The Güera

Runners High

2011-12-22T11:39:00.004-06:00

It has been 7 months since I quit smoking. After a nearly twenty year love/hate relationship with nicotine, I bit the bullet and gave up my beloved cigs. This was back in May. At that point I could hardly climb a flight of stairs much less run fifty yards without getting winded. Then in late September, on my cruise, I started running.

To my surprise, I found that with very little effort I could run a mile. I wasn't even winded. I was floored because for so long I had struggled to do any cardio even though I had been a regular at the gym.

When I returned from vacation I began pushing myself to run further - first two miles, then four. I'm now up to six a day. My pace is nothing impressive - between 12-13 minutes a mile. But the fact that I can run still amazes me every day.

When I catch my stride and my lungs fill with air, propelling me to go the distance; when I reach the bottom of a hill and my legs have the strength to push me on just a little further; and when I finally finish for the day and my feet stop moving, I feel strong and free - It's a high like I've never known.

All this from someone who seven months ago barely had enough breath to climb a flight of stairs.

A few years ago I lost my Cookie Grandmother to lung cancer. She smoked until the very end. I truly believe that I am blessed, that each day is a gift - let us make every one count.

Say What??

2011-07-26T08:10:00.005-05:00

Every day things are said on air, off air, in the newsroom and stuff just happens in the studio that cracks me up or strikes me as powerful. I always tell myself I need to write that down or tweet it or something but usually I get distracted.

Here's a few of the latest witty comments that have made my day...hopefully they'll make yours a little brighter too

From a floor crew member: I'm so broke I can't even pay attention

When I asked a photographer about the bible in his car: Me: Is that in case you need some extra reinforcements? Him: It's my shield and my sword.

Some Brandon Roddy song remixes:

Sung to "Here I go again" by Whitesnake: Here I go again on my phone, texting everyone I've ever known...

Sung to Toadies "Possum Kingdom": Do you want some fries, chili cheese fries...

A news parody of "Beat it" by the King of Pop: The prompter may be wrong and you know that you're right but just read it, read it, read it, just read it, read it --ooo

That's just a few of the many songs I've heard Roddy bust out that I can remember but they're always perfectly timed.

We've also come up with swear word alternatives like Flock you and Fluff you - all inside jokes based on news stories that have struck us as hilarious at 4:30 am.

I have to admit we get a little wacky in the studio on the morning shift. Us early birds are a strange bunch with a strange sense of humor. And when we occasionally get let out of our cages aka the cold studio we don't always interact well in public.

There's a reason Paul's nickname is the Chango de Clima...he is a wild animal. Just kidding. You don't need to hide your children. He really is a very talented meterologist who enjoys embarassing himself via the Friday dance.

Some other secrets...Fred sings when we're not on air. He actually has an amazing voice and a wicked sense of humor. Sarah Forgany also has an amazing voice and a lot of passion for the show. She strives for excellence every morning. She's also a very tall 5'3" :)

So what about others in the KENS 5 newsroom? Stacia Willson...wow what a sense of style...I'd love to have half of her wardrobe. Joe Conger shares a cubie wall with me - he's an amazing still photographer and father in addition to being our veteran Chupacabra hunter.

Christopher Heath is such a proud father - I love seeing pics of his new son on his iPad. Barry Davis is probably one of the people I have known the longest here in San Antonio. I've been friends with him since December of 2005 - he's one of my mentors and I always seek his opinion with my writing. When anchoring I always ask "How would Barry write this?"

Marvin is the cool cat with an understated sense of humor and when I was a field reporter, I used to wish I had even half the contacts he had. Noelle has a passion for rescue dogs and has taken several into her home. James Munoz is a published author, Karen Grace - an adjunct professor at OLLU and Wendy Rigby has been given just about every award in the book for her medical reporting.

A few others...Brian New, Sarah Lucero and Jeff Vaughn are all expecting additions to their family later this year. Deborah Knapp and Bridget Smith are two of the classiest women I have ever met. Bridget also didn't have a FB until a week or so ago and she's considering writing a book about relationships. Eileen Teeves is a spin instructor and a marathon runner.

There are so many others who work behind the scenes that I haven't mentioned and really, I could go on and on about the family I spend 8-12 hours a day with. But mostly I am just grateful for the comic relief, love and emotional support they supply me with.

So this is dedicated to the "Peasant Floor Crewians" who make my world go round...thank you for everything.

Perks

2011-07-13T12:10:00.007-05:00

On a whole I think I live a pretty blessed life. But I do enjoy some pretty great perks. Did I mention that my roommate Tori works at Starbucks?

Yes, in addition to being my best friend - she faithfully brings home a pound of my favorite SBucks coffee every other week - sweet! She also works at a location that is surprisingly close to the station...so occasionally a co-worker will drop by to pick up a drink on their way to KENS and she add's a Venti, sugar free, vanilla latte with 2% milk to their order just for me :)

However there are perks to being my friend too! Like having another person who wakes up at the ungodly hour of "You get up when?" and I always know when its National Strawberry Ice Cream Sundae Day.

Yeah life is good.

~n

Cluck, Cluck

2011-07-07T11:48:00.014-05:00

Yesterday was National Fried Chicken day and not being one to not celebrate I rounded up a group of friends to partake in the crispy goodness that has become a staple in the south.

But on this holy of holidays not any KFC, Popeyes or Churches would do...we needed good ol' home cooking to really do this particular poultry day justice.

We, meaning Debra, Danny and his younger brother Anthony, originally intended to head over to Mr. & Mrs. G's on the Eastside but it turned out my favorite soul food joint was closed for an extended 4th of July vacation....oh the horror and on National Fried Chicken Day!

So our fearless foursome hit up the next best place we knew of...Chatmans.

It wasn't quite M&M G's...but it was good!

A mixed twelve piece, large fries, basket of corn niblets, a small side of macaroni & cheese and some soda later...we all held up our wings in salute of National FCD....this full stomach is for you oh crispy, non-flying fowl...thank you for all that you do.

I hit the gym extra hard today.

Morning Sunshine

2011-07-05T12:10:00.004-05:00

Most of you know my day starts much earlier than sunrise but every morning I'm so blessed to see a gorgeous sunrise welcoming me into the newsroom just after the newscast ends.
That's right...although not a window or corner office, my little cubicle has an amazing view. Funny how God works.

Just an observation

2011-07-01T14:13:00.010-05:00

As I layed tossing and turning last night with George, in all his 18lbs of furry, fluffy glory perched atop my head hogging the pillow and little Bella so lovingly curled up in a ball at my side...I made a few observations.

While I do appreciate how cute it is that George cusps my face with his paws...his nails DESPERATLY need a trimming.

And Bella, so sweet as she sleeps - all 4.5lbs of her - it appears her new high priced food of pure "Lamb & Rice" gives her horrific gas.

Just an observation.

Going Ape

2011-06-30T11:43:00.004-05:00

So this morning we ran a story on a childless French couple who's adopting a Gorilla to raise as their own child. Not a baby gorilla, a full grown, 13-year old gorilla. A rip-your-arms-off-because-you're-hogging-the-bed gorilla.

As we come back from the story - it's a toss to weather and Paul comments - "They better sleep with one eye open, I tell you what." And we all start laughing. Then, during the toss to traffic, Paul asks me if I'd ever adopt a gorilla. Hell I can't even manage to share the bed with a dog, cat, boyfriend and the gaggle of pillows I've ammased over the years. And those who know me really well know I can't even keep a houseplant alive, let alone a gorilla!

Needless to say it was a hillarious day in the studio as we all broke into ape chants, roars and howls during the commercial break. And it didn't just last for the two minutes of commercials...the ape antics popped up all morning long, as did the bursts of hysterical laughter. Yeah that's how mature we news people are...we make animal noises.

Sometimes I wonder what people would think of us if they saw what really went on behind the scenes.

~n

Micky & The Motorcars

2010-11-26T20:46:00.005-06:00

Tonight I had the opportunity to sit down with Micky Braun, front man of Micky & the Motorcars. The five member group was in the middle of sound check but Micky took a few minutes to chat with me on the tour bus (it was a little quieter in there)

He talked about the changes from driving across the country in a van, playing for beer and crashing on couches in city after city to touring in a bus and actually getting paid for gigs. It's been a long ten years of good times, tough times and great music.

The Braun brothers, Micky and Gary are also related to the Braun duo, Willy and Cody of Reckless Kelly. RK is also playing tonight at Gruene Hall. Micky tells me the four siblings are still close and support each other despite hectic touring schedules.

Check out the full interview where he talks life on the road, the early years, an upcoming record and the one thing most people don't know about him...it's good stuff.

Reflecting

2010-11-24T23:16:00.003-06:00

It's been a long time since I've written anything for my personal blog. And for that I apologize. My life has dramatically shifted the last four months or so. I now get up at 2:30am and go to be at 7pm. My social life mid week is pretty much non existent and I live for naps lol.

But as I sit in my house at 11:20pm on the first mid-week late night up that I've had in months, knowing I have the day off tomorrow, I felt inspired to write.

What I've learned the last four months of being a traffic reporter/anchor is that we all, myself included, drive like jerks sometimes. That accidents happen when we least expect them and when we inevitably least need them. Most usually when we're running late or frustrated or stressed and always when we're caught off guard.

Its just like life...we all make mistakes. We all make bad judgement calls whether on the road or in our personal lives. Everyone of us, whether we admit it or not will glance at that text message or email, promising our selves it's just this one time.

Everyone of us will go a few miles over the speed limit, roll through a stop, run a light, cut someone off and often times it is by accident. Unfortunately sometimes those accidents catch up to us and it's just our turn to face the consequences.

I think about these things every morning at 6:55 when my traffic computer goes from practically void of accidents to stacked full of minor and major crashes. That's the point when everyone goes from merrily trucking along to "holy cow I'm running late."

Sometimes I'm able to see the carnage from the view of a Transguide camera, other times its just an anonymous map location. But I'm sure no one was thinking when they left the house that morning "I'm going to slam my car into something today." Yet it happens every morning without fail.

Does that make me a better driver because of this knowledge? Yes and no. I am only human. I too get stressed and frustrated when I have to sit in traffic at 4:55pm at Huebner and 10 when I'm headed to the gym. I too don't want to let "cheaters" in the lane ahead of me sometimes and I'm just as guilty of talking smack in my car about the person driving in front of me.

But what I have gained is some compassion and patience for the fact that I have to share the roads and this world with everyone around me and to always be on the lookout because you never know when fate may catch up with you and try to pass you in the fast lane.

Puppy Love

2010-05-06T23:01:00.005-05:00

So I'm fostering a puppy...an adorable little 6 week old puppy. His name is Jack. I originally wasn't going to name him but I couldn't just keep calling him puppy. I'm trying not to get attached but it's hard. He's cute. Like all other puppies out there...he has that sweet little smell and a head that just begs for kisses.

Yes in a matter of two days little Jack has turned my world upside down. George, my cat, is not happy. There have been a few little piddles on the wood floors and one on the bed, and it's been quite amusing to watch the little guy toddle around on the hardwoods. By the way....he doesn't appreciate my beautifully polished hardwood floors that I work so hard to keep clean.

Other than dog sitting, which I do for several of my friends, this is the first time I've had a dog in my home on a regular basis for quite some time. I've been contemplating getting a dog for a few years now but I didn't really know if I was ready to take that step. Dogs are a big responsibility, they require walking, training, lots of attention and the like. I'm a very busy girl. I'm constantly on the go and George fits my lifestyle.

But deep in my heart I know that's not what's been keeping me from getting a dog. You see I used to have a dog. I had a precious little Yorkie named Bella. She was my little angel and my baby. I took her with me everywhere. She was my companion and my life mate. We were like two peas in a pod.

I still remember picking her out at the breeders and falling in love with her sweet little face. I remember reading everything I could about dogs and about Yorkies before I even brought Bella home so I'd be prepared. Just like a new parent, I puppy proofed my house, broke the bank buying supplies for her and vowed to do everything right.

Our first day together she slept in my lap and I lovingly watched her little belly move up and down as she napped. I was in love. I cooked her fresh chicken and rice for meals and we excelled at puppy obedience class...she was a star pupil.

My favorite time with her was when we would lay together watching TV and she would curl up on my chest and I would rest my chin on her back. At night she would ball up under the covers, always making sure some part of her was touching me - a tiny, little warm bundle of love. And every day when I came home from work she would be there in her pen, tail wagging, waiting for me...so happy I was home.

But two years ago, when I was moving to my new apartment, she got out during the move and her disappearance wasn't discovered until hours later. A part of me died that day. My heart just sank and then I went into survivor mode. I put up flyers in my old neighborhood, put ads in the paper, called shelters and cried for days. It was all to no avail. Bella didn't come home.

After that I just didn't know if I could ever get a dog again. I resigned myself to the fact that maybe I just wasn't a dog person after all. That maybe it was just supposed to be me and George. That was until this week when I was asked to foster a puppy.

Now I'm house training and cuddling and "good boying" this adorable, cow colored, little mutt who just needs a good dose of love. I really don't know what I'm going to do in two weeks when I have to give him up. Maybe, just maybe I'll be ready to get a little puppy of my own.

By the way you can follow Jacks adventures on twitter @pupjack

#21 Stopping to Smell the Roses

2010-04-12T23:41:00.006-05:00

Sometimes things change in your life when you least expect them to. You're going on your merry way and all of a sudden you're faced with a truth - a truth you can no longer ignore or pretend isn't there. A truth you know is going to turn your whole world upside down. I was faced with such a truth last week.

I had but two choices - speak my mind or try to ignore that little voice inside of me that has never steered me wrong. That little voice of reason who seems to cut through my selfishness and helps me see when I'm wrong. Some people call it women's intuition I prefer to think of it as my God consciousness. Its that feeling I get when I know I need to start doing or thinking the right thought or action. So I did. And its been painful ever since.

Rarely has been doing the right thing ever been easy and its not usually as near as much fun as doing the wrong thing. Whether it's fessing up to a lie, telling someone "You're right" or just saying "I'm sorry" - doing the right thing can bring about horrible amounts of fear and anxiety. But as my good friend Heather always says "the only way out is through," she just never mentions the fact that the journey is often tough, painful and an excellent example of a time to grow.

Often times I've heard people say life isn't a bed of roses but I had an opportunity this weekend to hear a speaker explain it a little differently. She said life is exactly a bed a roses - full of beautiful wonderful smells but there are a lot of thorns too.

Right now I've pricked myself on a few thorns making my way through this rose bed called life and that's ok. If there's one thing I've learned over the years is that time heals all wounds. Broken hearts mend, frowns eventually turn back into smiles and there is nothing like a good bout of laughter to make you forget your troubles for a while.

Does that mean things are going to change overnight? No. But with each day the pain lessons a bit and the fake smile becomes a little more genuine, the laughter comes a little more frequent and I put one beautifully high heeled foot in front of the other until I can again stop and smell the roses, appreciating the joy they add to my life instead of focusing on the thorns they bring with them.

In the meantime I leave you with this - it's a song a new friend sent to me that touched me today. It's called A note to God.

#20 - Just like Grandma Used to Make

2010-04-05T22:37:00.004-05:00

Tonight I did something that I've been too afraid to do for a year. That I've been afraid of screwing up. That I was afraid I just wouldn't get right. That it wouldn't be just like Grandma used to make. I made strawberry jam.

Last year, almost to the day, I lost my Cookie Grandma after a long bout with lung cancer. She was a trooper, fought it for many years but finally succumbed to the disease and passed. I flew back home to California for her funeral last year, spent Easter with my family and flew back here to San Antonio with several jars of my most prized keepsakes...her strawberry jam.

This was the jam she had been making for me since I was a old enough to gum down whole food. I have fond memories of being at her house, watching cartoons and eating toast with Grandmas special strawberry jam. She made it special for her #1 granddaughter who loved strawberries so.

She continued to make it for me long into my childhood and teenage years as I couldn't get enough of it for my peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, bagels and even peanut butter and jelly burritos - hey don't knock it till you've tried it.

I don't know how I would have survived life as a young adult and struggling reporter without her shipments of jam - lovingly freezer packed to my various markets of the Imperial Valley, Tucson and then weighing down my suitcases back to Texas.

So when she passed the thought of never having that piece of love to adorn my favorite meals left a huge hole in my heart. How could I ever possibly hope to recreate the masterpiece she so lovingly perfected. She had told me many times it was easy...just buy the certo and follow the directions on the box. But I never did it. It just wouldn't have that Cookie Grandma touch I told myself. So I never did...until tonight...on the anniversary of her death I made her jam.

I'll know in a few days how it turned out.

100 Blog Challenge - #19 - Pride

2010-03-23T21:25:00.004-05:00

What is it about our pride that keeps us from saying and doing things that are on our mind? From taking the plunge, being vulnerable and putting yourself out there? Whether its taking a new job, ending a relationship, telling someone you love them, apologizing for being wrong or simply saying "yes those jeans make you look fat."

I am one of those managed risk people. I am cautious, dip my toes in the water and give it a little test before jumping in - at least most of the time.

However, sometimes I do jump in head first and end up slamming my head into the concrete. And then, only after coming to, with a massive headache and seeing stars, do I realize what's happened and what I've done.

Its that fear of getting into another headache style situation that keeps me from acting on the first impulse that comes into my head. That keeps me silent, when to speak would mean saying something that could never be taken back. You can't un-ring the bell after all.

But its also my pride and my fear of putting myself out there to look foolish or weak or dare I say it vulnerable to another person, that I might not be seen as the smart, sophisticated, confident, independent woman I strive to be, that also has kept me trapped in the status quo and has enabled me to live through years of misery - jobs I didn't like, relationships that weren't working, friendships that were destructive.

Its a delicate game of Russian roulette, this putting yourself out there, full of adrenaline and chance. Sometimes you pull the trigger and the chamber is empty - you breathe a big gulp of air, smile, revel in the rush and live to thrive another day. Other times your luck runs out and you're left with a big mess to clean up.

This weekend I pulled the proverbial trigger - the chamber was empty - my body was flooded with a warm sensation and I felt alive. I started to pull the trigger again tonight and chickened out. I think this round can wait for another day.

100 Blog Challenge - #18 - Dear Future Husband

2010-03-22T19:50:00.005-05:00

So there was a trending topic today on Twitter that started with #dearfuturewife and some of the tweets were hilarious

@wayansjr: #dearfuturewife Yes, this gun is loaded. so, let's try and answer the "will u marry me" question right this time.

#DearFutureWife atleast play some video games with me once a week haha

#dearfuturewife if you cook pancakes like ihop you're MINES forever!

#DearFutureWife I'm now taking applications... A Credit check, STD test, & Autobiography will be needed to apply... #Okthanks

#Dearfuturewife do you know tiger woods?

Some other funny ones from a comedian that I follow on twitter @finessemitchell:

#dearfuturewife if u promise we will keep makin love, then I promise WE WILL BE JUST FINE! I GOT U MA! Go ahead,#buyBOTHpurses #sugadaddy

#dearfuturewife I want 3 kids... At LEAST! Know that before u say I DO! And it would b even nicer if u waz dey real Momma!#dontmakemedoit

#dearfuturewife Another headache 2nite? Really Bitch?...Really? I'll be back, I'm going 2 Umm, return a video to blockbuster #creepin

#dearfuturewife I would NEVER call u bitch. You are my QUEEN! But I would type it to my friends!

#dearfuturewife. I will DO WHATEVER u say! I promise!!! But U GOTTA DO WHTEVER I SAY FIRST!!! #ithinkthatsinthebible

#dearfuturewife. PLEASE LOVE PRO FOOTBALL! 4 me! PU-LEASE!!..................oh, and the cheerleaders! PU-LEASE!!!!

But after reading and laughing at all those tweets I started thinking about all the tweets I would send to my #dearfuturehusband. Here are a few of my nuggets of wisdom

#dearfuturehusband I don't cook, I barely clean and I don't want kids. If u DEMAND anything i'll probably tell u to go shove it-any takers?

#dearfuturehusband if u cant put the toilet seat down then u should be forced to go outside #learnfromthecatwhousesabox

#dearfuturehusband understand that i will always get the biggest closet and yes i really need all those pairs of black shoes kthanks

#dearfuturehusband i promise not to EVER drag you to a britney spears concert if you promise to never force me to listen to the Cure

#dearfuturehusband you can play with your friends, watch sports and bro-out just don't ever let me find you wearing my shoes

#dearfuturehusband understand that i am not a maid - we both get to clean the toilet and scrub the tub

#dearfuturehusband you are the official bug killer in the house - no matter what time of day or night #alergictobees

#dearfuturehusband i drink a lot of coffee and thus need flavored creamer and no milk n sugar wont do #imacoffeesnob

#dearfuturehusband yes u are bigger & stronger than me but if u ever lay a hand on me u will unleash a fury like no other

#dearfuturehusband i am fiercely loyal, will love you with all my heart & support you in all you do unless its immoral or unethical

#dearfuturehusband i look forward to a lifetime of love, laughter, challenges, triumphs and tears - lets enjoy this journey together

100 Blog Challenge - #17 - Such a bad Lentin

2010-03-21T21:33:00.004-05:00

So I gave up sweets for Lent and for the first week and a half I did good...but then I fell off the no sweets aka the no candy, no soda, no ice cream, no cake wagon. And I didn't just fall off the wagon. After falling off said wagon, it actually backed up ran me over, stopped, pulled forward and ran over me again.

It started with a soda at work one afternoon when I was on a caffeine low. I justified it because it was a diet Dr. Pepper and it technically wasn't sugar.

A few days later I raided the candy jars at work for a couple bite sized snickers. I just needed a little something sweet to spice up my afternoon after lunch. They were little itty bitty snickers...barely even tasted them. They couldn't possibly count as a lent violation right??

Then Sunday rolled around. Thank God for Sundays during lent. Those are the cheat days. I gorged myself on my boyfriends mothers homemade cake with cream cheese frosting - like three pieces worth. I was like a little kid in a candy store and practically licked the plate clean

The next morning I was on such sugar withdrawls that I couldn't take it. I was jonsing so bad for something sweet it was unreal. I started drinking uber amounts of coffee because I use flavored creamer and that was the only sugar I can legally have via my pact with God.

I did good all week - until Friday when I had a soda at work - damn the soda machine downstairs. I couldn't wait for Sunday and scarfed down an entire bag of white chocolate covered pretzels. Such a glutton. Will the madness ever end?

Then one Monday night last week I cracked like an ancient piece of pottery that had been sitting in sun for years...I had a blizzard from Dairy Queen. Not just any blizzard but a butterfinger/reeses blizzard. Oh sweet Jesus it was good, every last sinful bite.

Yes I am a royal failure at Lent *sigh* But I keep trying. I had some more chocolate covered pretzels this Sunday but so far today, Monday, I'm candy/cake/ice cream/soda free. Wish me luck for the rest of this week. Hopefully I can hold out till Sunday. This week is going to drag on by.

100 Blog Challenge - #16 - Finding My Long Lost Brother

2010-03-16T23:57:00.003-05:00

I called my brother Robert last night for the first time in almost three years. That's right I have a third brother. I don't talk about him much on my blog or twitter or Facebook. We're not that close. We should be but we're not.

Just like my other two brothers, Daniel and Scott, he's also a half brother. He's my fathers son. He's 26, will be 27 this October and lives in California. I haven't seen him since I went home for Christmas in 2007. In fact I can't even remember if we've talked since that short visit in Costa Mesa.

It was the night of my birthday dinner. I had just finished dining with my mom, step dad, Daniel, Scott, Grandma Sue, girlfriend Lisa and a few of her friends. Robert was driving in from Apple Valley with a friend - a four hour drive just to see me. He was lost, driving in circles in Costa Mesa and had pulled into a motel parking lot to rest until I could drive to him.

I remember pulling into the back of the parking lot and seeing him get out of the car. And there he was in all his 6'3" glory. Blonde hair, blue eyes and so happy to see his big sister. We talked for a few minutes. It was cold. Lisa was impatient. I had plans to be at a friends house. So we stood there in the parking lot and caught up on years and years worth of news in 20 minutes. Then I gave him $20 bucks for gas and we parted ways.

A part of me died when I left him in that parking lot knowing he was just going to turn around and drive back four hours to Apple Valley to a life of nothing going nowhere. I wanted to scream come with me back to Texas. Come live with me and go to school and let me help you. Let me show you how to have a better life. Anything is better than what you're living now. But instead I just drove away and waved as my car passed his in the parking lot.

We haven't spoken since then. I've tried to call the cell phone number that I had for him but I have a sneaking suspicion I have been leaving random voicemails on someone else's inbox. I tried the old email address I had for him but no response. Then last night I got up the courage to call my step mom Dixie.

This is the woman I have avoided calling all these years. The woman who brings up painful memories of my father and his death whenever I call. But she's also the woman I knew would know how to get in contact with her son, my brother, my Robert. So I called. And she answered. She indeed had a number to where Robert was living and gladly passed it on saying he'll be so happy to hear from you.

I took a deep breath and called Robert. A machine picked up. So I started to leave a message - Hello this is Natalie Tejeda can you please tell her brother Robert Tejeda to give her a call at ------ Holy F**k how the hell are you - my brother excitedly said as he picked up the line.

And that's how our hour and a half conversation started. We talked about life, love, relationships, hardships, work, coming out to visit me in Texas, his going back to school, my stepbrother Scott, my stepsister Paula and my whole gaggle of now grown and teenage nieces and nephews. We laughed about how we've each been trying to track each other down and that it should be easier to keep in better contact now that we're Facebook friends. But just in case we exchanged cell phone numbers.

By the end of our conversation I had a much lighter heart knowing that my little Robert, ok, my gentle giant of a brother Robert was eking along in life but starting to head in the right direction. That he had a little direction for what seemed like the first time in his adult life.

I slept easy knowing that through extending the olive branch and doing a little digging I was able to reconnect to someone very important in my life. Someone who deserves much more than just a quick chat and a $20 spot to get home safely. Someone like Robert, my blood, my brother.

100 Blog Challenge - #15 - The little things

2010-03-10T22:03:00.006-06:00

These days its all about appreciating the little things. Right now I'm sitting in my house with the windows open and basking in the breeze. Its that attitude of: Does it get any better than this?

Just this morning I sat on my couch, drinking my coffee and thanked God for this beautiful blessing that he has bestowed on me. In fact that's how I start most of my mornings - in gratitude for everything that I've been given, especially my house.

It's a feeling of inner peace and serenity and I carry it with me throughout my day. It's a nice change from the chaos that I used to live in.

As a creature of habit I used to thrive on drama and chaos, living in fear of what each day would bring but yet not able to break the vicious cycle of pain that was a constant in my life.

Today life is so different. I work for God. Meaning I give of myself and help others as I think He would have me. Its a completely different way of living life then I ever did before and its entirely more wonderful than I could have ever imagined. That being said He has provided for me in a way that is indescribably more fulfilling then I could have ever hoped for.

Its allowed me to be grateful for the little things and not take anything for granted. Today I know that I am blessed and even though I wonder "Does it get any better than this?" I know it will.

100 Blog Challenge - #14 - Welcome to the Neighborhood

2010-02-22T22:02:00.003-06:00

So I've decided to be neighborly and get out and meet my neighbors. Although I kind of new a few of my neighbors at my last place, I did live there for two years, I didn't know all my neighbors. But I figured since I bought this house I should get to know the neighbors.

So I started with cookies. Thats right I whipped up a few dozen of my famous peanut butter-hershey kiss cookies, loaded them on plates and started block walking in my Sunday finest.

My first house was my next door neighbors - the Rodriguez'. They are a super cool family of four who spent all Sunday working in the yard and chasing after their new little puppy Leo. Such an adorable dog!

Next I went across the street to Tom and Inja's house. They were the first people to come over and say hello on the day that I moved in. I remember Tom introduced his wife as Inja - like Ninja Turtle without the N.

Tonight I met Ruth - a sweet little old lady who's lived in her house for 50 years. She was funny, feisty and said she's not leaving her house till she dies hahahaha. She has a rottweiler and is all of 5 feet tall. I invited her to the housewarming party. I want her on my rockband challenge team lol.

I still haven't made all the rounds quite yet. Not everyone was home. But I'm hoping to finish all my cookie deliveries tomorrow night before it gets dark. One of my neighbors has a beware of dog sign and Ruth was telling me there was an "incident" with the dogs awhile back. I want to make sure I can see the exact location of these "puppies" before I go wandering into the yard.

They say good fences make good neighbors but I've always believed that a batch of cookies and a warm smile can seal the deal on a great friendship and so far I like the friends I'm making. Its good stuff.

100 Blog Challenge - #13 - Making a house a home

2010-02-19T22:19:00.003-06:00

These past few weeks have been spent furiously unpacking and nesting as I attempt to find a place for everything and put everything in its place in my new home. I've had contractors, electricians, plumbers, gardeners and one very patient boyfriend at my beck and call to get my house in order. And still there is more to do.

Tonight I'm actually sitting on the couch in perfect peace and ease, looking around and going its almost done. Just a few more things to hang on the walls and I'll be done.

Its amazing the peace and serenity I feel in this house. Every morning when I wake up I take my cup of coffee, sit on the couch and thank God for the beautiful blessing that I have been given. This was something that I worked so hard for - for so long that I can't believe its really real.

Sometimes I think George can't believe its real either. It took him a while to get used to the new place. He hid for a few days under the bed and in his litter box not wanting to come out and explore. But now he's just like me - perfectly settled. Tonight he's sleeping on one of the new chairs I bought last weekend - all curled up in a little ball, his little kitten face one of sweet contentment. I haven't told him about the party next weekend - he's not going to like that one bit hahaha.

Next Saturday I'm having my housewarming party and opening up my place to all my friends, co-workers and neighbors. It should be a hell of a party and I can't wait. I love entertaining and this house is perfect for hosting.

Sometimes I wonder how life ever got this good and if it gets any better than this and then it does. Each day gets a little better than the next. I'm so blessed.

100 Blog Challenge - #12 - Lent

2010-02-17T21:59:00.006-06:00

Today is ash Wednesday and for the first time in my life I've decided to give something up for lent. This is actually a pretty big deal because 1) I'm not catholic and 2) I really don't do good with depriving myself of anything. I'm pretty much an instant gratification junkie. I don't have much patience for waiting.

So why am I giving up something for a religion I don't partake in or belong to? Because I have an open mind and I'm always willing to try something new. So I've personally decided to give up sweets. Yes this is a pretty big deal for me. Ask anyone who knows me and they will tell you I am a junk food addict. I love candy, chocolate, cake, cookies, ice cream, sodas and the like. One of the main reasons I work out is so I can indulge my sweet tooth. But no mas! Until April 4th I will be sugar free* (note the asterisk)

Here is the fine print - I am still going to use flavored creamer in my coffee in the mornings and I am still going to drink my sugar free Rockstars. My rationalization for that is they are not cookies, candies, ice cream or regular sugar filled sodas. So there...that's my disclaimer.

I still can't believe I'm going to miss Cadbury Creme Egg season *sigh*

100 Blog Challenge - #11 - Henry & The Invisibles

2010-02-09T21:21:00.007-06:00

So I was hanging out at the Gatsby for girls night last week and I saw this incredible one man phunk band named Henry and the Invisibles. And let me just tell you this guy rocked. Not only did he jam on the drums, keyboard and mic, he also played a regular ole' pot. That's right a pot that you would find in a kitchen.

Henry, it turns out, is originally from New York and recently relocated here to San Antonio brining all of his funkiness with him. You can catch him at Rebar on Broadway in Alamo Heights every Friday night and he also regularly treks up and down the I35 corridor to Austin and San Marcos spreading the jams to his loyal following.

I have become one of those loyal followers and plan to check him out this Friday night at Rebar.

You can follow him on twitter @henryinvisible or on Facebook at Henry + The Invisibles

100 Blog Challenge - 10 - These Roots Grasp a New Soil

2010-02-08T23:39:00.003-06:00

I was transplanting a few little plants tonight that my new neighbors had given me (Yes I can say that I have already made friends with my new neighbors) and I realized that the tender roots of these little plants aren't the only ones that will be grasping new soil. My own roots are now firmly planted here in San Antonio.

If there was ever any doubt as to whether or not I was going to make the Alamo City my home, it has been dispersed with the purchase of my very first home.

This past week and a half has been totally surreal for me. Even now as I sit on my couch, in my candlelit living room, writing this blog its hard for me to believe this house is really mine.

I have had so many amazing changes over the past year and a few months, and its all climaxed with the purchase of my little 3b/1ba home ;)

When I started my journey of self discovery in January of 2009 I was barely a shell of a person, just kind of drifting here and there not really sure who I was or where I belonged. I was scared, insecure and lost.

Today I know myself much better. I know that I am a confident, kind and loving person who knows what she wants out of life and goes after it. I am capable of achieving just about anything if I put my mind to it. Last year I wanted to have fun, travel and go dancing - a lot - and I did.

This year I want to be a little more grown up, buy a house and focus on my career - so I will. I am going to dig in deep, grasp that soil and bloom where I am planted - right here in San Antonio. God I love this city. So much opportunity and a chance to make a difference in so many lives. Bring it 2010 - Lets do it!

100 Blog Challenge - #9 - Haunted House?

2010-02-08T09:08:00.005-06:00

So the past week has been spent getting settled in my new house, putting stuff away, unpacking boxes and nesting in my new pad. I'm loving it. There is so much space I don't have nearly enough stuff to fill it and ironically not nearly enough closet space for all my clothes.

I've had contractors in and out of my home doing various odd jobs and installing my Uverse. Finally I think everything is done and if I never have to sweep up a pile of drywall dust or fiberglass insulation that's floated down from the attic opening it will be just fine with me. But here's the creepy thing...I think my house may be haunted!

Nick has told me a few times that he's been sitting on the couch and has heard sounds like the back door opening. And often times I'll walk into the kitchen and find some of the cupboards open. At first I thought maybe it was just my curious cat who was opening the cupboards because they were the lower ones that he can reach but now I'm not so sure. And here's why.

Last night we were all sitting on the couch watching the Superbowl and for no reason at all the dishwasher turned on - all by itself! Can we say Spooky!

So at this point it all seems concentrated in the kitchen. Which is fine with me because I'm not a big cook but still I do have to brew my coffee in there ;)

So I'm thinking its time to bring in the priest and have him bless my house. The dishwasher could have been a fluke thing. I could just have a very curious cat. Nick could be imagining things. But hey why not have my house blessed...just to be on the safe side.

William Peche for Justice of the Peace - Precinct 3

2010-01-28T14:22:00.003-06:00

About a week ago my friend William Peché approached me to help get the word out about his campaign for Bexar County Justice of the Peace in Precinct 3. Now like many people in San Antonio I wasn’t really sure what exactly a justice of the peace really entailed but I knew William and his background so after talking to him I decided to help.

A Justice of the Peace is an elected position and serves as a sort of people’s court for the average citizen. It’s where you and I go to get minor disputes settled quickly. The JP handles Class C misdemeanors that are punishable by fine only, and civil disputes up to $10,000. They also marry people and handle truancy cases.

The latter is where I knew William's background as a probation officer would come to be a great asset.

“As an adult probation officer in Travis County for 4 years I saw first hand what happens when people drop out of school and don’t go on to college or a trade school,” says Peché. “I have two young sons myself. Not only do I want the best for them but I also want the best for the children of Bexar County and I know that it all starts with a good education.”

Currently the Justice of the Peace in Precinct 3 is only a part time court. In a county of 1.6 million people William will make it into a full time position, especially to dedicate more time to addressing truancy in Precinct 3, which encompasses much of the North side.

“Since the JP is community justice,” says Peché, “the JP needs to get out in the community. I want to talk with schoolteachers, principals, superintendents and at-risk kids. We need to talk with them before they hit the justice system. Because by the time they get to court, often it's too late. Truancy needs to be addressed proactively."

“I’m a firm believer in personal responsibility,” says Peché. “That’s a big part of what I’m going to consider. I will hear all the facts but I don’t want to hear too many excuses. I want kids to know what they did was wrong and take responsibility for it. I had the same philosophy as a probation officer – be fair but tough when you need to be.”

“I am going to work with these kids,” continues Peché, “to let them know that simply because they’re in trouble doesn’t mean they just get punished and it's over, but also that they have to change their behavior and really work to change it. Truancy has far reaching effects from high dropout rates to increased dependence on social services to high crime rates. We definitely have a vested interest to educate our kids. An educated workforce brings jobs, economic development and opportunity to our city.”

William spent 7 years on Capitol Hill as a congressional aide and legislative director for several high profile congressmen. He advocated for the people and helped these officials get initiatives through Congress and funding for much needed programs here at home. I truly believe he’s ready to take this next step to go from behind the desk to behind the bench.

His goals to reduce truancy and make the JP in Precinct 3 full time tie into his strong belief in justice. "Justice is involved, justice is visible," continues Peché. "The community needs to know it's there. People need to know they have access to justice. I’ve knocked on a lot of doors and most people didn’t know they even had a JP or how I would serve them.”

“I think positively,” says Peché. “So when I win this election I’m going to be a fair judge and I’m going to listen to the people in my Precinct. When people go to the Justice of the Peace they will get their day in court. They will get their say.”

But more than just a sitting judge I also believe that William will get out from behind the bench and advocate for our community. I believe he will work for our children to make a difference in their lives and help them become good citizens.

You can vote for William Peché for Justice of the Peace, Precinct 3 in the March 3rd primary election. It will be down ballot, so be sure to scroll pages until you see his name. You can check the link below to see if he would be your JP.

http://apps.bexar.org/webapps/html/elstrinq02.asp

100 Blog Challenge - #7 - Buying a House

2010-01-27T22:02:00.007-06:00

I feel like a kid the night before Christmas or the night before I'm going to Disneyland right now. I'm closing on my very first home tomorrow ;) Yay me!!

I really can't believe this is happening for me. I have wanted this for so long and its finally happening. This week has gone by sooooooooooo slowly it's incredible. In fact the past 20 days of my closing has gone by so slowly.

I have been ready to buy a home the last nine months that I've been looking. This is, in fact, the 5th home I put an offer on...yeah count them 5. All the others just didn't work out. I guess God knew what he was doing because this one is just perfect for me.

So now its the moment of truth:

Twas the night before closing and all through my old place, George patiently purrs, a look of contentment on his soft furry face.

Boxes are packed, laundry is done, oh how I look forward to this weekends moving fun.

Utilities are transfered, mail has been re-routed, OMG is this happening! my mind raced and shouted.

I turn down the sheets and get ready for bed - tomorrow I will have my very own homestead.

I pace back and forth, "have I forgotten anything?" My Twhirl chimes with a familiar ring

'Good luck tomorrow' from all my tweeps, good luck indeed...now time for some sleep!

100 Blog Challenge - #6 - Another One Takes The Plunge

2010-01-24T22:20:00.004-06:00

I just found out one of my best guy friends is getting married...wow...why am I the last to know?

Apparently he proposed last Valentines Day...hello breaking news in Texas! (they live in AZ so I guess I get a little slack) But damn I think he's the last of my friends who I never pictured getting hitched to get hitched. Its the end of an era.

Granted the girl he's marrying is a good girl. She's great, gets along with the guys and the mother of their beautiful son. I have nothing but good stuff to say about her. It just trips me out that another one of my friends is getting hitched.

I thought I was past this in my early to mid twenties when most of my high school acquaintances were all running off in droves and getting married and having kids. I should also add that many of them are now miserably/happily divorced and often tell me I was the smart one for not getting married so young.

But I don't know how to feel about this whole 30's marriage boom. Is it normal? Is it like the economy - going up and down? Do I need to be mentally prepared for a barrage of "Why aren't you married yet?" questions? *Sigh* I already had to deal with that from the fam over xmas.

Fortunately I'm just going to do what I always do...wish them well because I truly mean it and want the best for them and I'm going to continue on my merry way, doing my thing and living life content as I do.

Viva Bailar!

100 Blog Challenge - #5 - Slacker!

2010-01-12T12:18:00.003-06:00

So it's not even two weeks into the new year and I'm already slacking on my resolution to write 100 blogs in 100 days...damn...gotta get cracking! The good news is I have great news...I already completed another one of my new years resolutions...I bought a house!! Yay!

This is something that I have been wanting to do since I moved to San Antonio four years ago. Coming from Southern California where you can't finance a cardboard box for less that $350k its so exciting to be able to finally buy my own home.

My new home-to-be is exactly what I want. An older home in an older neighborhood and only about two minutes drive to my work. I love older homes - the wood floors, the crown moulding and the architecture that goes along with being in an older community. I love how every home on the block is different from each other.

Growing up in California I grew up in track homes and master planned communities. It wasn't until I started moving around as a reporter that I discovered historical districts and the charm that comes from living in and near downtown.

I am so excited to own my first home. I close on the 28th and move in on the 29th. Now it's time to make some serious contacts at Home Depot ;)

100 Blog Challenge - #4 - Living in the Grey

2010-01-07T22:20:00.006-06:00

So I looked in the mirror today and shrieked! There it was! Staring at me just to the right of my eye brow in plain view to everyone - a grey hair! One long, grey hair inter-mixed among the brown just below the blonde. Right in front - like a good student! And then I sighed. Happy 33rd birthday to me. Welcome to the party. Glad you could make it. A little late but thanks for playing.

Now I should say that this is not my first grey hair. I've been spotting the little buggers since my early 20's but they usually like to hang out higher up on my part and kind of blend in with the other blonde highlights that are in my hair. Natural highlights as my hairdresser once called them. Evidence of a life of stress and too much fun I'm sure. But this one - this one - was way out of line coming down to the front of the hairline and casually sliding across my face like it belonged there with its other brown and blonde counterparts. And in that instant I felt old.

It's amazing how in seeing that one grey hair I started to notice all the fine lines under my eyes and then proceeded to pick myself apart. I'm sure the lovely fluorescent light in the ladies room didn't help my cause but I can't help but think of that country song "I'm much to young to feel this damn old."

Seriously most of the time I forget that I'm in my 30's and it's not until I'm reminded by a birthday or when I'm forced to pull out my ID that it's like "Oh yeah I'm 33."

I can still remember itching to get my drivers license at 16 or how I didn't think I would ever be 21 or when 25 seemed so old. And it floors me how fast the time, days, months, hell even years fly by. I remember Y2K!!

The scary part is I don't feel my age. I live by the philosophy you're only as old as you feel and most days I still feel and probably act 15. I have boundless energy, go out with my friends and have way too much fun. Really I wonder "Where did the last 15 years go??"

Yet, in all honesty, there are those mornings where I do sit up in bed, find myself feeling as if I'd been hit by a Mack-10 truck and think "I'm too old for this s**t." *sigh* I have an appointment with my hairdresser tomorrow.

100 Blog Challenge - #3 - Making Changes For The Better

2010-01-06T09:47:00.006-06:00

So it's the new year and time to make some changes. Every year I sit down and make a list of goals. I don't call them resolutions because resolutions get broken like the first week. I call them goals - short, mid and long term - for the year.

Last year I had a few goals:

- to be single for a year - accomplished

- to buy a house - I tried and came close

- to sponsor more women and be more active in my community - I think I succeeded

- to be more financially responsible - I did pretty good on that end

- to visit my friend Kaushal in Atlanta - accomplished

- to vist my grandpa and grandma Tejeda in Nebraska - did it

- to make more trips back home to Cali - done

- to have more fun - definitely accomplished ;)

- to make new friends - nailed that

- to laugh more - definitely laughed till my sides hurt

- to get to know myself better - I did

- pray for others every day - did that most of the time

After looking back on 365 days of blood, sweat, tears and triumph it's empowering to see how far I've come in just one year. Granted the past 12 months have been full of ups and downs but overall the transformation process to a better me has been amazing.

That being said its time to do some more growing - because as an eternal student of life we never stop growing. So for 2010 here is what I propose for myself to be a better person:

- Get a closer connection to God - sometimes I forget who's really running the show, think that I have all the power and then get gently reminded who's really in charge. See when I'm driving the car I tend to make a mess of things and once the mess is made, that's usually when I'm willing to turn to God and ask for help. I'd like to circumvent the mess process this year and just stay close to God in the first place. That starts with a little prayer, meditation and service work.

- Be on time everywhere I go. I once had a teacher who said: Early is on time, on time is late and late is unforgivable. Every time I'm even a few minutes late to something that phrase rings in my head. I know I'm late, you know I'm late, now what am I going to do about it. My best friend Diana calls it arrogance - thinking the world will wait for you. Well the real world won't wait for me and really it is arrogance regardless of the reason for my tardiness. Planes don't wait, meetings don't wait, sponsees, clients and bosses shouldn't have to wait and I shouldn't be late. Enuf said!

- Rebuild my savings. Last year I started to build up a nice savings and over the past few months I had some big expenses that drained it. That killed me to see my little nest egg go to $0 :( So for 2010 I get to be disciplined with my budget, stop spoiling myself with "presents to me" and start setting money aside again for my emgergency fund.

- Find and buy my dream home - I worked really hard last year to improve my credit, raise the money for my down payment and be in the position to buy a home - the only problem...I didn't find the right home :( So this year my goal is to find my dream home - right size, right neighborhood, right price.

Other Goals:

- Pray for others

- Do my gratitude list everyday

- Get a promotion at work

- Be a good girlfriend

- Zumba twice a week

- Visit my grandparents in Nebraska

- Make a spring/summer trip to Cali

- Visit Kaushal where ever she is

- Take a trip to New York to visit my Cousin Jackie

- Have my brother visit Texas

- Have more fun this year than last

- Dance more this year than last

- Take Salsa lessons

- Go skydiving

- Laugh a lot

So that's it. Those are my goals for 2010. I may add a few in as the year progresses. I do have a brand new passport that is itching for some stamps so I'll let you know if some international travel gets added to the list. Feel free to let me know if I need to add some things to my goal list ;)

100 Blog Challenge - #2 - Off The Market

2010-01-04T19:29:00.007-06:00

So at 12:30 am 2010 I was officially taken off the dating market. That's when Nick pulled me aside and sweetly asked me "What I would think about being his girlfriend." My immediate response wasn't a verbal one. Instead I just smiled and kissed him. As I felt a flutter of excitement pour over me I also had a momentary twinge of hesitation run through my body.

That was the label I had managed to neatly evade for all of 2009 - something I had stuck to my guns about - I was going to be SINGLE for an entire year. But here it was, 30 minutes into 2010, and Nick was not wasting any time. Was I ready for this? Could I do this? Can I be a good girlfriend?

I always joke that the song "Bad Girlfriend" is my theme song because I have a history of not doing relationships well. They never work out or they're not with the right people. On my end I can be selfish, cold, vain and get bored easily. (Hey at least I'm honest)

To make a long story short my track record with LTR's isn't great. They usually have a shelf life of 18 months and by the end I'm either racing from some sick co-dependent cocoon or gimping my way out of the so called union scathed, scarred and emotionally wrecked. Sounds like fun huh?

Some might say, and have said, I have commitment issues. I would definitely say I have commitment issues. That's a big Roger that! I hate the fact that I had to sign a two year contract for my cell phone company.

So what makes this guy - more specifically Nick - so different? Especially when I spent an entire YEAR dating a number of men, one in particular, almost exclusively for most of the year and who had indicated interest in the boyfriend position. Why was I so willing or even considering getting back into a relationship after a year of single bliss?

I wish I could say I knew or could point to one single thing but I can't. From the moment Nick first extended his hand to me and we danced Salsa in the kitchen at his family's tamalada I knew I wanted to dance with him again. The next night at Arjon's as we laughed and spun around the small, crowded floor, I was enchanted by his smile, confidence and expressive eyes.

In the following days and weeks we talked for hours, stayed up way too late, went dancing again and again and again, went to dinner, went to a movie, danced in my living room till all hours of the night, went to a concert at Gruene Hall, went to my Christmas party, texted, he met a few of my friends and I met a few of his. And with each passing day the other people that I had been dating just kind of slipped away.

Then on New Years Eve, in my room, as he pulled me close and asked me if I would be his girlfriend, that momentary flash of fear vanished and I said "Yes!"

Call me crazy - I am. Call this a whirl wind romance - It is. Call it whatever you will. But I'm jumping in head first and going to ride this train till the wheels come off. Wish me luck ;)

100 Blog Challenge - #1 - The Dance Floor Disaster

2010-01-03T03:11:00.003-06:00

So the other day I saw a twitter post from one of my friends that said I challenge you to post 100 blogs in 100 days and I thought...hmmmm could I do that? Really could I do that?

My goal when I started this blog was to write about my life and journey of living up the good life in the Alamo city and I am a pretty busy girl so I'm going to give this 100 blogs in 100 days a shot. So here goes #1

Most of you know that I am a dancing machine and I never hesitate to hit up the floor when the music is bumping. Whether its house, salsa or country I am ready to shuffle my feet and burn some calories. But not everything always goes according to plan.

The other night I went to Cowboys and man it was PACKED! I mean there was wiggle room only on the dance floor. I probably wasn't wearing the best shoes - 4" heels instead of my boots. That was my first mistake. Fortunately I was with a great dance partner - my boyfriend Nick.

Nick is a phenomenal dancer - country, salsa, house, any type of music is his forte. So not only can he spin me around the dance floor with ease but he can also navigate a packed dance floor with the same talent as a precision driver maneuvering 281/1604 traffic at 5 o'clock.

Unfortunately during one of my spins my hand slipped from his grasp and given my outward spinning momentum I fell over me heels, flew backwards and it was like the red sea parted as I sailed through the air, through the crowd, not hitting a single person and landed on my ass right in the middle of the dance floor.

To add insult to injury not a single person helped me up. Yep people just kept right on dancing around me as if I wasn't even there. What could I do but laugh. And laugh I did. Hysterically so until Nick barreled through the packed floor to help me up. I was a good ten feet away from him and the "sea" had closed after my passing. He was literally shoving people aside to get to me.

Yep just call me grace. Good times. That was the start of my night and it didn't stop me. I just kept on dancing. Sometimes when things like that happen you just pick yourself up, dust your butt off and keep on dancing.

Its just like life...you just gotta laugh at yourself and roll with the punches, trips, falls and disasters. I always say if I didn't laugh I'd surely cry. So why not laugh instead. It sure feels a hell of a lot better to laugh.

Home for the Holidays

2009-12-23T03:28:00.005-06:00

It's that time of year...the time when I trek back home to the OC and spend Christmas at the beach. Well not literally at the beach but pretty darn close. In fact I usually try to make a few trips to the city of Newport Beach and at least dip my toes in the sand, stare at the waves and breathe that clean ocean air during my annual yuletide trip to the mother ship of California.

And man does it feel good to be home, laying in my own bed right now as I type this blog entry. As I think back to where I was a year ago, practically fleeing to Cali after a tough breakup to lick my wounds, clear my head and desperately trying to find the person that had gotten so lost.

I remember how much peace and comfort I experienced in those first few days. The welcoming hugs from my family, the big smile on my brothers' faces, my best friend Sari and I had a "stich and bitch," I slept in, went out with friends, drank soothing cups of coffee, read a great book recommended to me by my friend Diana and even laughed a little.

California has always been my happy place. A time to see friends, to shop, to relax and play. A time to celebrate my birthday and "go big or go home." This year promises to be even better. My little brother and I have plans to go out on the town ;) He's now 19 - such a babe still - but old enough to hang with his big sis. And it's time for him to learn how to "go big or go home" and going home isn't an option.

This may also be my last Christmas in the golden state. My parents are thinking about moving this summer to either North Carolina or a suburb or Atlanta. So I really have no choice but to soak in all the sunshine and fun times that I can on this trip.

So far plans include dancing, eating, shopping, snowboarding in Big Bear, Christmas Eve party with the family at my parents house, post Christmas party at Grandpa's house, lunch with Grandma, sleep and much, much more.

This year has been about fun and as the year winds down to a close I fully intend to go out with a bang. Why slow down now just because its the holidays? Its just all the more reason to have fun and bringing my brother along for the ride is even cooler.

God is that you????

2009-11-10T22:16:00.004-06:00

Do you ever have those moments where you feel like God is slowing you down? And not in a bad way but probably for your own good. These past few mornings I've sat drinking coffee, contemplating my life and feeling the shift. How God has stopped me from making some impulsive decisions that I may not necessarily have regretted but in hindsight may not have been the best ones to make.

Sometimes I feel like my life is going at warp speed and runs so fast that all my thoughts, actions and words are chewed up and spit out so quickly that I don't fully have time to comprehend their impact on myself and those around me. Only later do I reflect back and feel that twinge of regret, remorse or guilt. Thinking I should have done or said that differently.

Over the past two weeks I've had several of life's doors close and only now do I have the time to mull over and think about those situations with a still mind, several good nights of sleep and a few good meals in my stomach.

Its ironic that at this time when I'm feeling particularly selfish and self centered, you know because its all about me, that God entrusts me with more service positions and sponsees as a way to give back and get out of myself. It seems to be the only way I know of to restore some sort of semblance and balance to my life, to be accountable, to lead by example, to slow down.

I'm grateful that God always steps in at just the right time with a big dose of humility and reality - lord knows I can use it right now.

Growing Up...a little

2009-10-27T23:57:00.004-05:00

I've been doing a lot of thinking lately and unfortunately, not a lot of posting. I went to the coast this weekend and spent a lot of time looking at the ocean thinking about my life.

I've got a lot of what I like to call "big girl" decisions coming up. Some of them I've already made, some are around the corner and some are what I view as Gods little curve balls.

I made one today. It was the end of something that has been a constant in my life all year but its a loss that I feel nonetheless. It was done without any drama or tears, I'm not the crying type, but for the first time in a long time it was a decision that was made without any fear because God was with me and I knew it was time to let go.

Today I intuitively knew how to handle a situation that used to baffle me.

This year has been about self discovery, about finding myself and I've definitely stumbled along the way. It's been about letting go of old behaviors, past patterns, bad habits and the like. Its been about finding out who I am and what I like to do. Its been about making new friends, laughing and finding joy in all I do. Its been about working a new job and walking through fear. I've watched friends move away, relationships end and I've begun rebuilding my life from the ground up...this time with God at the helm.

Its amazing how much smoother things go when I let the big man take the wheel and drive.

I recently put an offer on a house...then walked away. I put an offer on another house...I'm about to walk away again. I'm learning that what I want is not always what's best for me or what's in Gods plan for me. But what I do know is that I have faith that things always get better and I am becoming a better person each and every day.

I know that I don't have to hurt peoples feelings but sometime I do and inadvertently I will. I know when that happens I can make amends and if at all possible make it right and my friendships will be better because of it.

I'm learning how to let people in and let them get to know the real me - slowly. The me who likes to drink coffee and laugh and smoke way too many cigarettes. The me who likes to Zumba my butt off, bake cookies and dance in my living room until the sun comes up. The me who likes to ride Harley's and watch HGTV and tweet endless amounts of babble. The me who is perfectly imperfect but is striving to be the woman God intended me to be.

Live Music, Concerts and More

2009-10-06T12:21:00.010-05:00

Its been awhile since I last posted. In fact, its been a whole month...my bad. But I've been out having fun, living life and working my butt off ;)

I recently went to the Metallica concert when they were here in San Antonio and they absolutely kicked ass!

I have been a Metallica fan since I was 15 and I first heard their black album. They hooked me in with the song Enter Sandman and I immediately went out and bought all their other CD's and a few tapes. Yes I'm that old that I owned tapes. CD's were still new technology back then.

I remember I was supposed to go to the big joint Metallica/Gun & Roses concert that year but I got grounded and didn't get to go. I was heart broken. But I finally got to see my favorite band in 2005 on their St. Anger tour when they came to Tucson, AZ. I was so pumped. They played all my favorite songs.

I was a reporter at the local Fox station in town and we did a story on big name bands playing smaller cities and venues. I was able to meet and interview Lars. I even took a picture with him ;) It was one of my favorite moments in television news.

This time I almost didn't get to go to the concert. But Johnny "Fingers" Compian of 1250 The Zone hooked me up with an extra ticket he had - You Rock Johnny!!

Our seats were incredible! Metallica, as always, was awesome. Master of Puppets - Intense! One - Perfect. Enter Sandman - Just as I remember. They brought down the house!

My other new passion has been for hearing local bands play at Gruene Hall. I received a new project at work - to put together live music newsletters for all the upcoming bands that will be playing in the New Braunfels area and its been amazing.

Over the past few months I have discovered some insanely good artists that I never would have discovered had I not been researching their bios and surfing their websites and myspace pages for information.

Two weekends ago I saw Stewart Mann and the Statesboro Revue and Bleu Edmondson play at Gruene Hall. Both were awesome and I bought their CDs. In fact I haven't been able to get their CD's out of my CD player.

Here is a video I took of Bleu performing his song Resurrection:

Bleu will be playing next in San Antonio at Jacks on 11/6. The Statesboro Revue will be playing on Wednesday the 14th of October at River Road Icehouse. You all should check them out!

Patiently Waiting

2009-08-28T16:16:00.006-05:00

So I put an offer in on a house almost a month ago and I've been waiting patiently to hear back. The "I want to buy your home are you going to sell it?" situation is complicated. So I've been patient and holding off on a blog post hoping to write good news like...It's mine!! Its all mine!! But alas no...the waiting continues.

Have you ever heard the joke "How do you make God laugh? You tell him your plans!" Yeah God is laughing at me and I am patiently waiting for answers. Fortunatly, I'm willing to wait and also willing to adjust my plan because it may just not include the very house I've put on my very short list of...one.

*heavy sigh*

Ahhhh....Reality. Its not always fun and it doesn't always feel fair but I've found that God usually has a better idea of the bigger picture than I do, so its best to just have a little faith that things will all work out for the best without my meddling and manipulating.

Don't get me wrong - its not that I don't want to jump in there and make that house my own and make things happen. Trust me - I do! However, its been my experience that when I get involved and "force" a situation to "go my way" it doesn't stay in my favor for long.

Call it karma, call it murphys law, call it self will, call it my own bad luck, call it whatever you want. I just know that this kind of "negotiation" is best left to professionals and God gets to decide the outcome - in his time - not mine. And I'm sure along the way I'll learn some valuable lesson, build some character, yada, yada, yada...But...in the process...waiting sucks. The good news however, is that I am a very patient woman ;)

Being the Big Sister I Never Thought I Could Be

2009-08-12T12:49:00.014-05:00

I talked to my little, ok now kinda grown up, brother Daniel on Facebook today. He's 18, just graduated from high school and starting to figure out this thing called LIFE.

He's made some very grown up decisions lately by telling my parents he's not going to be attending Humboldt State in the fall. Instead he'll be staying close to home and following my footsteps by going the community college route. I can only imagine the fear it 1) took for him to stand his ground with my parents and 2) charter the unknown territories of not having a plan all mapped out for him by my mother.

But he seems to be doing well and I'm happy for him. He's acting, having fun, hanging out with his friends and girlfriend, and sends me regular text messages. He also often comes to me for advice, especially about all of the above.

Daniel and I didn't always have such a great relationship. We used to fight like cats and dogs...or more appropriately like siblings. You see, my mom remarried when I was 8 to my stepfather, who is a wonderful man. Daniel didn't come along until I was 14 years old. Having been an only child for so long having a sibling after so many years of solitude was quite an adjustment. Actually that's an understatement.

Daniel got away with everything I got in trouble or got grounded for. He told on me and narked me out. I was the live in baby sitter. For so long I HATED him. Four years later, my brother Scotty came along. Now instead of one there was TWO!!

By this time I had graduated from high school and was attending college, partying with my friends and resented the hell out of having to take time out to babysit much less attend family functions. Even though I was living at home off and on, I spent as little time as possible with my family and even less time with Daniel and Scott. I was a sister only in name.

The change happened about the time I was living in Arizona, around 2003. I came home for flower festival and he rode with me up to my grandmothers house. We talked the whole drive up and all of a sudden Daniel realized I was an ally and not the enemy. We forged a truce. He realized I could be a conduit between mom and dad. That I could be a neutral third party that could help with negotiations. He later flew out to Tucson to visit me and do an internship at the TV station I was working at over the summer.

By becoming more active in Daniels life I became more active in Scotts life. Granted I'm still much closer to Daniel but I also take more time with Scott when I visit. We watch movies, play volleyball and talk. I call the house and spend a few minutes on the phone with Scott before asking to talk to mom and dad. I'm even his friend on Facebook ;)

This past Christmas when I went home was probably the best Christmas I'd had in years. I just hunkered down and soaked up my family. I took Daniel to get his official California ID card. He wasn't allowed to get his drivers license yet.

I played Rummi Cube with Scott - the evil mastermind

We took this picture which sits on my desk at work. It brings a smile to my face every time I look at it and realize how far I've come in my relationship with my brothers. It did take a few takes to get one that Scott wasn't doing bunny ears behind my head ;)

Although I live 2,000 miles always from my little, now growing up to be big brothers, I feel so blessed to have them in my life. I have changed and grown into the big sister I never wanted to be but am so glad I am.

If I could give them one last piece of advice it would be to live your life for you and no one else. Live it to the fullest. Laugh a lot and often. And above everything else...have fun. I love you always ~ your big sister Nat

A note to the Roaches

2009-08-09T23:05:00.003-05:00

So my cat George totally redeemed himself/herself this weekend and earned his/her overpriced kitty food.

After spending Thursday night in a cleaning fit sucking up all the little cat/dog hair balls that were floating around my hardwood floors I found several uninvited guests hiding out underneath the furniture. Fortunately they were DEAD guests. I could tell by the flipped over, on the back, legs to the sky position they had taken up. So I did what any normal girl would do...I sucked them up with the attachment wand on the vacuum.

I thought I had gotten all the little buggers - 3 1/2 in total - one was only in partial pieces under the litter box. Where the rest of him went I have no idea but I don't care. I was happy, the floors were clean, the roaches were gone and ahhhhhhh I could breathe normally again. But then Saturday night rolled around.

I was sitting on the couch watching Divine Design on HGTV waiting for Diana to show up before we hit up the Bonham and heard a noise in the kitchen. George was chasing something!! I flipped on the lights and to my surprise not only had he cornered a roach but he had injured it! My seemingly lazy cat had actually done his job and captured an intruder! Good kitty - a greeny treat for you!

As I stared at the prisoner, watching him ooze some gooey black substance, his antenna twitched. He knew he was caught and the end was near. With one swift motion, never taking my eyes off of him, I crushed him with my flip flop.

Ahhhh the sweet smell of victory. I hope his friends were watching. Let all roaches who even think of entering my home know to trespass here is a death sentence. For I am friends with powerful people - specifically Sir Ricardo the Exterminator and King George the Enforcer.

Lost sheep is found but not quite back in the flock

2009-07-27T11:44:00.005-05:00

I just got a call from a woman I had been working with who went MIA about two weeks ago. I do a lot of work with women in treatment for substance abuse. This particular woman had had her ups and downs while in treatment - many of them do - but one Saturday while on pass something happened and she decided to leave rehab. I didn't find out she had left until a day later when I was talking to one of her housemates. I was surprised to say the least because she had been doing so well - I thought. Today I got the real story as to why she decided to leave.

While on pass her boyfriend broke up with her and she didn't want to feel the pain. So she left the safety of her rehab to go do what addicts do best - get loaded.

This is what happens when we make our friends/family/significant others our higher powers aka our God. People will always let us down because we put unrealistic expectations on them. No one is perfect. There will always be a fight, a break up or a hurt feeling. Humans are fallible and when we put them on pedistals they fall off and consequently when alcoholics and addicts place their whole world in something fallible they too fall off.

One of the most valuable lessons I've learned in the past year is to place my dependance in God instead of people and material possessions. In the past I've made my job, my significant others, my car, my paycheck, my clothes/shoes/purses etc... my higher power and I've found that in the pursuit of all of those they've been stripped from me. And after being left curled up in the fetal position in a world of pain I realized the only thing left, and that had been there the entire time, was God.

Today I turn to God first to let me be of service, to do his will and to decide the *bonuses* that should be in my life. Its been a humbling experience to say the least but a most rewarding one. I bring God into all my big decisions. Buying a car last year - on Gods terms. Switching from SAWS to Dublin and Associates - on Gods terms. Buying a house this year - on Gods terms. These are all changes I was willing to make for peace of mind and a better life.

As for the woman I was working with she is back home in her small town where they have meetings twice a week. She tells me she is tired of her old lifestyle, is again willing to make some changes and will be going to those meetings. She's also desperatly trying to get back into treatment but has to face the consequences of her actions - a long waiting list for a bed.

God doesn't make too hard a terms for those who seek him but not everything is handed to us on a silver platter either. There has to be a degree of willingness too. I tell her that people have been getting clean and sober without treatment for years and it can be done if you're serious about your recovery but she's not so sure she can do it. I tell her to dig in, get some phone numbers of some women in your town in recovery and work a program like your life depends on it. She says she will and she'll call me to let me know how she's doing.

In all likely hood I'll probably never hear from her again. Or if I do she'll probably call once or twice more before ceasing all contact. It sounds sad but that's just been my experience and a harsh reality of working with lots of women like her. I hope I'm wrong. I hope she's the exception. I hope she makes it back.

My kind of Wedding

2009-07-23T09:19:00.004-05:00

I saw this on a blog this morning and had to pass it on. Not saying that I'm itching to get hitched but IF I were to take the big plunge into the deep end of the pool it would probably look a little something like this.

Herding Dogs, Cats and....Roaches??

2009-07-22T15:27:00.006-05:00

This is the blog post I've been trying to write all week but I've been busy and I've had little doggie paws, courtesy of Sunshine, all over my laptop every time I tried to sit down on the couch and write.

Let me just start by saying...George isn't happy...he's been monitoring our house guests from the safety of my new bed all week. But aside from a few hair raising hisses he's been pretty cordial.

We've been doggie sitting all week for my friend Diana aka Sunshine's owner and for Joe aka Katie the shop dogs owner.

Sunshine is an adorable little pomeranian who demands my attention, hence the little paws on my laptop. She reminds me a lot of my little yorkie Bella who was lost when I moved into my current apartment a year and a half ago.

Sunshine is fantastic in the art of begging for food and doesn't like her picture taken. However I was able to snap this pic because I was holding a french fry in my hand and she was looking up at me ;) She was very attentive at the time. Right now she is bounding around the kitchen and barking at me because I'm on the computer instead of petting her...total princess and such an attention whore.

Our other guest Katie is a fox red lab that looks a lot like my other former dog Puma. Katie is a big lover who is extremely well behaved and loves to give kisses.

She's also a great watch dog, barking at everything that approaches the front door - including me. Good girl Katie. She also hunted and killed a very large cockroach her first night here at the house - very good girl.

Roaches, unfortunately, make a sporadic appearance in my apartment in the summer no matter how many times I have the exterminator out. I live in an old pier and beam house so it kind of comes with the territory. Katie just did what my cat refuses to do...attack!! Get em'!! Kill!!

George just watches while I grab the raid and put the nasty buggers out of their misery before tossing their poisoned carcass in the trash all the while meowing for food. I think we know who runs the house right??

So all week I've been "monitoring" the peace process and I'm happy to report that yes there has been a truce formed in my house. Although the Roach didn't make it - it was a suicide mission after all.

Its been a little weird having the responsibility of a dog(s) again. I've been making my regular glamorous appearances in the neighborhood early in the morning complete with bathrobe and poop bag - Sexy! I've been emailing Diana letters penned from Sunshine (I know. I'm a dork) I've found myself staying home so that I can be with the "kiddos."

Not having a dog for a year and a half makes me realize again how much of a responsibility it is having to come home to walk, feed and nurture your little furry family members. I have such a busy life and its a habit I had gotten out of just having a cat who's very independent and only requires me to feed him twice a day and scoop the box (I hate scooping the box)

There are times I wish I had a dog again and then there are times I am glad I get to live vicariously through my friends and one more time just be Auntie Nat the BEST doggie sitter ever!!

The Bed - Its done!

2009-07-11T17:46:00.006-05:00

Joe is a miracle worker. Although I have to admit that two weekends ago when when the bed came home and it didn't fit my box spring and mattress I was a little skeptical about how the project was going to turn out. He let me know that the bed project was going to be on hold until after the 4th of July because he was having a party so I kind of just put it out of my mind and figured we'd work on it this weekend. So imagine my surprise when I called Joe Friday night and he told me the bed was DONE!!

What??? No more painting? No more sanding? Just be home for delivery?! OK you twisted my arm ;) So just after 1 this afternoon Joe brought my new and improved bed frame home! After putting it together joe explains how he fixed our previous "mis-calculations"

So here's the moment of truth...does it fit??

YES!!! Whoo Hoo!! I finally have a bed fit for a queen ;)

All I can say is just wow. I am so impressed with Joe and his amazing skills as a master craftsman and wood worker. I am so grateful that I have people like him in my life who are willing to help me, ok in his case, do for me what I can't do for myself.

Now I'm going to take a nap in my new bed ;)

Going High Tech

2009-07-08T10:22:00.003-05:00

So in an attempt to become a little more credible and more high tech, I registered my blog with Technoratti. I even have to post a blog with this code in it: whxdirqtsz That's so the computer can find me and start tracking my blog.

Hopefully Technoratti will do a better job than Google, which still doesn't pull up my blog in search engines, even though it is a Google run platform...sheesh.

Goodbye to the Golden State??

2009-07-07T23:07:00.003-05:00

Ok I'm sitting here in a total state of shock. I've tried calling all my friends and no one is answering...punks (and thats the nice word for it) So this is my only outlet for my total mind blowing breaking news flash: My family is moving from Southern California to North Carolina by the end of summer...probably. WTF!!!!

I just got the 411 from my little brother Daniel, who's not so little, he's 18, but he's still my little brother and that's not the point. The point is my family IS MOVING FROM SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA TO NORTH CAROLINA IN A MONTH AND A HALF!!!!

OK breathe in....out....in...out. I can't even get them to visit me in Texas and I've been here for almost four years, which I might add they promised to do this summer. And instead they visit my aunt and uncle for a few days in North Carolina because they're close by on a trip to D.C. and decide to move there??? HELLO!!! What is going on? Has hell frozen over? Please tell me because the last time I checked it was 100+ here in San Antonio. Or has the world ended and I've finally ended up where I always feared I would?

Ok so maybe I'm over reacting a bit but I'm hurt. Apparently I'm the last to know. Apparently not only are my mom, my step dad and my two little brothers (13 & 18) going to be tarheels but they've also recruited my Aunt Sheri too.

My question is...why not Texas? After all San Antonio was named one of Forbes top ten most recession proof cities. Its also has one of the best housing markets and aside from the current heat wave, it has gorgeous weather.

I have been trying to get my parents to move here, hell just consider the idea of relocating here, since I moved here in December of 2005. I can't believe they would just make the decision to sell their SoCal home and move to North Carolina without even giving San Antonio a glance. In fact I'm downright insulted.

But aside from my anger I'm also sad. The thoughts of no more Christmas' in California by the beach, no more ocean breeze, no more waking up in my own bed in my own room in my parents house, no more sitting on "our" patio with my brother having long talks, no more birthdays in that kitchen, no more drinking coffee and reading the Sunday paper in my chair, the memories we shared in that house...no more. I can't believe it could really be happening...in just a few months.

Looking for...Me

2009-06-30T23:34:00.011-05:00

I started this year with a goal...to find myself. I felt a little like Julia Roberts in the runaway bride...not really even knowing how I liked my eggs cooked. Which really isn't true because I like them over medium with bacon. But you get the point. I was feeling lost having just come out of another (failed) long term relationship.

You see I have this really bad habit of going from one relationship to another. In fact I've spent the better part of the past 15 years in back to back relationships. Each time I come tearing out of one, and its usually ugly, there would be some other poor soul to take their place. My therapist would call it co-dependancy. I simply call it fear. Fear of being alone. So instead of taking time to heal and reflect on what went wrong I would simply find someone new to latch onto like a barnacle in the hopes they would find me good enough, smart enough, pretty enough, thin enough, perfect enough, etc...to be worthy of keeping around.

I got real good at being the girl you wanted me to be. I became friends with your friends and was fun to be around. I took on your hobbies and likes. You like punk rock? I like punk rock! You want to go to the river? I can do the river! I became the master chameleon. In essence, I was the perfect girlfriend, always up for fun and always had a smile on my face.

However, there is a flip side of my personality. I have a horrible fear of commitment and can't stand normalcy. So while part of me longed for someone to love me the other part of me was constantly looking outward for the next best thing horribly afraid I would miss the "something better" that would come along because I was in a relationship.

It didn't make things any easier that I chose to pursue a career that moved me about the country. In fact it made it much easier for me to just pick up and take off with things got too serious. Sure the relationship would hang on for a few months when I was in my new town but then I would find someone new who would give me the attention I craved and I'd be off to the races. It was a vicious cycle that ruined numerous relationships and caused irreparable emotional damage to my exes. I wasn't a very nice person and I'm not proud of my behavior.

But this year, having decided it was time for a change, I made up my mind that at 32 years old I was going to learn just who the hell I am and what the hell I like. I've spent so much time catering to my significant others that it seems like I don't even know who I am anymore. So I made a list - not a bucket list - because I don't plan on kicking off anytime soon, but a list of what I want to do, for myself this year besides spend time with my cat George.

Its now 6 months in and here's where I'm at:

1) No relationships - dating is ok but no commitments for 1 year (Leo and I have been dating since January and he's been very understanding about my process and my goal of having a year of self discovery. He's fun, has two fantastic kids, a great dancer and rides a harley.

2) Visit my friend Kaushal in Atlanta - she's a freelance anchor for CNN (I made a trip out to Atlanta in Feb)

3) Visit my Grandma & Grandpa Tejeda in Nebraska (I just spent memorial weekend with them. See previous blog: What I learned on my trip to Nebraska

4) Have Fun (Diana and I consistently hit up the Bonham Exchange for nights of dancing. We've even managed to drag some of our other friends, like my roommate Jeanie, out with us.)

(I've been to lots of Spurs games and even had my picture taken with the coyote.)

5) Laugh More (These days...I laugh a lot)

6) Buy a house (This is something I have dreamed about for as long as I can remember. Now I am well on my way to buying a house and should be a homeowner by the end of the year)

7) Travel (I have just applied for my passport and hopefully will do some traveling later this year. I also went fishing a few months back in Corpus where I caught a HUGE redfish)

8) Visit my family in California more (I have already made one trip back home. Granted it was for my grandmothers funeral but I did get to spend Easter with my family and it was a wonderful experience overall.

9) Get a promotion/raise at work (working on that ;)

10) Freelance On Air Work (I have taken some print pictures and completed one audition for some on air work)

11) Start a blog (nuff said)

12) Be of service to my community (I am very active in my community but I'm still looking for a board or committee to serve on)

With half the year gone I feel like I've come so far but I still have so much farther to go. I've stayed up late, discovered new tv shows, drank lots of coffee, met new twitter friends, started Zumbaing, gotten closer to my close girlfriends than I ever thought I could have imagined (thank you Diana for everything) and each day I'm so grateful for what the next may bring. This year of reinvention, of discovery, of fun was so needed so deep down in my soul.

For so long I felt so empty and felt like I was just going through the motions. This year I have felt more alive than I ever have. I have danced till my feet hurt. I have laughed till my smile felt like it would crack my face in half and I know that God has so many more blessings in store for me. Thank you all for being part of my life. ~n

The Bed - Doh!!

2009-06-30T12:39:00.008-05:00

So it was go time...Joe and I busted out the paint and got to it, spreading a gorgeous, brown, expresso colored enamel on the headboard, footboard and rails.

And we had to be careful not to get any runs or air bubbles in it. Because I am a perfectionist and don't you know it has to be immaculate! My mother would be proud.

So after two luscious coats, a good basking in the sun for extra measure the bed was coming home! I was so excited I could hardly sleep the night before! I even got up early, cleaned the wood floors to remove any traces of cat hair, dust and dirt and prepared my room for sleeping greatness. I was like a kid on Christmas morning.

And here it is all put together!!!! Doesn't it look beautiful...so perfect and EXACTLY what I wanted! Joe rocks.

Now comes the moment of truth...putting the box spring, mattresses and the bedding on my new queenly throne!

S**T!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Not only is the frame too small for my queen sized bed...but its too large for my roommates full sized bed...hmmmm. But Joe tells me all is not lost...he can fix it. And I believe it because:

1) he has made square rails fit into round holes

2) he has made a once thought to be solid wood antique bed look like a damn good replica of a solid wood bed

So I am entrusting my newly painted, slightly irregularly sized bed frame back into the custody of one Joe Mayer for modification and rehabilitation. And hey, if it doesn't work out I'm still out less than $200 and I get to write a creative craigslist post ;)

Stay tuned.

Raleigh Maroon

2009-06-27T20:47:00.010-05:00

Last night I went to go see Melissa Ludwig, higher education writer for the San Antonio Express News and her band Raleigh Maroon. Can I just say WOW was I impressed. And I consider myself a pretty good music connoisseur.

They're a cover band but have many of their own pieces that are quite incredible. Melissa has a set of pipes that just blew me away when they did a rendition of Wild Horses.

Raleigh Maroon plays all over San Antonio, about 3-4 times a week. I caught them at Valintino's di Olmos where they have a steady gig every Friday night for the restaurant crowd.

Here is their rendition of Hotel California which gave me chills.

Hanging with Chris and Jason

2009-06-27T12:36:00.005-05:00

Can I just say this...I love Chris and Jason...the guys from 1250 The Zone. If ever a girl needs a quick pick me up ego wise or a little attention these two will give it to you. They are sooooo complimentary.

The past few months they have been gracious enough to let me come on the show and chit chat with them. I have been able to join the cast of gorgeous ladies like Kim Fisher of WOAI, Trish Deberry-Mehia of GDC and a host of many other lovely Zone Girls who regularly make appearances on the show. They even invited me back for chick week next week.

They were even nice enough to make this video for me during their recent live shot at RioRio Cantina on the Riverwalk this past Friday.

BTW...the bed is finished and will be delivered on Sunday...stay tuned for the blog post ;)

The Bed - The Belated Tuesday Update

2009-06-17T16:58:00.011-05:00

So I've been super busy this week and haven't had much of a chance to post this video I shot of the progress on the bed project. My bad. But here is the update...

When I got to Joe's house Tuesday night he had a bit of a family thing he had to take care of so he left me to my own devices in the workshop with a bunch of sand paper, some pain thinner and some primer...sounds like a recipe for disaster right??. But for the *hawh* (I blew on my knuckles and rubbed them on my shirt if you didn't pick up the reference) "expert" (and I say that sarcastically) that I have become in refinishing projects...it was cool. With Katy the shop dog to keep me out of trouble, this is how the bed is shaping up:

Shortly thereafter, Joe returned. And by that time, I had painted the other side of the head board, the flip side of the rails and footboard, and it was time to call it a night. But not before taking a few minutes to chat and enjoy the fruits of our labor...

Oh and pose with silly sunglasses...I'm such a dork ;)

The Bed - Weekend 1

2009-06-14T21:30:00.015-05:00

So this weekend I embarked on a HGTV style bed frame makeover. I started with this bed frame which turned out not to be an antique at all. My first clue was the made in China sticker on the bottom ;) My second clue were the A & B assembly stickers we discovered when we took the bed apart. Hmmmm...no biggie Joe and I can work with this and we did. With Katy our assistant carefully watching our progress.

The first thing we did was chop the foot board down to size. Joe is amazingly accurate with a table saw and in no time we had a much smaller foot board. He also cut the round trimming off the top of the footboard, figured a way to drill a few holes in it and affix it to the bottom piece so it looked like one solid piece.

Turns out my dirty job isn't sanding, yet, first I have to do a lot of stripping. Of paint cochinos!! I have to strip the paint off of the legs and both sides of the head board.

It took me half a day Saturday and most of the day Sunday to get all the gooey paint and stripper off the head board. That's when we realized after a few test spots on some of the extra foot board wood that the stain we had planned to use wouldn't take. The reason...it's not real wood. It's pressed board and doesn't stain right...hmmmm another setback.

So that paint I just took off...we're going to pick a new color, sand the frame and paint it again ;) I start that portion of the project Tuesday.

The good news is Joe being super handy with the table saw figured out the problem with the square rails having to fit into round holes...We, or should I say he, just made new slots for the rails and secured them with bolts. We're making progress...stay tuned ;)

The Bed

2009-06-13T10:05:00.008-05:00

So at the beginning of the year I got a new bed. Not just any bed, a really nice bed. I mean I pulled out all the stops and got myself one with lumbar support, memory foam and all the trimmings. The reason: I'm a sleeper. Ask anyone who knows me and they will tell you I can sleep for hours at a time. My typical naps are 3-4 hours long and I require at least 8-9 hours of sleep every night. The only problem...I don't have a frame for it. Its currently sitting on my floor. Note the coyote doll...I am a true spurs fan ;)

Although I've made the best of my current situation, I'm holding out for the perfect bed frame. My problem is I have Pottery Barn dreams on a HGTV budget. This is what I want: but I can't even fathom paying $1000 bucks for it.

So I talked with my friend Joe Mayer, who is a carpenter and woodworker about building something like it. I used to take wood shop in school so I'm always down for a project. And I know my way around a table saw so bring it right? But he suggested that if I wanted something like a sleigh bed without the high footboard then to buy a sleigh bed and we'd cut it down...hmmmm.

So yesterday I found a antique sleigh bed on Craigslist. I should mention that I love antiques. I love taking anything old and refinishing it. I love old houses too which is why I'm looking for a home in a historic neighborhood. I love the character. But I'm cheap too. The woman wanted $150 for it at a garage sale. After negotiating her down to $100 and getting her to deliver it to my house this is what I ended up with.

I'll keep you posted on my progress ;)

To my Pops

2009-06-10T22:42:00.005-05:00

Yesterday was the 13th anniversary of my fathers death. He died far too young at the age of 43.

I was barely 19 when he passed away suddenly from a series of brain aneurisms one weekend and because of stupid choices I made I wasn't at the hospital. Instead of being by his bedside, I was off partying with my friends in Palm Springs.

I still remember stumbling back home to my grandparents house and passing out drunk only to have them wake me a short time later to tell me my father had suffered another aneurism and was brain dead. It was a sobering experience to say the least.

It has taken me a long time to forgive myself for not being there and it was a long spiral down along the way. Today I realize I can't change the past but I can change the future and honor him for the man he was.

My father, Edward James Tejeda, was an amazing man. At 6'3" he could pick me up, hold me upside down with one hand and tickle me with the other - even when I was 18 years old and pushing 5'8" tall. He loved the Beatles, the band and the car (I know they're spelled differently), he was a man of nature and introduced me to snow.

My dad taught me how to play connect 4, collect eggs from chickens and gave me a lop eared bunny on Easter. He got such a kick out of hiding Easter eggs. My step mom used to tell me he would laugh and cackle about how my brother and I would never find them.

My father could take apart and build anything. He was an industrial plumber. I used to watch for hours as he would go over blue prints on the kitchen table with his long hair spilling over his shoulders. My father always had long hair - he used to let me brush it and pull it back into a low ponytail.

As I got older we would sit on the porch at night and talk, looking out into the desert. He helped me skin my first snake, took me fishing for catfish in the canals and even took me on a hike.

The best part were his hugs. I miss his hugs. I remember just reaching my arms around as far as they would go and putting my head on his chest. He always smelled a little like motor oil and cigarettes (he was a smoker). That combination still brings back warm memories whenever I meet someone who smells that way.

His death came at a very dark time in my life and I'm ashamed to say that I wasn't sober through his funeral. I couldn't cope with the guilt, shame and loss so I checked out. In fact I don't even really remember it.

I had the chance recently to view the video of his funeral for the first time through sober eyes over memorial day. It was surreal, to say the least, to see myself in the video. But I also got to see all the wonderful people who were there to support my family and remember my father.

My father was a good man with a lot of friends. He wasn't a perfect man by any means. None of us are. But when I think back on all the memories I have of him, I am flooded with gratitude that for a short while I got to be daddy's little girl.

Edward James Tejeda

1-29-53 ~ 6-9-96

Flying the Couch

2009-06-08T18:46:00.007-05:00

So I got sucked into Home and Garden Television this weekend. I know what you're thinking I need to get a life. But really I did other things this weekend. Honest...I did!

I did my normal Saturday night hit up the Bonham, dance my ass off 'till the wee hours of the morning only to come home exhausted and sack out. But during my down time I found myself kicking it on the couch turning the Dish to HGTV.

It could be because I've got houses on the brain and I'm searching for inspiration. It could be because I'm genetically engineered to like the channel - its my mom's favorite one, especially any show that has to do with organization. It could also be because there was nothing else saved on my DVR but either way I kept flipping from my normal crime shows back to HGTV. I feel like @normalguyguide who is a HGTV junkie.

Then last night, I had planned to go to bed early but instead got hooked on the HGTV $250k Challenge where several families in one neighborhood renovate their homes, one room at a time, to compete for the grand prize. An hour later I was on pins and needles waiting to see who was eliminated. I even set my DVR to record the next episode in case I forgot next Sunday.

Wow...That didn't take long to get me hooked and I normally hate reality TV. Looks like I have a new guilty pleasure.

So my next question is...what's it going to take to get one of the HGTV designers to come to my new place, when I buy it, bust out that table saw, some paint, a little TV magic and make my house a picture perfect home?

Ode to Starkey

2009-05-29T23:44:00.007-05:00

I lost my best friend today. No I didn't misplace him like a set of keys. And no Starkey isn't a dog. Starkey is my partner in crime, my dancing buddy, my "it's always sunny in Philadelphia" marathon watching, drive me to the airport in his jeep, favorite now former WOAI photog. Today he packed up that same Jeep Wrangler and headed out west to Phoenix *sniff*

Starkey and I first really bonded over WOAI's extended coverage of the "Winter Blast" when we were stranded in Kerrville for 5 days.

We worked like dogs and did live hits every 15 to 30 minutes for the wall to wall coverage. We laughed, cried, complained, shivered and played with my mac books photo booth program to pass the time. We became great friends.

Since I left WOAI, Starkey has consistently kept in touch with me and we've remained close. He's the kind of person you don't forget - always has a smile on his face, a quick one liner to make you laugh or a comforting hug just when you need it. He makes friends fast and doesn't lose them easily - not even if he or they move away, which is common in the news business.

Thank heavens Southwest has a quick, cheap, direct flight to Phoenix. Vaya Con Dios my friend. Until we meet again.

What I Learned On My Trip To Nebraska

2009-05-28T09:01:00.011-05:00

As you know, I went to Nebraska this past weekend to hang with G&G Tejeda. They're not native Huskers. My grandparents are originally from Southern California but after my father died they moved to a little town near Columbus to be closer to my Aunt Toni. They've been there since 1999ish.

Since living in Texas, I've made the trek three states and 14-hours drive up to Nebraska to see them. It's a brutal trip but like a good granddaughter I do it because I love them and they're all I have left of my dad.

Grandpa is an 82 year old WWII Navy vet who served on the USS Lunga Point. Grandma is a 76 year old classy lady who always has her makeup on by the time breakfast is ready and I'm just crawling out of bed. They've been married for 58 years, go to church every Sunday and love their #1 granddaughter. Yeah I'm that cool. I was also the first for many years ;)

Normally my trips are full of watching tv or sleeping or baking pies or shopping but this time I didn't want to do any of that. Well that's not true. I did some sleeping/napping and I didn't really do any shopping because I'm broke, but that's besides the point. What I really wanted to do was spend some time talking to them - so I did. That generated not only some hilarious twitter posts but I also learned some amazingly, mind blowing things about my grandparents that I never knew before.

So here is my composition on What I Learned On My Trip To Nebraska by: Natalie Tejeda

Finally found my grandparents at the Omaha airport. I walked right past them. Doh!12:48 PM May 22nd from TwitterBerry

Just found out my grandparents got married at the "hitchin post" in Las Vegas 58 years ago! Scandalous!!1:14 PM May 22nd from TwitterBerry

They knew each other 3 months before running off to Vegas to get married. They left my great grandpa a note and eloped!1:16 PM May 22nd from TwitterBerry

That was in 1951. In those days it was quite controversial for a white girl to marry a hispanic man. When they returned from Vegas my Grandmothers father was furious and had sold her car as punishment. However he later came around and he and my Grandfather became good friends.

All the corn fields are full of seedlings. My GPA says by July they'll be knee high1:46 PM May 23rd from TwitterBerry

Time for the Sunday grandparents ritual church then lunch.9:49 AM May 24th from TwitterBerry

Hot damn GPA is flying through town like we're not going to get a seat at church! Services don't start for another 1/2 hour and we just parkd10:03 AM May 24th from TwitterBerry

Things are getting serious gma just made a beeline for the front door. I'm confused b/c the parking lot is still empty10:08 AM May 24th from TwitterBerry

@guerra2100 4th pew and meeting the whole congregation practically. I'm the mysterious visitor/granddaughter from Texas10:32 AM May 24th from TwitterBerry

Man what a rushed schedule we are on. No time for chit chat after church. GPA must be hungry. We're off to the upscale "chances are" restnt11:42 AM May 24th from TwitterBerry

Just passed a cattle ranch. Seriously what are they feeding them cabbage?1:48 PM May 24th from TwitterBerry

Having fun talking with GPA about his ww2 days on the USS lunga point. His ships yearbook is way cool. He even has a tattoo8:16 PM May 24th from TwitterBerry

My Grandfather has worked many jobs in his lifetime. As a young boy he set up pins at a bowling alley. As he got older he was a caddy at a golf course and eventually played on the golf team in high school. He joined the service when he was 17 and wanted to be a pilot but was too tall. After the Navy he worked in several automobile factories before joining Hughes Aircraft. Both he and my Grandmother retired from Hughes.

Overheard on the porch: gma: oh a bird shit on the window GPA: yeah we have some birds that really drop a load gma: this is big poo!8:54 PM May 24th TwitterBerry

I have never, EVER, EVER heard my grandmother utter a swear word in her life before.

Overheard in the car: gma: I forgot my glasses. Gpa: you don't need to see6:06 AM May 25th from TwitterBerry

You know I have never heard them have a serious fight. I'm sure they have but I've never heard them have it out. They've chided each other or picked a little bit but I've never heard them call each other names or belittle each other. I once asked them the secret to a marriage lasting so long and they said a few things 1) you just don't quit 2) *jokingly* Grandma's too old to run away now 3) they also said look for someone who you know will be there when you're old and grey, and who would be willing to wipe your a** for you if you couldn't (thanks for that Grandpa)

As I walked down the ramp toward security and my departing flight at the Omaha airport I looked back to see my G&G Tejeda, standing there with tears in their eyes. They watched and waited as I made my way through security. I would have been just fine if they had just slowed down the car and let me dive roll out at the curb but they insisted on parking and walking me in.

That's the difference between us and them. We're so fast paced, so self centered, is it convenient? Yeah I'll drop you off. Yeah I'll pick you up. Call me when you're outside.

How often do we make the effort to go to the door at a friends house? Or do we just call and say "I'm outside." How often do we just do ten circles around the airport or wait in the cell phone waiting lot instead of parking and walking in to meet our friends and loved ones?

They were willing to wait for me when I arrived in Omaha and see me off when I left. They went the extra mile. Just like their marriage, just like their jobs at Hughes, they gave it their all. It's amazing what you learn when you're not even trying to learn anything.

So am I going to give up my cell phone, my fast paced life, become a nun and move to BFE...come on...lets get real....look who's writing. But maybe...just maybe...I'll slow down a tad, call them a little more often, ask others how they're doing and remember its quality not quantity that counts.

To Grandmothers House I Go

2009-05-21T23:51:00.004-05:00

So about a month ago I told my Grandma and Grandpa Tejeda I would come out and visit for Memorial Day and about a week ago - last weekend to be more precise - they called to tell me how excited they were. And to be quite honest I felt like such a bad granddaughter because I had totally forgotten. I didn't even realize the Memorial Day holiday was approaching and had already made plans for the weekend that I was to come out. Doh!! Bad granddaughter!!

To make matters worse they live in Nebraska...not just a little Nebraska but BFE Nebraska. Three states up, 14 hours drive away Nebraska! Double Doh. So like the bad granddaughter I was I told them I wasn't going to be able to come out because I couldn't get a 4-day weekend and wouldn't be able to make the trip which usually goes like this:

Friday: Drive all day, hit traffic, see friends in Oklahoma, see friends in Kansas and finally arrive in Nebraska at 10pm ish

Saturday: Sleep till noon, visit with grandma, tell her the same story over and over, bake a pie, watch tv, go to bed

Sunday: wake up early, go to church, hit the chinese food buffet, come home watch more tv, go to bed

Monday: wake up early, drive home all day, hit traffic, get home exhausted, go to bed and prepare for work the next day

But after feeling like a total schmuck all weekend, I can't even begin to describe the disappointment in my grandpa's voice, I asked my work for Friday off, cancelled my plans for the Memorial Day weekend and mentally prepared for the long drive ahead.

Car ready...check

Gas fund...check

Rockstar supply...valero is stocked...check

Then all my friends started nagging me about booking a flight instead of driving. The only problems 1) 3 days notice and 2) no close airports to my grandparents house...BFE remember. But I did find a relatively cheap flight to Omaha, which is two hours away, so I snagged it. Thank God for Southwest Airlines.

When I called my Grandpa Tejeda to tell him the good news, that I was in fact coming out for a visit and he and grandma were going to have to pick me up at the airport, I thought he was going to start crying right then. He was so excited. He wanted to know all the details - flight number, time, airline, etc. So I emailed my itinerary to my Aunt Toni who lives a town away. (note: G&G Tejeda don't have email...according to Grandpa it was too frustrating for "Grandma" and they got rid of the computer. I have a sneaking suspicion it was really Grandpa who was frustrated not Grandma.) My Aunt Toni sent me this email back:

I passed along the info. You have made them so very happy by coming to
visit, thank-you. Please be prepared for Grandmas dementia, it is getting
harder to see her, and I see them about once a week.... I fear that soon she
will not know me. They love you so much.... you are the only part of your
Dad that they cling to. Anyway, I am glad you are not waiting to visit.I
look forward to seeing you!

Toni

It will be the 13th anniversary of my fathers death this June. And I can count on two hands the number of times I've seen my Grandma and Grandpa Tejeda since he died. Up until last month when my Cookie Grandmother passed away I still had all of my grandparents living and sometimes I forget how lucky I am to be in that position. I'm glad I'm taking the time this Memorial Day to travel to BFE Nebraska and spend a little time with mi familia.

Guilty Pleasures

2009-05-18T22:59:00.007-05:00

So I have these guilty pleasures. One of them is reading the "Best Of" section on Craigslist. I LOVE IT. Some of my favorite recent postings include.

Wanted: Roadkill, Wanted: Husband,

Seeking arranged marriage

Yes there have been many times I have spent hours perusing through postings laughing so hard I've cried on my keyboard. My all time favorite posting is about the dating scene on Craigslist. Its totally NSFW.

Oh the Men I have met on Craigslist

I don't know why I get such a thrill reading the "Best Of" postings but it somehow makes me feel like my life is not so abnormal. But my latest obsession is this website textsfromlastnight.com. OMG!! Hilarious.

I first heard about texts from the "Office Time Wasters" blog on mysa.com but then my friend Lisa got me hooked on it. It's kind of like drunk dials but instead its text messages about peoples escapades from the night before. Only now they're logged on the internet for all to see. You can even sort them by area code to see what the people in your city are saying after a night of "fun."

Some of my favorites include: (disclaimer - many are NSFW so I'll only post the safe ones here. check out the website for the rest)

(415): u know ur in oregon when the cop tells u to keep the beer cans he made u pour out so u can recycle them

(978): every time i drive by the road she lives on, i scream in the car "i'm sorry i'm sleeping with your boyfriend!" makes me feel less whore-y.

(917): i'm at a stripclub and this b***h just lit her nipples on fire!

(404): Not sure what happened last night, but there are four mini bikes outside and some guy is wearing my shirt passed out in the breakfast nook. Won't be telling the grand kids about this one.

(708): Luol and I just scored with two 40 year old married chicks. They dropped us off on the way to soccer prctic. The kids in the back were confused. Call me.

(212): i want you now
(916): you need to stop dating girls with the same name as your mother...or stop drinking so much...I don't want to see this

(412): Dude, you need to talk to your mom
(724): wtf?
(412): She just called and asked if i would be part of the intervention she's planning for you

Good times...fun reads...and guilty pleasures....gotta love it.

Impressed

2009-05-18T09:30:00.005-05:00

Its safe to say I'm a fan of our new president. This morning I watched, in entirety, the commencement address of the Notre Dame graduation. I did this as I was doing busy work at my desk and I found myself stopping to listen over and over to the words of inspiration he gave to the class of 2009. I was so moved I decided to post it. Granted our new president has given a lot of speeches in his first few months as Commander in Chief however I felt this was a particularly good one and deserved some extra play.

Schooled!!

2009-05-14T17:57:00.004-05:00

So I've been schooled three times this week on two different topics - 1) not updating my blog and 2) texting/tweeting while driving. Doh!! So I thought I'd kill two birds with one stone. The first gentle reminder came from my friend Carlos who so nicely put it "A blog very quickly turns into a very demanding mistress."

Tell me about it. This blog woman is demanding. I have a hard enough time keeping up with my daily life, twitter, Zumba classes, dates, outings and the like. And most of the time I just come home exhausted and collapse into bed without ever giving my little Mac a second look. Granted this blog woman does have a right to complain, she is quite neglected so I am making a commitment to her again. A renewal of my vows so to speak to spend some of my valuable down time typing away at the keyboard and sharing a bit of my crazy little world with the interweb. The funny thing is, as anyone who knows me knows (why do I always say that?) I'm not that great at commitment as evidence to the fact that most of my relationships don't last longer than 18 months. However here's to you "The Güera" may we be a match made online.

As for lesson numero dos - tweeting while driving. You know I never used to be a big texter while driving. I used to be pretty adamant against it. In fact I used to get into fights with people about why didn't I text back right away. Granted I was on a motorcycle at the time but still I wasn't too keene on the idea because I saw how many people were swerving all over the road. Then came twitter. Oh twitter how I love thee. Now I'm addicted to twitter and I find myself tweeting all the time while I'm out and about - especially when I'm behind the wheel.

So here's the quandry...how do I break my new habit. My crackberry has twitterberry on it and I find myself constantly checking my friends updates. If not that, I'm checking emails. I'm not willing to give up my Crackberry but even on my drive home from New Braunfels today it was hard to just put my phone down and not check status updates and that was just a 35 minute drive. Man what did we do before cell phones and twitter? But as I said I was schooled by not one but two people about my driving and tweeting. And although I've never been in an accident or curbed it (run into a curb because I wasn't looking where I was going because I was too busy tweeting/texting) I keep thinking of this story from the News 4 WOAI Troubleshooters.

http://www.woai.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoid=685979@video.woai.com&articleID=685979

I think I'll just put my phone down now and concentrate on the road and think up some good blog topics while I drive

Swine Flu

2009-05-02T00:32:00.004-05:00

I am so over the crazy panic that everyone is in over the swine flu. Seriously...it's the flu. More people a year die from heart disease, lung disease, AIDS etc. And yet it seems that everyone is in a panic over "the flu!!"

So here's a little comic relief that I got today via email. Hopefully this will remind us to put things in perspective.

Cat's on Leashes

2009-04-27T23:20:00.005-05:00

I have this cat. His name is George. Anyone who's ever met George knows he's a typical scaredy cat. He's literally afraid of his own shadow. So fast movements not necessarily in his direction, just generally in the house typically send him into a panic and a frenzy. And he's off and running.

Now I should also explain that he's got lots of issues. He's also not really a boy cat. He's a she. But I didn't know that at the time I adopted the super cute kitten from the feral cat litter at the rescue cat shelter. I didn't know that until several years and several vets later that George is really a Georgia. But he or she doesn't really know the difference, I think, and its just easier to keep referring to him as George so I do. End of story on that issue.

So one time when I was moving from Tucson to California I decided to give George some "fresh air" and put him on a leash in my brothers back yard. It was one of those 20' retractable leashes and I pulled it all the way out, so he'd have lots of room to roam, locked it in place and let him out of the carrier. What ensued looked something like this.

Needles to say George does not like to be put on a leash. And the cat "Pinky" in this particular video looks a lot like George which is why I felt so compelled to share this with you. Don't even get me started about the time I tried to brush his teeth with an old electric tooth brush. I still have claw marks in my arms and stomach.

Karaoke Fundraiser

2009-04-26T02:06:00.009-05:00

Let me start by saying I don't karaoke. Don't get me wrong. I don't mind going along and watching people sing aka make fools of themselves but I don't participate purely for that fact that I can't sing. And no I'm not being hard on myself I really can't sing. Ask anyone who's ever heard me. I can keep a tune for about two verses but then it all goes down hill. Yet I do like singing in the car or at home or at my desk. Its safe, its discrete, its not for public display. Its not doing permanent damage to anyones delicate ear drums. However I must admit that sometimes I even shock myself as to how bad I am. That being said I don't karaoke. I've tried twice in my life, felt like a total ass twice and decided not to do it again.

I have a philosophy - try everything at least once and if the first experience was bad try it once more and if it was bad a second time then you have a permanent excuse to abstain. Hence the reason for my adamant anti-karaoke stance. However today I went to a fundraiser and little did I know part of the event included a rogue karaoke nomination contest that you had to buy your way out of. Hmmm you can see where this is going right.

Now I thought I was pretty safe because I made it pretty clear to ALL my friend that I DON'T KARAOKE!! But I got a little cocky. I thought I would be funny and nominate my friend Tattoo Will to sing Billy Ray Cyrus' Achy Breaky Heart for the bargain price of $2. And since he had blown all his money on nominating other people he didn't have the cash to beat the final bid of $7 to get out of it.

Let me just set the scene - Will isn't a country fan. He's more of a heavy metal guy hence the Tattoo part of his nickname. His performance of Achy Breaky Heart was - epic!! I haven't laughed that hard in a long time. It was hard to hold the camera still as he paraded around shaking his tush and acting out the lyrics.

Unfortunately I didn't count on him seeking revenge - even as I assured him that his performance was quite exceptional. He still nominated me for not one but TWO songs - Summer of 69' and Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Queen...Doh!! I don't want to talk about my performance. I'll just say I'm glad there wasn't a huge audience to witness the embarrassment that was my screeching into the microphone.

As for my revenge...here is the video of Tattoo Will performing Achy Breaky Heart...enjoy ;)

Hanging with the KSAT crew at Joey's

2009-04-24T01:50:00.006-05:00

Its been awhile since I hung out with my TV family but whenever I do its always a blast and tonight was no exception. It wasn't exactly a tweetup but it was a meeting arranged earlier this week via twitter after some friendly banter back and forth between myself and @BigRedInTejas over our beloved SPURS.

And tonight I got to continue that banter in person as I talked with senior sports producer Brett Baker aka @BigRedInTejas. But I also had fun joking with @adamthephotog. He even let me wear his top hat.

My other twilights of the evening...I finally met @joeruiz in person, added producer Trevor Zickgraf aka @yowhatupT to my tweeps lineup and laughed with Steve Roldan as he shared Fiesta horror stories.

Its been said that us newsies have a strange sense of humor and anyone who happened to have heard our conversations on the patio probably would have agreed...especially the flying scissor kick-face plant story..hilarious. You take the cake on that one @yowhatupT!

As the night wore on, we shared story after story and laugh after laugh, and I was reminded just how much I love my tweeps.

Viva Fiesta!

2009-04-21T22:17:00.011-05:00

Its that time of year...FIESTA!!

10 glorious days of parties, parades, royalty and medals.

So far my medal count this year is pretty pathetic...I only have 8 but I consider them pretty good ones.

My favorites is of course the coyote medal ;)

As for the parties, this past weekend I went to the Oyster Bake and Presidents reception. My fabulous date and I even got to meet the official mascots of the event Pearl and Shuckie.

And yes that's me in a dress. For many people who know me it's not often you'll see me in a dress. I don't own many of them. But we had a great time. The weather at The Bake was perfect - not too hot and the rain was nowhere in sight. Although I skipped the oysters - I know practically a sin at The Bake - I did indulge in some roasted corn, chocolate covered strawberries, a paleta and a few bites off of a turkey leg. All in all Leo and I had a great time. We even got a nice blessing from the Rey Feo court as they left the reception.

Jumping ahead to Tuesday - the start of NIOSA, I was invited, via a very dear friend, to the Kings party. That was a fun event. Chit chatting with all the Fiesta Royalty and many other big names around town who were all as friendly as can be. But alas the time grew late - not by NIOSA standards but by workweek standards and around 8:45 I was ready to call it quits. Besides my feet were killing me...thats what I get for wearing my 4 inch heels to NIOSA. Ahh the price I pay for fashion.

The good news is the last night of NIOSA is Thursday and I have Friday off of work.

VIVA FIESTA!!

Remembering Cooking Grandma

2009-04-06T19:15:00.001-05:00

When I got the call from my mom Friday night I thought I had more time. She told me Cookie Grandma was sick and in the hospital. She said Cookie was going to be released Monday for home hospice care. I said I'd book a flight and come out for a visit. She warned me that Cookie wouldn't be very good company, that she couldn't talk much but I didn't care. I didn't care if we just sat and stared at each other for hours. This was my Cookie Grandma.

Cookie Grandma, known by everyone else as Marian Strawn-Hurd, got her famous name because of the most wonderful cookies she makes. The peanut butter ones with the hershey kisses in them. She also makes the best damn strawberry jam I've ever tasted. She still makes me that jam. In fact its the contraband I've lugged from fridge to freezer, from state to state, adding 15 sometimes 20 pounds to my luggage after my holiday trips to southern California.

I never eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich without it...the sandwich I'm eating right now is bursting at the seams with it. In fact, without that jam, I probably would have starved in my early years of being a reporter making slave labor wages, living on top ramen, tortillas, peanut butter and of course Grandma's jam. But Grandma always supported me in my career, lovingly sending me care packages of jam, a few $20 bills in holiday and birthday cards and words of encouragement to keep me going when I wanted to quit.

She always called me her #1 granddaughter. More about bragging rights it was also about heritage. I was the first grandchild, about a decade ahead of my siblings and cousins. Spoiled and loved, every year grandma would take me to the Lompoc Flower Festival. She would take me on the carnival rides, buy me whatever I wanted and show me off to all her friends as I proudly beamed as only the #1 grandchild could.

I remember her taking me to the Elks Lodge where she worked as a bartender and showing me off to her friends. I remember being so impressed with how many friends she had. I remember the lovely ladies at the salon where she got her hair done. I remember everyone knew my Grandma. I remember the apartment complex that she ran as the manager, how she knew every tenants name, how much they liked her and how much she cared for them.

When I think of all the thousands of people my Cookie Grandma came into contact with, her life intertwined with, who she helped and made laugh it amazes me she had any time at all to hop in the kitchen and bust out an amazing spread of tri-tip, deviled eggs, ham, baked beans and a host of other amazing goodies any time there was a family get together. But she did it with ease and with a smile on her face. All the while lovingly herding the pack of grandchildren that had come along in the 32 years since my birth.

She got remarried three years ago to a wonderful man named John Hurd. A few months after, she was diagnosed with lung cancer. The doctor said she wouldn't last more than 12-18 months. This past Christmas she was still fighting and giving the cancer the ol' F-you...she could be a little feisty. We're like that in my family. So like I said I thought I had more time. I was wrong.

At 5 o'clock Sunday afternoon my step father called to tell me my Cookie Grandma had passed away...peacefully, holding my mothers hand. So I did the only thing I could do from several thousand miles away...I cried.

Its hard to believe as I book my flight for California there will be no jam to bring home on this trip.

Cookie Grandma RIP 6-19-1935 to 4-5-2009

The Bonham vs PolyEsters aka Acapulco Sam's

2009-04-05T02:21:00.000-05:00

Its been a while since I last posted but its not like I haven't been going out...I have been. In fact last weekend I even tried to stray away from my signature Saturday night hangout, the Bonham. Big Mistake.

It all started with my friend Diana, super cool chick who's my latest dance partner in crime. She heard I've been going out dancing every Saturday and wanted a piece of the action.

Let me tell you about Diana: she's a super successful real estate agent with a zest for life, an amazingly awesome positive attitude and works out like a fiend. I am so jealous of her six pack stomach and buff arms. She does these Zoomba classes at the gym which make her perfect for keeping up with me on the dance floor.

So we made plans to meet up at my house last Saturday night and head out to the Bonham for a night of dancing, she was a Bonham virgin.

Lee, the manger, was super cool. He even bought us a couple of red bulls to get our dance engines going. And Diana got a kick out of watching the "man meat" dance on the poles in the upstairs bar. But around midnight she wanted to check out PolyEsters since she'd never been there either. So we decided to walk over to the "other place."

Now I've been to PolyEsters before a few years ago and I even went recently about two months ago with a couple of girlfriends and it was a bad experience. It was hot, cramped, the cement floor made my feet hurt and I ended up in a conversation with these two racist jerks from Maine who couldn't stand gays and mexicans. I guess they didn't realize that the friend I was with was gay and that I was hispanic. Again very few people realize I am hispanic. They also barred us from the third floor because apparently one of my friends didn't meet the "dress code." Did I mention the drunk girl from the bachlorette party doing the worm with a large inflatable penis? It was an interesting night to say the least.

But I figured this was Diana's night and hey dancing is dancing so what the hell PolyEsters it is or Acapulco Sam's or whatever it's called now. Let me just say...I hate paying cover...especially when its expensive. It cost us $10 each to get in the door. But we went in and hit the dance floor as best we could. And as I expected it was like trying to dance in a sardine tin. The funniest part was when the Cupid Shuffle song came on no one knew which way to go and everyone was bumping in to each other - mass chaos. Needless to say we didn't last long before we headed back to the Bonham.

The best part was probably our walk back to the Bonham when we got to wave to the fire engine that passed by us. They blew the horn and waved back.

This Saturday there was not even any discussion of any club other than the Bonham - we hit it and hit it hard. We danced until our feet hurt and then some. There's nothing quite like coming home after a long night of dancing and collapsing into bed and thinking to yourself - Damn I had a great time...and yes...Damn I had a great time...I can't wait to do it again.

My Lunch with Cartoonist John Branch

2009-03-23T18:15:00.001-05:00

For as long as I can remember, I have always been a fan of newspaper comics. They were always the first section I flipped to when the paper came in the door and was opened on a Sunday morning. That was the highlight of my weekend.

As I've gotten older my attention has switched from the funny pages to the editorial pages and the political cartoons showcased there. So when I first moved here to San Antonio in December of 2005 I immediately became a fan of John Branch.

John Branch, who was one of the last two remaining editorial page cartoonists in the state of Texas, was recently let go in the last round of layoffs at the San Antonio Express News and it broke my heart. He along with 74 others in the Express News newsroom had their final day at the paper last Friday. Many other fine journalists at television stations in the San Antonio market have also been laid off along with many of my friends who work in media outlets around the nation. It's a tough time to be in the news business or any business for that matter.

Today many of my friends and colleagues held a "Flacks and Sacked" networking luncheon for the 100+ people who'd been recently laid off here in San Antonio. I chose to sponsor John Branch, a man who didn't know me very well but who had always made my day a little brighter with his sharp wit and political humor and I'm so glad he accepted.

What I learned about John Branch is that he is more than just a man who makes great comics for the editorial pages. He is a traditionalist and still likes to put ink to paper not just draw his sketches on a computer. He loves the music scene here is San Antonio and you can often find him listening to jazz music in small clubs about town. I learned that he is a family man, who cares deeply about his son and daughter, deeply enough to make tough choices as a parent. I learned that he cares about his readers, their feedback and that some of them have continued to contact him year after year about a comic past that has somehow touched their lives.

I also learned that my lunch with John Branch was far too short to truly get to know him. But what I do know is that his impact on this community has been felt and wont soon diminish. How many times have we opened up the editorial pages and went "owwwww" or laughed out loud. How many times has some political slip up been immortalized in ink on the pages of the San Antonio Express News, posted on mysa.com or printed out and passed around the office for all to see.

I don't know what the future holds for John Branch - maybe a book? maybe a website where we can all get our daily fix? I'm not sure. But what I am sure of is that we haven't seen the last of this creative cartoonist.

For more of Branch's work click here

The Call of the Bonham Exchange

2009-03-22T03:02:00.000-05:00

So I was on my way home from an amazing date tonight...an all day date that included a super cool Harley ride to Medina Lake and a stop at this fantastic burger joint called the Dancing Bear - great burgers, cool, mellow atmosphere and even a few games of pool.

It was the perfect day to ride, not to hot, not to windy, just right. That was followed up by a nap, and then a bar-b-que with chicken, fajita meat and sausage, and home made beans. Needless to say I was stuffed and satisfied and perfectly content to go home and sack out. But as I drove home I got the itch. The Bonham was calling me.

Maybe it was the Rockstar I was drinking? Maybe it was the Justin Timberlake I was listening to? Maybe it was the free admit tickets calling to me from my wallet? It was probably a combination of all three but I did the only thing I could think of on a Saturday night...I called my best friend Starkey. He is one of the few straight men I know of who 1) can dance great and 2) I trust to dance with me.

And I say this because honestly, most men you meet in clubs or who approach you on the dance floor can't dance and are only concerned with climbing up all over you or rubbing themselves all over you. Me, I'm not one for strange people getting all up on me. Fortunately I have two great men in my life right now who can dance, Starkey is one of them, the man I'm dating is the other, and for that I am truly grateful because I love to dance in fact it is a passion of mine. But back to the Bonham.

The Bonham Exchange is really the hottest place to go on a Saturday night right now. For years its been the number one gay club in town but since 94.1 started spinning live from the club every Saturday the mix is closer to 50/50 gay-straight. In fact in the past month I've seen more straight people there than I've seen gay people. And its nice to see both crowds mixing.

I love going there because Lee, the general manager, runs a tight ship. There are no fights, no B/S, no problems and it's all ages. It's not pretentious, it never takes more than a few minutes to get in the door and I don't feel like I'm walking into a meat market. The club has three dance floors, a lounge, a $2 coat check and huge outdoor patio that most people don't even know about.

I spend most of my time on the main dance floor thats downstairs. It's large enough to hold about 150 grooving bodies and has two stages. I love the fact Horace, the bartender at the back bar just off that dance floor hustles, always has my RedBull ready and a smile on his face. Jason, the chef at the taco bar on the patio, will strike up a conversation with you or anyone at the drop of a hat. He also gives great hugs.

Perhaps the best thing I have noticed about the Bonham Exchange is their service - always friendly, always accommodating. Its sweetie this, darling that, always willing to go the extra mile. From the door staff to the ID checkers to the man taking your coat - its service with a smile, something you don't often see at your typical clubs. It's what keeps me coming back week after week. Well that and the fact that I love to dance. And let me just say that tonight Starkey and I cut quite a rug ;)

My Humps

2009-03-18T21:05:00.001-05:00

So remember that Spurs game I went to...well I made the paper this past Sunday...or should I say Trish Deberry-Mejia and the Coyote made the paper this past Sunday. I was just a casualty.

I'm the blonde in the white shirt with my back to the camera. At least they caught my best side ;)

Everything But The Kitchen Sink Night Out!

2009-03-14T15:38:00.000-05:00

So what started out as a night going home to do my roommates hair turned into a 4:30 am never-even-made-it-home-to-do-her-hair extravaganza of fun. Now I am not normally a 4:30 am kind of gal and I knew I had to take my car in for service this morning and I didn't plan on staying out late at all it just kind of happened...all great stories start like this right. It began with a text message from one of my best friends Starkey

Him: What u doing tonight?

Me: getting my hair done (yes I was getting my hair done too)

Him: I'm at the lion and rose (on Broadway)

Me: I'll try and stop by after

So after leaving Rita's house - she's the best damn colorist I know of - I called my roommate to see if she still wanted me to do her hair and we decided that we would do it Saturday instead. That was my ticket to funsville.

The Lion and Rose: stop 1: was in full swing by the time I got there but after a few drinks I suggested to everyone we head over to the Museo Alameda to check out the new Phantom exhibit. The Museo was staying open late and having a DJ, drinks and dancing to commemorate the event - just our type of party. So we piled in the civic and headed out.

The Museo: stop 2: was Awesome, the Director Eliseo was the most gracious of hosts and knows how to throw a hell of a party. Not only was the art incredible but the DJ was fantastic. In no time we got the dance floor jumping; grooving to Spanish versions of Material Girl and Ice, Ice Baby. If you've never heard either of those songs en espanol you're in for a treat.

At midnight it was time to head over to the Unicorn Club on San Pedro: stop 3: the official after party of the Museo Alameda's Phantom Exhibit. Its the cool, little dive bar/club that you would practically drive by if you didn't know where it was, and we didn't before last night. Its small, has two stages with poles you can dance on (yes I indulged once or twice) and even a cage you can dance in if you're brave enough (I wasn't.)

When we first got there it was 80's music and everyone was dancing to Madonna and dressed the part - totally cool. By the time the Museo crowd showed up the DJ from the exhibit also came along and spun more latin music including Spanish covers of pop songs like Tainted Love - way too much fun. Not to mention that Starkey and Richard battled in a dork dance off that consisted of lawn mowing, sandwich making, bowl stirring and more (you had to be there but believe me it was hilarious.)

By 2:30 we were hot, sweaty and I personally was ready to go home but my friends had other ideas. Some of my former co-workers from WOAI Channel 4 were having a small house party down the street and they wanted to stop by. Since I was the DD - designated driver - I indulged thinking we'd just stop by or I'd just drop them off. But oh no when we got there there was a big party in full swing.

Micah's house: stop 4: man I feel sorry for the little old lady who lives next door. For two hours the party, and I mean me, raged as we danced, laughed, caught up, visited, met new people - like Richard who plays in a band that's performing tonight in Austin at one of the SXSW parties. You Go Richard!! - and smoked way too many cigarettes.

By the time Starkey finally rounded up what was left of the troops and I mean our friend Richard (no relation to the band boy Richard) I knew I'd be hurting this morning when it was time to take my car in for service. But hey you only live once right? I had seen and experienced more in one evening than I had in an entire month it seemed like.

1) I took Richard to an art museum - something he said he normally wouldn't do.

2) I saw old work friends I hadn't seen in a year or more.

3) I danced my tush off - something I love to with a passion

4) I laughed so hard my sides hurt

5) I seized the day

Spurs Lose But I Won

2009-03-13T09:18:00.000-05:00

So I went to the Spurs game last night and it broke my heart to see our boys lose to the Lakers. That kills me for several reasons 1 - being originally from SoCal and a reformed Lakers fan I'm now a die hard Spurs fan but EVERYONE in my family is still a die hard Lakers fan. Needless to say the ribbing I take and give during these match ups is brutal. 2 - anytime our boys lose it breaks my heart - especially when its to the Lakers >:(

But as I said I still won and here's why...I love the coyote and I usually get no love in return. Most games he just shuns me and pays no attention to me but last night was different. Its probably because I was sitting with Trish Deberry-Mejia, who's running for Mayor of San Antonio. The Coyote is a big fan of hers. But since he wanted to meet her and take a picture with her, he had to say hello to me too. So he did. He even gave me a kiss!! And a hi five later on in the game!!

Even though my boys lost it was a winning game for me last night - I'm a sucker for the little things in life. I slept so soundly with my little coyote doll last night just like I do every night. I'm such a dork.

Unmarried at 32 ~ What's wrong with you?

2009-03-11T22:01:00.000-05:00

That's the question I get A LOT when people find out I'm 32 and my stats are:

Ex-husbands - 0

Children - 0

And the immediate thing I want to fire back is "you're exactly the reason I'm not married." As if I'm supposed to just get married to SOMEONE, ANYONE for the sake of getting married because if I'm not married by the time I'm 32 I belong on the damaged shelf.

I actually had someone tell me it was better for me to be married and divorced than to have never been married by the time I hit 30. REALLY...I'll take that into consideration....RIGHT. It floors me sometimes the things people say when they're trying to hit on you.

Well let me just say this...I'm not just going to run off to Vegas and get hitched to some sap I met in a bar or settle down with someone I've only known a few months to just cross that societal norm off my list. In fact I may be one of the few women who is content to date and enjoy the relationships I'm in for what they are...fun and for free and exciting and intelligent and genuine.

In my 32 years on this planet, I've seen and known far too many ring chasers ruin every relationship they've ever been in because they're so transfixed with their 5-year plan and "where is this going" and "I've got to have kids by the time I'm 30" and so on and so on

Now I should note that I have nothing against marriage and children. I think it's a fine path for many to take however because of my own choices of pursuing a career in broadcasting that required moving about the country for 8 years, I never really found that special someone who was either willing to move with me or who I wanted to have move with me. I also come from a long line of divorces in my family so I know marriage isn't something to be taken lightly and to be rushed into so I'm not.

So while some are worrying about their biological clocks and the future, I'm making the most of my time on this planet and seizing the day. I'm enjoying my life in the right here and right now, without a ring and without a care in the world.