And I'm an ISFJ

Might as well jump on the personality quiz bandwagon... here we go..

A Day in the Life of a Parent

I laughed so hard at this video.....In some cases, it seemed like a day at my house, but in most others, it's just a great opportunity to watch how much havoc a little child can create.......LOL

Orange Santa- Hutto Texas

Just about a year and a half ago, I would never have thought to have the courage to participate in LIFE as much as I have. I've always had a good heart, inside, not much would peek out for others to see. Today, I feel as though I have been re-born thru the help, guidance, influence and support of my family and freinds here in Hutto.

I am a city boy ( NYC ), and I do not wear my heart on my sleeve naturally. I can be very critical, cynical, untrusting and short at times. I grew up in an environment wear preservation of the immediate family was the priority, and others who could'nt hang on, to bad. I guess thru the eyes of my children and the hopes and determination I have to give them a better life, I am inspired to change.

The other night, in the midst of picture taking with Santa, I was fortunate enough to watch the faces of many children approach this man who was giving them a glimmer of joy and hope. Many of these children were from homes and environments that were challenging to say the least. All of them had a smile on their face, all of them were excited about their opportunity to sit with "The Man".

What a wonderful thing it is to GIVE. To give of your time to people, people who truly appreciate each moment. It is fulfilling to the point of personal acheivment.

It is hard, to give of your family and personal time. It is hard to give a little of your finances. I will not lie and say that some days, I just do not have the energy.
All of this has a purpose. Giving yourself to others will only bring to you in the end.

No man can accomplish things alone. No child can grow by themselves.

Thank you to all the memebers of my church (Resonate Community) and all the people who helped out with this event.

Tonight and tommorrow we will be delivering the gifts that were so generously donated by the people of Hutto, to all of these families and children in need.

I am happy with the little difference I can make in the world these days, and only hope to have a greater impact on others in the days and years to come.

This regular guy, from NYC has seen the benefits and the hope in following in the steps the lord, without having to be a bible carrying, door knocking, over the top member of the Christian Church.

It really is refreshing...........to be able to be myself, scars and all, and not be judged for who I am by the people around me. How Cool is that????!!!

Family Guy - Laugh My A- - Off

This little treasure is courtesy of Family Guy.
The comedy genius of this creative writing crew is top notch.

I think that not only does Peter Griffin look like Buddy Hacket, from "The Music Man". but sounds so much like him as well.

Enjoy a moment of utter nonsense.


SEE Ya

Keep it simple

How simple the joys of Christmas really are. It's no wonder why so many of us anticipate and flourish in this wonderful time of year. What is it really, that makes this time of year so joyous?

It may be the reflecting that many of us do, on our lives, family, friends, trials and tribulations of a year coming to a close. For that matter, it may be the anticipation of a new year, a new beginning, a new hope. It may even be something as simple as the evident change in our environments, the weather maybe, peoples attitudes, or that feeling of grace and fortune that some of us are so lucky to feel.

I could not ask for anything more than my family provides me. My beautiful children, who make me smile,cry, and rejoice with pride and even laughter. Their innocence and simple beauty amazes me every day, NO REALLY, EVERY DAY. Oh yes, most of all, my superwoman of a wife. Gina is so driven and full of energy and hope. My wife manages to make each and every one of her days, a magical feat!!! It really is magic to me, how she manages our home and children. I know that I could never do it. Most days I actually feel guilty about putting in a long work day, leaving her home with our sometimes CRAZY little ones.

In the end though, all of life's trials are rewarded somehow. Through our children's accomplishments and happiness, impacting our friends and family through gestures of kindness and pure generosity, making someones day or life for that matter.

I guess Christmas is really a CELEBRATION OF LIFE, the way it ought to be lived. Life through acts of kindness,love and generosity. Life through grace, and the realization that there are bigger things out there for us, so most of the time the little things we let occupy our days, really don't matter much.

As I stood in front of my house tonight, looking at the thousands of Christmas Lights that illuminate my yard, I felt a true comfort in myself, knowing that in the end, despite the day I may have had, my family will still be here for me, my children will be running up to me with excitement and my life will simply reset itself, because of the re assurance I have in my faith in Life, Love and God.

I always hear the words my grandparents frequently used when I was a boy, "Don't worry, everything will be alright"

Enjoy this brief time of the year, the food, the laughter, the giving, the sharing and the love.

Should be like this all year long???? Right???

Love you all.

Chris

Christmas Around The Corner

I guess now is as good a time as ever to re-start my blogging.It's been a while, and most of the time I need some type of event or motivating factor to get me to start striking these keys.

CHRISTMAS is right around the corner!!!! I'm starting the spirit early, since it seems to fly by quicker and quicker each year.
It's a very special time, and made even more special since I have two beautiful kids to share it with.

Here we Go!!!!!

A story has ended

Luciano Pavarotti died last week at his home in Modena, Italy. He was 72....
He lived a life of doubt, criticism, success, failures and triumphs. He was unknown by all in his early years and later adored by millions. As a young Tenor, he spent 6 years in near obscurity, pursuing his love for the opera. He could not find his voice, developed medical problems, then vowed to give up trying. It was not until he left the opera, and stepped back into civilization that his true voice and abilities came to pass.

An interesting story of how sometimes, some of us, may need to step back and look at our challenges from a distance. Being so close to the fight, the excitement, the lights, makes us blind to what the true answer to our problems is.

I has always admired the man. He had an ability to draw you in to the simplest of stories, and with his voice and power, make you not only see the meaning of the stories, but make you feel them deep in your gut as well. Only a truly passionate person has this ability to project a message in this way. A way that makes you feel at ease with yourself and the world.

Che Gelida Manina
Nessum Dorma
Una Furtiva Lacrima
Non Ti Scordare Di Me

Just a few of the songs that put a lump in my throat when belted out by this vocal giant.

He lived large in more ways than one, and never looked back or apologized for the grandiose life he led. He lived his life as it should be lived. Striving, Laughing, Loving, Giving, Enjoying and most importantly LIVING.

How simple life can be if we just look, listen and experience the beautiful things around us.
Loving our families till we are exhausted. Living our lives as if they could end tomorrow, but all the while never thinking that something as wonderful as LIFE could ever really come to an end.

I will miss this man, and the impact he has had on my life through his music, but his voice will live on forever.

Rest in Peace Maestro

We loved you

A Messege for our circle

Let's all take a second to realize and remember how simple and beautiful life should be.
I think to myself sometimes that my every day begins with ME, if I am not good with myself on any given day, then I most likely will not be good with anything else that day.

I have grown to realize over the last 10 years that what is truly important is whats in MY heart and not in the hearts of others. Maybe this sounds selfish?? I don't think so. How can I truly love and appreciate the gifts of others if I cannot know of the gifts that I have to give?
What will make me happy?? Sometimes I just do not know......

Most of the time though, I realize that in the end, the person I see in the mirror is the person I need to please first and always.

I have experienced years of self abuse and doubt over myself, that I never had a moment to reflect on the good things, on God or on the people that truly have loved me.

I have loved and lost all by my own hand, mostly because at those times I had no understanding of myself or my needs and or abilities.

This is not a license for selfishness, it is a wake up call to those of us who may not realize the wonderful gifts we are capable of giving only if we new the benefits.

Take a moment to realize that when you are strong, you help make others stronger, and when you feel weak or full of doubt you need to open the door to those who you have given strength to.

Rocky Balboa said " Friends don't owe!!, Friends do cause they wanna do"

I am hear to DO, call on me and I will always try my best to DO for you. I want to do.

There it is, my OPRAH WINFREY moment......



Chris

What a Wonderful Wife

I really wanted to take a minute to take a minute to really THANK my wife Gina for being such an amazing and generous person and wife to me over the last few weeks especially. Gina has shown me so much patience and understanding with the long hours I put in for my career om a daily basis, she loves and takes care of our two children every day, cooks dinner for her family everyday, and still has the energy and desire to come and be part of a special day at work for me. I want her to know how proud I am of her and how much I admired her tonight, she makes me proud to be in her life.

THANKS BIRD..

I LOVE YOU

Chris

Always Possible

Just when you thought it was over, it wasn't.
Just when you thought you couldn't bear a minute more, you did.
Just when you though It couldn't get any worse, it does.
And just when you thought hope had faded into the distance, it didn't, it kept it's small light shining ever so warmly behind you, hoping you would notice it again, hoping you'd turn to it once more.

Just as Mickey said to Rocky:

" I didn't hear no bell...Now get up"!!!!

The season is changing and so are the challenges, be ready and be strong, but most of all..........................................BE COOL

I'm in the mood for a little Old School summertime music.........Journey anyone?????

Chris

Thats Life!!!

The Great Crooner, Frank Sinatra said it best, "Thats Life"!!!!!!! Whenever I come across this song or pull the CD out of my carrier, I prepare myself to be released at least temporarily from anything and everything that could be bothering me. My grandfather always tried to teach me the value in rolling with the punches and taking life as it comes, one day and one event at a time.

Nothing ever seemed to big of an issue to either one of my hardworking blue collar grandfathers.
Sick??? "You'll be Ok"... Tired???? "You had a long day, sit down and rest". Everything seemed so evenly paced and simple to them. I guess my Dad would say it best when something would not go his way, "Whatta you gonna do"? he would say as a statement, not a question. That's Life!!!

A quote at the opening of "True Romance" says.

" And til this day, the events that followed all still seems like a distant dream. But the dream was real and was to change our lives forever. I kept asking Clarence why our world seemed to be collapsing and things seemed to be getting so shitty. And he'd say, "that's the way it goes, but don't forget, it goes the other way too." That's the way romance(Life) is... Usually, that's the way it goes, but every once in awhile, it goes the other way too."

Sometimes for me the volume of everyday life is just turned up to high, and I need to hit the mute button and unwind to the sound of silence. Work, Friends, Family, just life in general has to be taken in small doses for me at times, that is how I function best. It is nice to know though, that when I am ready to put the CD back into the player, my friends and family are still there to sing and experience with me.

Take life one day at a time, absorb it, cherish it, and learn from it, fall asleep and arise in the morning to start the ride all over again. We complicate things so much in our lives. Remember and recall the good, forget the past, and dream about the future.

When my daughter Adrianna took the stage for her first dance recital rehearsal, and began to dance so simply to "Earth Angel", I choked up inside and had to hold back a tear. It was the first moment in my life that I felt "Pride" for someone so special and so much my responsibility. To see her happy and successful, meant the world to me, and instantly put me into the "simple life" mode of thought. These times are what life is all about.

I really do want all my friends and family out there to know that all of you that are involved in my families life at this time, make my life and my families life worth living. The times we share are unique and special, and have no boundaries. I truly love and enjoy the inspiration, laughter and experiences that we all may share. Believe it or not, we have created a community, a culture and a way of life for each other. So far so good, So far some sad, So far some challenges and So far so Fun.............That's Life!!!!

TAKE A LISTEN TO A LITTLE FRANK.......

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37-2O4XujoA

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Endings

What a great weekend!!!!!! Great weekends always seem like they last longer than they actually were. It was really nice to have the opportunity to share time and space with close friends and family, all while getting to meet and getting to know others that I've hadn't had time to share with before. Thanks to all of our family and friends for taking the time to come over and realize and share some of the good things in life....Food/Music/Conversation and Company.

As for me, it's nearly 2:00 am I guess, and I gotta get back to sleep....

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz


Chris

Dawn

How wonderful it is , the sounds of dawn. 6:30 a.m. awake and alone in this moment.
I listen to the rise and fall of my sons breath as he lay sleeping in his crib maybe dreaming of his day to come or reliving his day gone by? My wife and my daughter, my two little women asleep, next to each other in our bed, so peaceful so relaxed and so beautiful.

Have you ever noticed how beautiful someone can look while asleep? I notice this in my wife and children nearly every day. Maybe it's the peacefulness of there appearance and expression, how they allow their bodies to conform with the bed as to say"sleep, welcome I am yours", maybe sometimes I think it's the look on their face that is so beautiful and inspiring. They lay there so peacefully so satisfied in a way I cannot explain. Whatever the day before had brought them, is now laid aside while there bodies take a moment to descend into repair, and their minds take the time to clear and prepare for the next day.

The Dawn, a new start and a new opportunity. Your bodies and minds are ready, are you???

Have you taken an early morning moment to reflect upon the gifts you have in life? Have you thought about them in the early morning? Have you stared at them in the early morning?
Have you done any of this in the early morning, before the noises of the day distract what is truly important.
Take a walk out your front door and notice that it is not the same day as the one you left behind you the day before. It does not smell the same, it does not look the same, it does not sound the same. Life has restarted while you were asleep, isn't it wonderful? Notice how silent but how busy the day and life around you already is. These moments are what I look forward to.

When I used to live in NYC, some of my most wonderful moments were those in which I was able to enjoy the brewing silence of the morning. Walking to the corner for the paper or a bagel, hearing a bird that went unnoticed during the chaos of normal day, or just appreciating the sound of a single car passing by, as it's tires crunched or slicked across the ground beneath it.
I remember Sunday's being this way, I remember listening to Jazz and Blues on those days, and appreciating it sounds even more. Sunday is Jazz............. HAPPY SUNDAY.

Music Artists for a Sunday morning:

Nina Simone
Dinah Washington
Louie Jordan
Frank Sinatra
Tony Bennet
Corine Bailey Rae

Here we go!!!

I have joined the club.....Welcome to myself and congratulations to all of my surrounding bloggers who have inspired me to jump into the warm water of blogging so that I may add my take and my 2 cents.

Can I tell you that I Love My Life, my Wife and my Children. I cherish every waking moment with them and stand in wonder of all the amazing things that happen each day. I am one of those individuals who absolutely Love life and live life for each single day, some days are bad and some days are good, very few are perfect......

Music, Song and Cinema are my inspirations in life and many of my experiences and lessons have been influenced by different music and movies. Corny to some, but only to those who do not dare to dream. It is the dreamer that relishes life's gifts and takes them for the simple beauty that they are worth. It is the dreamer that does not always have his or her dreams come true but still relies on the rush he gets when dreaming the dream.
Dreamers have broken hearts, Dreamers have been defeated, Dreamers have failed many times but Dreamers continue to Dream. Dream on to all of you dreamers out there.

Nothing is so difficult that it should change the man that you are or the bricks that make up your foundation. Tomorrow is another day.

Talk to you Soon

C