Mary Jayne's BlogSpot...

2012

2012-01-03T00:31:00.000-06:00

Another year has gone by and here we are at the beginning or 2012. A time for resolutions and self promises for improvement for the new year ahead of us.
I am hoping that this year I can get my life organized.
I will do more to lose the weight that I'm suppose to lose and reach my goal in a reasonable time, setting realisting goals.
The rest will fall into place one day at a time!

Long time no see!!

2011-09-21T22:49:00.000-05:00

Ok.. So I've really been neglecting my blog! I guess it's time to start posting here again...

Life and Living... heard this again today! How true!

2011-03-30T23:14:00.003-05:00

There comes a time in life,
when you walk away from all the drama and people who create it.
You surround yourself with people who inspire you,
who make you laugh, forget the bad, and focus on the good.
So, love the people who treat you right, pray for the ones who don’t.
Life is too short to be anything but happy.
Falling down is part of LIFE,
getting back up is LIVING.

So long gone!

2010-11-05T00:29:00.000-05:00

I can’t believe I haven’t been in here in so long. I’m going to try to start a P-A-D starting 01/01/2011, I know it will be hard to do, but I’ll do my best to keep up with it! I really need to get more use out of my digital cameras. Wish me luck!

What Lips My Lips Have Kissed, And Where, And Why

2010-01-10T02:30:00.002-06:00

by Edna St. Vincent Millay

What lips my lips have kissed, and where, and why,
I have forgotten, and what arms have lain
Under my head till morning; but the rain
Is full of ghosts tonight, that tap and sigh
Upon the glass and listen for reply,
And in my heart there stirs a quiet pain
For unremembered lads that not again
Will turn to me at midnight with a cry.
Thus in winter stands the lonely tree,
Nor knows what birds have vanished one by one,
Yet knows its boughs more silent than before:
I cannot say what loves have come and gone,
I only know that summer sang in me
A little while, that in me sings no more.

It's Official

2009-12-27T18:10:00.007-06:00

I, Mary Jayne Villarreal-Bonoan, officially announce that I am seeking re-election to the office of Zapata County Clerk in March 2010. Since my election in 2006, the support I’ve received from Zapata County voters has been extremely gratifying. It has been both an honor and privilege to serve the public and the residents of Zapata County and consider myself very fortunate to have so many friends and supporters.
I am seeking re-election because I care about the reputation and forthcoming future of this office.
I started working for Zapata County in 1993 as secretary for the County Attorney’s office, and was subsequently promoted to office manager before being elected Zapata County Clerk in 2006.
Since my election, I believe that I’ve delivered on my campaign platform and together with my staff, I have implemented a property recording and document imaging system; a case management system for criminal, probate, guardianship and other civil cases; digitized, preserved and re-indexed most of our county maps. We are now converting paper and microfilm records dating from 1984 to present into digital images. I would like to continue to build on these achievements using modern technology, in order to provide the people of Zapata County a superior level of service.
The duties of the County Clerk’s Office consist of administering all county and state elections, including early voting, general and special elections; serve as clerk of the county court and the commissioners court and keep records of the proceedings; act as recorder of deeds and other instruments; record wills and last testaments for probate; issue marriage licenses; and account for all funds paid to the office by way of fines and fees.
I thank my family and friends, my staff, and the voters of Zapata County for their support of my 2010 re-election campaign. I give special thanks to my mother, retired County and District Clerk Consuelo Ramirez Villarreal, for her tremendous support and for being my Campaign Treasurer. I pledge to remain dedicated to the integrity and management of the office. I wish to continue the Zapata County Clerk’s office tradition of courteous, friendly, and efficient service for the citizens of Zapata County and the public. With this in mind, I humbly ask for your support of my re-election on March 2, 2010. Please “Vote Mary Jayne Villarreal-Bonoan” for Zapata County Clerk!
Thank you for your support!
Mary Jayne Villarreal-Bonoan
Zapata County Clerk

2009-12-27T18:07:00.001-06:00

At the Amistad Christmas Kick-Off Dance last month!

The two of us!!!

2009-10-12T00:24:00.001-05:00

I hadn't taken a pix with Mike since before the weightloss surgery... I think the one before this one was when he graduated from LCC!!!

My gang... on my bday!!!

2009-10-12T00:18:00.004-05:00

One more pix of my gang on my bday... we went to eat at La Hacienda del Rey.

My Birthday 09/10

2009-10-12T00:14:00.001-05:00

I hadn't had a chance to post these... they were taken on my 46th birthday and on the 7th month surgiversary of weightloss surgery.

6 Months and 84 pounds later!!!

2009-08-12T19:54:00.002-05:00

This is my 6 month surgiversary update. I've lost 84 pounds since my VSG. Weightloss has slowed down now and I'm able to eat most things in tiny amounts. I try to eat several times a day to avoid making myself sick. I'm still on four blood pressure meds, but seem to be improving.

Weightloss Surgery 5 Month Update

2009-07-12T00:24:00.004-05:00

July 10 was my 5 month surgeriversary. I've lost 72 pounds and have between 90 - 100 to go. It has not been an easy journy. My eyes are literally bigger than my stomach and I tend to over eat and make myself sick from time to time or way too often. Nonetheless, I could not have lost the weight without the surgery. I am no longer classified as diabetic and no longer take diabetes meds. My blood pressure is still on the high side and my chances of having a stroke are still high, but the improvement in my overall health is still notable.!!!

Standing in line!!!

2009-07-05T22:07:00.001-05:00

Standing in line to go into the Alamo.

4th of July 2009

2009-07-05T22:00:00.004-05:00

We spent this weekend in San Antonio with my brother. It was hotter than hell!!! I swore not to visit the Alamo again until Winter. I took this picture as we stood in line to enter the mission.

Picture taken with Canon Powershot SD970 IS.

Birdie!!!

2009-06-27T18:48:00.003-05:00

I caught this birdie early this morning. Rowdy startled it and it flew up on the tree and landed on a branch that was too far for me to get a better shot. I had really wanted to get him while he was looking my way, but it was not possible today. I will try again later.

So many boats!!!

2009-06-26T19:27:00.001-05:00

Quick shot as we arrived at the bay in Corpus Christi, TX.

Taken with Nikon D80.

USS Lexington

2009-06-26T19:18:00.003-05:00

The Lexington is ballasted onto the bottom of Corpus Christi Bay, close to the Texas State Aquarium. The Lexington has been serving as a museum since 1992, after serving her country since her commissioning in 1943. One special treat waiting for me was one of the screws from USS Cabot, the last surviving light carrier, tragically scrapped in Brownsville, Texas in the spring of 2001.
In her varied career as an attack and then finally training carrier, the Lexington carried planes ranging from SBD dive bombers to the F-18 Hornet. Examples of many of these are found in her hangar and on deck. Unfortunately, the island was closed on my visit due to a fire the previous April, but the rest of the ship gave a glimpse into history dating back to her days as the Blue Ghost. Even with an angled flight deck and jets in sight, the Lexington carries you back to the days of Hellcats, Avengers, and the Greatest Generation.
Wander through the ship right down to the shafts, walk acres of flight deck, sit in a ready room waiting for the command to man planes. View 40mm guns and a hatchway leading to a Sidewinder magazine. See old wood still lying under the "modern" flight deck, and peer through the bullnose at the city skyline. The last Essex class carrier to retire, the Lexington spans six decades of U.S. carrier development and is an important part of America's naval history.

Taken with Nikon D80 by Mike Bonoan.
(from http://www.taskforce1.org/lexington.htm)

Chopper

2009-06-26T19:12:00.002-05:00

This was a "freak" shot... the chopper was passing and I just clicked. Good lighting, good camera!!!

Taken with Nikon D80.

MOO ATC SWAP

2009-06-26T10:14:00.000-05:00

This is for one of my stamp shack swaps. I actuallly completed this almost a month ago.

Windmill

2009-06-26T10:06:00.002-05:00

Played a bit more with my camera and took a shot at this windmill. I love windmills... reminds me of days done by. I wonder what my life would have been like if I had lived a centurye ago.

Not so good doctor's appointment!!!

2009-06-26T10:03:00.002-05:00

So I lost another three pounds.

I am no longet diabetic and no longer anemic... but my blood pressure is still way too high. Added another pill to the three I'm taking for the blood pressure. Off my hormones. Still on all the other stuff. When will this get better.

Don't Move!

2009-06-26T09:59:00.002-05:00

This one posed for me also. It just sat there waiting for me to "shoot"... I had a great time taking pictures of these birds!

Taken with Nikon D80.

Posing for me

2009-06-25T22:20:00.002-05:00

This seagull just "stood" there at midair posing for me. It never moved, it just waited until I took it's picture.

Taken with Nikon D80.

FOUR IN A ROW

2009-06-25T22:10:00.004-05:00

What are the odds. I took this picture at one of the T-heads in Corpus Christi, Texas. They seemed to be pretty people friendly... I was able to get up close and personal with these pelicans!!!

Taken with Nikon D80.

Weightloss Surgery Update: 4 months and two weeks out!!!

2009-06-21T19:50:00.004-05:00

I had my 4 month surgiversary on June 10. I've lost 69.8 pounds. Weightloss has slowed down since I am now able to eat more foods. My eyes are still bigger than my stomach so I tend to make myself sick from time to time. The "now" picture, in the red top, was taken at my office by my bff Myrna.

Weightloss Surgery Update: 15 weeks and 5 days out

2009-05-31T17:31:00.003-05:00

I'm 15weeks and 5 days out and I've lost 63.4 lbs. I haven't lost much in the last month, I'm thinking that it may have to do with the vitamin B12 shots I've been getting for the last four weeks. I have to go for bloodwork and a knee x-ray this week and I have a doctors appointment on June 11. I started walking last week with my aunt and my cousin, but we missed a few days... hopefully we'll continue this week and maybe my knee won't hurt too bad. I'll post a new picture as soon as I take one!!

Update

2009-03-25T17:35:00.002-05:00

So far so good... I'm six weeks and one day out since my weight loss surgery on February 10 and I've lost 46.6 pounds. Although I can't tell too much of a difference, some say it's already very visible. I can, however tell that the inches are coming off by the way my clothing fits (way too big)... Does that mean I get a new wardrobe soon? I hope so!

New Day

2009-02-15T23:19:00.004-06:00

Today with much reservation, I decided to accompany Mike to Laredo. He worried all the time becauae since I'm on the clear liquid diet there wasn't much I'd be able to eat. We ended up at the Oasis and I explained to the waitress about my recent surgery and she gladly brought me a small soup which had been passed through a seive and all I had was broth. She was so nice and helpfull.

As of today I've lost between 24 - 26 lbs. since my first consultation with the surgeon on January 19, 2009. I did feel as if I over did it... it was too much walking and standing for being five days post up.... just not ready for all that yet!!!

Change

2009-02-15T02:52:00.002-06:00

It's amazing how people change throughout time. I for one have changed to the point of "unrecognition" the 199 lbs I gained since high school have left me worn out, tired, exhausted. and amoung other things I'm also unattractive, undesireable, and sometimes unwanted. I wonder if the massive weight gain also killed spirit. In many of the WLS blogs you read about women who don't recognize the "thin" person looking back at them in the mirror while for me it's often times the opposit and I don't recognize the old, fat, delapidated woman looking back at me through the mirror... she still wears the expensive make up and has the big brown eyes.... that often times hide behind large cheekes another recognizable trait is the ruby red lips that adorn the center of my face!

Bariatric Surgery Date!!

2009-02-01T12:36:00.004-06:00

Okay... so this is it!!! I'm set for my VERTICAL SLEEVE GASTRECTOMY on February 10, 2010. I started my full liquid diet on January 20th and I've lost about 11 lbs. I know there should be more weight loss by now but I'm having issues with the diet. I want food... and no I'm not exactly cheating as far as solids... too many people watching me, plus I know better.

Now for the big question: Am I ready? The doctor thinks I am. I'm not having second thoughts, but wonder can I still do this on my own... well the answer is no... No I can't! I talked to the doctor about it and he said that stats and studies show that someone of my size (BMI 55 when I started) or even smaller would be able to lose weight but will gain it back eventually. In other words it can be done but not long lived.

YES I AM READY!

Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy

2008-10-30T23:52:00.004-05:00

This is the surgery that I plan to get at the begining of the year. As obese as I've become this would help me eliminate some of the comorbidities that I've developed.

Bariatrics

2008-10-25T01:31:00.004-05:00

I've been contemplating the idea of having bariatric surgery for some time. At first I was totally against it and swore up and down that I'd be able to do it on my own. I went to see the bariatric specialist and was convinced that this is the only way for me to lose the weight. The doctor was excellent and advised me that as long as I had doubts in my mind and felt that I had a chance of doing it on my own he would not operate on me. When I left his office I was pretty much convinced that the lap band was the way for me to go. I did more and more research, I knew I didn't want the gastric bypass and perhaps health issues would have not allow me to be able to get it. Finally, after a conversation with another Weight Loss Surgery (WLS) patient (I won't say her name, but she's lost lots and lots of weight and she looks absolutely beautiful!!! and feels great too!!! Hint... Hint.. she's not only my prima but she is also my long time friend and classmate!!) I was guided to the website of Dr. Guillermo Alvarez, he specializes on both lap band and vertical sleeve gastrectomy. I've thought this over and over and this is what I'm getting. Now I only pray that my doctor will not go against it, since this is and old surgery revised from the 1980's. In my heart i do believe that this is the one for me. I post again later with more detailed information as far as procedure!

My birthday! (45)

2008-10-25T01:18:00.004-05:00

Mom and myself at Mi Tierra!

Mom and Lee!

These were taken on September 11, 2008, a day after my 45th birthday. Mom, Lee and I had dinner at Mi Tierra in San Antonio while I was attending a Probate School. Mom and Lee got sick that evening. I didn't get sick until the following day and was sick throughout the weekend. My doctor said it was a stomach virus and that we should NOT be eating Mexican food away from home!!! What a way to celebrate a birthday!

Lee and me!

Mike couldn't join us, he had to take my MIL to the funeral of a family friend. I could not attend due to my job committment.

POSTHERPETIC NEURALGIA

2008-10-25T00:29:00.003-05:00

I've had a headache (neuralgia) since the middle of August. This is what I was finally disgnosed with. My mom and I both suffer from the same ailment. She's had it for approximately 10 years. Our local nurse practitioner put me on Gabapentin, what a blessing, it's been the only thing that has given me some relief. Mom on the other had has had no relief whatsoever.

I took this info from Wikipedia...

Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a neuralgia caused by the varicella zoster virus. Typically, the neuralgia is confined to a dermatomic area of the skin and follows an outbreak of herpes zoster (HZ, commonly known as shingles) in that same dermatomic area. The neuralgia typically begins when the HZ vesicles have crusted over and begun to heal, but it can begin in the absence of HZ, in which case zoster sine herpete is presumed (see Herpes zoster).

Treatment options for PHN include antidepressants, anticonvulsants (such as gabapentin or pregabalin) and topical agents such as lidocaine patches or capsaicin lotion. Opioid analgesics may also be appropriate in many situations. There are some sporadically successful experimental treatments, such as rhizotomy (severing or damaging the affected nerve to relieve pain), and TENS (a type of electrical pulse therapy).

Postherpetic neuralgia is thought to be nerve damage caused by herpes zoster. The damage causes nerves in the affected dermatomic area of the skin to send abnormal electrical signals to the brain. These signals may convey excruciating pain, and may persist or recur for months or even years.

In the United States each year approximately 1,000,000 individuals develop herpes zoster. Of those individuals approximately 20%, or 200,000 individuals, develop postherpetic neuralgia.
Less than 10 percent of people younger than 60 develop postherpetic neuralgia after a bout of HZ, while about 40 percent of people older than 60 do.

It may influence susceptibility to herpes zoster. African Americans are one fourth as likely as Caucasians to develop this condition.

Bad bad week!

2008-08-29T16:50:00.003-05:00

I started off with a cold last Sunday and ended up at the doctor's office on Tuesday. I had a close call with pneumonia and now have a bad ear and sinus infection. I've had a headache from hell, all on the right side of my head, behind my eye, my ear, my cheek, jaw, just a heavy feeling. The meds don't seem to be doing much and if I don't feel better soon I'll be going to the clinic either tonight or tomorrow.
In the middle of everything, we had heavy rains for the last couple of weeks due to hurricanes in the area. Mike told me that Roxzee wasn't eating much and was vomiting, we don't have a regular vet here. Our vet moved and now comes only during the beginning of the month. Consequently, and due to me not feeling too good, I couldn't give my poor puppy health care and she died sometime during the night. I was under the impression that she had all her shots when we got her, however it seems like she may have come in contact with Parvo. My heart is broken. I'm going to miss her so much.

JOHN LENNON - MUSIC TO YOUR EARS ATC SWAP

2008-07-20T02:20:00.003-05:00

I joined the "Music to Your Ears - ATC Swap" hosted by Myrnabs at the Stamp-Shack. I love paper crafting and this has been one of my favorite swaps so far! Thanks for hosting Myrna...

My swap was on JOHN LENNON, this is what it says on the back of the ATC:

Born John Winston Lennon; 9 October 1940 in Liverpool, was an English rock musician, singer, songwriter, artist, and peace activist who gained global fame as a founding member of The Beatles.
In his solo career, Lennon wrote and recorded songs such as "Give Peace a Chance" and "Imagine". Lennon revealed his rebellious nature on television, in films such as A Hard Day's Night, in books such as In His Own Write, and in press conferences and interviews. He was controversial through his work as peace activist, artist, and author.
Lennon had two sons: Julian, with his first wife Cynthia, and Sean, with his second wife, avant-garde artist Yoko Ono. After a self-imposed retirement from 1976-1980, Lennon reemerged with a comeback album, but was murdered one month later in New York City on 8 December 1980. Lennon was shot four times in the back in the entrance hallway of the Dakota by Mark David Chapman. Lennon had autographed a copy of Double Fantasy for Chapman earlier that same night.
In 2002, respondents to a BBC poll on the 100 Greatest Britons voted Lennon into eighth place. In 2004, Rolling Stone magazine ranked Lennon number 38 on its list of "The Immortals: The Fifty Greatest Artists of All Time" and ranked The Beatles at number 1.

Roxzee

2008-07-15T21:39:00.004-05:00

Here she is my new love, Roxzee... she's Rowdy's baby sister. Isn't she beautiful??? We gave her a bath as soon as she came home, she seems to love the water. She's my little flea bag, so she's getting a flea collar tomorrow. She doesn't seem to be as crazy as Rowdy, a lot calmer. Hopefully, she won't want to chase cars. My dilema is that on the 29th we leave to an election seminar and I have no clue who will look after her and Rowdy! Do I have any volunteers?

We will miss him!

2008-07-15T19:39:00.003-05:00

It's been a long time since I really posted anything. I guess work and life keep me way to busy.

I was gone for almost a month, the middle of June I had a week long conference and after that we went to visit my inlaws, MIL (age 85) underwent knee replacement surgery. Our visit was supposedly going to be an overnight visit (over 200 miles away and a 4 hour drive). She suffered a case of Sundowner's Syndrome, and my FIL (age 90) spent two nights at the hospital with her because she pullled off everything and anything that was connected to and in her body. Then on the day we were to come home FIL suffered a fall which resulted in brain damage, we were told that he would live, but would not be able to care for himself and would not be able to go back home. Imagine, we had him at at one hospital, while she was across town in another one. Then having to tell her that he was ill and would not be coming home was one heck of a task for my husband. We finally brought her home on Saturday, we let her rest that night and the following day, as we were getting ready to go visit him, we got a call from the doctor advising us that he had been moved because he had suffered a heart attack. When we got there, the doctor was waiting and MIL understood what the doctor was explaing to us, she opted for the DNR / DNI and he peacefully passed away on June 29th, while we stood by his side.

He was cremated and his cremates were put to rest at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, TX. He retired from the Army after over 20 years of service in the early 1960's and fought in two wars (WWII and Korean). The received full military honors, we was wonderful, kind, and loving person... we will miss him!

A little more on Sleeping Pills and Muscle Relaxants

2008-07-14T20:28:00.002-05:00

OOps, I guess I didn't finish last nights blog...

I've been insomic for many, many years... hence the sleeping pills. For years, and years I suffered severe headaches and one day while taking to my doctor about the headaches, he suggested that perhaps I had a low serotonine level. He prescribed Lunesta and I did great, no more headaches. Last November my prescription was changed to Ambien because my "new" insurance would not cover the Lunesta, now as evidenced by last nights blog... I fight the pills and eat part of the night. All the weight I had lost last year is back on my belly!! As for the muscle relaxants, I have two herniated discs and my prescription reads to take two pill three times per day, imagine that I'd be a zombie... I take one sleeping pill and one muscle relaxant per night... and I turn myself off!!! (After I eat of course!!!)

Sleeping pills and Muscle Relaxants

2008-07-13T23:52:00.007-05:00

I'm logging off, these pill are driving me nuts.... My speech is slurred and I can't think straight... I wonder how my spelling is??? I'm going to talk to my doctor about lowering the dosage next month. In combination they wokr great.....

Last day at the Conference

2008-01-27T17:08:00.002-06:00

Mike took this picture of me on the last day at the conference. if you look at my eyes you can tell they've taken a beating with my allergies.
The conference was hosted by the Hilton, as you can see it's very nice and elegant. We had to stay at the Hyatt (which was also very nice) since the rooms sold out rather quickly.
Thanks for looking!
MJ

Home Sweet Home

2008-01-23T20:31:00.000-06:00

Despite severely bad weather and eye allergies, we made it home safely. God Bless my husband for chauffeuring me around on these long, but necessary trips! He usually doesn't accompany me unless it’s a very long trip and I really insist on him taking me, however most of the time someone from my staff will join me instead. There are changes to our department every year and we need to be able to implement the changes according to State law. Additionally, I need to complete 20 continuing education credit hours per year. This particular seminar was very educational, we learned how to do redactions for the safety of our community. We also learned how to “spot” a fraudulent driver’s license. There was also a session on Commissioners’ Court Minutes among other things.

College Station

2008-01-13T23:04:00.000-06:00

I made it safe and sound to College Station for my clerk's seminar. Now I just hope I get back home the same way. I'm starting to get an anxiety attack just thinking that I have travel another 8 hours to get back home! I hate these trips... so far from home and so much traffic!!! Hate it, hate it, hate it!!! I'd rather go to the valley or San Antonio... anything farther than Austin is not good for my nerves!

Nikon-DSLR (Old Challenge)

2008-01-11T23:56:00.000-06:00

I participated in the "Old" Challenge with the Nikon-DSLR Yahoo Group and these were the two best pictures I took.

The "Old House" is the house that came from Old Zapata in '53 right before the flood. It's now falling apart and will soon be demolished. This is the house where my mom grew up in and I was seven years old myself when we moved out of there to live in the house that mom lives in today.

The "Old Buddy L" truck was a gift from my dad when I was about four. There was a time when we thought we had lost it. Imagine the joy when I found it. It's very dear to me and it's one of the few childhood toys that I cherish. I won't have any one to pass it down to, nonetheless it's a wonderful memory.

Rowdy... Posing for me!

2007-12-29T00:54:00.000-06:00

Here's Rowdy posing for me as I take my first pictures with my new Nikon L15! He likes to tilt his head when I'm talking to him!!! I wonder if he understands what I'm telling him??

Cameras... Chapter Two

2007-12-29T00:34:00.000-06:00

Then along came the digital cameras... our first one was a Kodak DC260, A 1.6 megapixel, my Samsung Black Jack cell phone has more than that! A few years later we got the Minotla Dimage A1, 8.2 megapixel, I got that one loaded with lots of extras. Two years ago Mike got a Sony DSC -W1 at a pawn shop for about $100. Then last year right before my swearing in I decided to get the 10 megapixel Nikon D80 DSLR with interchangeable lenses and an external flash. We also added othe extras to it. As much as I love my D80 it's too heavy for me to carry around all the time; a purse, a conference bag and a camera bag are just too many and to heavy for me to carry. So Santa (DH) got me the 8 megapixel Nikon L15 for me to carry in my purse! Great little camera! I love it already!

Cameras... Chapter One

2007-12-28T03:53:00.000-06:00

My very first camera was a old 110. I still have it, but it's somewhere at moms house. I'll try to find it so I can take a picture of it. My next one was "The Handle" I don't really remember who makes it, but I think it's a Kodak, it came in a Yellow or Orange box and it's still put away in it. After that we (mom and I) were given by one of my great aunts, an old 35mm, but I can't remember just what it was, again it's somewhere at moms. Then I purchased a Minolta 7000 from Myrna's mom. I loved my old camera, I took more pictures with it than with anything else. Mike at that time also upgraded to a Minolta 9xi, that baby was rigged up and expensive for its kind, again did lots of freelancing and it eventually paid for itself. Next came the Digital Cams....

Collector of Cameras??

2007-12-28T03:44:00.000-06:00

Mom's Front Door

2007-12-27T12:53:00.000-06:00

This is my Mom's front door! I just love the country feel and hominess of her house. The cowbell is an antique from the olden times when we still ranched and my grandpa was a cowboy!

Off to Austin!

2007-12-08T01:57:00.000-06:00

I'll be spending the next four days in Austin at a Texas Vital Statistics Conference. There are upcoming changes to laws that apply to my office in September 2008. I'm looking forward to bringing back as much information as I can. I'm sure the conference will be very informative!

BEWARE OF DOG!

2007-12-02T02:45:00.000-06:00

I hadn't posted a picture of Rowdy in a long long time. The right leg is the one that was fractured after Mike ran over him last May.... my poor poor puppy! He was worth the $1,000 I paid to save him! He's such a good dog... I'm a loner and Mike is usullay working--Rowdy watches over me and the house while Mike is gone. We usually keep him tied up on the deck... only problem is the poop area!!! Even Myrna and her DD's are afraid of him. He barks and growls at everything and anything. He loves chasing cars... that's why he's tied up. He loves to play with his toys... Mom recently gave him a rubber crab that she brought from South Padre Island and he just loves it. He takes it in his mouth and just shakes it, he jumps and then he tosses it in the air and starts all over again. I love my dog!!

Alcohol Ink Ornaments

2007-11-18T00:36:00.000-06:00

These are my first Christmas Tree Ornaments I colored using alcohol inks. I need improvement, but they are still okay. I'm making more tonight.

Mike's New Car

2007-11-18T00:10:00.000-06:00

This is a picture of Mike's new car. Economy is the way to go. I know that at almost $3.00 per gallon and after filling up with $70 of gasoline in my 2006 Envoy it has me thinking of changing vehicles.

He got a great bargain on this one. It's a brand new 2006 Kia Spectra EX.

Tumbled Tile Coasters

2007-11-16T20:19:00.000-06:00

Tumbled Tile Coasters

Supplies:Unglazed Tumbled tiles (Lowes)
Alcohol Ink, Blending Solution and Ink Applicator Tool
Rubber Stamp(s) of your choice, I prefer solid stamps such as Bronc Buster by Stampin’ Up
Stazon Ink
Self Adhesive Cork shelf liner or felt backing
Krylon Workable Fixative
Krylon Triple Thick Clear Glaze or Krylon Matte Finish

1. Wash off tiles to remove dust, let dry.
2. Spray with Krylon Workable Fixative, let dry; should be ready in about an hour..
3. Ink edges of tile with alcohol ink using applicator, if it gets too dark add a few drops of the blending solution. (I ink edges and center then thin out or lighten the color by adding the blending solution.) Heat set by baking at 325 deg. oven for about 15 min.
4. Use Stazon Ink to rubberstamp image or images on tile. Heat set by baking at 325 deg. oven for about 15 min.
5. Spray with either Glaze or Matte Finish, let it dry for about 24 hours before handling. 6. Cut out cork or felt approximately 3 ¾ by 3 ¾ and attach to the back of each coaster.

To clean wipe with damp cloth, do not place in dishwasher.

Note: The music coaster set is one I made for Myrna's teacher and the Bronc Busters set was a door prize for our clerk's conference.

Lee came home to visit

2007-08-31T01:11:00.000-05:00

Yay... I'm happy today... Lee came home to visit from San Antonio. I know he came to see our cousin Marcos who just came home from the Persian Gulf, he's in the Navy! Anyway, even if he didn't come home to see me... I'm still glad he came home and got here safely!

2007-08-31T01:08:00.000-05:00

My dad and my uncle always loved to hunt. Here they are with one of their kills... No it's not a trophy buck... but I'm sure it was tasty nonetheless!

My Dad is the one on the left and my uncle is the one holding the rifle on the right!

Paternal Grandparents

2007-08-29T23:28:00.000-05:00

These are my Dad's parents... rumor has it that I look alot like her! What do you think?

Ancestors - My Polish and Mexican Roots

2007-08-29T23:25:00.000-05:00

These are my great-grandparents on Dad's side of the family. He was from Mexico and she was 1/2 Polish. They died way before I was born.

MIA

2007-08-22T11:16:00.000-05:00

If anyone's been wondering where I'm at... well... I have a bad UTI, plus other issues. Haven't felt like doing much. I went to my MD on Monday and he gave me an antibiotic, just now started feeling a bit better. As always he got after me about losing weight... he gave me 1 year to lose 33 pounds and that's the way we're going to do it until I lose the whole 150 I need to lose!!! (Since BC/BS will not cover my lapband!)
I have an appointment with my OBGYN... to handle my "other issues" I've needed a hysterectomy for over a year now, and this will be my second opinion. I'm hoping that there is some sort of "miracle cure" for fibroids, but I know that there isn't. This surgery is specially hard for me to decide on because I don't have children and this would bring complete closure to this part of my life. Being "childless" is something I never thought I'd be, but it wasn't by choice, life just turned out that way and I've always felt that I was delt a bad card. Unforfunately, there are some things in life that one cannot change and this is one of them for me.
Another thing is that "my baby" brother is going away to college and I'm completely heartbroke, I don't say much about it because it makes things harder for my mom. For the last month I've been living with a knot in my throat, just ready to burst into sobs. I am totally devastated... I am going to miss him so much. I know he has to go away to finish his education and I know that he is only a phone call away, but still it's not the same. I'm hoping that he will be home as often as possible... maybe we can plan to go see George Lopez in October for his birthday!
I'll be gone through this coming weekend because we're going to leave him in San Antonio.
Thanks for listening!

2007-08-14T01:24:00.000-05:00

This is our Courthouse, the buidling where I work... it's a brand new building. This picture was taken about a day after the Grand Opening! We've been told that it's one of the most beautiful courthouses in Texas!

Capitol of Texas 2005

2007-08-14T01:19:00.000-05:00

Mike stood in the middle of the street at noon in Austin just to take this picture for me!

Texas State Capitol

2007-08-14T01:13:00.000-05:00

Kim, Renee, and Myrna, this is the shot I was taking when you gals called me while I was at my Elections conference last month!

This is the capital of Texas in Austin, TX... isn't she grand?

I just love taking night shots!

Romantic Dog

2007-08-12T15:34:00.000-05:00

This card is for Bryana, Myrna's youngest DD. She's such a sweetheart. She likes to read my blogs and look at my pictures. I love her so much! She's my little angel! Her birthday is on August 17... she'll be turning 7!

Romantic Dog

2007-08-12T15:30:00.000-05:00

Bronc Buster

2007-08-12T15:28:00.000-05:00

I made a set of these cards for an SU swap. The stamp is called Bronc Buster and it's one of my favorites. I'm looking forward to making many layouts with this stamp set.

2007-08-12T15:22:00.000-05:00

Lee and Laura

2007-07-22T17:41:00.000-05:00

Lee wanted me to post this picture of them.

What a cute couple, don't you think?

Laura and Lee

2007-07-22T12:59:00.000-05:00

the

Recipies

2007-07-22T11:46:00.000-05:00

Everybody knows I love recipes... These are some of my favorites

One Word Tag

2007-07-20T20:32:00.000-05:00

Yourself: Caring
Your Partner: Contraversial
Your Hair: Short
Your Mother: Angelical
Your Father: Gone
Your Favorite Item: Nikon d80
Your Dream Last Night: weird
Your Favorite Drink: Margarita
Your Dream Car: expensive
Your Dream Home: Big
The Room You Are In: Office
Your Fear: death
Where You Want To Be In Ten Years: Retired
Who You Hung Out With Last Night: Mom
You're Not: Selfish
One of Your Wish List Items: storage
The Last Thing You Did: napped
You Are Wearing: jeans
Your Favorite Weather: spring
Your Favorite Book: Mystery
Last Thing You Ate: Taco
Your Life: complicated
Your Mood: Tired
Your Best Friend: Myrna
What Are You Thinking About Right Now: Food
Your Car: Envoy
What Are You Doing At The Moment: thinking
Relationship Status: Married
What Is On Your TV: Paula
What Is The Weather Like: Stormy
When Is The Last Time You Laughed: Afternoon

Daddy's Girl

2007-07-19T02:29:00.000-05:00

I must have been about 12 or 13 in this picture. It's before the house was remodeled and the kitchen was moved. My dad is so young here.

I MISS MY DADDY :(!

2007-07-19T02:27:00.000-05:00

Another oldie... I miss ME!

Mom and Me

2007-07-17T00:07:00.000-05:00

This is an old beat up picture of Mom and myself, it's ancient, Circa 1979! We're standing in front of mom's house. Look at those bodies. I wonder what happened to us. Mom is still "slim", but here, she's really skinny. Then look at me... I can't believe how thin I was. I'm thinking this had to be in 79 so that would have made 16 yrs old. This is an old Polaroid that I scanned, so the blob on the top is where the chemicals used for developing leaked into the picture... bummer!

2007-06-06T01:13:00.000-05:00

Your Psyche is Red

You are bright, bold, energetic, and intense.
Your upbeat, zany energy inspires those who are down.
Spontaneous and playful, you also have a courageous and fearless side.

When you are too red: you are angry, overprotective, and truly scary.

When you don't have enough red: you are depleted and lifeless.

What Color Is Your Psyche?

2007-05-29T00:28:00.000-05:00

Okay so the picture isn't that great!!! Nonetheless, I just wanted everyone to take a look at Rowdy after last weeks ordeal of him getting run over by Mike.

Today he was almost back to normal, had it not been for the bad limp he has. He's going to the vet on the 5th for another shot and for a check up on his leg.

I guess he's gonna make it after all!!!

Rowdy: Tough and/or disorderly, yes! That's my puppy!!

2007-05-17T02:10:00.000-05:00

It's been a while since I posted anything here... Just wanted to show you all my PSX Hibiscus card!!!

Lee and Laura

2007-04-20T22:34:00.000-05:00

Here they are... the love birds. My brother and his girl friend. Don't they make a cute couple? He insisted I post a picture of them in my blog!! Sorry Laura, he said you wouldn't mind!!

Class of 82 Class Reunion in 92

2007-04-20T22:24:00.000-05:00

I was very surprised when I came across this picture. I really thought I had lost it. Mike and I were both so young. No gray hair, then again this was taken 15 yrs. ago!!

We are due to have our 25th year class reunion in June of 07!!!

Oh by the way, that's my class reunion... Mike graduated 10 years before I did in '72!

What do you think of my red hair? Should do that again?

OMG...This was forever ago... 01-07-1993

2007-04-16T01:00:00.000-05:00

All day long I fiddled with pictures. I was so surprised to come across this old thing, I was 29 years old and holding a Texas size radish that Kenneth Lawrence had grown in his vegetable garden. Mr. Lawrence was always bringing me something home grown to my office, radishes, carrots, tomatoes, even blue corn. On this particular day he came in radish in one hand and camera in the other, he just said "smile"!! He was the sweetest older gentleman any person would want as a friend. He had been snowbound and frostbitten eary in his life. In the end he lost a leg, and later passed on near my birthday. It was sad to lose a friend, I cried...

This picture was taken at the old county attorney's office that was located in the old courthouse annex. I just noticed that I was wearing my ostrich ropers, that must have been about 100 pounds ago... Yikes, that should be incentive enough for me to want to lose weight!!!

Mom's Birthday Card

2007-04-06T23:23:00.000-05:00

This is my Mom's birthday card. I started working on it very very early this morning. Everybody seems to have liked it. It's Prismacolored, then I used a blender pencil and Gamsol. I chalked the entire image with a sponge then slightly tea-dyed the edges to give it more of a vintage look. I recently purchased the Prismacolors and I'm enjoying every minute I use them. Before I purchased these pencils, I questioned whether or not I should be doing this. Nonetheless, my Mom loved her card... in the inside is a very simple handwritten message, "Happy Birthday Mom, Love you! Mary Jayne" can't get more to the point than that.

Myrna & MJ

2007-04-05T19:12:00.000-05:00

Here we are!! I guess we hadn't taken a self-portrait in about 20 years. I'll try to find the old pictures so you can compare the before and after. Now that'll be a site. Love you girlfriend!!!

Forever Friends
When I hear that sappy little phrase,
“Families are Forever,”
I always wonder
Are friends forever too?

Because if not,
Just stop the world and let me get off!

I will never find another friend
As fun, crazy and more like me
Anywhere in heaven…
Let alone here on earth!

I simply can’t find words to describe
The ways you touch my life.
You refuse to let me be
Anything less than myself,
And you love me
Like no friend ever has.
I can’t imagine getting through a day,
Much less eternity, without you.

Let’s make a pact.
(Yeah, yeah, we’ll keep the ‘forever family’.)
But you and I will be
Goddesses together…
Divine Divas to the max …
Forever, for always
And no matter what.
© 2003 Suzy Toronto

I've been away from my blog

2007-04-05T19:08:00.000-05:00

Oh dear... I hadn't realized how long it had been since I'd been in here. I guess I should try to post new stuff more often.
Myrna came to visit my office for the first time today and took some cool pictures, check them out! I just wish she would have warned me so I could have at least "powdered" my nose!

My Best Friend

2007-03-26T23:55:00.000-05:00

This is my friend Myrna, a.k.a. myrnabs. I’ve known her most of her life and we’ve been friends since 1984. I’m about eight years older than her and if you figure that out in 1984 she was only 13 and I was 21.
Myrna is a very pretty lady with a beautiful personality. She is the type of person who will take the shirt off her back to help others. Always going out of her way. She is very smart, and I’m very proud of her. She attends college/university (50 miles away) every weekday, often coming home very late at night. She is a great musician and is pursuing her career in music. I know she will be a great band director some day in the near future.

On top of all this she is also a very talented papercrafter. She makes beautiful cards and altered items. She is the one that made my dog, Rowdy's treat jar! (See below.)
Myrna is very special, she is a wife, mother of two beautiful girls, daughter, sister, aunt, and most important to me, she’s my best friend. I would not know what to do without her friendship. I see her like the little sister I never had! I don’t have to say this cause she knows it, but I lover her very much!
P.S. Doesn’t she look pretty with her new glasses?

Rowdy's Treats Jar

2007-03-18T22:57:00.000-05:00

I guess that by now everyone knows that I have a dog named Rowdy. My friend Myrna knows just how much I love him so she went all out and made a treat jar for him. Take a peek for yourselves. It took her an etire evening to complete her project. I think it turned out just beautiful. I love it and it's so much easier now to give my "baby" his treats. She went as far as coloring the doggy blonde or light brown like Rowdy. I really like how she did the lid, cutting out circles and arranging them around the big circle. Then adding the pretty polka dotted ribbon around the jar. I just totally love Rowday's new treat jar. Oh one more thing, she even sent her mom to buy Rowdy some treats, ain't that sweet!!!!!

Thanks...Love you Myrna!!!

2007-03-16T22:11:00.000-05:00

Mike's Graduation

2007-03-16T21:58:00.000-05:00

Mike's graduation, May 2006. He graduated with honors.

2007-03-16T21:56:00.000-05:00

This was Mike's Phi Theta Kappa induction. He's one smart cookie!

I'm the big gal on the right!

I'm devastated

2007-03-16T21:16:00.000-05:00

Rowdy has fleas... lots of them!! He got them next door, with Chato... my aunts dog. How do I get rid of them? He's getting a bath tomorrow for sure and he's getting tied up in my yard. No more playing next door.

Bad dog !!!

Graduation Night 2005

2007-03-16T21:12:00.000-05:00

I had wanted to post one of these picture for a long time...This is not the right one, there's another one that I like a lot better, but I can't find it! I'll change it as soon as I can locate it.

Oh, by the way... for those that don't know us, this is us... my baby brother Lee and myself on his graduation night (highschool graduation, that is)!!!

Kiss the Bride

2007-03-16T01:45:00.000-05:00

Kiss the bride is probably an understatement. My aunt caught us by surprise when we got married on 12/22/90.

Notice how I was still wearing a hat!!!

I wanna be a Cowgirl

2007-03-16T01:30:00.000-05:00

OMG...I couldn't believe it when I found this picture. This is me at 15, in 1979. It was taken by my highschool boyfriend while we were at an FFA field trip in San Antonio. Yes I was a true cowgirl right down to my python boots, I'm still one at heart and yes, this is Texas and we are as Texas as it gets.

I guess one can say "Like sister, like brother!"

Baby Brother

2007-03-16T01:20:00.000-05:00

Again, this is just a friendly reminder of how time flies. This is my baby brother 12 years later. Yes, this is as Texas as it gets and no, he doesn't always dress like this. He's a very modern guy, however his dress attire very often will consist of jeans, ostrich boots and a hat!!! Now isn't this a handsome guy!!

(This is the same guy that's pictures below in the black hat.) How dare I wonder why I have gray hair!!!

Mom's first swearing-in

2007-03-16T01:11:00.000-05:00

This picture is very special, it's my mom's first swearing in as County and District Clerk. My grandmother has passed away three months before she officially took office. It's also one of my favorite's because my dad was still alive. It also saddens me because he wasn't around to see me be sworn in by mom when I took over he position as County Clerks 12 years later. Pictured are (l-r) myself, my dad, my mom, and my baby brother at age eight.

Our First Picture together in '89

2007-03-16T01:07:00.000-05:00

How time flies!!! This was our very first picture together when Mike took me to meet his parents in Christmas of '89. We've been together ever since... Ain't love grand???

Old Zapata Sunset

2007-03-16T01:01:00.000-05:00

I took this picture back in '98, a bad flood was predicted so we all went out to the peaceful Old Zapata and took pictures. This has always been one of my old-time favorite pictures.

Old Fashioned Chocolate Soda

2007-03-16T00:48:00.000-05:00

This is the recipe card I submitted to Chocolate Lovers SCS swap ... I thought that the 50's theme would go good with this old-fashioned favorite!!

Fiesta!!!!

2007-03-16T00:41:00.000-05:00

I've had this "thing" about dishes since I was very young. I just love dishes and about two years ago decided I was going to start a Fiestaware collection. Many people like super expensive dinner ware for special occasions, well not this small town country girl. As I've stated in many of my comments at the shack, being of Hispanic/Mexican descent... well, I love colors. Therefore, I thought I'd share a glimpse of my everyday and special day dinnerware!!! Hope you like them.

Rowdy

2007-03-16T00:34:00.000-05:00

This is Rowdy, my spoiled, five month old Austrailian Cattle Dog... Isn't he sweet??? He jumps all over me when I come outside. He does tricks for treats. He is super smart and funny. He keeps me company when I'm by myself. He is still in the "chewing" stage and like to bite me playfully, the problem is that he doesn't know his own strength and sometimes hurts me while he's trying to play!! Oh well, I love him anyway!!!!

Mom and Daughter day out!

2007-03-07T23:13:00.000-06:00

I played hooky and didn't go to work today. Mom and I went to Laredo by ourselves. First we went to eat at Luby's. Then we went to Macy's, JC Penny, Bealls, Avenue and Sam's. I bought a hobo denim purse for $6.00 at Bealls; plus a pair of dressy "work" shoes", black jeans and a T-shirt at Avenue (yes, I am a plus size). Then made a quick stop at Sam' and I bought a huge ($20.00) filet of salmon for Friday's dinner. I need to come up with something other than potatoes and peas for sides. I might try Jasmine rice and asparagus or green beans instead. It's hard to keep everybody happy. Mom and Ted don't eat corn. Lee doesn't eat green beans or peas, and Mike is just plain picky with everything. He liked peas last week, but today he doesn't like them... or he doesn't want chicken today cause he had it two days ago. He doesn't want to grow feathers. My dislike to do dishes and everyones weird taste buds are costing me a fortune since we eat out 4-5 times per week.

Young love birds

2007-03-04T18:20:00.000-06:00

I came across this picture of us. I couldn't help myself and decided to post it. I can't remember the date, but I think it had to be at least 11 or 12 years ago. How sad... I'm getting old, I look so young here. That was also several pounds ago for both of us. We don't have gray hair!!!