Thursday, April 27, 2006

In Memory Of....

Pedro Gasperin Quijano
He will be missed for his fun conversations (in Spanish & English), witty humor, willingness to work on his English, his visits to the office, mechanic abilities, and gift in guitar playing.

Here is the story of how he died:

Officers were called to the Circle K convenience store on North Miami Boulevard at 2:56 a.m. on Tuesday [4/25/06]. When they arrived, they found Pedro Pablo Josue Gasperin Quijano, 44, who had been shot on Fairfax Street. He was taken to Duke University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead a short time later.

Quijano and a friend were driving home from work when a large, light-colored car came up behind them on Fairfax Street and the driver flashed the lights, according to investigators. The victim's friend pulled over on Fairfax Street near Landon Drive.

A female approached the driver's side of the victim's car while a male armed with a shotgun approached the passenger door, according to investigators. The male fired a round from the shotgun through the passenger window, striking the passenger. The driver was not injured.

The driver drove a few blocks to Circle K to call 911. The female is described as an African American woman with a light complexion and blond streaks in her hair. There is no description of the male. Investigators have no motive in the case.

This is a senseless killing. Who ever is responsible deserves to be punished. I just hope they catch this person and serve him the justice that is earned. That goes the same for the woman.

The moral of this story is that it is not safe to pull over in Durham, I mean, to people who are flashing their lights at you. I have heard that that is a "gang" type thing, so don't do it.

Pedro was a nice person. He always wanted to help people. Unfortunately, he suffered for his Good Samaritan tendency this time. If you have a tendency to help people out there, continue doing so, but be careful and safe, especially young ladies who are alone. Be smart.

Even though he had no family that we know of, we, as his friends, will remember him.

All in all, Pedro, Rest In Peace, man. You will be missed.

Wednesday, April 26, 2006

Pro-Life & Birth Control

So, I am going to post something controversial on my blog. That's kind of a first. I tend to avoid controversial subjects because I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings (a little bit of my sanguine coming out) nor do I want to hurt any of my friendships with my point of view.

Disclaimer: Be aware that I am going to express my opinion, but do NOT take it as an attack on your views should you disagree with my thoughts/opinions. I am simply writing what I feel. I also will not judge someone who has a different view point from me (or someone who has the same) and you should not either as that is commanded in God's word.

Pro-Life and Using Birth Control

Lately, I have been reading a lot about people who believe that if you are pro-life, it is hypocritical to take birth control pills. I know of several people who have posted thoughts on this subject, including the Biblical Womanhood Blog, that referenced this Tract. Now, I am not exactly sure which point of view the wonderful Christian Lady who blogs there takes (though I am fairly certain), and I am not specifically attacking her or anyone for that matter; I am just stating my thoughts on the matter!

I am a self professed Pro-Life person, but I am not sure what view to take when the mother's life is in danger or it involves a rape case. I won't really express what I think about those situations here and now due to the fact I would probably have to write a whole research paper on it. To sum it up, in those cases, it is between them and God.

Anyways, I do not like abortion in general. I think that you are taking the life of a child in those cases, killing something that does have a soul and that God formed in the womb. I, personally, would not get an abortion because I accidentally got pregnant by my husband or didn't want the baby, especially being a married woman.

I am, however, a self professed practicer of birth control. I take the birth control pill and almost all of my married friends do the same. I started the birth control pill right after I started college. Now, I know what some might think, but sex was not the reason. You see, I needed some way to cut down on the pain and issues I had surrounding my monthly period (sorry if this is graphic or TMI).

I have continued taking the birth control, especially now that I am married. I do not feel like I am killing any babies or going against God in this. Truly, my husband and I are definitely not ready to have babies at this point (personally, timely, or financially), and are unsure if that is a part of God's plan for us. I do know, however, that if God intends for us to have a baby, we will have one no matter how hard we try not to (i.e. birth control pills, condoms, etc).

Birth control pills merely prevent the fertilization of an egg by preventing ovulation. In essence, you are preserving your eggs, or future children of God. I like to think of it as saving them for later should having children be His will. I am not rationalizing this from a physical or scientific point of view, merely what my conscious tells me through my spiritual beliefs.

God is divine and His will is evident in everything. I am not intending to go against God and prevent any future followers or people of faith. I think God does allow us choice as long as it is in accordance to His will.

What is His will for my husband and I? Who knows? I do have several friends who got pregnant on the birth control pill. Again, evidence that God will bless us despite the measures we take. Do I think children are a blessing? Sure.

I do know that God has a lot in store for us according to His will. Does that include children? Right now, we are being led down the direction that does not include them. I still do my part with children as I try to be an example to them in my spiritual walk, through volunteering at church in the nursery, and mentoring.

God has used many child-less couples, whether by choice or not. I know of one specific couple who's call to ministry would be compromised, in terms of time, should they have children. While it is God's will for some couples to have children and some not to have children, the mere and meager birth control methods will not prevent God's will from coming about.

If I do have children, it will be a blessing. I want, personally, to be able to care for them abundantly in my finances, time, and energy. We will accept what God's will is for us because who can argue with God?

Monday, April 24, 2006

Another hit for Grandma...

So it begins....

Grandma has an appointment with the doctor today. With the way things have progressed over the last couple of weeks with her ALS, the doctor is going to tell her that she can't live by herself anymore. Whoa... I guess I didn't expect it to be so soon.

The timeline is... she will live on her own through Thomas' graduation next week. Then, she will be flying down to Atlanta anyways. After that trip, Aunt Marianne is going to drive her back up to Fayetteville to get some stuff and she will stay in Atlanta for a few months. Then, she will move in with my parents sometime this summer.

The expectation is for her to live upstairs, but that Dad and/or Tim would have to carry her up and down at night and in the morning.

It's going to get interesting, but the timeline is right. We knew that the next 6 months would be critical, so here it starts.

I guess this means that the "creature" is moving in with my parents. MuWahahaha.

Well, seriously though, continue your prayers as my family transitions.

Tuesday, April 18, 2006

THE INTERVIEW WITH GOD


I dreamed I had an interview with God.

“So you would like to interview me?” God asked.

“If you have the time” I said.

God smiled. “My time is eternity.”
“What questions do you have in mind for me?”

“What surprises you most about humankind?”

God answered...
“That they get bored with childhood,
they rush to grow up, and then
long to be children again.”

“That they lose their health to make money...
and then lose their money to restore their health.”

“That by thinking anxiously about the future,
they forget the present,
such that they live in neither
the present nor the future.”

"That they live as if they will never die,
and die as though they had never lived.”

God’s hand took mine
and we were silent for a while.

And then I asked...
“As a parent, what are some of life’s lessons
you want your children to learn?”

“To learn they cannot make
anyone love them. All they can do is
let themselves be loved.”

“To learn that it is not good
to compare themselves to others.”

“To learn to forgive
by practicing forgiveness.”

“To learn that it only takes a few seconds
to open profound wounds in those they love,
and it can take many years to heal them.”

“To learn that a rich person
is not one who has the most,
but is one who needs the least.”

“To learn that there are people
who love them dearly,
but simply have not yet learned
how to express or show their feelings.”

“To learn that two people
can look at the same thing
and see it differently.”

“To learn that it is not enough
that they forgive one another,
but they must also forgive themselves.”

"Thank you for your time," I said humbly.

"Is there anything else you would
like your children to know?"

God smiled and said,
“Just know that I am here...
always.”

-author unknown

Thursday, April 13, 2006

My Savior My God

This song really spoke to me this morning on KLove. Just wanted to share it with you....

My Savior My God
Artist: Aaron Shust

Album: Anything Worth Saying
Year: 2005
Title: My Savior My God

I am not skilled to understand
What God has willed, what God has planned
I only know at his right hand
Stands one who is my savior

I take him at his word and deed
Christ died to save me this I read
And in my heart I find a need
For him to be my savior

That he would leave his place on high
And come for sinful man to die
You count it strange, so once did I
Before I knew my savior

My savior loves, my savior lives
My savior's always there for me
My God he was, my God he is
My God he's always gonna be


Yes, living, dying; let me bring
My strength, my solace from this spring
That he who lives to be my king
Once died to be my savior

That he would leave his place on high
And come for sinful man to die
You count it strange, so once did I
Before I knew my savior

My savior loves, my savior lives
My savior's always there for me
My God he was, My God he is
My God he's always gonna be

Wednesday, April 12, 2006

ALS is Progressing....

As I was chatting with my Dad tonight he passed on some discouraging news about my Grandmother. Most of you know that she was diagnosed with ALS back in January. Well, it seems to be progressing quite fast (though it could have been present for awhile and she just kept it to herself). Last week, I went with her to Duke to her doctor's appointment and was well-informed (though unsure I was ready for all of that) about the decisions she would have to make for her care. She was mainly having difficulty swallowing (it would take her three or so big gulping reflexes to get one tiny sip down) and now she is having difficulty breathing (which wasn't like that last week). She has pretty much accepted her predicament and isn't hopeful herself. Her emotions are very much evident in that. My Dad and I especially feel that she may not be around for much longer, and she will definitely be needing more care when she returns from Atlanta (where she is with my Aunt right now). It may even come to her moving in with my parents by the end of next week or early the following week. This is disheartening and sad for me and my family right now. She is my only remaining grandparent.

We would appreciate prayers for God's will in this. I know that most of us don't want her to suffer even though we selfishly desire for her to stay around. Please also pray that she has made the right decisions in her spiritual life as well and that all is straight with her and God. Pray for her comfort during this time and for our strength (especially when we are around her). Thank you so much!

Feel free to pass this along to the other prayer warriors you might know!

Squirrel


Looks like one of Thomas' operatives is taking a break! Just had to post this one for you, Thomas. Plus he's just so cute!

Source: Booneweather.com

Tuesday, April 11, 2006

Everything I need to know about life...

... I learned from Noah's Ark.


One: Don't miss the boat.

Two: Remember that we are all in the same boat.

Three: Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when the Noah built the ark.

Four: Stay fit. When you're 600 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big.

Five: Don't listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done.

Six: Build your future on high ground.

Seven: For safety, travel in pairs.

Eight: Speed isn't always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs.

Nine: When you're stressed, float a while.

Ten: Remember...the ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.

Eleven: No matter the storm, when you are with God there's always a rainbow waiting.

Quotes from Spring Leadership

"Success is a Planned event."

"Buy back your life!"

"Success will not attack you! You gotta work it. Success is an opportunity not a guarantee."

"Efficiency: doing the job right;
Effectiveness: doing the right job."

"Be who you are because everyone else is taken. Don't question yourself or God."

"Get sold out and dedicated to your dream. Be willing to pay the price."

"Even when things are down, it'll be ok and we can do it!"

"The biggest leaders are the biggest servers."

"Be a warrior, not a worrier."

"You're in life where you are because of the decisions you've made."

"Are you waiting for something to happen or are you making them happen?
Are you passive or proactive?
Are you running from something or to something?
Are you pressured by the will of others or are you making a name for yourself?
Are you willing to deal with the pain of discipline or the pain of regret?
Are you standing down or are you standing up for something?
Do you want what I have or what I know?
Are you serving to get something in return or to sow something eternal?
Do you run the race just to say you did or to win?"

"Sometimes you just have to walk away from the crowd."

"Parasites want what's in your hand, but proteges want what's in you (heart)."

"There is no negociating the price of success."

"Don't compare yourself to other people; just try your hardest."

"Edification is not to be hoarded; it is to be given away."

"Follow principles, not people."

"We are not limited by money, fear, or doubt; we are limited by the poverty of our dream."

"When the dream is big enough, the facts don't count."

"If the leader lacks courage, the team will lack commitment."

"Courage and cowardice are both contagious."

"Courage is not the lack of fear, but the ability to face fear."

"Destiny is never chance; it's a choice."

"The capacity of a product is not determined by the consumer but by the manufacturer."

"The middle of the journey is where you have to battle it out."

"Don't let negativity deter you. Don't focus on the hurdles; focus on the solution."

"The battlefield of the mind is your greatest struggle."

"Learn to laugh at yourself!"

"When you start to succeed, you put pressure on the people who are staying the same."

"Losers are intimidated by leaders. Winners are attracted to leaders."

"Everything in life is about decisions."

"Build a life worthy of living."

"Respect is earned, not for tenure, but for living your life for the right set of principles."

"If you are not living on the edge, you're taking up too much space!"

"Success is not a destination; it is a journey."

"Do not have a fear of success."

"[I] will always sow [my] seed on good soil so that it comes back in abundance."

"[I've] got seeds of greatness planted in [me] by God."

"God can use me right where I am."

"Give control up to God."

"It's one thing to have knowledge; it's another to apply it."

"Go early, stay late! Get mentored!"

"People are attracted to people who know where they are going."

"Winners find ways."

"Action alone doesn't produce results."

"Don't take ownership of a potential failure that does not belong to you."

"This is [MY] time!"

"The difference between an expectation and a wish is preparation."

"Don't just think in the moment. Think in the process, not the results. The process will yield the results."

"Get passionate about achieving your goal!"

Monday, April 10, 2006

Mentors

What are mentors for....

FoR hAViNg FuN! (and learning valuable things too!)
*************************************

I just love this shot! I've been meaning to post it for awhile. This is just some of the fun when we go on our business trips. Gotta love it.

Louisville, Kentucky




I really like travelling. Even if it is for business. Really, this past weekend was awesome. I feel re-energized and excited.

Rodney and I got to stay in our own room, actually executive suite, and just had a ball. It was just fun getting away for awhile. We had a packed house at Freedom Hall, too!

I did, however, fall down a flight of stairs. It was slippery, ok?! LOL. No, it really did hurt. I got a couple of bruises and my upper body is still a bit sore where I tried to catch myself. I didn't really get hurt too bad. Mainly, I just have some soreness and bruises.

The Lord parted the storms and spared us. Yeah, so there were some really bad thunderstorms that came through on Friday. Tornadoes, hail, wind, rain, the whole pie. Remarkably, Louisville was spared the brunt of it, at least while we were staring at a screen that had us under a tornado warning at one point while we were in the hotel. We ended up just getting clipped by that one. By the time we headed off to the colliseum, the Lord had parted the storms to either side of Louisville. In fact, you could see the lines of storms surrounding the Louisville area off in the distance while we stood in the beautifully sunlit, perfectly tempered outside of the colliseum.

The storms did finally roll into the Louisville area while we were in the colliseum, but there was a hedge of protection at least on that side of Louisville. The same can't be said of downtown, where the Galt House, our hotel, was. A tornado touched down about 20 blocks from the hotel prompting an evacuation to the lobby for everyone in the hotel (the poor chess tournament people and our sleepy bus drivers!).

I didn't hear of any damage to our hotel or anything; perhaps the 20 blocks were directly across the Ohio River, to which our hotel has a riverfront view.

The bus drive was alright this time. I didn't nearly suffer the lack of sleep that I did the last time I rode all night on a bus. I managed to get comfortable probably because I remembered our squishy blue pillows which gave my head support. Rodney actually managed to get comfy on the inside seat (though my favorite seat, I let him have it... his legs were a bit cramped but that's where he wanted to sit!).

Thankfully, we didn't really have any night owls this weekend so Rodney and I were able to catch at least a few ZZZs. The food was fantastic, at least the 2 times we ate out for lunch/dinner. Rodney does blame some bad fish he had for some throwing up he did periodically on Friday night and Saturday morning, but he managed to still have a good weekend.

The new people made the weekend fun too. It was cool to see their excitement and awe at the 18,000+ people who filled the entire colliseum up. I also have never see so many people respond to the message on Sunday morning. At first there were about the same as usual, but then the entire floor seating area was filled with people looking to give their life over eternally. It was AWESOME! We even had some of our team to respond. AMEN!

All in all, it was a most excellent weekend and I am looking forwards to the future of our business, the exponential growth that we are going to have, and most of all to a most prosperous future (in all aspects of our life).

Wednesday, April 05, 2006

The Princess Bride

Westley
Inconceivable! You scored 90!


You live it, you love it, you lost track long ago of how many times you have seen it. You have been known to wish someone luck by hollering "have fun storming the castle!" You scoff at people who cannot recite the entire 'battle of wits.' You are a true fan. Thank you. Its people like you that give me hope for humanity.

My test tracked 1 variable How you compared to other people your age and gender:
free online dating
You scored higher than 90% on pbpoints

Link: The Princess Bride trivia Test written by spiceymonkey

ALS

From the ALS Association website:
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as "Lou Gehrig's disease," is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Motor neurons reach from the brain to the spinal cord and from the spinal cord to the muscles throughout the body. The progressive degeneration of the motor neurons in ALS eventually lead to their death. When the motor neurons die, the ability of the brain to initiate and control muscle movement is lost. With voluntary muscle action progressively affected, patients in the later stages of the disease may become totally paralyzed. Yet, through it all, for the vast majority of people, their minds remain unaffected.

Symptoms:
* muscle weakness in one or more of the following: hands, arms, legs or the muscles of speech, swallowing or breathing
* twitching (fasciculation) and cramping of muscles, especially those in the hands and feet
*
impairment of the use of the arms and legs
* "thick speech" and difficulty in projecting the voice
*
in more advanced stages,
shortness of breath, difficulty in breathing and swallowing

The initial symptoms of ALS can be quite varied in different people. One person may experience tripping over carpet edges, another person may have trouble lifting and a third person's early symptom may be slurred speech. The rate at which ALS progresses can be quite variable from one person to another. Although the mean survival time with ALS is three to five years, many people live five, ten or more years. In a small number of people, ALS is known to remit or halt its progression, though there is no scientific understanding as to how and why this happens. Symptoms can begin in the muscles of speech, swallowing or in the hands, arms, legs or feet. Not all people with ALS experience the same symptoms or the same sequences or patterns of progression. But, progressive muscle weakness and paralysis are universally experienced.

Muscle weakness is a hallmark initial sign in ALS, occurring in approximately 60% of patients. Early symptoms vary with each individual, but usually include tripping, dropping things, abnormal fatigue of the arms and/or legs, slurred speech, muscle cramps and twitches and/or uncontrollable periods of laughing or crying.

The hands and feet may be affected first, causing difficulty in lifting, walking or using the hands for the activities of daily living such as dressing, washing and buttoning clothes.

As the weakening and paralysis continue to spread to the muscles of the trunk of the body the disease, eventually affects speech, swallowing, chewing and breathing. When the breathing muscles become affected, ultimately, the patient will need permanent ventilatory support in order to survive.

Since ALS attacks only motor neurons, the sense of sight, touch, hearing, taste and smell are not affected. For many people, muscles of the eyes and bladder are generally not affected. For the vast majority of people, their mind and thoughts are not impaired and remain sharp despite the progressive degenerating condition of the body.

The red symptoms are the ones my Grandma is already experiencing (that we are aware of).

For more information concerning ALS, go here.

Tuesday, April 04, 2006

ECU Deferral

Quote from the BSOM website:

24. Is it easy to get a deferral for a year if I'm accepted?A. The Brody School of Medicine has historically not granted requests for deferred entrance, feeling that only events which are extraordinary in nature and clearly outside of the applicant’s control would generally justify delay of matriculation.

So, I got a deferral for entering into medical school for a year. That means that I can enter into the Brody School of Medicine in Fall 2007.

The Lord's hand was over this one for sure.