Well, there was a Conference on Women’s Health being held this morning from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. I wavered back and forth about registering and when I finally decided to go, the registration was closed. It just so happens a friend of mine had one of her family members cancel, so she was to call me this morning to let me know if I could take her place. I was just about to go for my walk because the conditions were ideal, then the call came.

I thought to myself, I’m going to change my routine this morning. I changed out of my “walking clothes,” and headed for the event. Glad I did, it was very informative, a crucial reminder of why I continue to excercise, because without your health, everything else becomes obsolete. Life literally comes to a screeching halt and your whole world is turned upside down in an instant. More importantly we had a fun time, the lunch was excellent (not portioned out like you see at most conferences), and the desserts were amazing (yes, I know). But that’s the balance, work at being healthy 80 to 90 percent of the time, enjoy dessert and whatever else the remaining 10 percent.

As I approach the  parking lot at the park, I am amazed at the number of people there on a week night, with their lawn chairs as though they were camping out for the night. But what astonished me the most, was the number of children on the field, just playing their little hearts out. Then I think to myself, with all the turmoil, crimes, deaths, tragedies going on in the world around these children, there is life going on the field. If feels as though you are on another planet, and there is no other form of life that exists. As loud as it was on the field, there was a strange sense of peace.

Yet you still wander, with all the negative and frightening things going on in the world around us, why people continue to have children. Then I’m reminded of something I once heard, that “children are God’s way of saying the world must go on.” I guess that explains it.

So I have been in my house now for about 4 years and it has presented it’s challenges. I have never really enjoyed living here so I feel as though I’ve pretty much wished the time away-wishing I had gone with one of the other houses I was considering at the time, wishing I had someone to share it with along with the expenses, wishing I made more money so I could afford it more comfortably, wishing I had hosted more gatherings, wishing I had taken the time to decorate it more, and the list goes on forever. However, in looking back, it would appear that those who came to visit (especially family) seemed to enjoy being in my house more than I ever did, or ever will.

The only thing I am probably glad about is that in living here all these years, this was the first summer that family and guests got to enjoy the neighborhood pool. This is the only thing that I will miss.

I say all this to say, I have had enough. The house has become a huge financial burden, and gives new meaning to being “house poor.” So I’ve decided to put it on the market. In doing so I have enlisted the help of Realtor, and she has given my a long list of things that need to be done in order to get it up to its potential value. This list was given to me some time ago but it is so overwhelming that it has been hard to tackle.

But the work has begun. My little sister, the very talented decorator and interior designer helped get me started on the painting. Despite her hectic schedule she makes it a point to check in on my progress.  I have done a little more than paint, and I’ll expand on the additional progress.

All things considered, I do believe God has a bigger plan in all this, a plan that will work out for my good.

It is indeed a scene. It is just a fun and colorful atmosphere that makes you forget for a brief moment that you are in a local area.

Apparently, there is an event called The Paseo’s “First Friday” Gallery Walk, which explains the rather large crowd this evening. The buildings are painted bright pastel colors that remind you of some place in Mexico, and the crowd is made up all different types of people from all walks of life. However, it appears the more affluent artsy types seem to dominate the crowd (as evidenced by the cars). There are musicians entertaining on corners, Galleries open for your viewing pleasure (some serving hourderves and finger foods), some shops, and restaurants that have people lined up anxious to get seated-patio seating for a panoramic view if available.

What finally brought me to the tiny corner of The Arts in this city? I volunteered with some co-workers at a fund raising event. This evening there was fundraiser and awareness event for Youth Cornerstone’s Art Shaping Character Program (ASC). The event consisted of several projects to create colorful, elaborate chalk drawings on the sidewalks of The Paseo Art District.

Now I have a new appreciation for “Staycations.” Who says there is nothing to do around here.

Well, yesterday was the friend that suggested The Iguana Grill’s birthday. Where did she want to gather? You guessed it. So, those who could make it met there this evening after work.

Wow, it is a really quaint place indeed. It’s hidden in between some historic homes, and as you approach it (there is plenty of parking and it’s free) you notice the bright umbrellas inviting you to the patio. The weather is just perfect so of course we get seated on the patio. It doesn’t look that big on the outside but the interior is very spacious, and the decor is pretty neat.

As we sit on the patio, we all comment on how it feels as though you are on vacation in Cancun, or somewhere in Mexico. It just so happens the special for “happy hour” this evening was $1.00 fish (Tilapia) tacos….you’ve got to be kidding. This was perfect since I was had no idea what to expect on my first visit. As far as the menu goes, it was your typical Mexican food menu, with what I would consider a slight authentic variation.

I was more impressed by the atmosphere than anything else. It’s the kind of  place you would want to meet up with a few friends or co-workers after work to just sit and chill.

Well, I had not seen her for some time until today. She had lost quite a bit of weight, I mean a lot, over the summer. So we stop to talk and of course the topic is weight loss. I complement her on how good she looks and proceed to get the low down on how she accomplished this (because I know how difficult it is). She tells me she started writing down everything she ate. Sorry, I wasn’t buying it. I think she had some type of weight loss procedure done and didn’t want to admit it. The weight loss was simply to drastic. I know from experience Weight Watchers promotes writing down every bite you take, but even then, the loss is still a slow process. Successful, but slow.

Listen, “different strokes for different folks” and we all need a little jump start. If you’ve tried everything else and nothing has worked and you have to resort to surgery, then so be it. But for heaven’s sake admit it, be proud of yourself for taking some initiative to do something about the problem.

That experience reminded me even more so of the need to have someone in your life. No matter how much you resolve yourself to being okay with where you are in life (because you don’t have a choice), society seems to creep up with reminders, some subtle and some not so subtle.

Gosh, sometimes it is just about being there with someone. Just content with each other’s company.

This is all a new adventure and fun territory for me, it does not have to be about getting drunk, it can be a good way to get friends together to watch movies, read a book together or simply chill out.  For more about Argentinean malbec wine please visit: http://www.forbes.com/2009/08/21/wines-malbec-argentina-lifestyle-wine-food-malbec.html