My Thoughts and Journey

A New Year 2010!

2009-12-31T07:13:00.001-08:00

Christmas is over and a New Year is coming! How time has flied. This pass year has been very challenging and I am hoping for a better, happier, less stress in the year 2010. Lets see what it will bring us. I hope everyone else had a wonderful 2009 and an even better 2010.

What's your New Years Resolution for 2010?

I plan to lose more weight, be more health conscious, keep to myself more, less friends means less enemies = less problems = less stress. I dont have many friends anyways and now Im thinking maybe thats a good thing. I also plan if god willing to make my house more of a home. I havent dont anything with it since we moved in 1 1/2 years now and hope to put some of our personal touches on the home this new year. I will be blogging more and hopefully that will help relieve my stress.

There are many more things I want to do this coming year but I dont see it all happening so I wont share those goals. Buts most of all I hope for a happier, peaceful year for my kids.

Happy New Year to All!

See u next year (-:

Fwd: Maya Angelou delivers another...

2009-07-30T14:50:00.000-07:00

Sharing an email I got...

Go and hug your "Michael" by Maya Angelou.

Yesterday I cried watching the Michael Jackson memorial. I cried for a little
black boy who felt the world didn't understand him.

I cried for a little black boy who spent his adulthood chasing his childhood.

And I thought about all the young black boys out there who may feel

that the world doesn't understand them.

The ones who feel that the world does not understand their baggy jeans,

their swagger, their music, their anger, their struggles, their fears or the

chip on their shoulder.

I worry that my son, may too, one day feel lonely in a wide, wide world.

I cried for young children of all colors who may live their life feeling

like a misfit, feeling like no one understands their perspective, or their

soul. What a burden to carry.

As a mother, I cried for Katherine Jackson because no mother should

ever bury a child. Period. And I think about all the pain, tears and

sleepless nights that she must have endured seeing her baby boy in

inner pain, seeing him struggle with his self- esteem, and his insecurities

and to know that he often felt unloved. Even while the world loved him deeply.

How does it feel to think that the unconditional love we give as mothers

just isn't enough to make our children feel whole?

I wonder if she still suffers thinking, "What more could I have done?"

Even Moms of music legends aren't immune to Mommy guilt, I suppose.

When Rev. Al Sharpton (who always delivers one "Awesome" funeral

speech), said to Michael's children " Your Daddy was not Strange . . . .

It was strange what your daddy had to deal with" I thought of all of the

strange things of the world that my children would have to deal with.

Better yet, the things I hope they won't ever have to deal with anymore.

And as a mother raising a young black boy, I feel recommitted and yet a

little confused as to how to make sure my son is sure enough within

himself to take on the world. Especially a "strange" one. To love himself

enough to know that even when the world doesn't understand you, tries

to force you into it's mold or treats you unkindly, you are still beautiful,

strong, and Black. How do I do that?

Today, I'm taking back "childhood" as an inalienable right for every brown

little one. In a world that makes children into "booty-Shakin", mini- adults

long before their time, I'm reclaiming the playful, the innocent, run-around

outside, childhood as the key ingredient in raising confident adults.

Second, I will not rest until my little black boy, My Michael, knows that his

broad nose is beautiful, his chocolately brown skin is beautiful, and his thick

hair is beautiful.

And nothing or no one, can take that away from him.

Now, ain't we Bad, ain't we Black, and ain't we Beautiful!

Maya Angelou

July, 2009

Fwd: Wednesday, 7/29/09

2009-07-29T11:02:00.000-07:00

>>> Karlene Tillett 7/29/2009 11:02 AM >>>

Today is humpday, did not come in to work yesterday but had a busy day. As you all know my daughter is back from China now, she came back on Saturday 7/25/09. She is still trying to adjust to the time change. She is still on China's time. She has been sleeping alot, a whole lot. Hopefully by this weekend she'll be back on L.A. time. (-:

Nothing much new, we are getting ready to go to a wedding this coming Saturday, 8/1/09. Its our cousin Jennifer's wedding. Lately it seems like there has been alot of weddings, funerals and baby showers. Cant attend them all.

I am at work today, busy as usual, and our computer system is all screwed up. They tried to update the system and loss alot of our programs and saved stuff from the computer. Not happy about that. )-:

Kidsave International | Because Every Child Needs a Family

2009-07-29T10:33:00.001-07:00

Kidsave International | Because Every Child Needs a Family

Shared via AddThis

Fwd: We come home tomorrow

2009-07-23T18:54:00.001-07:00

Another message from China. My baby is on her way home.

-----Original Message-----
From: lboyer79@aol.com
Sent: Thu, Jul 23, 2009 6:26 pm
Subject: We come home tomorrow

We are in Hong Kong. We will arrive at LAX at 2:15 pm on Saturday July 25. I will call my husband right before we get on the plane if there is any problems or delays. We will be on a cruise of Victoria Harbor today and go to the top of Vicotria peak for a view of the city!1 All the students are well and doing great, but anxious to get home!! They miss you all!!!
Laura

Fwd: Hey

2009-07-23T08:11:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to share this little email I got from my husband today. How sweet.

>>> Marlon Tillett 7/23/2009 8:11 AM >>>
I miss you today...and everyday.

Fwd: Update from China

2009-07-22T17:31:00.001-07:00

only a few more days left til my girl is back home.

From: Lboyer79
Sent: 7/22/2009 4:11:02 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time
Subj: Update from China
Hi
July 20 we wentto Suzhou a water town, kaon as the Venice of China. We visited a pagoda, fed koi fish, flew kies and were very very hot! That night we visited a ping pong school and played some of the students.

July 21 we went to a theatre where some students tried on costumes and tried some weapons. Next was the embroidery institute. Then a ride to Wuzhen. In Wuzhen we played games and were given free time to walk around the 600 year old village. We also had a cannal ride as this city is known as the Venice of the East.
July 22 we saw the total eclispe of the sun. It was amazing! We learned more about the town and saw some of their craft work. Next was back to Shangai, which was a 3 hour drive.
July 23 we will fly to Hong Kong today!

Laura

Sent from my iPhone

Fwd: text from my daughter in China

2009-07-20T08:50:00.000-07:00

>>> Karlene Tillett 7/20/2009 8:50 AM >>>

Received a text message on Sunday July 19, 2009 @ 6:38pm from China

"Dao that means good morning the d is pronounced like a z though well im just checking in, im going on a water boat and playing ping pong

Indi <3"

my reply: "Sounds like your having fun, glad to know that. Thanks 4 checking in. Luv ya & miss u"

Fwd: Update from China

2009-07-19T19:44:00.001-07:00

A Message from chaperone in China

From: Lboyer79
Sent: 7/19/2009 6:52:33 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time
Subj: Update from China
All is great! I only have a few minutes before we leave for the water city.

July 18-We finished our home stay with a try at paper cutting. We had a celebration with the town the night before in the village square with Chinese and American dancing and music. The students got to mingle with other students from the village and near by towns. All reported having a good homestay. We flew to Shanghai. What an amazing city with incredible architecture.

July 19- We went to Shanghai Urban planning Exhibition center to see a model of what they expect Shanghai to look like in the future. They have very big plans and use a lot of fung shu in planning. Next was learning about silk and how it is made into textiles and comforters. We even got a chance to stretch some silk, not too well but we got to try. We went to a live market and saw fish, frogs, eels, chickens all waiting to be someone's dinner. The students then went to a regular supermarket and in groups were given money to buy gifts for the families they were getting to meet! My group did a great job and bought very practical and useful things. We got to go to homes with a translator and see how people live and have a snack with them. Shanghai people were very different from the village folks. Next was lunch at a Mongolian restaurant with all kinds of meats and vegetables. Next was a trip to an acrobat school with a try at rope tricks, hat tricks and Chinese YoYo. We then did a very American dinner at pizza hut. This was followed by an incredible show that was loved by all. Your children will tell you all about it.

July 20- We leave for the water city to Shuzou today. It is very hot and humid. We are in the perfect spot to see the total eclipse of the sun tomorrow. There are astronomers from all over the world here and the hotels are all full.

I will update again when we get to Hong Kong in a few days.

Laura

Fwd: China Up Date

2009-07-17T22:34:00.001-07:00

Hi Readers,

I got an email from the Chaperone in China that my daughter is with.

I am sharing this email below:

Sent: 7/16/2009 7:36:12 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time
Subj: China Up Date

Hello Everyone,
It is not easy to get internet access as I thought. There has only been wireless at the Hong Kong Airport so my I phone has not been much help. Here is the latest update. The trip is incredible and I would recommend traveling to China to all.

July 14
We saw the Giant Pandas. Went to the summer Palace of the Dragon Lady. She had a mable boat we saw and we walked the longest corridor in the world. We took a ride across the lake on a Dragon Boat. After lunch we went to a pearl factory and learned a lot about fresh water pearls. Next was a rickshaw ride through a hutong in Beijing. We visited a woman in her small home who served us jasime tea and talked to us about her life. We learned about her art of painting small glass bottles from the inside out. Finally we boarded the overnight train to Xian.

July 15
We received a huge welcome at the City wall from warrior, the emperor and emperess and dancers. The Students then were able to ride bikes on the wall or walk around the wall. In the afternoon we went to a soccer school where the students played against the Cinese Students. We lost and never even scored a goal. None the less the students had a great time. We went to a special dumpling dinner where all of the dumplings were formed in the shape of the food they held. A pig for pork, fish for fish, a walnut for walnut, etc. This was followed by a Tang Dynasty show with music and dancing at a very beautiful theatre.

July 16
Today, we started by going to a Terracotta Warrior factory and got to make a small soldier. Sonata was the winner and received a beautiful jade necklace. Next we vistied the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a Buddist monistary. This was followed by lunch. We then got to meet with the farmer who discovered the Terracotta warriors and hear his story through an interpreter and shake his hand or get a book with his autograph. Then it was on to the amazing Terracotta Warriors. We visited three different pits and learned a lot. Next we went to a tea house. Most of us tasted a variety of teas and learned the properway to serve and drink tea. Finally it was back to the hotel for dinner and a free night. The students are having their bed checks as I email by the other leaders.

All of the students are doing well. There has been a great variety of foods with something for everyone. Almost every meal has been family style or a buffett. The students believe it or not have been waking up early and bed checks have gone smoothly!!! Tomorrow we head for our home stay in a rural village of about 1000 people. The students will be staying in groups of 4 or 5 and they do have western toilets I have been told.!

That's about all for now. When we get to Shanghai I will email again.
Laura

Please excuse the typos I don't have much time until the business center closes!!

Fwd: Call from Indira

2009-07-13T07:08:00.002-07:00

>>> Karlene Tillett 7/13/2009 7:08 AM >>>

Received a call from my daughter in Beijing, China on Sunday 7/12/09 @ 4:35am

She said she was having a great time and they went to the Forbidden City, she also got to attend a Kung Fu class and learned a little about Kung Fun, they where served and ate duck. She was also tired because they walked about 4-5 miles. She also said that they felt like superstars because everyone is excited to see them and wants to take pictures with them.

Glad to share that she is having a great time.

Until next time.

Call from Indira

2009-07-13T07:08:00.001-07:00

Received a call from my daughter in Beijing, China on Sunday 7/12/09 @ 4:35am
She said she was having a great time and they went to the Forbidden City, she also got to attend a Kung Fu class and learned a little about Kung Fun, they where served and ate duck. She was also tired because they walked about 4-5 miles. She also said that they felt like superstars because everyone is excited to see them and wants to take pictures with them.

Glad to share that she is having a great time.

Until next time.

2nd message from my daughter in China

2009-07-11T09:36:00.001-07:00

I feel alot better today. Glad to share that my daughter has made it safe in Beijing, China.
received 2nd text message last night 7/10/09 @
11:52pm

her text: "Im in my hotel room its prolly late over there so im txting, its about 2thirty over here but good night and i love and miss you all
indi <3"

my response: "Thanks 4 letting us know you reach safe, remember everything we told you. Take care of yourself & have fun, we love & miss You to
<3"

her text 7/11/09 @ 12:15 am "Thank you Indi <3"

Thats its for now, will update you on my daughters trip to China.

I heard from my daughter

2009-07-10T17:20:00.000-07:00

3:32pm
a sigh of relief: I heard from my child in China. Got a text from her and this is what she said,

"Hi I am at the hong kong airport just thought to say hi and i am safe its 6 in the morning here the plane was huge they had movie radio and tvs in each seat and i am waiting for my beijing flight it will be for about another 3 hrs, time flew by on the plane prolly cuz of the movies!
indi <3"

my response: "Sorry I was driving home, glad to hear from u, glad your safe, movies hah, we miss u already, be safe pay attention and have fun. We love u and keep us posted on whats going on <3 us"

Well I am so glad that she is safe and well, still got a queezy stomach but I am happy for her to have this amazing opportunity. Its great to be able to share these moments with my readers.
I'll keep you posted.

My daughter left me to go to China

2009-07-10T09:45:00.001-07:00

The day has arrived. Thursday, July 9th, 2009.
My daughter at age 15 has left last night to go on her trip to China. We took her to the airport last night and I had mixed emotions. I was happy for her that she got this great opportunity to travel and see a different part of the world and to learn new things. Then the other part of me is sad that she is leaving me and Im second guessing myself wondering if I made a mistake to allow her to go on this adventure. When she walks away to go to the gate I look at her and see how grown up she looks, geez, she's gotten big so fast. Where did the time go? I feel a knot in my stomach but say to myself its going to be alright. Still sad to see her go. I want her to turn around and come back but I know she must go. Its 9:45pm.

We are leaving the airport heading to the car to go back home. Its 9:47pm, I text her " We love you and will miss you <3". Hoping she will respond. Its 11:00pm we are home getting ready for bed, look at my phone, still no reply. Im missing her already. Its 11:45, Im in bed looking at the clock, she should be taking off from the runway now, I say to myself. I say a little prayer and fall asleep.

Its 4:30am today is Friday, July 10, 2009. I woke up before the alarm went off, I still cant believe she is not here. I get up get ready for work. Its 6:10am I arrive to work, turn on my computer and start reading the news. Why did I do that? My heart just dropped when I read the news "China Quake Leaves 400,000 Homeless" that's in China, remember my child is on a flight to China right now. In China there has been a earthquake. This is stressing me out. Why, Why, Why?
Well I know that she is ok because she hasnt reached China yet, she is still on the flight to China. Im still worried. I pray and will continue to pray for her safety and her return.

"BEIJING (July 10) - More than 400,000 people need to be relocated after an earthquake rocked southwestern China, destroying thousands of homes, state media said Friday.

Thursday's magnitude-6.0 temblor, centered in Yunnan province's Yao'an county, killed one person and injured 325 others, 24 seriously, the Xinhua News Agency said."

"Nine aftershocks have followed the quake, with the latest registering a 5.2-magnitude Friday evening, Xinhua said. There were no immediate reports of casualties.

The quake collapsed 18,000 homes and damaged 75,000 more, Xinhua said.

The report said China's civil affairs ministry has ordered the immediate delivery of 5,000 tents and other relief materials. The provincial civil affairs department has already allocated 4,000 tents, 3,000 quilts and other relief materials to Yao'an.

More than a 1,000 police and soldiers have been dispatched to the disaster zone, Xinhua said.

Yunnan is a quake-prone, mountainous region that lies on China's southern border with Thailand and Myanmar. It also borders Sichuan province, where a magnitude-7.9 quake last year left almost 90,000 people dead or missing.

In 1988, a 7.1-magnitude quake in Yunnan near Myanmar killed 930 people. More than 15,000 people died after a magnitude-7.7 earthquake in the province in 1970, though authorities at the time covered up information on casualties and damage amid the chaos of the Cultural Revolution."

http://news.aol.com/article/china-earthquake/564796

There is nothing I can do but wait and continue to pray. I miss her so much already. Right now Im at work, trying to get some work done, not easy while your worrying about your child.

At this moment, Im thinking this I may not be able to do again. All other trips will be taken as a family. Dont think I can let my kids go off without me anymore. This will truly be a once in a lifetime opportunity for her.

I continue to wait for the day, July 25th, when she returns. I mark my calender, seems so far away.

I pray, I pray, I pray!

USED Vs. LOVED

2009-07-09T11:51:00.001-07:00

Just Sharing an email I got at work:

While a man was polishing his new car, his 4 yr old son picked up stone
and scratched lines on the side of the car. In anger, the man took the
child's hand and hit it many times; not realizing he was using a wrench.
At the hospital, the child lost all his fingers due to multiple
fractures. When the child saw his father.....with painful eyes he asked,
'Dad when will my fingers grow back?' The man was so hurt and
speechless; he went back to his car and kicked it a lot of times.
Devastated by his own actions.......sitting in front of that car he
looked at the scratches; the child had written 'LOVE YOU DAD'.

The next day that man committed suicide. . . Anger and Love have no
limits; choose the latter to have a beautiful, lovely life.....

Things are to be used and people are to be loved, But the problem in
today's world is that, People are used and things are loved...During
this year, let's be careful to keep this thought in mind: Things are to
be used, but People are to be loved ... Be yourself....This is the only
day we HAVE. Have a nice day and

Best regards

Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become
actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits they
become character; Watch your character; it becomes your destiny. I'm
glad a friend forwarded this to me as a reminder... God bless you; I
hope you are having a wonderful day!

The Will of God will never take you to where the Grace of God will not PROTECT you...Stay FAITHFUL and
Be GRATEFUL.

Michael Jackson

2009-07-09T06:48:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Tuesday July 7, 2009

That was the day of Michael Jackson's Memorial Service. It was held at the Staple Center here in Los Angeles, CA.

It was a very sad day for everyone. He touched the lives of everyone. Many of my coworkers watched the Memorial Service but I was unable to do so because I knew it would be sad and hard to hold back my tears. I was at work and didnt want to start crying there at work like some of the other coworkers did.

I did see some of the highlights of the memorial service when I arrived home that later evening because even though I asked my husband to turn it off he didnt so I was forced to watch some of the service. Even thought I didnt know Michael Jackson personally it was still very sad and he is and will be missed. I could feel the lump at my throat and myself fighting back the tears. The hardest part was to see his beautiful daughter get up there and say that she will miss her father and that he was a great father and see her cry was very tough.

Michael Jackson will always be remembered!

My Life as a Rock Star...Mom by Stephanie Nicholson-Alonso

2009-07-08T19:41:00.000-07:00

My cousin Stephanie wrote this that I wanted to share with you all. It is all sooooo true.
Enjoy & please comment.

***Stephanie Nicholson-Alonso's Notes

Stephanie's Notes Notes about Stephanie Stephanie's Profile

My Life as a Rock Star...Mom

Mon at 10:58pm
Sometimes when you think of something, write it down. I came across this very funny and witty article the other day. It came to me by way of my Moms group. When I signed up for the group I began to receive this lovely magazine called MomSense. Before I begin to discuss the article, I wanted to tell you how I thought of this story, first. Well, I really didn’t think of it, but rather it was actually happening to me ever since I became a mom. See, the day I became a mom, I stopped doing allot of things and also started to do allot of new things as well. Don’t get me wrong, motherhood is wonderful, fabulous, in fact. You know you hear other moms discuss how they loose their selves when motherhood takes a hold of you. It is true, indeed. No doubt! Yet, it’s a good thing. In every milestone, one must grow and change in order to move to the next level. This is what I am trying to say. When I became a mom, I also became a Rock Star! I didn’t realize that that’s what I wanted to be or do. I never thought of the changes one would have to go through to live this life style and what exactly it entailed until I became a mom. One friend did tell me long ago before I began having kids that she knew of a friend who had children, but would have to go and hide herself in the bathroom in order to find time for her. I thought that was weird. Now, I don’t. I didn’t realize that I walk with my own entourage, until one day a woman at the nail shop said to me as I was walking out that “you have your own entourage.” It was certainly funny to me, especially since the HBO show is one of my favorite shows. Everywhere I go I have my own entourage. Now, that’s cool. Yet, there is a price to pay for having your own crew. You have to pay for everyone. And, In this economy, even Rock Star moms have it hard.Privacy! What’s that? Does that really exist with 3 kids? Nope! I am watched like a hawk when I go to the restroom, when I shower, when I am cooking, and when I am sleeping. I wake up to piercing eyes watching over me, and making sure I have not left without them. I know it’s just because they can’t get enough of me. I cannot leave the premises without my entourage, or my own personal fans will get out of control. They demand to know where I am going and when I will be back. When I return, I am greeted like a super star, reinvented. Cheers, screams, dancing, and yelling of my name….mommy’s home! Like a rock star, I get to have a different guy sleep with me. I am begged before lights go out, for one last chance, All of them are crushed when the answer is NO! Not tonight. Most of all, I am constantly grabbed at whenever they see me coming, inside and outside of my own home. My legs, arms and clothing are constantly being grabbed or snatched off. What a life! Did I mention the stalking that occurs? Can I have a private conversation or not? NOT! I sneak around the corner, hide in the closet or even outdoors. I am always found by peeping eyes or yelling of my name. I end up playing hide and seek with my fanatic fans. I am glad for the invention of texting. Although, some are reading very well, and other are learning, so it won’t be too long before that too, is cracked wide open.Sure, it’s a job being a Rock Star Mom, but someone’s got to do it! I’m glad its me. I wouldn’t trade my entourage for the world. They are certainly my biggest fan.
(This is an original piece by Stef Alonso, yet got some help from “My life as a Rock Star article)

Life at Work

2009-07-08T06:49:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Tuesday 7/7/09 was my first day back to work from my vacation or should I say time off because I didnt go anywhere other than Palm Springs while I was on vacation but I had to go back to work. Really didnt want to but I didnt have a choice. The day seemed so long, as soon as I got there I was waiting for the day to be over. My coworkers informed me about what happened the day my other coworker got discharged last week. Still cant believe it. I guess no ones job is secure.

Well I did get out of there at 4pm finally headed home and went with my husband bike ridding. It was tough and I huffed and puffed but it was well worth it. We will try to go bike riding everyday after work and hopefully we can keep it up cause I desperately need the exercise. Ive been struggling with my weight for so long now. I did good for about 2 years when I lost about 20lbs and kept it off for the 2 years but all of a sudden for a couple months now the weight just started creeping back on me. Now I gotta struggle to get it off again.

Give me Strength

Who I Am Makes A Difference!

2009-07-06T08:05:00.000-07:00

I received this email today and thought it was special and wanted to share it with you all.

Please take some time and read this. It will make you realize that “Who you are makes a difference.”

Hope Someone made a difference in your life today!

CASA

2009-07-04T22:11:00.000-07:00

Hello Readers,
I was watching a Dr. Phil show that was very interesting to me that I wanted to share with you all. The show was based on Foster Care and how some kids are treated badly and dont have a voice in foster care. It also told you about kids that spend their whole life in foster care and age out at 18 with noone to go to and nowhere to go and some of the problems they are left with that we dont even think of.

I wanted to share this with you because on Dr. Phil I was educated by a program called "CASA". This is a program I never heard of but I believe it is a great program that I should share with you all because with the spread of word its a powerful thing and hopefully I can get some volunteers to look into the program and join.

"CASA is Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) which promotes and supports quality volunteer representation for each child to secure a safe, permanent and nurturing home. Their mission is to speak up for children in foster care. They are diligent advocates for the services needed to help each child become a healthy and productive adult, able to break the chain of abuse, neglect or abandonment.
A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)volunteer is a trained citizen who is requested by a judge to represent the best interests of a child in court. No prior courtroom experience is required. Children helped by CASA volunteers include those for whom home placement is being determined in juvenile court. Most of these children have been living lives of abuse and neglect. Lives you can help improve.
After a mandatory background check, volunteers undergo a thorough training course conducted by CASA.

CASA is the only volunteer organization that empowers everyday citizens as officers of the court. In an overburdened social welfare system, abused and neglected children often slip through the cracks among hundreds of current cases. CASA volunteers change that. Appointed by judges, CASA volunteers typically handle just one case at a time—and commit to staying on that case until the child is placed in a safe, permanent home. While others may come and go, CASA volunteers provide that one constant that children need in order to thrive.

Go to the website and get additional info and hopefully you can become a CASA volunteer and help some of these children that need you.

http://www.nationalcasa.org

I am hoping to become a CASA volunteer soon. I just requested an application so I will be starting the process. I will keep you informed in my progress and please let me know if and share with me if you are a part of this program or have decided to become a volunteer. I would love to hear from you.

Happy 4th of July

2009-07-04T08:58:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July Everyone,
The weather is nice outside today, back from my Palm Springs trip with the family. Had a very nice time in Palm Springs relaxed in the pool. Its nice to get away sometimes. I would recommend if anyone needs to get away for an inexpensive trip to a non kaotic, a relaxing place, go to Palm Springs. I've been there many times and never have any complaints always have a good time. It is very hot out there right now but if your hanging out in the pool you dont even realize how hot it is.
Everyone have a great, safe & responsible 4th of July.
Palm Springs, CA (great place)

A bad day

2009-07-01T22:51:00.000-07:00

Today started out as a good day but ended up as a bad day. I got up this morning and me and my son took our little pup Lola to get her 2 month shots at the animal shelter. Our Lola is such a energetic girl. We love her like crazy.

Then later in the after noon me and my 3 kids went to walk at the outdoor mall in the super hot sun. Heatstroke forreal!

Came home relaxed til I got a phonecall from my coworker. I could hear in her voice that she is sad and was crying. I asked what happened and come to find out that she stated she was terminated from our place of employment today. I could not believe it, Im still in shock. I thought our job was something stable that we wouldnt ever have to worry about losing but I was wrong. When she told me I was extremely sad but upset at the same time. I just cant believe management could be so cruel, heartless. This coworker is not just a coworker, she is a friend, someone that is hard working, well educated in her job duties, never been anything other than kind and friendly to me.

It upsets me to know that management would let her go after knowing that she has a family to feed, a mortgage to pay and these are the hardest times right now for anyone to lose their job. I believe that she was terminated for wrong reasons. It was someones word against hers. No proof, no evidence, just by what someone said.
That is completely wrong to me. This makes me feel like I have no support in the people that I work for and I cant trust noone in the workplace.

I will pray that God will find the truth and help make the corrections of the mistakes made.

This makes me so disappointed and sad to know that something like this has occurred.

I am hoping for a better day tomorrow.

I pray for you my friend.

7/1/09 New Day

2009-07-01T09:41:00.000-07:00

Today I am home on vacation. One that is well needed. I unfortunately am unable to take a trip for my vacation so I am home with the kids, 3 beautiful kids. I realize that they love to sleep cause its almost 10am and they are not up yet. I guess I will let them sleep in for a while since I am here on the computer.

I cant take a trip to anywhere that I really want to but I am thinking of taking a drive to Palm Springs, CA. The weather is so nice out, its a good day to relax in front of the pool. Not much else to do. I guess I gotta consult with the husband first before he blows a fuse, unfortunately he has to work. Ill keep you informed if we take that trip.

The Beginning

2009-06-28T22:19:00.000-07:00

My name is Karlene Tillett. I am a 36/yr old female with 3 beautiful kids and a husband. We live in California where I was born and raised. Married for 16 years as of 2/28/09. Been together since 1989.

Here I will take you on my lifes journey. I was born in California, first born of 3 children. The oldest and only girl. I dont remember alot of my childhood and that may be a blessing in disquise who knows. My life sure isnt what I expected or hoped for it to be. Its been a long 36yrs and I hope my continued journey is nothing like my past.

Dont get me wrong, I am proud and happy for somethings in my live such as my kids and family but there are other things that just wasnt that great.

Im hoping this journal will help me to move on from the past and live a wonderful future. Its about time to reap the enjoyments of life. I now see that life is too short and can be taken away from you in the blink of an eye. This past year we have had so many losses such as the King of Pop "Michael Jackson, Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett & Billy Mays.

I know I want to live to see my beautiful kids grow up and hopefully have a family of their own.

**This is the begining of a new day, Follow me on my journey!