011-04-24T11:16:00.000-05:002011-04-24T11:16:43.085-05:00

So last night my family and I went to Easter vigil Mass.  It's an amazing Mass.  Not just because Jesus is risen, that's a huge and main part of it, but also because people who have decided to become Catholic, who have been studying for eight months, become Catholic.  It's about a 2 1/2 hour Mass.  It's so beautiful that parts of it bring me to tears. In order to explain why I get so emotional

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-2583368721385471042011-04-10T17:50:00.000-05:002011-04-10T17:50:46.453-05:00

So, today started out beautiful.  Then my son comes home.  He was camping this weekend.  And, as it turned out some kids were shall we say 'less than kind' to my son.  This happened about ten minutes before we were about to leave for Mass.  At this point, as George likes to call it, I was in Momma Bear mode.  I was loaded for bear.  Expletives were flying, as were my Italian hands lol.  I wanted

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-44136479050859152652011-04-04T21:20:00.000-05:002011-04-04T21:20:53.816-05:00

I'm baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack! lol I had such a fantastic time on my retreat, it was AMAZING!  Lots of relaxation.  Lot's of prayer and lots of time with God.  So much stuff happened that is just between me and God, so I'm not gonna share that.  However, I have gotten requests to share a story about something that happened over the retreat.  When it was time to talk, I shared it with my

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-79978819975181847292011-03-23T08:45:00.000-05:002011-03-23T08:45:42.115-05:00

How much time do you have?  I've got about twenty minutes to share with you everything I want too.  So much has happened.  SO, if I talk way to fast or ramble too much, it's just cause I'm excited (more excited than I usually am) and I want to get everything out.  I know you're sitting there going "Why don't you wait till you get off work?"  I'll tell you why, because I'll forget everything I

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-69407536494308411112011-03-19T20:12:00.000-05:002011-03-19T20:12:18.580-05:00

There are really no words that I have that can thank you enough for the outpouring of love we have received with our beloved wonderdog Lizzie.  Somehow, thank you just doesn't seem weighty enough but it's all I can say, so thank you.  I love you all. As for our wonderdog, well we have news and it's not good.  We found out yesterday that it is cancer.  Most of you have already gotten a text or a

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-48505241324921374392011-03-18T12:11:00.000-05:002011-03-18T12:11:10.204-05:00

I've never been one of those people who look at pets as their kids.  Ever.  I have kids who sometimes act like animals sometimes, but that's different.  We had a dog growing up.  "Smokey".  He was my sisters dog.  He stayed in the kitchen on his mat.  He really wasn't a dog you interacted except to take for a walk.  He didn't play fetch or anything, just laid on his mat.  Then, one day, my mom

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-84361122176064146162011-03-12T22:22:00.000-06:002011-03-12T22:22:13.759-06:00

As I mentioned a few posts ago, I like movies.  Scratch that.  I love movies.   When it comes to movies, George will tell you that I have no taste (he forgets that I picked him! lol).  Sure, I love some movies that everyone else does.  But, I also am not a fan of others that got rave reviews...i.e. LA Confidential (how Kim Basinger got an oscar is beyond me!  I say it should've went to Minnie

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-34720991125273481502011-03-11T06:33:00.000-06:002011-03-11T06:33:28.943-06:00

Wow. I know it's been a while. And, I've had so much to tell you! But, as usual, when I sit down to tell you, it doesn't seem all that important now. The last few weeks have been busy, busy, busy! Work drama and family drama--Maria is now sporting a boot on her left ankle. It's a sprain, she'll be fine. Lizzie the wonder dog has been pretty sick and now diagnosed with hip dysplasia. Jaime

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-57138620825448036262011-02-25T08:25:00.000-06:002011-02-25T08:25:45.526-06:00

I love movies. No really. I love watching them. Some of my favorites I've watched what seems like a gazillion times. I love quoting movies, referencing movies, you name it. One reason (one of like a bazillion) I fell in love with George was that when we started out friends, we both liked an obscure 80's teen movie that I could watch with no volume and do the entire dialog (Some Kind of

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-3160618117456533362011-02-21T11:32:00.000-06:002011-02-21T11:32:10.405-06:00

So, I just spent the weekend with eighty 13/14 year old girls. And, I lived to tell about it! God is amazing! There is no other way to say it. These girls, some my girls (either my child or in my class) are just amazing. We arrive there late at night on Friday, about 10pm. The other chaperons and I are exhausted. The girls are tired. We get into our cabins and get ready for bed (after the

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-36847312661924506922011-02-17T14:35:00.000-06:002011-02-17T14:35:51.474-06:00

Heard this today and it reminded me of all of you!  Hit play.  Sit back.  Enjoy! Love, Me

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-87499764575215942522011-02-09T19:56:00.000-06:002011-02-09T19:56:06.730-06:00

I love to dance. No.  Seriously.  I love to dance.  I was born to be a backup singer/dancer.  I don't know when it started.  I don't think it was when I was really little.  But, at some point it happened.  I remember practicing in my room right before prom.  I remember dancing around my room.  I remember as a teen dancing downstairs in my grandparents house to Starship.  Dancing has become a

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-91467449948719061752011-01-30T17:54:00.000-06:002011-01-30T17:54:21.388-06:00

I teach.  Well, kind of.  It's more like I share.  For the past year, I've been 'teaching' second year JYM students about our faith and preparing them for the sacrament of conformation.  I have a class of all girls and I try to make the classes fun.  I say I share vs. teach b/c I don't know how to teach, but ask me about my faith, yea, that I can do! We're on week three of five on the Mass. 

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-41731671344370816032011-01-17T21:23:00.000-06:002011-01-17T21:23:20.973-06:00

My Tent is small, but it's big enough for me.  It's warm and dark.  It's quiet and somber.  It is my hiding place. Sometimes, when I'm there I only visit for a few hours.  Other times, like as of late, I can stay for days, or weeks, or months at a time.  This camping trip was only for a few weeks.  While I'm there, sometimes, my friends come and peek inside and check in on me.  Sometimes, they

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-58780528681019480092011-01-10T21:01:00.000-06:002011-01-10T21:01:26.660-06:00

The last week has been weird.  It's been fraught with plumbing issues, normal kid issues, and my general anxiety maladies.  In the midst of all my crap (and my 'x' button sticking on my laptop) I had a few wonderful conversations with my Patti.  In the course of one of our great conversations, she lays down some major words of wisdom.  She says she's not worried (about what was bugging her) b/c

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-57038936655848512412011-01-03T22:07:00.000-06:002011-01-03T22:07:13.577-06:00

Did you ever play the trust me game?  No, not the trust fall, the trust game where someone blindfolds you and takes you by the hand and leads you around and promises not to lead you into a wall or a building.  "Trust me" they say.  So, with my eyes closed, blindfold on, as I'm being led, I would walk slow and arch my back, pulling back, wincing b/c even though I kinda trusted the person leading

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-22012079953066829022010-12-31T17:41:00.000-06:002010-12-31T17:41:47.516-06:00

The idea for this retrospective was blatantly stolen from one of the very best parts of my heart, Julie!  Thank You!!!! In a little over six hours, this year will be over.  I'm actually glad.  Sure, I can write my own book of lamentations.  I could tell you how my heart hadn't recovered from Mom Carol's death three years ago that being hit with Mema's death has brought me to my knees.  I could

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-36173359991372613192010-12-30T10:42:00.000-06:002010-12-30T10:42:33.723-06:00

Yesterday, I reached my limit.  Actually, I'm surprised that my head didn't implode/explode. There has been so much *noise* all around me lately.   I have three teenagers whom I love dearly.  I don't mind the happy noise, the giggling and laughing or music.  Nope, that stuff is okay.  I'm talking about tv blaring, three teenagers yelling at each other constantly, the phone ringing off the hook,

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-71045945448937339222010-12-25T21:40:00.000-06:002010-12-25T21:40:53.114-06:00

I guess you could say, it started right after Thanksgiving this year.  I knew that Christmas was coming.  Well, I always know it's coming, but I knew that this year was going to be difficult.  So, I decided, unconsciously mind you, to run.  To run and run and run as fast as I could.  In retrospect, I don't know if I thought I could out run it or not.  All I know is I was running a lot.  Dad came

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-14983728885288006762010-12-22T18:05:00.000-06:002010-12-22T18:05:46.715-06:00

Mom left today.  It was such a great visit with her.  The mood is really somber around here though.  On the way home, I commented to George how it just doesn't feel like Christmas this season.  Yea, the tree is up and the Christmas music is playing, but I don't *feel* Christmas yet.  Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed all the parties and the cookie exchanges.  Advent however, went by way to fast for

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-75424649048736226352010-12-08T20:45:00.000-06:002010-12-08T20:45:25.887-06:00

Sigh.  I love Mass. I love going to Mass.  I love singing at Mass.  I love participating.  I love it all.  Especially, when during the homily, I am tuned in.  Sadly, this doesn't happen as often as I would like, but God and Fr. Tim have a way of bringing me back.  I have so many favorite parts of the Mass.  Like tons!  One of my very favs is right before the Gospel when I make the sign of the

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-14645915585168501262010-12-01T08:38:00.000-06:002010-12-01T08:38:08.793-06:00

Advent blows. Advent with three children blows. Advent with three ungrateful teenagers blows. Every year, this season goes by way too fast.  I can't wait for daylight savings time because that means it's going to get darker faster which in turn means that the Advent season will be here.  Each year I say, as a family, we are going to do something for Advent.  Each year, I fail miserably.  This

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-34851637002176244562010-11-24T00:03:00.000-06:002010-11-24T00:03:05.413-06:00

As if I haven't been yelling from the rooftops enough...DAD IS HERE!!!! lol  I love having Dad here.  He has fun with the kids and then time with George and I and time with everyone.  There is such a level of comfort where we don't have to fill the silence.  We can just be.  I love his smile and hearing him laugh. Today, however, took a turn for the weird.  A friend of mine, a wonderful woman

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-1671857900876962052010-11-21T01:00:00.000-06:002010-11-21T01:00:49.609-06:00

I have an over active imagination. For those of you who know me well, this should not come as a surprise. I am learning however, that my oai as I like to call it, really has no limits. For example, sometimes, when I sleep, I dream. The dreams tend to get really specific most times. Like I'm in a house it's my favorite house, but one that only exists in the dream world. I know every inch of

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-66351476383192542222010-11-08T08:25:00.000-06:002010-11-08T08:25:43.279-06:00

So, George was gone for the weekend and Jaime was too. George was at St. Anthony's helping with the retreat and Jaime was camping. I was left with my girls. We had such an awesome time together! Just spending time being girls and running errands on Saturday. We even happened upon a little place to make our own jewelry, so we did! We had a blast. Then, as it was time for bed (I let them

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-25181539993023346572010-11-03T08:25:00.000-05:002010-11-03T08:25:31.336-05:00

You would think that Halloween is still going strong, or that I forgot to put my bitc witch costume away. I don't know what it is lately (probably pms)but the last two days, I feel like I could bit the heads off of chickens. Live ones. Feathers, beaks and all. Where to begin? I'd say the beginning, but I don't have much time before work this morning, so I'll start in the middle. Work. Ugh!

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-77175158498890894752010-10-26T00:58:00.000-05:002010-10-26T00:58:48.269-05:00

I'm not the best sleeper in the world. Sometimes I do get to sleep through the night. But mostly, I toss around, too hot or too cold. The bed is old. And, when I do fall asleep, lately I have weird dreams. And, even weirder is a recurring dream I have from someone in my not so distant past. Someone I love. While the circumstances are always different, the thing that stays the same is that

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-44620045429134703962010-10-19T00:41:00.000-05:002010-10-19T00:41:24.832-05:00

The past really isn't the past.  You can put your past in your past but it's not always going to stay there. Recently, through the miracle that is facebook, someone contact me from my past.  From the not so happy part of my past.  So, I ignored their request.  A couple days later I got another request from the same person.  This time they sent a not so nice message along including colorful

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-49298181082853660742010-10-15T20:59:00.002-05:002010-10-15T21:05:55.558-05:00

So, yesterday, George and I are at the Dallas Museum of Art.  We had such a beautiful time walking around, holding hands, looking at priceless works of art.  Sometimes we'd talk about a piece or show each other something that caught the others eye but we were also content to just look and be still, not saying anything.  Now, I'm not a art conesur.  For all I know Monet could have used crayolas. 

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-57810870562893745722010-10-15T00:29:00.000-05:002010-10-15T00:29:59.327-05:00

George has had to deal with a lot.  More than most, less than some.  He moved his job, left his family and all his friends to move to South Carolina to be with me and the kids, and we began our life together.    Six months after the wedding, he lost his job (for the first of three times).  He moved to Kansas six weeks before the kids and I could come for a job.  During our nine months in Kansas

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-80996891292040491522010-10-05T18:03:00.000-05:002010-10-05T18:03:12.837-05:00

I stopped by church today, I had a form to drop off.  As I was leaving, I ran into a friend I hadn't seen in a while and while talking to her and the receptionist, my friend mentioned that her parents are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary.  How cool is that?  I mentioned that my Dad tapped out at 35 years.  This garnered quit a few laughs.  Then, I was on my way. Then, I got to thinking

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-30973533730976409952010-10-01T22:26:00.000-05:002010-10-01T22:26:52.693-05:00

Today has been amazing!!!!  Totally surprised the crap outta me, that's for sure! You all know how my morning went.  Let me tell you about my afternoon.  I started with Mass at noon.  I could feel the pull all morning for me to stay away.  But I resisted and went anyways.  I'm so glad I did!  I got to sit next to and worship with my podmate!!!  I was so awesome to see her.  We also decided to

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-45148413760352540972010-10-01T11:02:00.000-05:002010-10-01T11:02:58.366-05:00

Today, I took a mental health day off of work.   Things have been really, well, jumbled as of late.  I, for one, haven't been myself.  As you know, I've been attacked as of late.  And, it turns out, I'm not the only one.  One of my friends and I chatted all the way from her college, she's being attacked.  One of my good friends and I sat outside her house last night talking, she's being attacked.

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-62152137367599791612010-09-27T18:02:00.000-05:002010-09-27T18:02:26.735-05:00

Okay here's the situation (my parents went away on a weeks vacation....sorry, sorry 90's flashback) yes, it's another update!  Two in two days, but not surprisingly, I have more to say, lol. First, I'd like to thank all of you for your kind words.  I am glad to know that I was able to help you by passing along Carol J's words of wisdom regarding prayer.  And, I am glad that in my weakness, I can

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-17317119396974193912010-09-26T23:05:00.001-05:002010-10-01T10:14:17.413-05:00

I've been feeling really icky lately.  Not just physically mind you, but spiritually and emotionally as well.  It's nothing and everything all that the same time.  It was *the* most awful week at work.  It happens.  But, it was not fun, and usually we have fun.  I won't go into details, but believe me when I say it was awful. Then something amazing happened yesterday that I wanted to share with

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-46515747818778131972010-09-20T01:28:00.000-05:002010-09-20T01:28:52.921-05:00

It's late, and I'm tired.  Why then, you ask, am I up at 1 in the morning talking to all of you.  Well, in a nutshell, I have lots to say, but nothing to say, really.  Thoughts have been floating in and out for a week or longer lately.  I still wish we could do a mind meld so you could see all I want to tell you without me having to expend the energy to tell you what I want to tell you. It has

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-81242551926411223122010-09-12T22:22:00.000-05:002010-09-12T22:22:09.972-05:00

Some days there just are no words, even for me.  I'm not happy, yet I'm not unhappy.  I'm not sad.  I don't want to be around people, but I don't want to be alone.  I want to talk but I don't want to say anything.  It's like it would be so much better if someone could just do the Vulcan mind meld and touch my head and see what I want to say.  I am just empty.  My spiritual life is blah.  I know

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-62897553172318668632010-08-31T08:22:00.000-05:002010-08-31T08:22:31.543-05:00

I know it's been way too long since I last posted.  I could give you about ten different reasons or excuses if you want them.  Just email me and I'll give them to you. Sunday's are still hard.  I'm guessing they're gonna be hard for the foreseeable future.  No, I don't know how many, you can't rush grief.  I am learning however, that you can fake that you're fine.  I've gotten so good during the

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-21464540640034657322010-08-08T22:56:00.000-05:002010-08-08T22:56:08.800-05:00

I sincerely dislike Sunday's as of late, say oh, the last four weeks.  And, the weird part is I always forget that I dislike them until they are here.  Take for instance today.  I wake up and feel blah.  There is an overcast to my mood.  As my eyes open, before any words are spoken, I remember, four weeks today, that Mema passed.  During the week I'm okay, well, mostly okay.  But there is just

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-31482826586632058222010-08-04T01:51:00.000-05:002010-08-04T01:51:55.075-05:00

Yes, I know it's been a while.  Forgive me, life has just been hectic.  But, I am here, at 1:14 AM and as I was trying to go to sleep, I started writing my blog in my head (as I so often do).  But instead of falling asleep only to wake up going "what did I want to say again?"  I figured, "hey, I'm already up, so let's do this". Sunday, my friend had a mass said for Mema.  I knew this going into

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-25440630508342311562010-07-16T17:51:00.001-05:002010-07-16T17:59:05.374-05:00

God has been good to me.  Actually, He's always good to me.  I just don't always pay attention.  I've been keeping myself uber busy and in the not so busy times I've been doing a LOT of thinking, introspective type stuff mostly.  So, if you can follow me, I know it's not always easy, but here's where my train (of thought) has taken me as of late. Joseph was a carpenter.  Jesus probably learned a

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-12789893429469523372010-07-11T01:23:00.000-05:002010-07-11T01:23:54.753-05:00

For the repose of the soul of Marie Masula, 92.  My Mema.  She passed away this morning at 12:45am Until next time, I selfishly ask for prayers of healing for my family. Love, Me

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-70535789307076832082010-07-09T09:56:00.000-05:002010-07-09T09:56:53.134-05:00

So, I have something to say today.  But, I don't know what it is.  It's more of a feeling that I want to share, but I'm not exactly sure how.  It's not just thankfulness, it's more than that.  I'm thinkin the word is awe.  Julie and I like to share this one conversation every so often about God.  It's about how in awe of Him we are.  Kind of like when you see the end result of something and you

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-85927053606903782552010-07-09T00:14:00.000-05:002010-07-09T00:14:13.540-05:00

Today was such a very long day.  It was intentionally busy.  By that, I mean that I purposefully kept myself busy.  I ran any errands I could think to run.  I was home maybe a total of an hour.  I went to Carol's house (the monkey cave for those of you of four square, Javier, I'm the Mayor already! ha ha), Went to the library, and went to Tina's house (no name for her house as of yet, lol).  Tina

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-49665439797608837422010-07-07T21:47:00.000-05:002010-07-07T21:47:39.058-05:00

Little known fact about me, I love to take pictures.  I love to take pictures of my friends and my family.  More importantly, I like to take pictures with my friends and my family.  This doesn't come from a conceited part of me that I keep hidden from the world.  It comes from a place of happiness.  Well, not just happiness.  Most of the time it's documented proof that I didn't imagine George, or

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-75453388324915518122010-07-04T20:57:00.000-05:002010-07-04T20:57:10.840-05:00

I promise you, I'm not going insane, I just have little moments now and then.  I'm trying to figure out how to get everyone the blog easier than email.  I've added a subscribe button down on the right, under the follow tab, and whenever I update the blog, you'll get notified.  While it is Independence Day, and I've had a beautiful day with my family, I've come to realize, no matter how hard I

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-62791981221146380262010-07-03T21:44:00.002-05:002010-07-03T22:18:31.050-05:00

My heart hurts tonight.  I mean, I'm okay.  I had a beautiful day with my family.  Today's my Mom's birthday.  Lots of good things.  However, tonight, after a phone call, I am sad and longing to be in South Carolina with my Mom and Mema.  The call, I talked to my Mema.  More like yelled instead of talked as she has lost lots more of her hearing.  As always, she was happy to hear from me.  It's

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-40221814854565561922010-06-17T15:30:00.003-05:002010-06-17T16:46:54.846-05:00

Today, I went to adoration. I hadn't been in a good long while, too long for me actually, a couple months I think. While I'm there, I did a lot of talking to Dad (God), I gave Him everything, and then some. Then, I sat and waited. We all know how patient I am . So finally, I asked Him "Okay, Dad, what do you want to tell me?" He replied that today was about me coming to Him. It wasn't

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-28512153180647510462010-06-15T19:26:00.002-05:002010-06-15T20:00:02.078-05:00

You know what I despise? I mean other than liver, tuna, and mean people. I totally and utterly despise shopping for Father's Day cards for my Dads. Yes, that's Dads as in plural. First we have my Dad, Joe. The man who 'raised' me. And by raised I mean sat on the couch watching tv, mowed the yard, and generally said 'no' to everything. He has mellowed over the years and we've come to an

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-86020616063724639882010-06-14T17:48:00.002-05:002010-06-14T18:46:42.276-05:00

Some days, I hate being human. I know that doesn't make much sense. I love my life, truly I do. Even the crosses that I have to carry. But, some days, my soul just gets so tired and I hate being human. Let me explain a little more. My faith is a good faith. It's like goldilocks, just the right size for me. And, I know no matter what is thrown my way that everything is going to be okay b/c

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-23756528754447963042010-05-21T19:29:00.004-05:002010-05-21T20:28:08.862-05:00

This evening I come home after a long day. I go upstairs into my bathroom and, I take off my bracelets that my Carol gave me (that I didn't give away lol). I then take off my black cross necklace that my Julie gave me as my birthday present a couple years ago (I didn't forget yours, I promise, I'm still searching trying to find what I'm looking for) and then I see my pms shot glass that my Tina

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-69523642653127794512010-05-06T17:12:00.002-05:002010-05-06T17:49:02.805-05:00

So. I'm driving to the dr's this morning. And, on the way, I start to cry. Not full blown crying mind you. But the quiet kind where tears stream down your face. That kind. I pull myself together as I arrived. It's finally my turn and the nurse weighs me. Why is it that the dr's scales are always more than the ones at home? I don't know the answer to that one either.Anyways, the nurse

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-23523737803641955482010-05-05T16:21:00.002-05:002010-05-05T16:46:15.639-05:00

So, my sister Tina calls me last week. She's all turned around over Mema. She wants to go visit her. She was just there two weeks ago, but with her impending death, still wants to go. What do I think, she wants to know. So, I tell her 'go'. If you can go, go. And she does.She's sad that I cannot go see Mema. But she is happy that we had our August Trip to see her. I tell her 'yes' and '

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-16407626022336096922010-04-29T08:50:00.004-05:002010-04-29T11:53:59.825-05:00

So, remember how great I said Mike was? Yea, he's amazingly smart too. We were iming briefly and I told him I blogged for him. He left to read it and came back and the wise man that he is said "we both know, that wasn't for me, it was for you". lol Yes, Mike. It was, as is all of these blogs, for me. lolLast time, I mentioned I wanted to write a book called What Not to say to the Grieving.

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-23069458301704484052010-04-25T09:49:00.002-05:002010-04-25T10:40:07.776-05:00

Mike is an awesome family friend, from way back in the day. Before kids, before marriages, before *life* happened. I've blogged about him before, the rainbow connection, actually. He is an amazing guy with an amazing faith, who apparently, has the mind of an elephant and doesn't forget anything. lolIn the past four weeks, life has taken weird twists and turns. I found myself iming with Mike

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-5107830906184298212010-03-13T20:43:00.002-06:002010-03-13T21:55:09.546-06:00

Y'know, inspiration can strike anywhere. Anytime. I told George that I wish I had a mental keyboard, so when inspiration strikes and I think about things I want to share with the world, I could write it down in my head. My current system involves me repeating over and over a key word to remind me what I wanted to share. This system does not always work so well, lol!Here's what I can remember

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-11317955593792133782010-02-28T14:43:00.002-06:002010-02-28T15:50:26.547-06:00

So, it's been a while since I've blogged. Life, Lent and other stuff has been going on. Like most of my blogs, I have an idea what I want to say but not sure how it's gonna turn out in the end. I can tell you this one is gonna be a while, so you might want to go grab yourself a cup of tea (or whatever your pleasure) and sit back and enjoy.I was talking to Dad last night (George's, the best dad

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-18474185145120294062010-02-06T09:46:00.002-06:002010-02-06T10:36:01.116-06:00

I'm walking. Well. Actually, I don't know if what I'm doing can be considered walking. Y'know how you see those people (mainly the older ones, but some young ones) who have the walkers with the tennis balls on the bottom, and they're in their pj's and slippers and they're sliding/shuffling across the floor? They're pushing the walker and dragging their feet behind them? Yea, that's what I'm

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-38439601263319675762010-01-28T20:56:00.002-06:002010-01-28T21:07:05.731-06:00

Just because I watch DIY shows does not mean I am DIY handy. Just b/c my Grandpa was a jack of all trades and could fix any thing and I helped lots of times doesn't mean I can do Jack by myself.Our dishwasher has been flooding the kitchen. Well, it started out as leaks. Little rivers. So we put a towel down under the dishwasher. This has been the norm for months. Now it's a gushing river.

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-51164258468570223332010-01-26T09:05:00.003-06:002010-01-26T09:08:53.333-06:00

So, I was talking to Bob this morning. Actually, I was reading emails and He decided to talk to me. When He talks, sometimes it is easy, too easy actually to ignore Him. Other days, like today, not so much.He said to share this with all of you. It was a not so gentle reminder. I know, I am not the only one who needed reminding.For those of you who get email updates, you will need to go to

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-42570496846603579222010-01-23T23:09:00.002-06:002010-01-23T23:49:19.642-06:00

Maria turned fourteen yesterday. It was fun with Carol and her family, the Kay's (Maria's Godparents) and Tina and her family. Today was Maria's birthday lunch. We went to Red Robin. Both George and Maria got free burgers (they're awesome burgers) so we went to the one we used to go to in Garland. It was like ten minutes from our apartment. We went the back way through Parker and Murphy to

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-12268749515521331322010-01-13T21:29:00.004-06:002010-01-13T22:07:40.740-06:00

The beginning of the new year has found me three pounds heavier, stressed, worried, back to having panic attacks, but fully covered by health insurance thanks to my job. Albeit takes my ENTIRE paycheck and then some, nevertheless, we now have health insurance and so that is a blessing in an of itself, so I am trying to focus on that.Some really cool news today, my sister called and had some news

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109163798218799362.post-52410290545141353182009-12-29T12:57:00.002-06:002009-12-29T13:01:45.646-06:00

...knowing you can't do anything to make it better, but trying anyway....leaving 99 to find the lost one....being there not just because you want to, or because it's the right the to do, but because your soul needs too.Please pray for my Julie. She's in ICU at Allen Presby with a blood clot on her lungs. She is stable. Now, we just wait. Bob, take good care of our girl!Until next time,Pray

Gina Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14145242976587419219noreply@blogger.com0