What IF…..

Two roads diverged in a wood and I – I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference. ~ Robert Frost

What if I were not where I am today? I would not be a mother or a nana. Twenty-seven years ago I would have never imagined having three beautiful children, a handsome son-in-law, and an absolutely gorgeous grand-daughter.

Left to right: (Cody, Kami, & Topher) (Kami & Brad) (Kyleigh) (Brad & Kyleigh)

If I sound bias, it’s probably because I am when it comes to my family. On my 7th birthday I remember having a huge party and everyone from my 1st grade class was there. There was this boy, by the name of Jimmy, who bought me a board game called “The Bride Game”. I was so embarrassed because the other kids joked about how he liked me and wanted to marry me, that’s why he gave me the game. It actually ended up being a pretty cool game and my friends and I played it quite often. Afterall, what little girl didn’t fantasize about her future wedding!

The object of the game is to be the first girl to reach the Wedding Ceremony. As you move around the board you collect three members of the wedding party (bride, groom, & attendee), something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue, a wedding cake, a bouquet, and a wedding ring. Once you have all of these items you move on to the wedding march.  First one to the Ceremony wins. As I recall, the grooms where pretty hot. That’s when I decided I was going to marry a blonde hair, blue-eyed boy from California. Heck, I didn’t even really know where California was at that point in my life but I did know who I was going to marry.

In May 1985 I met this handsome Marine; blonde hair, blue eyes, and was stationed in California. In November of that very same year we were married, I was 18 and he was 19. We travelled to so many places and lived life together for the next 25 years. In December 2010 our marriage ended. All in all, I say it was a good run! (Trust me, it wasn’t easy for me to get to the point where I can say this without crying, but I’m here now!)

I have ALWAYS believed that things happen for a reason….. I am very thankful for the game Jimmy bought me and for being a little girl who was able to dream about her future wedding. I believe in fate, after all, I did marry my blonde hair, blue-eyed boy from California. I thank God everyday for blessing me with my children. My pregnancy with Kami was tough, she was born breech and 3 weeks early. I was told not to have anymore children. My pregnancy with Topher was just as tough, he was born a month early. I was told, “DO NOT HAVE ANYMORE CHILDREN”! In 1995, I decided to have one more baby. My pregnancy with Cody was the toughest. I was constantly on bed rest and always going into pre-term labor. He was born 2 months early and I did not know until the day I delivered, BUT he was supposed to be a twin. Apparently I lost one in my first trimester. I would do it all over again in a heart beat! They are all worth it!

I love that I had the opportunity to live in many places and experience thousands of moments. I’m grateful for the hundreds of friends I’ve made along the way. I’m even glad that I have another chance at loving someone else and making new memories with the next part of my life. I’m thankful for it all…. the great times and the bad, they are what made me who I am today.

What if Jimmy had never bought me the game or what if I never fantasized about a boy with blonde hair, blue eyes, and lived in California?

Psychic Vampire

“The world changes, we do not, there lies the irony that finally kills us.” ~ Armand-Interview with A Vampire

This past weekend has been so tiresome, my body has not been a willing participant in any type of physical activity. I was able though to muster up enough energy to clean, do laundry, and hang a few items on the wall. I do apologize for not posting Saturday & Sunday! I’ve been to a Dr. and have had all sorts of tests done. My results from recent blood work I had done, on the 11th of this month came back NORMAL (except for that damn vitamin D deficiency). So what the heck is causing my body to feel so weak!?!?

I haven’t thought about this for a while, but maybe I’ve attracted another psychic vampire. I know, you’re thinking… here goes Liza again with her weird beliefs. Now…. if it’s one of the Cullens, I’m all for it… LOL

On one of my paranormal adventures, I met a vampire couple in New Orleans (NOLA) and it was fascinating to hear their stories (the story of my trip is for another day). The tour ended at a cool pub that supposedly was owned by a local vampire who was ultimately killed by frantic citizens. As we were sitting in the patio area enjoying a drink, the music, and awesome ambience, I noticed a black cat walking from one end of the yard into the garden. Elizabeth (I’m calling the female vampire Elizabeth because I can’t remember her real name) came up to me and asked, “Did you see the cat?” I said, “Yes”. She said, “Not very many people see the cat, it’s a ghost.” We sat and talked for a bit and she told me that she could tell I was like an open book and probably attracted all sorts of weird energies and spirits (not to mention just plain weirdos). I would have to say she was right. She also told me that she thought I had an unwanted friend following me (that was of no surprise).

Elizabeth went on to tell me that she believed that someone was knowingly or unknowingly draining my energy. I had no idea what she was talking about. She explained to me that there are four types of vampires; Immortal, Mortal, Unintentional Psychic, and Intentional Psychic. The latter two were less talked about and people were really not aware they existed.

Once we got back home, I did some research on the types of vampires there are. Come to find out there really are physic vampires. Unintentional psychic vampires aren’t even aware of what they’re doing. These types of vampires unconsciously drain the energy out of unknowing victims. They are usually suffering from some type of illness and are not even aware that they are emotionally sucking the energy out of others. Intentional psychic vampires knowingly drain the energy out of their victims, and at one point may even learn about astral projection and begin draining their victims during sleep.

So whether it’s a psychic vampire or some unknown illness I have that’s attacking my energy, I need to find a way to get back on track and energize my body again.

My Call from NBC

“I’m a comedian first. I’ve learned how to act. I just draw on life experiences and that’s how I’ve learned. I didn’t take classes or anything. I don’t need no classroom.” ~ Steve Harvey

I was sitting in Pizza Parlor having dinner with my cousin, Pollyana, when my cell rang. I didn’t answer because I didn’t recognize the number so I let voicemail pick-up. If it’s important they’ll leave a message, if not oh well. I heard my little beep go off indicating they left a message.

(Don’t pay attention to the beginning of the next sentence) As I was driving home, I listened to the message. It went like this…..

“Hi Liza, it’s Tracy calling from Steve Harvey, we’re premiering in September on NBC…………..”

(Click on image to hear call)

My options; replay message, call message sender back, keep message, delete message

Of course I opted to call message sender back! I was greeted with the following message, “Hello, you have reached the offices of NBC, if you know your parties extension please dial it now…”

I got a little excited since it was actually the NBC Studio that called, so I listened to the message again to get the number Tracy left to return her call. I keyed in the numbers 1.312.xxx.xxxx and a cheery female voice answered.

Voice: “Hello, Tracy with NBC”

Me: “Hi Tracy, this is Liza, I had a missed call from you.”

Tracy: “Liza, hi! Yes, I am working on The Steve Harvey Show and he’s going to be hosting a new reality show on NBC this Fall. I was wondering if I could ask you a few questions?”

Me: “Sure!”

Tracy: “It says here that you are single and have children, is this correct?”

Me: “Yes.”

Tracy: “Your oldest is a daughter? It says she’s married.”

Me: “Yes.”

Tracy: “Do you know her husband?”

Me: “Yes.”

Tracy: “Do you like him?”

Me: “Yes, of course!”

Tracy: “Oh ok…. it also says you have an older son.”

Me: “Yes.”

Tracy: “Does he have a girlfriend?”

Me: “Um… yes.”

Tracy: “Have you met her yet?”

Me: “Yes I have.”

Tracy: “Do you like her?”

Me: “Um…. yes! What exactly is this show about?”

Tracy: “Steve Harvey will be playing a father-like figure, and he will decide if your child’s partner is good or not, but we’re looking for a single parent who has not met the partner yet or does not like them.”

Me: “Um… well I guess I don’t qualify.”

Tracy: “Well thank you for your time and we’ll keep you in mind. Have a great day!”

Me: “Thanks, you too! Bye.”

Tracy: “Bye”

One Lovely Blog Award

I’m so excited and honored to be nominated for the One Lovely Blog Award. I was nominated by Lotus Tarot Blossom Thank you Jennifer for the awesome opportunity! Much love going your way.

The rules:

1. Thank the person who nominated you and link back to them in your post.
2. Share seven things about yourself.
3. Nominate up to fifteen bloggers you admire.
4. Leave a comment on each of the blogs, letting them know they have been nominated.

Seven Things About Me:

• I’m going on 2 years of being single and I’m starting to love the feeling.
• I love ghost hunting
• I have a BA in Criminology and almost done with my MA in Psychology
• I lived in Sicily for 2  1/2 years and loved it!
• I’m a blogaholic and proud of it!
• Kyleigh, my grand-daughter, is my biggest motivator
• I love working on genealogy

The blogs that I wish to nominate are as follows:

• Beauty and The Biker
• Clotildajamcracker
• Cristina Lara Travels
• Day in the Life of a Happy 40+ South Tx Stay at Home Wife
• Don’t Forget to Feed the Baby
• Feisty Feathers

I Lost My Virginity

Ok, Mandy and Danielle talked me into trying spinning since I had to take a break from Zumba (all the jumping around caused my ankles and feet to swell. Dr said I am retaining too much water and put me on water pills and told me to lay off Zumba for a while). I have to admit, it was fun but I don’t think it’s the thing for me. I’ve made myself a promise to try new experiences at least ONCE! Ok, twice if I can keep up.

MY EXPERIENCE:

This was my first attempt and I really don’t know how to react. Danielle, being a loyal friend, was great… she helped my adjust my seat, made sure my little feet were all nice and snug in the straps (she didn’t want me missing the pedal and flying off the bike) and taught me how to sit correctly. Sweet little Mandy brought me a towel to help with the sweat (but I really think she knew I was going to cry and use it hide my face in shame).

Angie, the co-owner and trainer, was super sweet. She gave me a few tips and told me not to push myself and just to do as much as I can. She was like that with all three of us since it was my first time and Danielle & Mandy’s second/third time. The class was about an hour-long and we rotated between spinning and floor exercises. I wasn’t even able to do the floor exercises (they’re done with restraining bands hanging from the walls and ceiling). I did one cycle and when I attempted to do another squat, I couldn’t get back up. My arms and hips felt like noodles and I thought I was going to puke. The routine was supposed to alternate between the bike and floor. I remained on the bike until the end. I did manage to cycle 9 miles, not bad at all! I crawled out vowing I would never go again, but I just might give it another try.

DANIELLE’S EXPERIENCE:

This was my second time going and I enjoyed the class. Angie does something different everyday so I know the workouts will keep my attention. It’s never the same thing twice in one week. It’s a great workout and I end the session feeling tired, but a good tired. I know in the end I’ll have the results I want, to lose weight and get toned while losing it. Thanks Mandy for introducing Velocity to me. I would recommend others to try.

MANDY’S EXPERIENCE:

I guess the first day really kicks your butt, LITERALLY, your bottom is so sore from the seat. It feels like your pelvis bones are going to break or something. But, the second and third days feel a lot better. That’s when you start to feel accomplished because the soreness means you’re doing something right.

I’m really enjoying myself and going with friends helps because you have people to share the experience with. I would definitely recommend someone to try it at lease once! Afterall, I got Liza up there…..

(Pictured left to right: Me, Danielle, & Mandy)

Note To:  Jonathan Goldberg & John Baudhuin (creators of the spin bike, Mad Dogg Athletics, Inc.), apparently you didn’t consult with your wives/girlfriends (Topher just correct me 07.26.12, significant other) before designing the bike. For women who have large asses, it’s very uncomfortable and causes severe numbing sensations. Maybe you didn’t have a wife/girlfriend (significant other) during the cycle’s conception either because if you would have, they definitely would have told you that most women have VAGINAS and yes, although they are capable of expelling watermelon size heads, they cannot fit on the tiny front part of the seat. Unfortunately because these two issues exist, I regretfully say, “I’ve broken my vagina, and I can’t stand up!”