tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14796930486324769292024-02-06T20:21:49.023-07:00You May Say I'm A Dreamer...You May Say I'm A Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16951960903633390194noreply@blogger.comBlogger272125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1479693048632476929.post-57595422468987281902014-07-17T12:20:00.001-06:002014-07-17T18:21:34.202-06:00New Arrival<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGcsUTZLr1LmMWARrEaDRUJ5UjLOJFSMZByXgJG8USNujMnTt8ChnxeoTwHyvr-7MCOFx6OIGn66yvIgBB8cQip2vrX7r8rkJgt3y75nmav-VkAeFH9PMat0mfwMe2wnf-Vuf70RpdQvU/s1600/IMG_0652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGcsUTZLr1LmMWARrEaDRUJ5UjLOJFSMZByXgJG8USNujMnTt8ChnxeoTwHyvr-7MCOFx6OIGn66yvIgBB8cQip2vrX7r8rkJgt3y75nmav-VkAeFH9PMat0mfwMe2wnf-Vuf70RpdQvU/s1600/IMG_0652.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
I'm a Grandmother again!! I'm honored to announce the arrival of my beautiful new granddaughter, Zanna Sue Mills. She arrived about 6 weeks early on July 11th weighing in at 5 lbs and was 18" long. She is beautiful and perfect, however, being a preemie, she has some typical preemie problems.<br />
<br />
Almost 1 week later, she has dropped to 4 lbs. 4 oz. and is really struggling to breathe. She has been intubated, been under the billi lights and had an infection from birth, but she is a little fighter and we are praying that she will take a turn for the better real soon. She is an incredible blessing in our lives and it amazes me that I can completely love and adore this little person with all of my heart. Please, please keep her in your prayers.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT9VvFUXNiXHuCXeF9lAEuFxBgjO7iYRQHXlMJDmQpwwnzVu7H4VRmZn6xjL5kzX71ft54r4EfsUwsUT5FBFO8bCqL_SPECHQLBFjYa6CQHW4JpMFN_C3RZ0GX9rkLrFo1ZwvFkfXTVw4/s1600/IMG_0674.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT9VvFUXNiXHuCXeF9lAEuFxBgjO7iYRQHXlMJDmQpwwnzVu7H4VRmZn6xjL5kzX71ft54r4EfsUwsUT5FBFO8bCqL_SPECHQLBFjYa6CQHW4JpMFN_C3RZ0GX9rkLrFo1ZwvFkfXTVw4/s1600/IMG_0674.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mama & Baby Zanna</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMnexVtZLptfutN1hacdGiQnaojwIfPxqsy0iERCzB8lPB8uhVokBgsGuZVrQ8ZG49uDNELORrBBolJLofmpSKeu95tDyniWHKIIMZ4xoGOqf34esdqYRAX_kq9rGnqtP8pvzCGrxl6NE/s1600/IMG_0680.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMnexVtZLptfutN1hacdGiQnaojwIfPxqsy0iERCzB8lPB8uhVokBgsGuZVrQ8ZG49uDNELORrBBolJLofmpSKeu95tDyniWHKIIMZ4xoGOqf34esdqYRAX_kq9rGnqtP8pvzCGrxl6NE/s1600/IMG_0680.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
My other 3 grandchildren were unable to visit their new sister in the NICU, but we were able to take them to a window where they finally got a peek at her…they were giggling the entire time!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-vot9yELDRsdq5g0jPatvB7H10wvQV5PYluQxUtDpGmCz6hu9oU4QqivFVG7FnkRR_WNZ60LvCY3esKHc_ADe4n7sUsotSLjVTCL3KBkAYbp8LVAUhnl4oRYI5qV_Nqfkb-YOzTNYcbI/s1600/IMG_0676.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-vot9yELDRsdq5g0jPatvB7H10wvQV5PYluQxUtDpGmCz6hu9oU4QqivFVG7FnkRR_WNZ60LvCY3esKHc_ADe4n7sUsotSLjVTCL3KBkAYbp8LVAUhnl4oRYI5qV_Nqfkb-YOzTNYcbI/s1600/IMG_0676.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Life has been crazy. Having said that, I am feeling more blessed than I could ever deserve.<br />
<br />
Last week my hubs & I had to fly to LA due to a lawsuit we filed against a company that my husband worked for because they didn't pay him for work he had done. We won!! But the stress was incredible. We flew into Long Beach last Monday, July 7th in the morning and rented a car to drive from Long Beach to North Hollywood. As we were driving, I mentioned that we should stop by the Capitol Records Tower in Hollywood since my dad worked there for many years. I thought, being the huge music fans that we are, that it would be fun to walk around and maybe even go into the tower. So we did...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdEmd7o-GJrL8PhFgUJ1OKCkej-BCa5BQgzgOU4YwAATYgPLhq4LcK3mv1u0PS8UqCEGRmY9zIjFyNFsib3MLS-HsuuNgIDl1B55Oj35QC8qsB1W964i3gfTZabym5T00tF83LAuCOjCk/s1600/IMG_0584.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdEmd7o-GJrL8PhFgUJ1OKCkej-BCa5BQgzgOU4YwAATYgPLhq4LcK3mv1u0PS8UqCEGRmY9zIjFyNFsib3MLS-HsuuNgIDl1B55Oj35QC8qsB1W964i3gfTZabym5T00tF83LAuCOjCk/s1600/IMG_0584.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
As we approached the tower, we saw a multitude of media cameras and people, clearly indicating that something special was happening. So, of course, we parked and wandered over to see what all of the hoopla was...and boy were we in for a big surprise!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
As we approached, we both recognized the voice speaking from the podium and then it hit us! It was July 7th, Ringo Starr's birthday!! The voice at the podium was Ringo himself!! We wormed our way through the crowd, up to the front and there he was, right in front of us! I could have touched him... We all shouted, in unison, "Peace & Love", ate cupcakes to celebrate his 74th birthday (can you believe he's 74?!?) and then he and his band members passed out white bracelets that said, "Peace and Love". Being the huge Beatles fans that we are, it was amazing. For the record, he was joined by, Todd Rundgren, Joe Walsh, Steve Lukather (from Toto) Gregg Rolie (Journey, Santana), the beautiful Barbara Bach (Ringo's wife of 33 years) and so many more...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBdTRj5r1ZAaQw9e9HDMOCU6IdQlstoJ0VOYfUQ2luhutcKiG8WFRbOMJJASsY0fiFlU8rlJ2j4PPQeij3Eyz4tQW_lr4qPLXyqnQuMqbrIrPJKnW-14CXqWGKUPlwS5XmanC17qeWTNU/s1600/IMG_1499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBdTRj5r1ZAaQw9e9HDMOCU6IdQlstoJ0VOYfUQ2luhutcKiG8WFRbOMJJASsY0fiFlU8rlJ2j4PPQeij3Eyz4tQW_lr4qPLXyqnQuMqbrIrPJKnW-14CXqWGKUPlwS5XmanC17qeWTNU/s1600/IMG_1499.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgotdqw0Edqm7B8UqlzBY3uhK_4oeneKu07SMcB39WndJmOPWTZXLmadSYGlREhMlSxOQeY_KpWoEzzY759tF0IWdf8EdN0_9xoHa8GsJ8m2RevlMjVU_t-ntlOP8T63inF4trILPyPqo4/s1600/IMG_1494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgotdqw0Edqm7B8UqlzBY3uhK_4oeneKu07SMcB39WndJmOPWTZXLmadSYGlREhMlSxOQeY_KpWoEzzY759tF0IWdf8EdN0_9xoHa8GsJ8m2RevlMjVU_t-ntlOP8T63inF4trILPyPqo4/s1600/IMG_1494.JPG" height="640" width="456" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGfEYPnTSKULDSTwRFxTAYNJTye7LvxEIcJvgFxblVX7un5m19cma0vSXsK7x9IwpXHvaLTq0QBBe15NyJBVsGtnrUlQAntRj1OAoi70ef8klBDVfONISmhGGk_K-zywMew21wgSgHUig/s1600/IMG_0616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGfEYPnTSKULDSTwRFxTAYNJTye7LvxEIcJvgFxblVX7un5m19cma0vSXsK7x9IwpXHvaLTq0QBBe15NyJBVsGtnrUlQAntRj1OAoi70ef8klBDVfONISmhGGk_K-zywMew21wgSgHUig/s1600/IMG_0616.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
IT.WAS.CRAZY...<br />
<br />
Back to reality...<br />
<br />
I had a screw removed from my foot from a surgery that I had in Nov 2012. I literally had a screw loose! It was a simple procedure, but the recovery was a bit tough. I was cleared to go back to work a few days later (I'm a flight attendant) and flew for 4 days with STITCHES IN MY FOOT...Big mistake. I thought I would die. But now my foot is almost healed (still a bit sore).<br />
<br />
A sweet friend of mine lost her beautiful granddaughter the other night. She was born with some serious problems and only lived a few months. But in those few months, this sweet angel touched many, many lives and her memory will be with me forever. It puts so much into perspective.<br />
<br />
We all face challenges in our lives. I love my life, my husband, my children, grandchildren, family and dear friends. As crazy as life can get, I wouldn't change my trials and challenges for anyone else's.<br />
<br />
May God bless you all...(pictures to follow)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s89.photobucket.com/albums/k212/mcolovich/?action=view&current=Signature1-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k212/mcolovich/Signature1-1.jpg" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for your kind thoughts...</div>...You May Say I'm A Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16951960903633390194noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1479693048632476929.post-30692225344427875262014-03-15T10:20:00.000-06:002014-03-15T10:44:29.174-06:00 A Flight Attendant's Thoughts on Flight 370My heart has been heavy this past week since I first learned of the news of Malaysia Airlines flight 370 that went missing on March 8th. I can't even begin to imagine what has gone through the minds of the crew and passengers aboard. I don't know what happened, none of us do. How does a 777 just disappear? Here are a few facts on the beautiful Boeing 777:<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The <b>Boeing 777</b> is a family of long-range <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wide-body_aircraft" style="background-image: none; text-decoration: none;" title="Wide-body aircraft">wide-body</a> twin-engine <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jet_airliner" style="background-image: none; text-decoration: none;" title="Jet airliner">jet airliners</a>developed and manufactured by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_Commercial_Airplanes" style="background-image: none; text-decoration: none;" title="Boeing Commercial Airplanes">Boeing Commercial Airplanes</a>. It is the world's largest <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twinjet" style="background-image: none; text-decoration: none;" title="Twinjet">twinjet</a> and has a typical seating capacity for 314 to 451 passengers, with a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Range_(aircraft)" style="background-image: none; text-decoration: none;" title="Range (aircraft)">range</a> of 5,235 to 9,380 <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nautical_mile" style="background-image: none; text-decoration: none;" title="Nautical mile">nautical miles</a> (9,695 to 17,372 km). Commonly referred to as the "Triple Seven"<span style="font-size: x-small;">. (From Wikipedia)</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span>
From a Flight Attendants perspective, here are a few thoughts.<br />
<br />
First and foremost, we are trained, trained and trained in every possible aspect of SAFETY, then we are trained, trained and trained again...it never ends. We are constantly receiving procedural updates and tested on our knowledge of the most important aspect of our job.<br />
<br />
Safety procedures are DRILLED into our heads from day 1 of training. Each time I step foot on a plane, I think "Safety". It doesn't stop. As passengers board the flight, I greet each one face-to-face, looking each one in the eye. On the Jumpseat, I'm doing a silent review of emergency procedures and commands. I assess my "able-bodied passengers"; who could assist if needed and I know who might need some special assistance. I always say a little prayer, that whatever happens, I will remain calm and know what to do. We are constantly training throughout the year and have a yearly re qualification. It is THE REASON flight attendants are on the plane.<br />
<br />
Pilots are trained very much the same, with completely different details. Their #1 concern is the safety of the plane. They know that plane inside and out. Their training is incredibly extensive in the "what ifs". I count on my pilots to be on top of their game. They have checklists that they take VERY seriously and keep us apprised on the goings-on so that together we can do our best to assure a seamless operation.<br />
<br />
I respect and appreciate my pilots. I know they receive intensive, on-going trainings. My brother is a 777 captain. He knows his plane, procedures and protocol like the back of his hand. I've watched him my entire life "breathe" airplanes. His extensive (unbelievable, actually) flight hours, trainings and, most importantly, experience have ensured a safe and successful career as a major airline Captain. I respect him and appreciate his attention to every detail.<br />
<br />
I also SO appreciate my passengers who listen to my safety announcements and are compliant even when the "rules" seem dumb or unnecessary. I promise you, there are valid reasons for every request. We are trained to CARE for our passengers. I can't speak for all Flight Attendants, but when you step aboard one of MY flights, know that your welfare is my #1 concern...I love my passengers and feel a real responsibility to assure the safest flight possible.<br />
<br />
The airline industry is a tight industry. We feel for each other and when something terrible happens to one airline, we all feel like it has happened to a family member/s.<br />
<br />
I pray that answers come quickly about the disappearance of Malaysia 370. I pray that peace and comfort come to the family and friends of those aboard. There is still a glimmer of hope that some, maybe many or all, are alive. God bless them.<br />
<a href="http://s89.photobucket.com/albums/k212/mcolovich/?action=view&current=Signature1-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k212/mcolovich/Signature1-1.jpg" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for your kind thoughts...</div>...You May Say I'm A Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16951960903633390194noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1479693048632476929.post-11001968030536420602014-01-13T00:30:00.001-07:002014-01-13T00:30:02.179-07:00Life Lessons From a 90 Year Old<blockquote type="cite">
<div dir="ltr">
<div class="gmail_quote">
<div dir="auto">
<blockquote type="cite">
<blockquote type="cite">
<div dir="ltr">
<div class="gmail_quote">
<div bgcolor="#ffffff">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAJ_MVrbKBNlZjuVBrLqAXq0985lg56o0HSPSHp8iCI3E-sgU9Gjznh6V7ktRuTUYQjDPFgx26g4ROtll_3JlXJ_ZWgoCRtWxWdGhgfmPGZsnIzr5CWouLwCOQmwcOZsAYaAERGUn1j24/s1600/008B70C7-405C-43B0-B6B4-63BCDB2F0F44.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAJ_MVrbKBNlZjuVBrLqAXq0985lg56o0HSPSHp8iCI3E-sgU9Gjznh6V7ktRuTUYQjDPFgx26g4ROtll_3JlXJ_ZWgoCRtWxWdGhgfmPGZsnIzr5CWouLwCOQmwcOZsAYaAERGUn1j24/s1600/008B70C7-405C-43B0-B6B4-63BCDB2F0F44.JPG" height="640" width="502" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody>
<tr><td style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 537px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="padding: 1.5pt; width: 533px;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="3"><tbody>
<tr><td style="padding: 0.75pt;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="3"><tbody>
<tr><td style="padding: 0.75pt;"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="3"><tbody>
<tr><td style="padding: 0.75pt;"><div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Written by Regina Brett, 90 years old, of the Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio .</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most requested column I've ever written.</span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote type="cite">
<div dir="ltr">
<div class="gmail_quote">
<div dir="auto">
<blockquote type="cite">
<blockquote type="cite">
<div dir="ltr">
<div class="gmail_quote">
<div bgcolor="#ffffff">
<div dir="ltr">
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody>
<tr><td style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 537px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="padding: 1.5pt; width: 533px;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="3"><tbody>
<tr><td style="padding: 0.75pt;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="3"><tbody>
<tr><td style="padding: 0.75pt;"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="3"><tbody>
<tr><td style="padding: 0.75pt;"><div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:</span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<blockquote type="cite">
<div dir="ltr">
<div class="gmail_quote">
<div dir="auto">
<blockquote type="cite">
<blockquote type="cite">
<div dir="ltr">
<div class="gmail_quote">
<div bgcolor="#ffffff">
<div dir="ltr">
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody>
<tr><td style="padding: 0in;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 537px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="padding: 1.5pt; width: 533px;" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="3"><tbody>
<tr><td style="padding: 0.75pt;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="3"><tbody>
<tr><td style="padding: 0.75pt;"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="3"><tbody>
<tr><td style="padding: 0.75pt;"><div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">3. Life is too short enjoy it.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and family will.</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">5. Pay off your credit cards every month.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">6. You don't have to win every argument. Stay true to yourself.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">10. <b>When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the future.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye, but don't worry, God never blinks.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">16.. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful. Clutter weighs you down in many ways.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">19.. It's never too late to be happy. But it is all up to you and no one else.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">24. The most important sex organ is the brain.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">27. Always choose life.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">28. Forgive</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">29. What other people think of you is none of your business.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">33. <b>Believe in miracles</b> .</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">34. <b>God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.</b> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">36. Growing old beats the alternative of dying young.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">37. Your children get only one childhood.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">41. Envy is a waste of time. Accept what you already have, not what you need</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">42. The best is yet to come...</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">44. Yield.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">45. <b>Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."</b> </span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</blockquote>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for your kind thoughts...</div>...You May Say I'm A Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16951960903633390194noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1479693048632476929.post-512463340567730772014-01-10T13:50:00.000-07:002014-01-10T13:50:12.121-07:00Say What You Need To Say<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcikOJYu2tnw3HcfRhw5LnkumcNV68TpduxdcNzUht81zGViyET5zsb7swvKDE0pnIMvgJovspNm35qOYa5HGVIuzD0TdILOdOUW3W5f6hd6y3jeanSq_ZJmYZc7cwoSOepGryIunPvlg/s1600/9A388FA8-1C64-4F68-B3D0-11758530D2EE.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcikOJYu2tnw3HcfRhw5LnkumcNV68TpduxdcNzUht81zGViyET5zsb7swvKDE0pnIMvgJovspNm35qOYa5HGVIuzD0TdILOdOUW3W5f6hd6y3jeanSq_ZJmYZc7cwoSOepGryIunPvlg/s1600/9A388FA8-1C64-4F68-B3D0-11758530D2EE.JPG" height="465" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Just a little over 2 years and 6 months ago I attended Initial New Hire Training for the airline I currently work for. During the training, a pilot came to speak to us and asked for a commitment from each of us to email him and "Say what you need to say". I rose my hand that day and made that commitment to him....But I never emailed him and this has haunted me these 2 years and 6 months! I am a woman of my word and I have struggled with what to "say", But at last, I have decided on what I want to say. Let me first explain...</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Without going into too much detail, I experienced a really painful, unfair and truthfully, horrid situation with someone who I have to deal with for the rest of my life. This person has made it their mission to destroy my life, marriage and anything else that they can when it comes to myself or my husband. In August, I was put through the ringer with this person. I was treated VERY unfairly and very hatefully. After all the years of staying silent and taking their abuse, I went home and I fell apart. I sobbed for 2 days, wanted to crawl into a hole and just fade away. Shortly after this event a dear friend stopped by knowing the history with this person. He sat with my husband and me and listened to my sobbings. I unloaded. Then he made a statement that was simple, pure and PERFECT! He said, <strong>"Mary, you need to go out and find someone to serve."</strong> My first response was <strong>"REALLY?!? how is this even possible? I fly all the time and am never home..."</strong>He simply and lovingly replied, <strong>"You'll find a way."</strong></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I pondered his counsel for the next 2 days (my off days). You see, I live in a small town (Midway,UT) and LOVE to serve having served on many committees including the Midway Boosters, serve as the Secretary of our local caucus, chair for the Swiss Miss Pageant, had various church callings and currently serve as Chair for Advertising/PR for our annual Swiss Days event held each Labor Day weekend (there's my plug!) My heart knew that he was exactly right but my conundrum was how to go about this "service" with my crazy flight attendant schedule? Then I had a crazy thought...I had a 4 day trip coming up (that I wasn't terribly excited about, to be honest) but maybe I could commit to myself that I would "SERVE" every passenger who stepped onboard my flights. And I mean REALLY serve them. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I checked in for my first flight, not feeling so great, but the commitment that I had made to myself resonated in my ears...<i><b>"Serve them, Mary...just serve them."</b></i> It started very simply. I looked at the first passenger in the eye, smiled and said "Welcome aboard." Then looked at the next and did essentially the same thing, then the next passenger and the next and on and on...Yes, I looked every passenger in the eye and greeted them with sincerity, a smile and even appropriate compliments. It wasn't long before I began to feel real, sincere concern for them and, dare I say, even a sense of love for them. Since that day, I have changed my entire perspective of my "job"...in fact, it's no longer a job, I view it as a "Calling"! I know that sounds lame, but for me, it works! I look at it as a calling to touch the lives of others for the better...to leave my passengers feeling even a little bit better than when they stepped on the plane. I can offer sincere understanding and genuinely touch the lives of others by simply listening, understanding and caring about the worth of each and every soul that I come in contact with. I try to be aware. As an example, a lady came onboard (a short non-service flight) and it was obvious that she had been crying. As soon as I could get out of my jump seat, I quickly wrote her a note simply saying, "I'm sorry that you're having a hard day. I hope I can make your day a little brighter" and dropped it off with some peanuts, pretzels and a cookie. She came to me later and told me that she had just lost a best friend to cancer, having just left her funeral then proceeded to give me a big hug and thanked me for my concern.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Like me, everyone has been treated unfairly and been betrayed by people in their lives. Like me, not everyone flies for pleasure and like me, everyone hurts.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I can't even begin to tell you how much better my life is both personally and professionally. I feel very liberated! When I fly with a negative or critical flight attendant (or Pilot), that's OK because I just work to serve them, knowing that they are hurting too...</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">As I attempt to bless the lives of others, my life has been more richly blessed. As a result, my passenger compliments have increased dramatically, both written and verbally (which is just a bonus). <strong><em>Please know that I am not tooting my own horn.</em></strong> I'm not perfect, but I love what I do and I do what I love. I am healing from the injustices that I experienced in August. I have learned to forgive, forgive and then forgive again. And I'm sure this will be a perpetual exercise for me throughout my life. And that's OK. I never would have believed that exhausted, sometimes ornery, cranky, even downright nasty passengers could help to heal me! But they have because I have learned to love them and understand that they hurt too and sometimes just a sincere smile can help lift their load I can even feel compassion (just a teeeeeeny bit) for the person who has hurt me...but it's a step! What a difference a paradigm shift can make!</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">In closing, let me quote the words of the great</span><strong> Paul McCartney</strong><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">,</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span><strong><em>"...And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make."</em></strong></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<a href="http://s89.photobucket.com/albums/k212/mcolovich/?action=view&current=Signature1-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k212/mcolovich/Signature1-1.jpg" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for your kind thoughts...</div>...You May Say I'm A Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16951960903633390194noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1479693048632476929.post-29046957160680052682014-01-09T13:06:00.001-07:002014-01-09T19:05:49.065-07:00Blah...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFKr3qUkIp-UmOyw-eV8cZ7GKLYlr5Lx103jl-AoN5APbWIqXIrjnsduBhb7xwFne64q6V1WBYLGa6ZU8KnDme99IyJf0bvtb2emE_g81qebMOOJXfpif4A8z8p9uOFA5voBzLuURXNwk/s1600/E1305CBB-970E-4699-B967-D85A40BED5EE.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFKr3qUkIp-UmOyw-eV8cZ7GKLYlr5Lx103jl-AoN5APbWIqXIrjnsduBhb7xwFne64q6V1WBYLGa6ZU8KnDme99IyJf0bvtb2emE_g81qebMOOJXfpif4A8z8p9uOFA5voBzLuURXNwk/s1600/E1305CBB-970E-4699-B967-D85A40BED5EE.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
Here I am...sitting in a hotel for 30 hours in Nashville, TN. It's a beautiful city, lots to do, and I'm getting paid but it's cold and rainy and we're not within walking distance from much...blah...<br />
<br />
That's it!! I have a case of the "Blahs"!!<br />
<br />
I recently applied for a position within my company which I KNOW I was qualified for. I still know it. When I first found out that I wasn't selected, I was, well quite frankly, shocked. I had a similar, almost identical position at Delta and did a great job at it. I felt my interview was good and left confident that I just might nail this...I was wrong.<br />
<br />
As I stepped onto my plane yesterday to start a 4 day trip, I was...Blah. I didn't know the other crew members but had heard about the other flight attendant and had only heard good things. He didn't let me down! He is one of the sweetest guys I have flown with. We have laughed, giggled and chatted like two 12 year olds on a sleepover! I ADORE him and felt an instant connection. Shortly after we boarded, another flight attendant boarded our flight only to announce that he was doing a Safety Audit. I've never had one before, but it was great. I just did my job and he complimented me and said that he noticed that I was attentive to my job and that I really, genuinely cared about my passengers.<br />
<br />
And I DO care about my passengers...every last one of them (I'll post about a major epiphany later).<br />
<br />
I mentioned to him that I was not chosen for the recent position. He acted completely shocked saying how I was so perfect for this position and then proceeded to tell me that he too had been "rejected" for the very same position in the past. Now I was REALLY shocked. He was very sharp, professional, kind, caring, mature and seemed very capable.<br />
<br />
It was amazing to me how people were placed in my life yesterday who lifted me and felt my worth. I am at peace with NOT being selected and, although I still know my abilities, for whatever reason it wasn't meant to be, I'm sorry that I was unable to portray accurately my skills and abilities...that's my responsibility, but life goes on. I will still continue to dazzle my passengers and give them the best me.<br />
<br />
I doubt that I will ever again apply for any position that comes available...but, never say never! I'm happy where I am. So the Blahs will pass but in the meantime I am so thankful for new, lifelong friends and for peers who make my job easier and who bless my life just by being in it.<br />
<a href="http://s89.photobucket.com/albums/k212/mcolovich/?action=view&current=Signature1-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k212/mcolovich/Signature1-1.jpg" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for your kind thoughts...</div>...You May Say I'm A Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16951960903633390194noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1479693048632476929.post-1185850587797454442014-01-07T19:53:00.000-07:002014-01-08T05:34:32.780-07:00One Word<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-m9cE268greN1PM0CfIkG1MPZGVAAfQc1Ois-0xwu3DupZexab2T9-G-ygDir9y171wdPIAhiLow_WL5lIyKjw7fprUxRVrI3LHKWg23DKJWJ-Yo0I8mAec6u1M1p8yG9vu54iQ-H7Rk/s1600/B7B7B41C-94C1-480D-A1BA-D7DD10586300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-m9cE268greN1PM0CfIkG1MPZGVAAfQc1Ois-0xwu3DupZexab2T9-G-ygDir9y171wdPIAhiLow_WL5lIyKjw7fprUxRVrI3LHKWg23DKJWJ-Yo0I8mAec6u1M1p8yG9vu54iQ-H7Rk/s1600/B7B7B41C-94C1-480D-A1BA-D7DD10586300.JPG" height="502" width="640" /></a></div>
It's that time of year...the NEW year.<br />
<br />
Like most people, I used to make a pretty hefty list of lofty goals that seemed honorable and needed for the upcoming year and like most people, I fell terribly short of the majority of my resolutions. So, I spent a few years where my rebellious nature refused to allow me to move forward with bright hope. Then I discovered the "One Word"<br />
<br />
About 5 years ago I awoke early one January morning. It was dark and the stillness of the morning was calming and peaceful. I turned on my phone and saw my new calendar for the year. It was 365 blank days illuminated in the blackness of the early dawn. As I looked at each blank month, I was struck by the power of having a blank canvas staring me in the face and I changed.<br />
<br />
I decided that since I was unsuccessful in making traditional resolutions, I had to do something different. So I came up with One Word. I printed it up, put it on my refrigerator and looked at it everyday. It served as the word that would dictate to me how each and every decision would be made.<br />
<br />
In the past, I've chosen words such as Focus, Balance and Patience.<br />
<br />
I have selected my word for 2014. It wasn't even on my radar until a few weeks ago, but I know it's MY word. It's the word I will think of when I'm faced with every decision, every interaction and most importantly, every frustration and challenge.<br />
<br />
My word is: GRACIOUS<br />
<br />
We live in a very ungracious world in many ways. I feel it's appropriate and necessary at this time of my life.<br />
<br />
So to all of you, I commit to working on this. I look forward to becoming a more gracious person in a fast-paced, self-centered society where many are more concerned about themselves than anyone else.<br />
<br />
May God bless you all...<br />
<a href="http://s89.photobucket.com/albums/k212/mcolovich/?action=view&current=Signature1-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k212/mcolovich/Signature1-1.jpg" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for your kind thoughts...</div>...You May Say I'm A Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16951960903633390194noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1479693048632476929.post-57429157132992005772013-09-25T07:07:00.002-06:002013-09-25T07:14:27.672-06:00Quick Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4vS5AuIGiLiGupQcEuW9B_qvm_lx19bUoYExAa6R8q-QztsbZBQ981nH4lW1ARLdW-4vfAwJldxyzVhIFzd4qap0tU7c3A_ZRB4rjrIHviOZ5_IDJQs3Y7hngv41r4Ekk4kPB7w4r4F8/s1600/17029304810755816_ioSn8CFF_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4vS5AuIGiLiGupQcEuW9B_qvm_lx19bUoYExAa6R8q-QztsbZBQ981nH4lW1ARLdW-4vfAwJldxyzVhIFzd4qap0tU7c3A_ZRB4rjrIHviOZ5_IDJQs3Y7hngv41r4Ekk4kPB7w4r4F8/s640/17029304810755816_ioSn8CFF_b.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
I went to the doc for my third and (hopefully) final medical test and the results are in!!<br />
<br />
Let me start by saying that since Aug 30th, I have been undergoing testing for Lupus, MS and the big, ugly, Cancer. It has been a trying time for me...not understanding what has been going on with my body, trying to maintain my composure without panicking, and facing the "C" word. It's been rough, but also a great period of growth for me.<br />
<br />
<br />
Today I received the long-awaited news...Benign polyps, no CANCER!!<br />
<br />
<br />
I felt tremendous relief, joy and elation. As I drove home in moderate pain (from more poking & prodding), I could hardly contain my excitement. Then it hit me that millions of people have experienced the mix of emotions that I have experienced since this journey began, only to receive dreaded news.<br />
<br />
<br />
And my heart broke.<br />
<br />
<br />
Why me? Why am I OK and others aren't? Why do I have a new lease on life when someone else is facing a possible death sentence? I guess it's called "Life".<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
So today I get to walk a lovely new path but will pray for those who must walk a frightening path and hope and pray that I will always remember and be grateful for another chance...Thank you for all of your prayers and concern.<br />
<a href="http://s89.photobucket.com/albums/k212/mcolovich/?action=view&current=Signature1-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k212/mcolovich/Signature1-1.jpg" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for your kind thoughts...</div>...You May Say I'm A Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16951960903633390194noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1479693048632476929.post-18199231016630808682013-09-21T21:50:00.000-06:002013-09-23T07:38:25.931-06:00Inspiration<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM4KkTXD3rcKFTVgMjdKA16qTjeJBIpS17sicyMachxWgrbhnbsDVFa6fFkNSTPD5kcBZQPEhHE47LfmA-J6Ubul5aSUY5oR7SXGQWS-6qIxJ0_6zFJIdRBbCKDjHxl-6IP4AY7ixeybo/s1600/56E952A9-097C-4A29-AFDD-67423173B6BB.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM4KkTXD3rcKFTVgMjdKA16qTjeJBIpS17sicyMachxWgrbhnbsDVFa6fFkNSTPD5kcBZQPEhHE47LfmA-J6Ubul5aSUY5oR7SXGQWS-6qIxJ0_6zFJIdRBbCKDjHxl-6IP4AY7ixeybo/s640/56E952A9-097C-4A29-AFDD-67423173B6BB.JPG" width="560" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://s89.photobucket.com/albums/k212/mcolovich/?action=view&current=Signature1-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k212/mcolovich/Signature1-1.jpg" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for your kind thoughts...</div>...You May Say I'm A Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16951960903633390194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1479693048632476929.post-49092387284248909882013-09-19T11:40:00.001-06:002013-10-03T08:47:20.769-06:00Writers Block No More<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLbRGRPKtqsISjllM6h8IBh0TL3vxQjgbniCxapukzWGIzt6CNWZQzEixjU38jGdlR4He0ynikM3TCxbAJpNnwFPwUzJ0rMlVnG3ONrX3AE00kFUV_XPmkoAfxE5oYw5TdhXgHlTOuH2M/s1600/IMG_1750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLbRGRPKtqsISjllM6h8IBh0TL3vxQjgbniCxapukzWGIzt6CNWZQzEixjU38jGdlR4He0ynikM3TCxbAJpNnwFPwUzJ0rMlVnG3ONrX3AE00kFUV_XPmkoAfxE5oYw5TdhXgHlTOuH2M/s640/IMG_1750.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
Talk about WRITERS BLOCK!!
I have been wanting to write in my blog, but have been so uninspired...yet, a lot of things have transpired since I last wrote...I wondered if anyone even read this thing and then realized that it really doesn't matter and I should just write for myself.
I'm not even sure where I left off so let me just begin.<br />
<br />
My daughter, A, had her 3rd and hopefully FINAL heart surgery. It was super rough on her this time and her poor little body really struggled, but, she came through it and seems to be doing better each day. Both of her follow-up appointments have had positive outcomes with NO FLUID to be found...This is HUGE!! So we are incredibly thankful and hopeful that she can start to heal and regain her strength that has been lacking for so many years.<br />
<br />
All of the "Littles" are doing great. Each is growing so up so fast. Here's a quick rundown:<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br />A</b> is 7 and now in 2nd grade. She is an exceptional student. She's quite the perfectionist, which worried me a bit because she is very hard on herself. She loves dance, singing and has just started taking Ballroom Dancing lessons. She has tons of friends and is still my sweet girl.<br />
<br />
<b>A</b> is 6 and now in 1st grade. He is not so keen on school (kind of typical boy) but is very bright and that may just be the reason. If he's anything like his mother, he's bored to tears. He excels in sports. He loves soccer (and constantly scores goals) and now is beginning football where he has already scored a touchdown! <br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>S </b>is 5 and now in Kindergarten. She also loves school and has been waiting (im)patiently to begin "real" school. She loves to dance, has started taking clogging and has been selected to train with the BYU gymnastic coaches. By the way, she's the youngest one on the team so this is quite an honor for her. Her health has been pretty good but we are gearing up for the cold winter months that usually put her in the hospital.<br />
<br />
<b>B</b> is 4 and is in Preschool. She gives her mother fits and is one stubborn, strong-willed girl! Hmmmm...reminds me of her mother! She is also very smart, loves preschool, loves to dance and is sassy to the max! Good luck, Britt!!
and finally,<br />
<br />
<b>T</b> is 3 and is also in preschool. He is enrolled in the dual-immersion program so is learning Spanish. He is feisty and the smiliest kid I know! He is full of life, anxious to experience anything and so sweet.
<br />
<br />
My hubs and I are doing great. I have been having some unusual health issues with no definitive answers yet. I am currently undergoing a lot of testing and hoping to get some answers next week. of course there are concerns about what this could be but I am hopeful and VERY grateful for modern medicines and procedures that help a myriad of issues that, in days past, were deemed death sentences. I know this sounds very dramatic, but it's just reality.
As I have been forced to face my imminent mortality (as we all do at times) I have come to realize how incredibly blessed my life has been. I have enjoyed comforts that the majority of the world will never know. I have people who love me, an amazingly loving and faithful husband, a family who supports me and children & grandchildren that give me EVERYTHING I ever need. And really, what more do we need?<br />
<br />
I had an experience this summer where I was mistreated by someone who is very shallow and bitter. It was painful and unfair on so many levels, but this person made me realize that the people I need to have in my life are the people who are kind-hearted, unselfish and positive to be around. The whole experience forced me to look deep inside of myself and really evaluate where I am in life. Without going into any detail, I owe this person a great debt of gratitude for helping me to clarify my blessings. They tried to hurt me but, in fact, helped me beyond belief! I am going through the forgiveness process (although they haven't asked for my forgiveness) and I have grown as a result. It is so liberating to "let go" of hurt and angry feelings and rely on what I know to be true and just. I feel sorry for them and pray for them daily. I hope it helps them, but it really has helped me the most.<br />
<br />
Our Natalie got married on August 15th to an wonderful man named Brad. I wish them every happiness and success in the world. They are a great couple and have the entire world at their fingertips!<br />
<br />
My job is going great. I"m based in Salt Lake City which GREATLY increases my quality of life and although I don't always get the schedule I want or the days off I need, it is a huge blessing to be able to drive to/from work without the stress of commuting to another city. The airline industry is a fickle industry with changes constantly. Maybe that's why I like it so much...its never boring!<br />
<br />
When I first received the news that I would be undergoing extensive testing for the big "C", I felt helpless, devastated, scared and blah blah blah. A dear friend happened to stop by the house one morning. He said that as he was driving by, he felt "inspired" to stop in. My husband and I sat with him in the living room and just chatted. I was down...I felt as though I have never really done anything significant in my life. Then my sweet hubs quietly said, "can you believe that? She has no idea how much significance she has in my life..." And that made me cry... Eventually, the subject of my health came up and Brad shared with him our concerns. He listened intently and then very wisely said, "the best way for you to get through this is to go out and serve others". My first response was, "I'm never home and have to fly tomorrow for 4 days"...then it hit me...I can serve those I work with. And that's what I did. I really focused on my fellow crew members and my passengers. I gave the BEST customer service I could possibly give and made sure that I smiled at EVERYONE who boarded and thanked everyone who deplaned by looking them straight in the eye.
I have to say, that was probably the BEST 4 day trip I ever had! I "forgot", even if for a few hours at a time, my problems and my fears were allayed. My joy increased and my heart was lightened. My passengers were great and when we did have an "issue" I was better equipped to handle the situation.<br />
<br />
It really is true that when you lose yourself in others, you gain so much. My outlook is bright. I don't know what lies ahead and I may not know for a few more weeks. But I do know that I am alive and happy.<br />
<br />
I am blessed beyond my wildest dreams and I am hopeful that things will work out as they're supposed to. I only pray that I learn the lessons that need to be learned so that I can grow into someone who can help others.
If any of my loyal readers are still out there, thank you for staying around. If not, that's OK too.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaZp-m91EYVjqY4y3V8fk_FLZfCJbRrbpjTOGdYUSoiISEzcSFZ90Umrdy2ux-AZwHSCakCqChr3foaKK0Ee7CfzONdAWon6cQTVJGyVT0vBUl5kZn_9yWHVM-tc2082v0C9oHZ-_XPnA/s1600/Signature1-1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaZp-m91EYVjqY4y3V8fk_FLZfCJbRrbpjTOGdYUSoiISEzcSFZ90Umrdy2ux-AZwHSCakCqChr3foaKK0Ee7CfzONdAWon6cQTVJGyVT0vBUl5kZn_9yWHVM-tc2082v0C9oHZ-_XPnA/s320/Signature1-1.jpg" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for your kind thoughts...</div>...You May Say I'm A Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16951960903633390194noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1479693048632476929.post-61628560231437863662013-05-05T20:31:00.000-06:002013-05-05T20:31:14.338-06:00Angels on EarthIt's another beautiful Sabbath day. I have really grown to love Sunday and appreciate the "Day of Rest" aspect of the 7th day of the week. Having said that, I have to work most Sundays and am even away from home so on these rare days when I am in town, I really soak up the serenity of the day,<br />
<br />
For the past few weeks, I have been struggling with an issue requiring unconditional love and tolerance. An issue where a lot of dycotomies lie. I am happy and I am sad. I am hopeful and I am fearful. My heart is full, but broken at the same time...I know this sounds confusing, but out of respect for this person, I want to keep details out of this post. Suffice it to say that I have struggled.<br />
<br />
As I have pondered this particular situation, I have felt prompted to seek out the "counsel" or maybe even just a listening ear from a sweet friend whom I have known for several years from my church. I have never had a very deep conversation with this sweet lady, but I have admired her endlessly since the day I met her. She's AMAZINGLY compassionate, wise and unconditional...I saw her at church and told her I wanted to talk with her...we met at a public place, shared chips and salsa and talked.<br />
<br />
Unsure of exactly what I needed from her, we sat down and I began to tell her my situation. As I was explaining my concerns, it dawned on me that what I was really afraid of was my "Being Afraid". She sat across the table from me and listened to my heart. Her eyes displayed compassion and love for me and my heart swelled. We talked...and talked...and talked...it was beautiful. I told her that I felt "prompted" to call her...she said that maybe I was prompted to call her because she was going through an almost identical situation!<br />
<br />
Her ability and capacity for unconditional love is unmeasurable! She is wise beyond her years and as a result of her life's experiences and undenied faith, I look up to and respect her more than she will ever know. As we sat together today, two women of faith who struggle with challenges like everyone else, I felt a connection to her that is now eternal.<br />
<br />
So this is basically what we talked about...<br />
<br />
She said to me, "Mary, God loves us exactly where we are..." I thought about that. As a recovering addict, she shared that in her very darkest moments, He still loved her. She wasn't in a good place, but He was there with her when she called upon Him...He never let her down. <br />
<br />
She referred me to an LDS Conference talk...It's entitled: "The Hope of God's Light"...here's an excerpt that resonated with me.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>First, start where you are. </b><br />
<i>Isn’t it wonderful to know that we don’t have to be perfect to experience the blessings and gifts of our Heavenly Father? We don’t have to wait to cross the finish line to receive God’s blessings. In fact, the heavens begin to part and the blessings of heaven begin to distill upon us with the very first steps we take toward the light. </i><br />
<i>The perfect place to begin is exactly where you are right now. It doesn’t matter how unqualified you may think you are or how far behind others you may feel. The very moment you begin to seek your Heavenly Father, in that moment, the hope of His light will begin to awaken, enliven, and ennoble your soul. The darkness may not dissipate all at once, but as surely as night always gives way to dawn, the light will come. </i><br />
<br />
<b>Second, turn your heart toward the Lord. </b><br />
<i>Lift up your soul in prayer and explain to your Heavenly Father what you are feeling. Acknowledge your shortcomings. Pour out your heart and express your gratitude. Let Him know of the trials you are facing. Plead with Him in Christ’s name for strength and support. Ask that your ears may be opened, that you may hear His voice. Ask that your eyes may be opened, that you may see His light. </i><br />
<br />
<b>Third, walk in the light. </b><br />
<i>Your Heavenly Father knows that you will make mistakes. He knows that you will stumble—perhaps many times. This saddens Him, but He loves you. He does not wish to break your spirit. On the contrary, He desires that you rise up and become the person you were designed to be</i>. (May 2013 Ensign, The Hope of God’s Light, By President Dieter F. Uchtdorf)<br />
<br />
I think that sometimes I feel as though I need to be "further along" in my journey of life. I am hard on myself and sometimes those I love because I want the best for them. This sweet angel told me today something to the effect: "who are we to interfere with someone else's journey?" They may be going down a path that is different from mine or different than what I THINK they should be going down, but they are God's children and I have to have trust and faith in Him that He will help them along their way.<br />
<br />
How grateful I am for Hope...For God's pure love...For dear, sweet friends who take time out of their day to listen and love me. For words of wisdom that are shared from the heart and heard differently when I listen with my heart.<br />
<a href="http://s89.photobucket.com/albums/k212/mcolovich/?action=view&current=Signature1-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k212/mcolovich/Signature1-1.jpg" /></a><br />
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for your kind thoughts...</div>...You May Say I'm A Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16951960903633390194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1479693048632476929.post-79098707914142468212013-04-26T09:58:00.000-06:002013-04-26T10:34:45.467-06:00Complacency<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvzyV-ju3oWagDtf0Dz3uGnaskTkMGs71tXVVWiIi-pMaS7gAo4km5-aVDWKOo_1R-jWzFFc-TW9VFOO4DRQ00SJMSnMUPKOoTF91T2JMVjjEfmpifsRI5rLsdsWuWviUpyMPeMtC2Sp0/s1600/IMG_2323.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvzyV-ju3oWagDtf0Dz3uGnaskTkMGs71tXVVWiIi-pMaS7gAo4km5-aVDWKOo_1R-jWzFFc-TW9VFOO4DRQ00SJMSnMUPKOoTF91T2JMVjjEfmpifsRI5rLsdsWuWviUpyMPeMtC2Sp0/s640/IMG_2323.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
Again...I've been absent from my blog...Life has gotten in the way...<br />
<br />
Here are a few updates:<br />
<br />
First and foremost, I FINALLY GOT MY TRANSFER!! After 22 looooong months, I was awarded my transfer to Salt Lake City. No more commuting! This is HUGE!!! Can I just say that being able to DRIVE to work vs. FLY to work is unbelievably wonderful.<br />
<br />
My family is doing well. Little Stella is healthy and strong. Her whole experience in ICU changed her. She was always a very loving little girl, but she is now more demonstrative and open with her affections. She and I have an even stronger bond. The Lord was incredibly merciful and spared that precious life. Not a day goes by where I don't thank Him and express my sincerest love and gratitude for His tender mercies.<br />
<br />
Aja needs one more (at least) heart procedure. She is planning on June for the surgery and we're hopeful that this will alleviate the problem, or at least get her in the right direction for healing.<br />
<br />
We went to Disneyland with 3 of our grandchildren. We had a BLAST, but...it was exhausting!! The kids were perfect! They were like little energizer bunnies who didn't stop until we got back to the hotel...then they dropped...Brad and I were totally exhausted, but it was totally worth every smile from those sweet kids.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiespxiQhgW05svvmNNSHSdQ017sU4A8fQ87aHx4AZYRgzwtVdV74oC-K9qfb_Klmp-tVvuxuaBwB7EY9_Qj1rmhK2vngMF9g_6U4Tj-QrPh-26fybyeBa_ficORAx1556tiL_n4aEPkBo/s1600/IMG_2324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiespxiQhgW05svvmNNSHSdQ017sU4A8fQ87aHx4AZYRgzwtVdV74oC-K9qfb_Klmp-tVvuxuaBwB7EY9_Qj1rmhK2vngMF9g_6U4Tj-QrPh-26fybyeBa_ficORAx1556tiL_n4aEPkBo/s320/IMG_2324.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8dO3IfCCZAr-EC_XysrRBNYnfEtYm5BZHB7xw7AhN4EVolz_9h-7Ml9eJXlByu8MVD_gQpU2s3TfGng6ELm8NCHpqsSvYBnaiDKGjQxLoN1bYZFySZQjo4zKurdZWKZ6T6HH6bn_mkMs/s1600/IMG_2326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8dO3IfCCZAr-EC_XysrRBNYnfEtYm5BZHB7xw7AhN4EVolz_9h-7Ml9eJXlByu8MVD_gQpU2s3TfGng6ELm8NCHpqsSvYBnaiDKGjQxLoN1bYZFySZQjo4zKurdZWKZ6T6HH6bn_mkMs/s320/IMG_2326.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRjyVqSbokIJSQvmlQcd7OaTMkP8w_vQRriROcb_ecaM3nLgUSKnGEBglNwXXn0LnWkbE29-_BhlYeu6SkB10tcMDqfOd1bS6QgCgkMjW42IR_AQOi1fH9anUugByNm-f1c4im9n0FQJU/s1600/IMG_2333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRjyVqSbokIJSQvmlQcd7OaTMkP8w_vQRriROcb_ecaM3nLgUSKnGEBglNwXXn0LnWkbE29-_BhlYeu6SkB10tcMDqfOd1bS6QgCgkMjW42IR_AQOi1fH9anUugByNm-f1c4im9n0FQJU/s320/IMG_2333.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPKYVpPF_s4U2nlhZLV-3p5sq1PM-UAOtcIT3MgRORZNBZzI8-TD-kkQHK9GmqepWucNARkeTlHnsfcaQmV2TpAj1utlVqBoVQyGNeFXcsEiQoNJxgANsc2pIFM0yTMAGLZUVFHkmc1Kk/s1600/IMG_2371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPKYVpPF_s4U2nlhZLV-3p5sq1PM-UAOtcIT3MgRORZNBZzI8-TD-kkQHK9GmqepWucNARkeTlHnsfcaQmV2TpAj1utlVqBoVQyGNeFXcsEiQoNJxgANsc2pIFM0yTMAGLZUVFHkmc1Kk/s320/IMG_2371.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfIl9vOmVxUATgZpiaa7_Uij-cyVdi36FQ91NYgFW6PT2Zqfve6a4VhbpFRPG-z2odQjRIDTzETtiC-V60rjAMLLGYUf2MKfzdR5Zaaz3BBk7mRnuKnZ4IXySnHjRiOEIm5Es6Ypjwz48/s1600/IMG_2366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfIl9vOmVxUATgZpiaa7_Uij-cyVdi36FQ91NYgFW6PT2Zqfve6a4VhbpFRPG-z2odQjRIDTzETtiC-V60rjAMLLGYUf2MKfzdR5Zaaz3BBk7mRnuKnZ4IXySnHjRiOEIm5Es6Ypjwz48/s320/IMG_2366.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_tsKjyNib9_vCAPh32OLhf9g5y_PDet-Yj0Oi57MSDFgz6Vgs-RDPCWWmxRtyqtDhkb7Zlu__stWFPNdCInHoxTrirVfGhatjb8HeeanbrzxgCRVN4n4pkUu_cZ_xvrXnLdDMVJidrv8/s1600/IMG_2373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_tsKjyNib9_vCAPh32OLhf9g5y_PDet-Yj0Oi57MSDFgz6Vgs-RDPCWWmxRtyqtDhkb7Zlu__stWFPNdCInHoxTrirVfGhatjb8HeeanbrzxgCRVN4n4pkUu_cZ_xvrXnLdDMVJidrv8/s320/IMG_2373.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihk5vCvPd3avCUXxulChX2J7xdFEoeW6eDO-Ms6Cr3Noyz6C-BLTz_Yar168VaiHzk2av80DJoiM4Vhkq70NTZUoVUa62upGJDF6JEMFm0kJGJubYPLTbvYGH9nS5whlBDaaQEUPj3XOE/s1600/IMG_2364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihk5vCvPd3avCUXxulChX2J7xdFEoeW6eDO-Ms6Cr3Noyz6C-BLTz_Yar168VaiHzk2av80DJoiM4Vhkq70NTZUoVUa62upGJDF6JEMFm0kJGJubYPLTbvYGH9nS5whlBDaaQEUPj3XOE/s320/IMG_2364.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoOWZr6yTc3uo7O2iKkis0SaLhkN5V9u9BCisBNuod2SvUFTPTGkhLheZYvX-ZgJZ9CzZMpe6W7UtHq3x6KoEU8IcZPR7pl_yiW5f2CameWF-tQxosQkG_zVoOzbkoOqX3jvQogLdw3p4/s1600/IMG_2365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoOWZr6yTc3uo7O2iKkis0SaLhkN5V9u9BCisBNuod2SvUFTPTGkhLheZYvX-ZgJZ9CzZMpe6W7UtHq3x6KoEU8IcZPR7pl_yiW5f2CameWF-tQxosQkG_zVoOzbkoOqX3jvQogLdw3p4/s320/IMG_2365.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA8FTykQUlmRUcQxUOC87Mcb9WMlqGa715Phh49vrZKpDLvDjvhGOqOKGEYyTENd_IwVDQCQOG6axrlV_uDhLIie3hU5r2XdrIf2JrfqPJYrOdnzFBFxdLf3YwM4neX5enNfMDJRn1Ygg/s1600/IMG_2374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA8FTykQUlmRUcQxUOC87Mcb9WMlqGa715Phh49vrZKpDLvDjvhGOqOKGEYyTENd_IwVDQCQOG6axrlV_uDhLIie3hU5r2XdrIf2JrfqPJYrOdnzFBFxdLf3YwM4neX5enNfMDJRn1Ygg/s320/IMG_2374.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I've been flying like crazy. That's a good thing, but again, exhausting at times.<br />
<br />
My last 4 day trip was very eventful, to say the least...<br />
<br />
It started out on kind of a bad foot. We were delayed from the start about 2 hours. I was working our smallest plane in the fleet which is our little Turbo Prop which holds 30 passengers total. I LOVE this plane! It's loud, bumpy and small but for some reason, so much fun. With 30 passengers, I am usually able to visit with some of my passengers and I try to make their experience a positive one.<br />
<br />
We finally boarded and I ended up with only 16 passengers. As we were literally lifting off the runway, about 3 min. into the flight, my cabin started to fill up with smoke. I immediately began running the procedures through my head for a smoke-filled cabin. My heart rate jumped and all I could do was tell myself to stay calm and remember the training I have received. I'll spare the details, but, my passengers were AMAZING!! They followed my commands and helped me try to locate the source of any fire (there were no flames or fire). They remained calm and, even though there were a few tears and I could see the fear on their faces, they did not panic and they listened to me. Ultimately, we returned to the airport (it was a 13 min. flight in total) and we evacuated normally.<br />
<br />
I learned a lot in those 13 minutes. I realized that it is VERY easy to become complacent and comfortable because an experience like I had, is not the norm. In 25 years in this industry, I have NEVER had anything like this happen. I realized that NOT paying attention to details can kill you and by PAYING attention to details, your chances of survival are greatly increased.<br />
<br />
It made me ponder my life...how often do we wake up in the morning and "assume" that we will make it to another day?... That when I get in the car, I will get to my destination and then back home with no incident...and, how often have I gotten on a flight and rushed through my pre-flights? It is so easy to become complacent with the everyday details of life, but it's the details that make a difference.<br />
<br />
I am SO thankful that I had the experience I did on my flight. I'm especially thankful that nobody was hurt or injured and that we landed safely. I am truly grateful for the intense training that we have as flight attendants and that my company never lets up on us! As difficult as it can be, our training really kicks in and in that crisis I knew exactly what to do...I can always do better, but my training definitely worked. So kudos to SkyWest Airlines!! What an amazing training department!<br />
<br />
I'm thankful for the lesson of complacency that I learned that day. I can only hope and pray that I will always pay attention to the details and never take things for granted. I prayed a lot on that flight and asked for Heavenly Father's help...He, of course, pulled me through.<br />
<br />
May The Lord bless us all and may we never take anything for granted.<br />
<a href="http://s89.photobucket.com/albums/k212/mcolovich/?action=view&current=Signature1-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k212/mcolovich/Signature1-1.jpg" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for your kind thoughts...</div>...You May Say I'm A Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16951960903633390194noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1479693048632476929.post-70871154038104861392013-02-15T11:14:00.003-07:002013-02-15T20:09:42.738-07:00Miracles Exist<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfH739VY-_51UxHDr3zgFvXMy1Dam2_L9ZfGtbqd3CXmlvEvFermdfqi17NTQAlRSn6CyGJJ-vu45sJawe7u1cy4LHa4NLWWI95RrDK0BNsi_wYc6V0ZWAN4VoKg7BGaBZeLmWPPmBdRI/s1600/IMG_1999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfH739VY-_51UxHDr3zgFvXMy1Dam2_L9ZfGtbqd3CXmlvEvFermdfqi17NTQAlRSn6CyGJJ-vu45sJawe7u1cy4LHa4NLWWI95RrDK0BNsi_wYc6V0ZWAN4VoKg7BGaBZeLmWPPmBdRI/s640/IMG_1999.JPG" width="476" /></a></div>
We prayed for a miracle...we GOT a miracle!!<br />
<br />
Miss Stella is now home.. I was able to bring her to my home on Wed morning and we were both SO happy to be home. On the very same day, her mommy, my daughter, went into the hospital for heart surgery...it was bitter sweet...<br />
<br />
As I stated in the last post, Stella went into the PICU on Sat Feb 2nd. She became very critical very fast. By Tues Feb 5th, it was extremely grim. Her little body was not responding to any of the medications or treatments. The doctors and nurses were extremely concerned and admitted that they did not have much hope. I was terrified...lots of tears were shed.<br />
<br />
Fasting and prayers were immediately sent heavenward on behalf of this sweet little girl. What was so unexpected was that our entire family was so blessed. I guess I shouldn't be surprised, but maybe I just didn't even think about the "fallout" of these heartfelt offerings. Peace enveloped us like a familiar hug and we were better able to function in a seemingly impossible world.<br />
<br />
Stella started to make very small improvements on Wed. Even her sweet nurse felt some hope for the first time since she had been admitted. By Sun Feb 10th, she was moved to a regular room and taken<br />
off oxygen. She was able to get up and walk around, she giggled, colored, painted toe nails, watched cartoons, chattered and beamed her million dollar smile! We got our miracle!!<br />
<br />
I feel like we, as a family, were given a second chance with this special little angel. She reminded us of the most important things in life. She reminded us that love, compassion, bravery, endurance and HOPE are some of the most important virtues one can possess. As I watched her endure countless needle jabbings and proddings, I saw her fear turn into courage. She displayed strength that many adults haven't yet found.<br />
<br />
She is doing VERY well. She has some follow-up tests that will need to be done regarding the spots on her lungs, but her prognosis is very good.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, Aja got out of the hospital yesterday. She is very sore and tired but we are hoping that everything was a success. We still haven't received any conclusive reports but should be getting the results within the next two weeks.<br />
<br />
I can't ever begin to thank my Heavenly Father enough. He is so loving and merciful. Whatever the outcome, I know that He was in charge the entire time. Life is precious. Perhaps that's the most important lesson learned. I have always believed that, but when death is looming over a young child, all perspective changes quickly. I can only hope that I will be a more patient, loving person. A person who desires to serve others more and finds joy in every situation. Tomorrow is never a guarantee, instead, a huge blessing.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://s89.photobucket.com/albums/k212/mcolovich/?action=view&current=Signature1-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k212/mcolovich/Signature1-1.jpg" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for your kind thoughts...</div>...You May Say I'm A Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16951960903633390194noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1479693048632476929.post-7207138342230453662013-02-06T19:59:00.001-07:002013-02-07T11:38:06.843-07:00Praying for a Miracle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNXQG04dOCyLdfr3SZ09nJ9QkdSTpg2kZ7qTLLXh-A9xWGkWYT4eTDaqL0n_sWYXRKUkuwfP-ITjobfPUcazosoE6WcNjrxlFTGEQ9mtXPLj0z0KLHr_urBPyCOOQ4UGIwbMQLRiKk5Ks/s1600/IMG_2125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNXQG04dOCyLdfr3SZ09nJ9QkdSTpg2kZ7qTLLXh-A9xWGkWYT4eTDaqL0n_sWYXRKUkuwfP-ITjobfPUcazosoE6WcNjrxlFTGEQ9mtXPLj0z0KLHr_urBPyCOOQ4UGIwbMQLRiKk5Ks/s640/IMG_2125.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
I haven't posted for a while for good reason...<br />
<br />
This past Saturday night, my precious granddaughter, Stella who is 5 years old, was admitted to the ICU at our wonderful Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City, with RSV. Most kids have outgrown the possibility of contracting this virus by the age of 2-3, but Stella was born with a compromised immune system.<br />
<br />
By Monday, she was diagnosed with Fungal Pneumonia, which is a rare form of pneumonia and is fought by our bodies T-cells....the ones Stella was born without. She is one sick little girl!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeH10G7wUdkdDNLReHxWsxvngPd5B-EYf3UPV7SpRh16EKeon3uWGj2aux7ynJhZqcx8tDR2MB-VbgkGjNPbOjB0Vzqahd_UAl3at8eFcNsuv8Ean-WZ4BkE0rFPyFuPIZEYQ69mPyPZI/s1600/IMG_2209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeH10G7wUdkdDNLReHxWsxvngPd5B-EYf3UPV7SpRh16EKeon3uWGj2aux7ynJhZqcx8tDR2MB-VbgkGjNPbOjB0Vzqahd_UAl3at8eFcNsuv8Ean-WZ4BkE0rFPyFuPIZEYQ69mPyPZI/s320/IMG_2209.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
By Tuesday, she looked pretty rough and was very, very sick. She was not responding to any meds or treatments and Infectious Disease specialists were called in. My heart just about fell to the floor and, for the first time in my entire life, I felt no hope...I've never really experienced that before and I am ashamed to say that I even went there...maybe my faith is not as strong as I thought it was.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb4q7HN7W1ycp0nDdhKxsyC1dvjV9xt9PefbXCnCua6oLONgVETncex5LQayZhLDW4E6s9l1ZVpNOqidH_C51yd-IxKBWEqFBkUMSwWQOasJ9e5Ulwz3ENi1iTmWilPOvvKv62XXATXog/s1600/IMG_2212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb4q7HN7W1ycp0nDdhKxsyC1dvjV9xt9PefbXCnCua6oLONgVETncex5LQayZhLDW4E6s9l1ZVpNOqidH_C51yd-IxKBWEqFBkUMSwWQOasJ9e5Ulwz3ENi1iTmWilPOvvKv62XXATXog/s320/IMG_2212.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
She has seen more needles, tubes, been poked and prodded and through it all, she has been a real trooper. Her fever has been high, she is on 100% oxygen and only able to keep her levels up to about 92% (should be 100%) and her heart rate was fluctuating between 160-185...way too high.<br />
<br />
I called my daughter, Brittany, who lives in Idaho, on the way home from the hospital. We bawled our eyes out together. In a weird way, it helped to just cry with someone who is as invested as I am. Britt has two beautiful, amazing children and her heart was breaking along with mine. I love her so much and am so thankful I have her to lean on!<br />
<br />
Now, Stella has a feeding tube that was originally placed directly into her intestines. She was more responsive today and I managed to get a few smiles out of her...an impossibility yesterday.<br />
Her preschool class made her cards and her two best friends, Elle and Jaydn brought the cards and some fun gifts to her today. Of course, they weren't allowed to come upstairs which broke their hearts, but they proudly gave them to Aja and Stella was beaming when she opened each card.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_lur1u87EQ3VHollpQOvhWT-cpv3RnscwK5rk1liVwjx3DLGsFbvHzbGZAVo61o3GxOmXwgnbY5CXpUtPSkNnnOe2ZhqcHJSb130Zk5h43l-7W0CzvlOLrHbDr8_qPPZlqQaTl7AjILs/s1600/IMG_2217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_lur1u87EQ3VHollpQOvhWT-cpv3RnscwK5rk1liVwjx3DLGsFbvHzbGZAVo61o3GxOmXwgnbY5CXpUtPSkNnnOe2ZhqcHJSb130Zk5h43l-7W0CzvlOLrHbDr8_qPPZlqQaTl7AjILs/s320/IMG_2217.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
I have never prayed so hard in my entire life! I have begged the Lord to heal this precious angel and to let her stay with us longer upon the earth. I know that I am selfish, but I can't even allow myself to think of losing her...it breaks my heart.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOcKdxc7OGPXb8E0z8AuDziI76yeB7FuNr_j9Zgq_xUoZ1jNhMmHMGOi_NxXjFyXk0GCZrSrSZCbnsc1a2mq6y-1QFS37_EYPK8oratC4Impd1oqki-a5Y7CAvBlAW35h2f1jQUqE55Rk/s1600/IMG_2219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOcKdxc7OGPXb8E0z8AuDziI76yeB7FuNr_j9Zgq_xUoZ1jNhMmHMGOi_NxXjFyXk0GCZrSrSZCbnsc1a2mq6y-1QFS37_EYPK8oratC4Impd1oqki-a5Y7CAvBlAW35h2f1jQUqE55Rk/s320/IMG_2219.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
As my hubs and I were preparing for our prayer this morning, he asked me to offer the prayer. I sobbed! I told Heavenly Father that I wanted to have faith and I wanted to accept His will, but I also told Him that I was struggling with that. I want my faith to be strong but am realizing how very weak it can be. It's easy to say, "Thy will be done" when it's not THAT big of a deal, but when it comes to life and death, it's the most difficult phrase I have ever uttered! It made me realize that I take that for granted and I asked myself if I have really meant it in the past...<br />
<br />
Last night, my ward (congregation) sent out massive emails and began a Ward Fast on behalf of this precious little girl. My phone "blew up" with loving texts offering their love, support and prayers. Even the youth of our ward fasted for her and sent their love. I was SO completely overwhelmed and humbled by the generous offerings of food, daycare for the other two kids and just general "what can I do to help?" questions.<br />
<br />
This morning I awoke (after a pretty sleepless night) with a lighter heart. I felt the power of all of these prayers. I KNOW that all of the prayers from all of my friends, regardless of religious persuasion, have been received on the other side. They have lifted me and have sustained me. I actually felt some hope today and I feel much stronger.<br />
<br />
I don't know what lies ahead. All I know is that today was a better day than yesterday. I know that Stella's future is in the hands of the Lord. I will continue to pray and even plead with a kind and merciful Heavenly Father, that He will protect this little girl and provide the comfort to endure whatever comes her way.<br />
<a href="http://s89.photobucket.com/albums/k212/mcolovich/?action=view&current=Signature1-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k212/mcolovich/Signature1-1.jpg" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for your kind thoughts...</div>...You May Say I'm A Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16951960903633390194noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1479693048632476929.post-40413006596170528122013-01-29T07:20:00.000-07:002013-01-29T10:47:43.530-07:00Celebrate the Lives of Others<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-EsJ53j7RtkoTSb2Q0lwJMXovlTYZv64OqTU6AaovycS7NkIFn4-8MM5EUeRPQI1J1QmhP0X7pp-QRqJHFirNDMFUawmoGEfekodIp7UIAC-uAeFfUenOHpBQMiNB8JhJkifIc47n5Ek/s1600/73363_553905671287879_1526533309_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-EsJ53j7RtkoTSb2Q0lwJMXovlTYZv64OqTU6AaovycS7NkIFn4-8MM5EUeRPQI1J1QmhP0X7pp-QRqJHFirNDMFUawmoGEfekodIp7UIAC-uAeFfUenOHpBQMiNB8JhJkifIc47n5Ek/s640/73363_553905671287879_1526533309_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I attended a NA (Narcotics Anonymous) meeting last night. It was A.M.A.Z.I.N.G!!<br />
<br />
My son received his 1 year chip and it is a huge deal. He has worked long and hard and has had so many bumps along his path to sobriety...but he is 1 year clean and that's all that really matters today.<br />
<br />
My daughter Aja decided at we should all attend his meeting to show our support for this precious boy. There were 6 of us from our family who attended. I will never forget what I experienced last night.<br />
<br />
The room was packed with addicts. There were people from all walks of life, ethnic backgrounds and ages. As we entered the room, we were immediately greeted by a young man who introduced himself and engulfed me in a heartfelt hug. From the moment I set foot in that crowded room, I felt nothing but love.<br />
<br />
It was beautiful. Honesty abounded. There was no judgment. There were tears and there was joy. I listened with my heart as these sweet friends of my son expressed their heartfelt love for him. How proud they are of him. How he has inspired them. How he lifts them and, in some cases, how he has saved their lives. It touched me deeper than I ever could have imagined.<br />
<br />
As mothers, we KNOW our children. I may not know the everyday goings on in my adult children's lives, but I know who they are. I know their strengths and I know their weaknesses...but so do these wonderful, nonjudgmental friends of my son.<br />
<br />
The lights were then turned off and for a few moments, it was silent. Then, one-by-one, people began to share. "Hi, I'm ___ and I'm an addict". It was kind of sacred as these precious souls started speaking from their hearts. They all spoke of their love for Ty, offering him sincere and heartfelt congratulations. One gal said that she was so happy for him hitting this mark. And then she went on to say something to the effect of, <b>"Where else do we celebrate the lives of others?"</b><br />
<form action="http://www.facebook.com/ajax/ufi/modify.php" class="live_10200436082372489_316526391751760 commentable_item autoexpand_mode" data-live="{"seq":0}" id="u_ps_0_0_1o" method="post" rel="async" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">
</form>
<br />
<u>That hit me!</u><br />
<br />
<h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}" style="margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: red; font-size: large;"><i>The more you praise and celebrate life, the more there is in life to celebrate!</i></span></h5>
<div>
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: red; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
It seems like our world is so quick to judge. We can so easily get caught up in our own lives that we forget to celebrate the lives of those around us...everyone of these addicts/recovering addicts has a valued life! They have something precious to offer this world! Because they have made some bad choices doesn't make them bad people or any less valuable.<br />
<br />
Do I fall prey to this?? I commit, on this blog, this day, to make a conscious effort to "Celebrate the Lives of Others..."<br />
<br />
So to my son, I say this: Today I celebrate your life...and I will celebrate your life everyday! I respect and admire you more than you will ever know. Your ability to unconditionally love without judgments, is rare and precious. You truly celebrate life and the lives of those around you? I have learned so much from your journey and I can only hope and pray that I can be like you one day. Thank you for letting me be your mother and for putting up with all of my fears and judgments...<br />
<a href="http://s89.photobucket.com/albums/k212/mcolovich/?action=view&current=Signature1-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k212/mcolovich/Signature1-1.jpg" /></a><br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for your kind thoughts...</div>...You May Say I'm A Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16951960903633390194noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1479693048632476929.post-81564242073467362982013-01-23T17:44:00.001-07:002013-01-24T06:02:10.199-07:00 Tragedy, Love & Heaven<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYvg1hAyhqhKyD2abtlO2svHx1hxWdNDnc5H5bAj2QPaMnn7nRuW6bpcnBK3iJMFJR9-2LuVDyml9bif1LomAH3entthRKkrHw-YwxlBzGCyA-13bOjA5WNts2aVZWLhNrKsgKhnI4ao4/s1600/305868D2-CAE2-4843-8177-A3EB4C798DC8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYvg1hAyhqhKyD2abtlO2svHx1hxWdNDnc5H5bAj2QPaMnn7nRuW6bpcnBK3iJMFJR9-2LuVDyml9bif1LomAH3entthRKkrHw-YwxlBzGCyA-13bOjA5WNts2aVZWLhNrKsgKhnI4ao4/s640/305868D2-CAE2-4843-8177-A3EB4C798DC8.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
I went to a viewing last night. In some parts of the country, it's called a wake. Wherever you are, it's always a bit sad. This was extremely emotional because this was a viewing of two BEAUTIFUL little boys who were taken from us tragically this past Friday by an avalanche while snowmobiling with their family.<br />
<br />
For those of you not in Utah, let me tell you a few details...the boys were 14 and 7. Their names were Coleman and Trevin and they happened to be the grandsons of one of my hubs dearest friends. They came from a beautiful family. The oldest and youngest with 2 sisters between them.<br />
<br />
As I first heard of this tragedy, not knowing the connection, I was heart-broken...I was sick for their family and friends and I was sick for our community. What started out as a fun-filled family outing on a beautiful day ended in the most horrific manner imaginable to any parent. The snow was supposedly good and they were not in an avalanche area. They had been here many times and were quite experienced riders.<br />
<br />
Somehow, an avalanche was triggered. It was quiet, not like the thunderous roaring ones we often hear about. One of the sisters was buried up to her waist which showed her parents and other sister where to start digging. I can't begin to imagine the fear and panic that these parents experienced as they tried and tried to dig them out from under 3 feet of snow....of course, we all know the outcome. Two young lives were cut short that sunny day...Taken to heaven and safe in the arms of The Lord.<br />
<br />
But there is a certain sweetness to the rest of this story that I share with reverence and humility...<br />
<br />
As the slide happened, Coleman (the 14 year old) realized that his little brother would be inevitably buried alive. He chose to jump to his brother's side and try to save him...they both perished...<br />
<br />
When they finally got to the boys, they witnessed a most beautiful sight. 14 year old Coleman had his arm tenderly wrapped around his baby brother...he literally sacrificed his life for his brother. This precious boy is a HERO! What a powerful example of unconditional love!<br />
<br />
At the viewing last night, we waited 90 minutes to see the family. As we approached the room, my heart melted...I will NEVER forget what I saw...I saw only one casket...with two loving brothers laying in rest together...and yes!...Coleman's arm was wrapped around his baby brother...<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s89.photobucket.com/albums/k212/mcolovich/?action=view&current=Signature1-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k212/mcolovich/Signature1-1.jpg" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for your kind thoughts...</div>...You May Say I'm A Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16951960903633390194noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1479693048632476929.post-50776239250184646192013-01-18T19:13:00.001-07:002013-01-19T07:21:10.892-07:00InconvenienceJust a short post to say that I now will be moderating any comments. I have been getting some bizarre messages and just feel that it's time to check out any remarks.<br />
<br />
Sorry for the inconvenience. I SO appreciate all of the kindnesses left by my friends and loyal readers.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s89.photobucket.com/albums/k212/mcolovich/?action=view&current=Signature1-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k212/mcolovich/Signature1-1.jpg" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for your kind thoughts...</div>...You May Say I'm A Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16951960903633390194noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1479693048632476929.post-18712187669833805602013-01-14T00:00:00.000-07:002013-01-14T07:34:59.937-07:00Airline Adventures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPagy__SYxJ0hr01RKVsh-PunxyTJKSpOXhM4Flt3kXs__hOrgPHTNkzq91KfVRQhdD6H-5L81HBd8M5pFfd6cP2UgsXOKV30CCl2qkSjG8oFXB1erzdpMr4htfg-UMIwVts2gzRZfOVg/s1600/all-planes_800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPagy__SYxJ0hr01RKVsh-PunxyTJKSpOXhM4Flt3kXs__hOrgPHTNkzq91KfVRQhdD6H-5L81HBd8M5pFfd6cP2UgsXOKV30CCl2qkSjG8oFXB1erzdpMr4htfg-UMIwVts2gzRZfOVg/s640/all-planes_800.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
So many people ask me why I never post about my adventures as a flight attendant. Let me explain...<br />
<br />
First of all, working with the traveling public is never boring. I have just about seen and heard it all. I have had many positive experiences, a few negative ones and a plethora of humorous ones. I think that goes without saying. But here is the real reason why I don't post about my passengers.<br />
<br />
1. I respect their privacy. It's true that I could post without using their names, flight numbers, destinations etc., but I just respect their right to fly without it being put out on the worldwide web.<br />
<br />
2. Everyone flies for a different reason. While I wish that all my passengers were jetting off to a fantastic vacation destination, reality is, many fly to say goodbye to a dying loved one or to bury a beloved Friend. We don't always know.<br />
<br />
3. I'm kind of appalled at what fellow flight attendants put up on Facebook about their passengers. While I understand all too well their frustrations with erratic or unusual behavior, there is usually an underlying reason which, quite frankly, is none of our business. Our job is to offer each passenger the best customer service and safety and ensure that they are treated with kindness and respect.<br />
<br />
4. While it is true that I see "everything" regarding the attire of my passengers, and I have my own personal standards for what I feel is appropriate travel attire, who am I to judge? Until I walk (or fly) a mile in their shoes, who am I to critisize their choices. In my opinion, it is a disgrace for any flight attendant to post pictures of questionable dressed passengers and then ridicule them or set them up for ridicule by the cyber world. (There are actually websites and apps of pictures of passengers that are solely for the purpose of making fun of them...to me...very sad...)<br />
<br />
And finally...<br />
<br />
5. I respect my company. I work for an exceptional airline that is well respected in the airline industry. Becoming a flight attendant is competitive in this slow economy. SkyWest has put their trust and faith in me to represent them with professionalism.<br />
<br />
So there you have it. Thank you for your understanding and I hope to have you on my flight one day!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s89.photobucket.com/albums/k212/mcolovich/?action=view&current=Signature1-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k212/mcolovich/Signature1-1.jpg" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for your kind thoughts...</div>...You May Say I'm A Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16951960903633390194noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1479693048632476929.post-9894715015109754582013-01-13T14:53:00.000-07:002013-01-14T07:29:48.650-07:00One More Thing...I was sitting in church today enjoying the spirit being shared from the pulpit. We always sit up near the front (second row, to be exact) because I like to be able to hear what's being said and in our church, there are so many precious little ones that if I sit in the back, I'm easily distracted...anyway...my hubs cute cousin, Erica, who is 18 and her friend came and sat with us. Just before the sacrament was about to be blessed and passed, she leaned over and said, "Did you see Tyler's new tattoo?"...my first thought was, "Are you KIDDING ME????" She realized that I hadn't been made aware that my son had gotten his 3rd tat...she promptly produced a Facebook picture of his latest saying freshly and permanently marked across his chest...then she immediately felt bad. Now let me just state for the record: I have nothing against tattoos...no judgments here...I just know how permanent they are and know that some companies will not hire with any VISABLE tattoos...<br />
<br />
I had about 10 minutes of quiet solitude to just think, contemplate and pray...I did just that.<br />
<br />
Then something amazing happened to me. I was overcome by love! I thought of our Savior and how he loves all of us SO completely and unconditionally. He loves you, me and my tattooed son...and then I felt this warm peace wrap my soul. I actually felt ashamed of myself for feeling bad about the stupid tattoo...my heart turned to my boy. My sweet boy who has overcome one of the most hideous addictions ever. My boy who has turned his heart to God and strives to live a life of service to his fellowmen/women. My boy who is kind, generous, sweet, funny, strong, intelligent and compassionate.<br />
<br />
What really matters here?? I HAVE MY SON BACK!! That's ALL I really care about and it's what I have spent many sleepless night pleading with my Heavenly Father for...He has answered my prayers and it HAS to be good enough! Shame on me...<br />
<br />
I thought about the times I was in pure agony, overcome with the deepest worry imaginable because my son was on the streets, strung out, cold and alone. I thought of the days spent preparing to bury my son who, I thought, would inevitably be dead by the age of 20. I thought of the physical pains I experienced during my darkest hours consumed with dread every time the phone rang...it was by far the worst time of my life..but that is in the past. I came through it and God blessed me beyond anything I could have imagined.<br />
<br />
I am thankful that a tattoo needle is the ONLY needle going into his body. So despite his tattoos, I am a grateful, blessed mother who is proud of her son. I am humbled at the grace and mercy of a loving Heavenly Father who sees beyond tattoos, sees all and knows all. Who am I to judge? I love this boy with all of my heart and soul. I am even thankful for the trust that the Lord has placed in me to help a son of God survive a monstrous trial. I am proud of the amazing accomplishments of my son and he has taught me more than I could ever have imagined...<br />
<a href="http://s89.photobucket.com/albums/k212/mcolovich/?action=view&current=Signature1-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k212/mcolovich/Signature1-1.jpg" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for your kind thoughts...</div>...You May Say I'm A Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16951960903633390194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1479693048632476929.post-77260426888557579062013-01-09T08:16:00.000-07:002013-01-14T07:32:59.130-07:00Something to Ponder<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY-LNTPQRrMaxxLTgpRJ0uxTIX0BTa3Pk2I1gkQ9qu1OpqZI9gqegIFw2x1jTtNL3-G4ismSrnQv3kdPFBPXV3Z2GJ5g6Lv73MNGE76Kso5BOP8ihKtmwbGaJQXwMkKomJstcuuW3w900/s1600/A-Simple-Path-To-Knowing-Love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY-LNTPQRrMaxxLTgpRJ0uxTIX0BTa3Pk2I1gkQ9qu1OpqZI9gqegIFw2x1jTtNL3-G4ismSrnQv3kdPFBPXV3Z2GJ5g6Lv73MNGE76Kso5BOP8ihKtmwbGaJQXwMkKomJstcuuW3w900/s640/A-Simple-Path-To-Knowing-Love.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<i>I found this on Facebook from the Los Angeles Times. It's well worth the read, I promise!!I</i><br />
<b><br /></b><span style="text-align: left;">“When I got home one night as my wife served dinner, I held her hand and said, I’ve got something to tell you. She sa</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; text-align: left;">t down and ate quietly. Again I observed the hurt in her eyes.</span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); display: inline; text-align: left;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: left;">Suddenly I didn’t know how to open my mouth. But I had to let her know what I was thinking. I want a divorce. I raised the topic calmly. She didn’t seem to be annoyed by my words, instead she asked me softly, why?</span></div>
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); display: inline; text-align: left;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); display: inline; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); display: inline; text-align: left;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); display: inline; text-align: left;">I avoided her question. This made her angry. She threw away the chopsticks and shouted at me, you are not a man! That night, we didn’t talk to each other. She was weeping. I knew she wanted to find out what had happened to our marriage. But I could hardly give her a satisfactory answer; she had lost my heart to Jane. I didn’t love her anymore. I just pitied her!</span></div>
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); display: inline; text-align: left;">
</span>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); display: inline; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); display: inline; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
With a deep sense of guilt, I drafted a divorce agreement which stated that she could own our house, our car, and 30% stake of my company. She glanced at it and then tore it into pieces. The woman who had spent ten years of her life with me had become a stranger. I felt sorry for her wasted time, resources and energy but I could not take back what I had said for I loved Jane so dearly. Finally she cried loudly in front of me, which was what I had expected to see. To me her cry was actually a kind of release. The idea of divorce which had obsessed me for several weeks seemed to be firmer and clearer now.</div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
The next day, I came back home very late and found her writing something at the table. I didn’t have supper but went straight to sleep and fell asleep very fast because I was tired after an eventful day with Jane. When I woke up, she was still there at the table writing. I just did not care so I turned over and was asleep again.</div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
In the morning she presented her divorce conditions: she didn’t want anything from me, but needed a month’s notice before the divorce. She requested that in that one month we both struggle to live as normal a life as possible. Her reasons were simple: our son had his exams in a month’s time and she didn’t want to disrupt him with our broken marriage.</div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
This was agreeable to me. But she had something more, she asked me to recall how I had carried her into out bridal room on our wedding day. She requested that every day for the month’s duration I carry her out of our bedroom to the front door ever morning. I thought she was going crazy. Just to make our last days together bearable I accepted her odd request.</div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
I told Jane about my wife’s divorce conditions. . She laughed loudly and thought it was absurd. No matter what tricks she applies, she has to face the divorce, she said scornfully.</div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
My wife and I hadn’t had any body contact since my divorce intention was explicitly expressed. So when I carried her out on the first day, we both appeared clumsy. Our son clapped behind us, daddy is holding mommy in his arms. His words brought me a sense of pain. From the bedroom to the sitting room, then to the door, I walked over ten meters with her in my arms. She closed her eyes and said softly; don’t tell our son about the divorce. I nodded, feeling somewhat upset. I put her down outside the door. She went to wait for the bus to work. I drove alone to the office.</div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
On the second day, both of us acted much more easily. She leaned on my chest. I could smell the fragrance of her blouse. I realized that I hadn’t looked at this woman carefully for a long time. </div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
I realized she was not young any more. There were fine wrinkles on her face, her hair was graying! Our marriage had taken its toll on her. For a minute I wondered what I had done to her.</div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
On the fourth day, when I lifted her up, I felt a sense of intimacy returning. This was the woman who had given ten years of her life to me. On the fifth and sixth day, I realized that our sense of intimacy was growing again. I didn’t tell Jane about this. It became easier to carry her as the month slipped by. Perhaps the everyday workout made me stronger.</div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
She was choosing what to wear one morning. She tried on quite a few dresses but could not find a suitable one. Then she sighed, all my dresses have grown bigger. I suddenly realized that she had grown so thin, that was the reason why I could carry her more easily.</div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
Suddenly it hit me… she had buried so much pain and bitterness in her heart. Subconsciously I reached out and touched her head.</div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
Our son came in at the moment and said, Dad, it’s time to carry mom out. To him, seeing his father carrying his mother out had become an essential part of his life. My wife gestured to our son to come closer and hugged him tightly. I turned my face away because I was afraid I might change my mind at this last minute. I then held her in my arms, walking from the bedroom, through the sitting room, to the hallway. Her hand surrounded my neck softly and naturally. I held her body tightly; it was just like our wedding day.</div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
But her much lighter weight made me sad. On the last day, when I held her in my arms I could hardly move a step. Our son had gone to school. I held her tightly and said, I hadn’t noticed that our life lacked intimacy. I drove to office…. jumped out of the car swiftly without locking the door. I was afraid any delay would make me change my mind…I walked upstairs. Jane opened the door and I said to her, Sorry, Jane, I do not want the divorce anymore.</div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
She looked at me, astonished, and then touched my forehead. Do you have a fever? She said. I moved her hand off my head. Sorry, Jane, I said, I won’t divorce. My marriage life was boring probably because she and I didn’t value the details of our lives, not because we didn’t love each other anymore. Now I realize that since I carried her into my home on our wedding day I am supposed to hold her until death do us apart. Jane seemed to suddenly wake up. She gave me a loud slap and then slammed the door and burst into tears. I walked downstairs and drove away. At the floral shop on the way, I ordered a bouquet of flowers for my wife. The salesgirl asked me what to write on the card. I smiled and wrote, I’ll carry you out every morning until death do us apart.</div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
That evening I arrived home, flowers in my hands, a smile on my face, I run up stairs, only to find my wife in the bed -dead. My wife had been fighting CANCER for months and I was so busy with Jane to even notice. She knew that she would die soon and she wanted to save me from the whatever negative reaction from our son, in case we push through with the divorce.— At least, in the eyes of our son—- I’m a loving husband….</div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<i>The small details of your lives are what really matter in a relationship. It is not the mansion, the car, property, the money in the bank. These create an environment conducive for happiness but cannot give happiness in themselves.</i></div>
<div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<i>So find time to be your spouse’s friend and do those little things for each other that build intimacy. If you are not in a relationship now, remember this for the second (or third) time around. It's never too late.</i></div>
<div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<div style="display: inline !important; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<div style="display: inline !important;">
<div style="display: inline !important;">
<div style="display: inline !important;">
<b style="text-align: left;"><b style="text-align: left;"><b><i><br /></i></b></b></b></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<b style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); text-align: left;"><b><b><i>Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up. ♥</i></b></b></b><br />
<b style="text-align: left;"></b></div>
<div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<a href="http://s89.photobucket.com/albums/k212/mcolovich/?action=view&current=Signature1-1.jpg" target="_blank"><b><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k212/mcolovich/Signature1-1.jpg" /></b></a><b style="text-align: left;"></b></div>
</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for your kind thoughts...</div>...You May Say I'm A Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16951960903633390194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1479693048632476929.post-61433989825095382892013-01-08T00:00:00.000-07:002013-01-09T08:19:25.739-07:00Pure JoyOne of my sweet blogger <a href="http://www.lovebeinganonny.com/2013/01/happy-january-if-you-are-new-here-or.html?m=1">friends</a> wrote a post similar to this...I loved it so I've taken her idea and run with it!<br />
<br />
5 Reasons Why My Life is Filled With Pure <b><i>JOY</i></b>:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7iWYrAey41pfoyD8vpMufLDP-_qeD3Ve4bUe0nxYD7A4MBMPzQleWVEC5pdJAI9HMfEIueRACUoNN3zxGxlXGzfq9LYld94yO5x8FB1ZupX_RYJC0MiRZiOX6g1d9XM9b72WZBTFQrDs/s1600/Scan+130070001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7iWYrAey41pfoyD8vpMufLDP-_qeD3Ve4bUe0nxYD7A4MBMPzQleWVEC5pdJAI9HMfEIueRACUoNN3zxGxlXGzfq9LYld94yO5x8FB1ZupX_RYJC0MiRZiOX6g1d9XM9b72WZBTFQrDs/s320/Scan+130070001.jpg" width="88" /></a></div>
<b>Alakina:</b> she is now 6...SIX!! Where has the time gone?? She is in 1st grade, reads like a 3rd grader, she's beautiful, funny, sweet, has the biggest heart and is a friend to everyone. She just lost her 2 front teeth which is evidence that she is really growing up! She loves sports, plays the violin, loves to dance and thrives on performing. She is very adventurous, loves community service and wants to really experience life. Her biggest worry is that "so many boys" want to marry her and she just can't decide!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidFFG96uT_iJNcl92NATA3Y2eD0rSWQcoafEhQRMj9FqnfBqqRa5iJ9Nswiwo5kXeWEQc-95jTMubT09t_UIk-l3G_kyKGxuW0Rj7x0qGhJV0p7kzm3ORF9M-qJM47barsFk_7iKfKpKE/s1600/IMG_1263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidFFG96uT_iJNcl92NATA3Y2eD0rSWQcoafEhQRMj9FqnfBqqRa5iJ9Nswiwo5kXeWEQc-95jTMubT09t_UIk-l3G_kyKGxuW0Rj7x0qGhJV0p7kzm3ORF9M-qJM47barsFk_7iKfKpKE/s320/IMG_1263.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>Anthony:</b> he just turned 6...he's in Kindergarten, super smart, was "Student Star" for he month. He's tender hearted, sweet, very artistic and also adventurous. He loves the outdoors, riding snow mobiles (he has his very own) loves to save money, loves football and plays football, is friends with everyone and he melts my heart!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfH739VY-_51UxHDr3zgFvXMy1Dam2_L9ZfGtbqd3CXmlvEvFermdfqi17NTQAlRSn6CyGJJ-vu45sJawe7u1cy4LHa4NLWWI95RrDK0BNsi_wYc6V0ZWAN4VoKg7BGaBZeLmWPPmBdRI/s1600/IMG_1999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfH739VY-_51UxHDr3zgFvXMy1Dam2_L9ZfGtbqd3CXmlvEvFermdfqi17NTQAlRSn6CyGJJ-vu45sJawe7u1cy4LHa4NLWWI95RrDK0BNsi_wYc6V0ZWAN4VoKg7BGaBZeLmWPPmBdRI/s320/IMG_1999.JPG" width="238" /></a></div>
<b>Stella:</b> she is now 5 but still in Pre-School because of her birthday being after the deadline. She is very sensitive, a little shy, has a huge, guttural laugh but has a sweet little voice. She's a total girly girl who LOVES make-up, skirts, dress-ups, excels in gymnastics and dance. She also loves animals and loves to ride horses. And, as you can see, she LOVES to pose!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNT3wDFdTIc6UDvGrYWmB9B-rsil0RanSmgJB9AdjN-fwosRDxhY0aYs8ELAn6vcB5yA2_qyueGdbqkTHtGT2yDkN4e5NPe8cI-phoJovH3lY2xUZ7_MftV_MkQFGQ6aIACBlbYljz8JM/s1600/IMG_1261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNT3wDFdTIc6UDvGrYWmB9B-rsil0RanSmgJB9AdjN-fwosRDxhY0aYs8ELAn6vcB5yA2_qyueGdbqkTHtGT2yDkN4e5NPe8cI-phoJovH3lY2xUZ7_MftV_MkQFGQ6aIACBlbYljz8JM/s320/IMG_1261.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>Brooklyn:</b> she is 3 but looks older because she has this thick, silky amazing hair and has the vocabulary of a 6 year old. Her eyes are the most vibrant blue and she is my ONLY blue-eyed grandchild (out of 3 blue-eyed children!!) She's beautiful, funny, coy, loves to dance and make funny faces, loves dolls, make-up and dress-ups. She is strong-willed, sweet and feisty (just like her mommy!!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0zB0Dea3QIgilVqNLmNwk55cZdTK2TXygg-YdZI-hyCPJp1Ys3QYsYI30OAsiP2xQqKCDDAJlOanh1m7zugDghBhCRaSt7w3yJc83fMRzWpdc6UULgnkZGjRQdI1KaA62J2zPdnM0VLs/s1600/IMG_2002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0zB0Dea3QIgilVqNLmNwk55cZdTK2TXygg-YdZI-hyCPJp1Ys3QYsYI30OAsiP2xQqKCDDAJlOanh1m7zugDghBhCRaSt7w3yJc83fMRzWpdc6UULgnkZGjRQdI1KaA62J2zPdnM0VLs/s320/IMG_2002.JPG" width="238" /></a></div>
<b>Tage</b>: he's 3...he's our baby but we don't dare call him that! He has a smile that will melt anyone's heart. Is super strong-willed, mischievous, devious and smart. He loves my iPad and can navigate his way around any electronic device. He has a sense of humor that is over-the-top. He loves superheroes and makes the most amazing car and monster sounds ever. He loves to let my hubs pop his toes and repeats silly phrases (with silly faces) that my hubs teaches him.<br />
<br />
Just let me say "Thank You" for letting me brag a bit about my precious grandchildren. I used to call them my "Littles", but they have informed me that they are too big now so I guess I have to come up with something else...at any rate, they are a true blessing in my life and I find so much joy in watching them grow and develop into real people! I pray non-stop for them and thank The Lord everyday for allowing me to be their Nana!<br />
<a href="http://s89.photobucket.com/albums/k212/mcolovich/?action=view&current=Signature1-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k212/mcolovich/Signature1-1.jpg" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for your kind thoughts...</div>...You May Say I'm A Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16951960903633390194noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1479693048632476929.post-17274602182044221562013-01-07T00:00:00.000-07:002013-01-07T00:00:00.317-07:00Tyler Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6DF8N2RwJ7WgWN1-PSCO5-PhMxUtOSPxCusrt6aI60AVjjPL8zRdcXCoivEKcoLI_hJETsmOIuvK9ln2QS5J5ZZ2jCn2qqiD94ltHSYd28qNQG_DVEg6OqRrc0nDrpfiBG0dyaSS0q4E/s1600/IMG_1310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6DF8N2RwJ7WgWN1-PSCO5-PhMxUtOSPxCusrt6aI60AVjjPL8zRdcXCoivEKcoLI_hJETsmOIuvK9ln2QS5J5ZZ2jCn2qqiD94ltHSYd28qNQG_DVEg6OqRrc0nDrpfiBG0dyaSS0q4E/s640/IMG_1310.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
So here it is! The latest on my sweet boy...(with a few of his nieces & nephews)<br />
<br />
As you all may know, my son, Tyler, is a recovering heroin addict/alcoholic. This has been a 10 year process filled with unmeasurable tears, angst, worry, agony, pain, betrayal and blah, blah, blah...you've heard it all before from me. I will say, it's also been 10 years of struggling with faith, waning hope, sleepless nights filled with pleading prayers to a merciful Father in heaven and endless love for a precious boy who has potential, qualities and attributes that I could only hope to posess!<br />
<br />
So now I'll brag a bit!! Ty has hit a milestone and is about to hit another one. He is more than 1 year sober from alcohol, he quit smoking and on the 28th of this month, he will hit 1 year of being clean from the hideous beast called heroin! Boy-oh-boy do I admire and respect this hero...YES! He's my hero! After all, who do you know who has overcome something as gripping as a drug addiction? To me, he displays immense strength and tenacity. He has openly admitted that he still fights urges at times, but what's important is, he FIGHTS!<br />
<br />
A few months ago he stopped by our house (I've posted about this before but didn't go into depth.) We were having a family gathering and as is common, he came in, said hello and promptly left. I thought nothing of it since he attends AA/NA meetings every night, is a full time student and works<br />
two jobs...about an hour later, he stopped by again. This time, everyone had left except Natalie, our<br />
cute daughter and he asked if he could speak to me alone. Old patterns smacked me in the face and I admit, I was nervous...we went outside and sat on the front porch. I looked at him and could see pain in his eyes. Fear and worry flodded my emotions and my heart stopped for a few seconds. He took a breath and proceeded to tell me that he owed me an apology...what transpired for the next 45 minutes was precious and I will NEVER forget one of the greatest moments of my entire life.<br />
<br />
He told me that he had had a spat with one of his sisters earlier that day. It was really over nothing important, but when he stopped by the first time, he didn't want to stay because she was over and he was still upset with her. That's why he left so abruptly. He told me that when he got into his car he immediately called his sponsor. Then he told me he was on step #4 of his 12 step program. I asked him what Step 4 was, he explained and then I listened...and listened...and that boy taught me something that day! It is about accepting responsibility for <b>everything</b> in your life without blaming others. And that's what he did. He spoke as a giant! He spoke eloquently and clearly. We cried together and we laughed together but most importantly, we loved together. My heart swelled with love and compassion as I have never before felt. I could hardly contain it. He spoke of God, of Jesus Christ, of faith and of hope. He thanked me for his upbringing and he praised me for my motherhood! He shared with me that during his darkest moments, he had held on to the religious foundation that I tried so hard to instill in him...he touched my heart.<br />
<br />
He was humble. He was broken. He was healing. I tearfully and quite sadly admitted to him that I didn't know how to be his mother anymore. So many walls had been put up between us and, although they have been torn down, so much had changed and I just didn't know how to be his mother. How to rebuild...It was heart-wrenching to admit. He took my hand and admitted that he wasn't even sure how to be my son, but that together we would find the answers. What I realized in that moment was that <b><i>I</i></b> may not have known how to be his mother, but Heavenly Father <b><i>ALWAYS</i></b> knows how to be his father and that gives me great comfort. He taught me that it is OK to be vulnerable. He was honest and sincere in his expressions.<br />
<br />
So today our relationship is blossoming. We speak lovingly. Trust has found it's way back into our lives. He is working at a rehab center which is perfect because he is in school to become a drug counselor. He finished his first semester of college with a 3.2 GPA and he is living on his own, paying his own way, admits that each day is a challenge and finding joy in the journey. He is responsible, caring and trying to give back. I have many stories for another post about this amazing young man. But for now, know that this proud mother is honored to call this boy my son!<br />
<a href="http://s89.photobucket.com/albums/k212/mcolovich/?action=view&current=Signature1-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k212/mcolovich/Signature1-1.jpg" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for your kind thoughts...</div>...You May Say I'm A Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16951960903633390194noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1479693048632476929.post-20155405510774077652013-01-05T22:24:00.001-07:002013-01-05T22:24:24.940-07:00Catching UpAs another year has passed, I look forward to, now, 359 clean, fresh, new & unlived days. Of course, none of us is guaranteed tomorrow but I am an eternal optimist and am moving forward in faith.<br />
<br />
I have been remiss in keeping this blog up to date. To be honest, I have felt inadequate in so many ways. I have felt that nobody really cares about the goings on in my life...Shame on me! If I really sit down and contemplate the wonderful, amazing people who have come into my life, I am completely overwhelmed. I have many dear friends and family members who are true blue and loyal. I also have made some special friendships through my blog with some AMAZING women who touch my life...I want to be just like you! I look up to you and admire your ability to share your lives with strangers who turn to friends.<br />
<br />
OK...enough of that.<br />
<br />
As this new year has commenced, I have wanted to say, "whoa, whoa...I'm not ready...give me a bit more time"...but time waits for no one. Life moves on.<br />
<br />
As some of you may know, I had foot surgery in November. It was a fairly routine bunion surgery, but mine was quite advanced.. The first two weeks were sheer agony for me. I am unable to take pain meds without major barfage (not sure if that's a word, but I like it). I pushed through it, found a way to take the meds with some success and endured those miserable days. I've read 10 books, just started my eleventh and watched mindless T.V. for about 2 days.<br />
<br />
Although I have loved having time off from work, I must admit, I miss my job. I love my job and I think I'm pretty good at it. There are definite drawbacks, but more perks. I miss the interaction with my passengers. Crazy, right? I went to my doc the other day and he has cleared me to go back on Jan 31st. YAY!!<br />
<br />
Christmas was great...low key, but great. Due to my incapacitation, I did all my shopping online (why haven't I known how fantastic online shopping is until is year??) It was wonderful! New Years was spent at home with sweet friends..again, low key, but wonderful.<br />
<br />
Speaking of New Years, I have never been one to make resolutions. Instead, I choose one word that I use all year when making all of my decisions. A word to help me direct my life for the year. My word for 2013 is:..."BALANCE". It's the easiest word I've ever selected...the word I've needed most.<br />
<br />
So that's about it. I still wish I could take back the last 5 days and really start the new year off with a bang, but I can't and that's OK. As "My Sweet George" (Harrison) so eloquently stated, "Life flows on, within you and without you..." Happy new year, my sweet friends...<br />
<a href="http://s89.photobucket.com/albums/k212/mcolovich/?action=view&current=Signature1-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k212/mcolovich/Signature1-1.jpg" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for your kind thoughts...</div>...You May Say I'm A Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16951960903633390194noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1479693048632476929.post-83312067070224293022012-12-09T16:36:00.002-07:002012-12-09T22:14:42.214-07:00Good Things are to Come<br />
This morning my hubs and I drove down the canyon through foggy mist, on icy roads and frigid temps to attend church with our cute Natalie (Brad's daughter). She was asked to play the harp in Sacrament meeting and she had invited us to come hear her. She attends a Student ward (congregation) in Provo, Utah. She played beautifully and invoked the spirit of The Lord with her beautiful medley of Christmas hymns. Her father and I were so proud of her:)<br />
<br />
The Bishop was the first speaker. He spoke of trials and shared how, many years ago he, his wife and four little girls had moved from Arizona to Provo, Utah so he could go to Law School. He spoke of how poor they were. They sold their nice car in order to eliminate a car payment and purchased an old VW "Hippie" van. All six of them lived in a tiny two bedroom house and, in fact, they had one more daughter, while there, to add to the bunch! He shared that they had been SO poor that they all lived on potatoes, rice, carrots, oatmeal and whatever they could grow in their garden. They even tromped out into the snow and dug into the frozen earth scavenging for any left over potato, beet or carrot in order to just survive.<br />
<br />
Then he told us that those are some of their HAPPIEST times and memories!<br />
<br />
His message was clear and simple...happiness can be found under any circumstances. It's up to us and if we trust in the Lord, we can find joy in the midst of poverty, ill health and any other trial we may be experiencing. Then he said something that seared into my brain (an "Aha Moment"). He said:<br />
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"Trust God and believe that good things are to come..." </span></i></span><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;"></span><br />
<br />
I have always believed in God. I have tried to trust Him in all things but today, I realized that in order to REALLY trust in God you DO have to believe that good things are to come! That is where I have fallen short...<br />
<br />
I'm reminded of a few of my heroes. The first in Viktor Frankl, author of "Man's Search for Meaning" which is his account of his incarceration in a Nazi concentration camp. As a Jew, death was certain for him. At one time he had contemplated suicide, like so many others, but his religious upbringing and moral foundation kept him from following through with those thoughts. He found ways to find happiness, joy and even peace, ultimately helping others in the camp and becoming one of the most inspirational holocaust survivors ever.<br />
<br />
Corrie ten Boom, author of "The Hiding Place". She was not Jewish, but she and her family hid as many Jews as they possibly could, saved numerous lives as a result, but she and her sister were arrested and severely punished and banished to a Nazi camp as well. They were God-loving Christians who studied the bible throughout their lives. In the bible, The Lord says to be thankful for ALL things. She shares an account of having to sleep in a corner of the camp with her sister and a few other women, on damp hay which was infested with lice...During a particularly down moment, her sister told her to offer thanks to God for the lice...when she questioned her sister as to how in the world one could be thankful for L.I.C.E. her sister reminded her that God has told us to be thankful for ALL things and because of the lice the guards left the women in that corner alone thus giving them the opportunity to hold bible study classes which gave them immeasurable strength.<br />
<br />
I admit, I'm not to that point, but I want to get there. Life is always going to offer challenges and trials. That's a given. I can only pray that I will always Trust in God and KNOW that good things are to come...<br />
<a href="http://s89.photobucket.com/albums/k212/mcolovich/?action=view&current=Signature1-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k212/mcolovich/Signature1-1.jpg" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for your kind thoughts...</div>...You May Say I'm A Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16951960903633390194noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1479693048632476929.post-69117427592566124052012-12-07T15:52:00.002-07:002012-12-07T15:52:27.805-07:00Alakina & Stella's Charity Event<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk7l3KQ3E8QgqS-f1aNul4cfckDNJuUfX13kLHaRZSwmNPfMgkcK8OFWd49yxCBTxrh-Yo03wQvdxUaPEBhBTS0vGnVh82bPElCl-kSNuPaEoyh5IWMJlnKuw6gw1ESS1leStlAlccYFA/s1600/Scan+123420001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk7l3KQ3E8QgqS-f1aNul4cfckDNJuUfX13kLHaRZSwmNPfMgkcK8OFWd49yxCBTxrh-Yo03wQvdxUaPEBhBTS0vGnVh82bPElCl-kSNuPaEoyh5IWMJlnKuw6gw1ESS1leStlAlccYFA/s640/Scan+123420001.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, two of my little granddaughters were greatly disturbed. They both were saddened by the bleak scenes of total devastation and expressed their interest in trying to help the children in New York and New Jersey.<br />
<br />
Aja, their mother (my daughter) is one of these people who sits on three committees in our town and is actively involved with her kids schools as a room mother and in the PTA. As a single mother, she lives on a very limited income, spends no money on herself but ensures that her precious children are engaged in Dance classes, Violin, Gymnastics and various sports. She has no time to herself and on top of everything, she is a full-time student!<br />
<br />
She told me of an idea she had. Just one week after the hurricane, she spent over 3 hours on the phone back East trying to find any organization that she and her children could help as a result of this terrible event. Finally, she found a school in Brooklyn, the Red Hook District, that was devastated. In fact, the morning she got ahold of an office worker at the school, she was told that they had just gotten their power back on only moments before her call. She told the lady that she spoke with that her girls wanted to hold a charity event and raise something that the effected children would need and like. They came up with the idea to collect Coloring Books, Crayons and Story Books for the school. Since money really means nothing to 5 & 6 year old little girls, this was a perfect solution.<br />
<br />
So Aja got to work. She set the date of Dec. 5th to host an Open House from 3-6 PM at her home where children in our community could come, drop off their donations and then decorate a Sugar Cookie to take home. She made flyers and her girls took them to church and their schools. Needless to say, it was a HUGE success.<br />
<br />
Our town is AMAZING! It's very small, but has a huge heart. Everyone is service oriented and people showed up whom we didn't even know! So far they have collected 116 boxes of crayons, 74 Coloring Books, 49 Story Books, numerous Markers, Pencils, Pads of Paper and Flash Cards! She even received some cash to help with shipping!<br />
<br />
My heart is warmed by the generosity of so many. I am so proud of my sweet daughter who didn't just "talk" about helping, she stepped up and took action! I can only imagine how excited those sweet little children in New York will be when they receive several boxes from some precious little children far away in a little town called Midway Utah...This, my friends, is the true spirit of Christmas!<br />
<a href="http://s89.photobucket.com/albums/k212/mcolovich/?action=view&current=Signature1-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k212/mcolovich/Signature1-1.jpg" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for your kind thoughts...</div>...You May Say I'm A Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16951960903633390194noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1479693048632476929.post-39740031468445477742012-11-16T10:44:00.000-07:002012-11-16T10:51:22.456-07:00On AgingYa gotta love getting older!<br />
<br />
You know, I've come to terms with the whole age thing. After all, I've had 56 years to come to grips with it. I'm OK with graying hair...I just color mine. I'm OK with a few wrinkles...I use coconut oil every morning and every night and it works pretty darn well. I'm EVEN OK with hot flashes...after 14 years of "flashing fun" I've finally gotten mine under control... BUT, what I do have a hard time with are the aches and pains that come along with getting...ugh...OLDER!!<br />
<br />
Don't get me wrong, I don't think 56 is THAT old. After all, aren't 50's the new 30's (or something ridiculous like that?) I'm thankful that I've had the great years I've had and even the not-so-great years I've been able to endure. I just really still think of myself in my 30's but lately, my body is reminding me that I am, in fact, smack dab in the middle of my "golden years"...<br />
<br />
I had foot surgery this past Monday morning. The surgery went very well (so I'm told) and the prognosis is great. All I asked the doctor was if I would be able to wear fabulous shoes and boots again...that, my friends, is my one great weakness...my one great addiction. Shoes make me happy...but not right now:( my Docs response was "absolutely"...followed up with an under-the-breath "<b><i>job security for me!</i></b>" And here's the sick thing...I'm OK with that!<br />
<br />
So, since Monday, I've been laid up, unable to bear ANY weight on my foot. Since I HATE painkillers and don't do well on them, I'm a total SPAZZ on my crutches and have had a few wipe-outs adding to my hubs already (very distinguished) graying hair. I haven't eaten much and if it weren't for the sweet generosity of a sweet daughter and a sweet friend, we probably would be starving...guess I fell off the ward radar for meals to be brought in...oh well..<br />
<br />
So now I'm off work until the beginning of Feb. I'm in the "healing" phase of this whole ordeal and, to be honest, I'm NOT a good patient! I am going stir crazy, I've been "Netflixed" out of my mind but I can finally read again and have finished off 2 more books in a series of 4.<br />
<br />
So this Thankful month, I am SO thankful for skilled doctors, modern medical procedures and the promise of better days ahead.<br />
<a href="http://s89.photobucket.com/albums/k212/mcolovich/?action=view&current=Signature1-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k212/mcolovich/Signature1-1.jpg" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thank you for your kind thoughts...</div>...You May Say I'm A Dreamerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16951960903633390194noreply@blogger.com2