New Year Resolutions

Did you know it takes 21 days to establish a new habit.
That is 21 days of doing this new habit!
Brain circuits take engrams (memory traces), and produce
neuroconnections and neuropathways only if they are
bombarded for 21 days in a row. This means that our brain
does not accept new data for a change of habit unless
it is repeated each day for 21 days (without missing a day).

Top 10
1. Spend more time with family and friends
2. Fit in fitness
3. Tame the buldge
4. Quit smoking
5. Enjoy life more
6. Quit drinking
7. Get out of debt
8. Learn something new
9. Help others
10. Get organized
Just some food for thought!

Enjoy

Turn off music on Blog before starting this clip. Scroll to the bottom to the playlist and turn off music.

Our New Grandson, Elijah

Born today at 1:22 pm 7.5# 20 inches long.
Becky did great, Mike was so excited when he came out and I tried to capture the moment with pictures and a few "push, push, push encouragements!

Eli's coming!!!!

Becky and Mike are in the hospital, waiting for the coming of Eli. We received the call early this morning that she is in labor. New post to follow.........

Christmas is coming!

WOW! Thanksgiving is over the tree and Christmas decorations are up. The lights on the house are next. I feel behind though, as we celebrated Thanksgiving early because of Becky's due date and I am just getting it all done now. I should of had it done by now. Busy, Busy days. It will all get done and my favorite day is always tomorrow! I found a book as I unpacked the decorations, A Simple Christmas. This is going to be my motto this year: A simple Christmas. We need to focus on the spirit of Christmas!
I think of Martha: Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named aMartha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:
But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. Luke 10:38-42
I must remember to not be like Martha and get too carried away with all the activity of the season, the dinners, the gatherings. I must be like Mary and take the time, to sit and listen. To sit and enjoy the message.
Let us adore Him, let us rejoice! We can remember the simple birth of the Savior and give thanks for the miracle of His life. Let the season begin!

Medical Mission Trip 2010

Again I am planning on heading to Egypt on a Medical Mission Trip. As many of you heard and saw my pictures from last years trip, what a worthwhile experience for all. There were four of us a physician, medical student and two nurses that braved the travel and headed to Egypt. We all worked hard and slept occasionally to help community leaders, physicians and people of the communities with instruction and service. I think the same group are planning to return along with me to continue with our efforts to educate, treat and increase intercultural understanding and develop partnerships with Americans and Egyptians. I am trying to make it easy for you to help me out financially for this worthwhile cause. If you can help me financially, even a small amount will be appreciated, thank you. I am ever so grateful. If you can not, I understand times are tough but will you please support me with your prayers.

Finally, lunch for Mark's birthday!

Off we went today, up in the skies to Big Bear for lunch. I am still amazed that this metal device can actually fly! Even when I am in a 747 I am in awe! What a great thing it is to fly. It was a beautiful day, a little rough at times, but so fun! I think Mark got a bit queezy on the way back though. He won't forget this birthday gift!





Our friend Dave flew the plane and his grandson Nells came along for the ride!

Hiking at Whiting Ranch

Malia had a great time in the carrier, she even took a nap!



Can you see the woodpecker? Gabe's favorite part was the dead lizard, such a boy. ( he even tried to smash it with his foot, yuk!

Pride and Hatred (turn off music at bottom of blog before watching)

Heading Back To Egypt.......Medical Mission #2

It is official. I am hoping to return to Egypt on my second medical mission in that area. Last year was such a great experience, I learned a lot about the needs of the women (we had a few men in our classes too) in their communities. I feel that I can bring more knowledge and help through education. We worked hard and still had fun with these sweet women, who are trying to better their communities and lifestyles for their families and the people of Egypt. There were long days, but the smiles and gratitude from these people made it feel so right to do this type of work. This investment in the people of this area is required to equip them with the skills necessary for the future success of the region. We will be working with CEOSS, a group in Egypt who's mission is to promote the sanctity, equity, and harmony of life. It seeks to contribute to the transformation of society by nurturing moral and spiritual awareness, enhancing a sense of belonging, promoting respect for diversity, addressing conflict, and advancing social justice for individuals and communities.

The mission of CEOSS is implemented according to the following major goals:
To improve the quality of life in impoverished communities
To empower communities and individuals with sustainable development
To promote a culture of dialogue based on pluralistic democratic approaches and respect for human rights
To promote religious and social enlightenment

Through HANDS, an organization that is committed to building bridges between the people of Egypt and the US. their programs of exchange and dialogue have helped create an environment in which democratic ideals can flourish and those susceptible to radical ideologies find peaceful and productive means of pursuing their life goals.
I truely beleive that this calling is something I have to do and I am grateful for the oportunity in my life right now to be able to do so. So thank you for your prayers and help to achieve this goal of returning to the communities in Egypt to further develop a relationship with the people of Egypt.

Time is free, but it's priceless.

Time, we have it everyday, but we seem to run out of it so often. Well, now is the time for me to get back into a healthy lifestyle. I have been "dieting", really paying attention what goes into my mouth (still having trouble with what comes out of it though).
I am doing an organized bike ride in October in Arizona,(Tour de Scottsdale) so back in the saddle. I have a problem with my hip but it seems to be that surgery is the next step and I want to try and do everything to avoid this. I am hoping less weight on my bones and healthy eating and some stretching and PT, acupuncture can help to avoid this procedure. My time is mine. I love to share it and want to use it to be the best I can be!
Off I go.............

Thirty two years!

It's our anniversary Sat, Aug 15th. I can not believe we have been married for 32 years. I remember some highlights from that day many years ago. Family and friends accompanied up to the courthouse, we forgot wedding rings so made do with rings we had on our fingers at the time. We then had a reception at a restaurant in Long Beach near the Queen Mary and then stayed on the Queen Mary before heading to Tahoe to camp for our honeymoon. ( it was a long drive for us and we were so tired). As we opened the equipment which we borrowed from Mark's parents, notes were tied to things, the hammer , the tent and in various places within the truck, again something we borrowed from Mark's parents. Each note had something witty about the item and about us written on them. We laughed as our campsite came together. Thanks Tom for doing that, it was perfect. We felt so special as a couple and three girls and almost five grandchildren later we still feel special.

Colorado July, 2009

We headed off to our yearly adventur in Steamboat Springs this year in our Volkswagon, Eurovan. Mark had it all worked on and we packed it up, brought an extra family member (Maty our grand niece from Missouri) and we were on the road for our drive north. We heard some noises, but it wasn't bad they came and went, mostly went, so we listened to a book on tape and drove! Here are some pictures from Colorado and after this post will be a few more from Colorado along with soom from Albequerque, a place we ended up after dropping Maty off at Denver airport. Our van started making more noise and it was constant, so we drove to a dealer to see if they could help. (yes they did but had to order apart and it too three days for it to arrive.

Back Home!

Home sweet home. I have not posted since May! My many travels have taken me from one end of the North american Continent to the other! Orange County to Newfoundland, Colorado, New Mexico and north to Alberta. I love to travel and have leaned that doing all the trips back to back is a bit more stressful as I came home pounded out some work and getting things done around home to run and catch a plane again. Next year I am going to space out my adventures! Here is a picture of the Newfoundland Coast as I hiked the East Coast Trail.

Make a tote

I found this cute and easy tote bag directions. I am going to make some. I really should "catch up" on my sewing that is sitting on my sewing desk, but these look so cute and easy I have to whip out a few!
Click here for directions

Seasonal allergies?

FOR FULL ARTICLE CLICK HERE
Here is something that I think totally helps with sinus problems, colds or any upper airway problems. It really works and helps to cut down on symptoms. I have a Neti Pot and have been using it for some time now. Check out the article and decide for yourself. You can even pick them up at CVS!

Hog Heaven!

Mark is in hog heaven for sure!

Mark came home today with his newest toy!  He is so excited about getting a Harley.He has a BIG birthday this year and this is the gift. Now for the comfy back rest (wrap around) for me so I can actually fall asleep back there and not fall off.

SOLAR POWER

       I love hanging the clothes on the line.  How great they smell.  I washed all my bed linen and getting into bed last night was heaven!

       Why not take advantage of the free solar and wind energy available in your back yard, help reduce the dependence on oil and gas, lead the way and feel better by doing your bit to reduce carbon emissions and help prevent climate change and improve the environment for the next generations to follow.

     This sounds like a commercial but it is so perfect.  I get to be outside in my yard as I hang my clothes enjoying the plants too!

Bike to work week!

Well, it is "bike to work week."  I have decided to get back on the bike!  I have ridden everyday this week.  We have had such beautiful weather as well. 

Tomorrow I will be officially riding to work.  The last few days have just been riding.  So, if you can get on your bike.  Save the world!

Swine Flu.....

Just thought you might like to read this article regarding the Swine flu "pandemic".  I have not got a flu shot and do not plan to ever!  CLICK HERE  for related article.  Just keep yourself healthy, diet and exercise plays a very important role in this.

Back from Egypt!

I have returned!  It was a good trip.  I am finally getting my jet lag in check and not soooo tired at 2pm.  I actually make it to 9pm before I just have to go to bed.  I do wake early though!  I have put my pics on my website.  CLICK HERE TO VIEW

Why should you care about pesticides?

Eating healthy is all about fruits and vegetables as we know.  CLICK HERE    to go to a site with a printable guide to use when you are at the market.  Times are tough and all of us need to watch our pennies.  Not all veggies have to be organic (it usually costs more to have the same fruit ot vegetable with out the pesticide, although I never understood why buying something with less cost more?  I am sure it has to do with subsidized farmers...another discussion for later.)  Use the guide when you are at the store.  

     Strawberries are coming into season (check out South Coast Farms for the best, yummy and organic ones!) they are my number one to always buy organic.  There are over seven types of pesticides used on these yummy fruits, topical and systemic.  Carrots, apples, lettuce (anything green leafy), cherries, grapes, stone fruits, heck I do try and buy everything organic.  Just use the guide to make you choice if you want to buy the non organic ones.  Happy shopping!

DID YOU KNOW?

Check out this video..don't forget to turn off the play listat the bottom of my blog as this has music in the back round.

PMP...Pink Monster Party

Malia turned ONE! We had a great Pink Monster Party here at Gramy's house. She came all dressed in pink with a special shirt made by the monster's mommy, Mrs. Jones. Monster Pita sandwhiches, Monster Punch, you get the idea! It was a beautiful sunny California day but a bit chilly. On with the sweaters and we were outside in Gramy's yard! CLICK HERE TO SEE THE ALBUM

Great TJ'S video!

CLICK HERE

My friend's journey/ my patients journey

Make a Smilebox photobook

Don't forget to turn off the music on the blog prior to opening this because there is great music on this creation as well.
This is what I do at work!

Lunch with Karen and Susan!

WOW! That is all I have to say, WOW! To see Karen walking over to the group at the "Center" was a joy that can not be described. Karen was in the hospital at Mission with a brain aneurysm. Watching her get to this point has reminded me that what the doctors, nurses, resp. therapy, and the whole team at Mission Hospital do for these kind of patients. The smile on Karen's face, her great "one liners" are such a joy to see and hear. Susan has been there for her through it all. What a great friend and companion. We all should have someone like that in out lives. I sat there listening to Karen and Susan's friends talk about Karen's journey as people who work at the Center walked by and came over to say hello. How cool that I get to be in their lives. OK, it's gardening with Laurie and Karen next!

Dinner at Tom's

Just a few pictures from a night over at Tom's house. Susie is in town and we had dinner, chicken noodle soup (without the noodles), pasta, bread and salad. A few (ok a bunch) of bite size cupcakes too! Look closely at Helen, she is smiling. She really does smile, it is just hard to capture that in a photo. Happy Feb.
Oh, the eye, that is Matrte, she had a little mishap. She is fine, just a bit bruised!

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

We just returned from BC, Canada.  Staying with Willi and Jackson as always, was perfect.  What yummy breakfasts and dinners we had courtesy of Willi.  Mark and I headed up to Whistler with Jackson for some good 'ol Canadian skiing.  The B&B in Pemberton was, as always, perfect as well.  Margit outdid herself with lots of food for breakfast and dinner (something new she is doing at her B&B).  We went to our usual 'night out' at Wildwood and had a great time listening to stories and just hanging out!  The weather cooperated and we had sunny days for our skiing!

CLICK HERE FOR ALL THE PICS!  All photos by Mark Roberts

Here are some pictures from the Gala I attended for work in December. It was a great dinner and the band they had was like a broadway production with props! We all had a great time.
CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL THE PICS

Well, it is the Chinese New Year of the OX. I looked up my horoscope for this year of the Ox, for me, born in the year of the rat. The RAT!!! I can't escape this rat thing! I am still keeping my eye on everything in the garage and NO rats have returned. It is all clear but I still have nightmares and still trying to get all the "stuff" I took out of it's place in the loft, put away. It is a long drawn out job.
My outlook for 2009 looks good, so maybe this rat thing is a good thing after all. I will have to avoid over-committing, something that I do have to work on, so good advice. So, for the persistent and conscientious rat, the rewards of the year can prove substantial!

In My Daughter's Eyes/ For my little girls! (Turn off the music on the blog site,on the playlist gadget below, to listen to the video)

Hanging out in January, temps in the 70-80's

What a fun day last week when we all went to the Santa Ana Zoo.  The zoo has changed since I went last and I think that Gabe really enjoyed himself.

We saw a lot of monkeys and rode a train and merry-go-round.  I didn't get a picture but we saw two of the biggest pigs I have ever seen.  I later learned from a lady at the Corner Bakery where we had lunch in Tustin that the two pigs are smaller than they were, they have been on a diet.  We sat next to a couple and the man was the director of the Santa Ana Zoo!

      Then on Monday, very last minute for me.  Tanner ( the little guy I babysit) and I headed to Disneyland to meet the Jones and Haddad families.    CLICK HERE TO SEE PHOTOS

New Year and a trip to Big Bear!

We are back from a trip to the "cabin in the woods." (a place where the gnomes live)  We have some friends who always make us feel welcome at their cabin in the woods.  We had a lot of fun "hanging out", eating and taking long morning walks, as well as some extreme sledding at nearby Bow Canyon.  Enjoy the pics! CLICK HERE TO SEE PHOTOS