Day 450 ~ Watch Out World, It's Madea & Me ;)

Please read Day 448 and Day 449 for parts one and two...

My closing thoughts...  I am certainly not saying that everyone should go "clean house" per say.  {and} I am certainly not saying that everyone should confront one another.  What I am saying is that when needed we shouldn't turn away from helping one another.

These days everyone is hustling and bustling... everyone is going {more or less} 100 miles per hour... whether it's off to work... taking kids to school... doctor appointments... or... business appointments... everyone is off doing their part in this world.  

Sad thing is... most times we are soooo busy that we seldom, maybe even rarely, stop to help one another.  When was the last time you or anyone you know pulled over to help someone that was changing a tire? (providing it was safe)

I have literally witnessed an older woman struggling to pick up something she dropped... and three people walking by before the fourth person stopped to help her, I was the fifth. 

So when my husband found the wallet in the first situation... I would hope to think that given the same situation, people in general would display the same courtesy.  I am not saying to jump out of your vehicle in traffic or anything, be safe of course... just do whatever you can to see that "the wallet" gets back to who it belongs to before they go through the trouble of cancelling all the credit cards, and calling their employer.  

The second situation... I see this ALL THE TIME, people disrespecting not only others but social "rules."  Sure I could have minded my own business... however, if we all minded our own business then people would be cutting in lines left and right, leaving others to eventually do the same.  Is that really what we want to see?  {again} I am not saying to get yourself involved in confrontations-  I really do hate them... but when you see someone else that may need you to speak for them, then why not?  

Finally.. the last situation should not have happened.  The "mad" {as in "crazy"} couple SHOULD not have carried on like that.  Maybe... just maybe... a simple "ouch" should have been enough.  The young lady WAS very sorry and did apologized at least three times and was very nice and sincere about it. {It was obvious that something else was brewing there, an earlier argument or their coffee spilled or something, after all why react like that?}  You know what?...the Target employee must have looked away at the same exact time the man decided to once again to stop in place.  It wasn't as if he dropped something and stopped to pick it up either... he just kept stopped in conversation.

I want to add here If at anytime I felt as if I was not safe or my daughter... I would have kept to myself.      I will not jeopardize our safety.  I was near the cash registers, with plenty of people around us.  Being that we were feet away from these people, I was tired of my daughter having to listen to these bullies.  If it was not safe I would have gotten management or called 9-1-1 if needed.

Believe it or not I do not, I repeat I DO NOT like confrontations... hahahaha yeah right- no seriously... but what I like even less is to see injustices.

There was a time that society was more respectful of one another.  Men were not just men, they were gentlemen.  Women were true ladies.  Oh and all children were respectful of adults.  A time where if a person was able, they would give their seat up for the elderly, or to a woman with a handful of children.  This was a society. 

Or is it that there was respect in the air?  

©Tyler Perry as Madea (You Rock!)

Now I know that there is a "bad apple" here and there, no society is perfect.  Nonetheless, everyone for the most part had manners, respect.

It just hit me... I was watching a "Madea"... I really like that Tyler Perry, what talent- a true humanitarian in the making!  ... and it just hit me!!  Madea's character is reminding people of their manners.  I love this woman!!

So maybe I'm doing the same?  hahaha  

Sorry about that "a.d.d." moment ;) ... but, honestly? ... I just can't help myself.  I just have to remind people of their manners... someone has to.  Right?  hahaha - my shot of humor here folks!  Just an attempt.  lol.  But seriously... what's more important I have to help others... I feel the need to help others... and am not afraid to speak up.

Seriously... for as long as I can remember I've been helping others, coming to their aid.  I usually go for the underdog, the person in need.- can you tell?  ;)  

My seeing if everything was okay and informing the woman that she had pulled into the front of the line [if it was an emergency- well that's a different story] or my telling the couple that it was enough... was NOT what it seemed, it wasn't about that... 

It was about helping those that were parked in the car-line for at least 10 to 15 minutes... It was about helping the Target employee that was being bullied...  

{and} You know what... I would do it again. 

I/We were standing up for them... I/We were standing by them... I/We had their back.

I/We have your back!

Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.  ~ Philippians 2:4

[here's to you finding your... ]

Peace...

I am second..

... for a, l & c.  You are my sunshine(s).  

Images are courtesy of google or Bing images.  Some images maybe labeled property of Carla Barila Karam and of this blog, Took It... Making It... Living It... My Life .  © 2012  U.S Copyright Laws apply.

Day 449 ~ What "We" Did Do... {WWYD II}

Please read Day 448 for part one...

What we did ~

My husband Dean one day was driving down the road and spotted something in the middle of a busy Culver City intersection.  (YES middle of the intersection!  Overland and Washington)  He pulled his truck over, parked it and checked out what it is... it turned out to be a wallet, filled with credit cards, a payroll check and $120 cash. 

Once he got home, we found a business card in the wallet and called it.  All I have to say that BOY OH BOY was this young man happy!!  There was a little over $1,000 in the wallet if you want to count the payroll check!  {and} never mind about all the credit cards, a haven for any thief!  

He was so happy to hear that Dean was calling him about his wallet, intact with all its contents.  He and his family invited us in as we arrived with wallet in hand.  The only thing Dean {and I} accepted as a reward was a cold beer and some good conversation! 

One of the many reasons I love my husband... his integrity.

What we did ~

Tuesday morning (yes, just a couple of days ago) I was standing by the school fence waiting for Calley to get out.  Before I knew it, a [long] line of cars had formed for the after-school curb-side service {where the teacher brings the child to each parent in their car.}  Out of nowhere, I see a car pull up.  Before I could say anything to the other moms, the woman proceeded to park her car "in front" of all the other cars that had been waiting upwards of fifteen minutes.  Yes parents, myself included, start arriving that early for pick-up.

I really could not believe my eyes.  I turned to the other mom that I was talking to and she couldn't believe her eyes either.

This is where age comes in-  after a certain point you really do not care what others think and only think of what is fair, honest and just.  

Funny... I took another look around and everyone was in disbelief, yet no one was getting out of their cars to approach her.

There I went... I saw that she had Mexican license plates on her car, which explains a lot (another story).  

In Spanish I proceeded to say to her, "Excuse me madam..."  

She turns to me, "Yes?"

I continued, "I wanted to point out to you that this is the beginning of the car line, the end of the line is back there," as I pointed a ways from where we were standing.

Funny thing, I was given a response in such a tone as if she was clueless and was just born yesterday and knew nothing about "lines."  Bare in mind that she had to drive by all the cars in line before she pulled over.  Her response, "Oh, I'm sorry." and pulled away.

I was really nice about it, I promise.  But as I returned to my post, lol, all the parents that were in line started applauding me.

I mean really?  Doesn't anyone say anything anymore?  When we are kids we have no problem telling someone they just "cut" in front of us.  Now as adults no one says anything and it's all mayhem!

As long as I am in a safe environment, I'd do it again.

What we did ~

I was with Calley at Target a few weeks ago.  We were pushing our cart behind a young lady, and she's walking behind a couple who were walking in such a way that they took up the entire width of the aisle.  We were all trying to get somewhere, but no one could get by.  The couple was walking, then would stop, then go, and then walk slow off and on.  The distance between each of us lessened more and more due to the couple in front walking as if they were the only ones in the store.  I have never pushed my cart sooo slow, even Calley was wondering what was the hold up.

Next thing the young lady must have accidently bumped into the man (what did you expect? I mean really!... the couple kept stopping and going) and she immediately starts apologizing profusely.  The man starts yelling at the young lady for bumping into him and accuses her of doing it twice.  [I could not disbelieve what I was seeing, Calley couldn't either- "mommy, why is that mean man yelling at that nice lady?]  The young lady apologizes again, so sweetly.  Next thing the woman, who is walking with this man, starts yelling as if the young lady hadn't said a word.  "Don't you know "she" works at Target and can do whatever she wants.  They have no manners here..."  This woman gets louder and louder and continues to repeat herself over and over.  You and your daughter, along with others, witness this couple's rant and rage an entire five minutes.

SO here I go... "Excuse me.. but I think the both of you have said enough for the entire store to hear!"

The crazy woman... "Mine your own beeswax!  This does not concern you!"

I'm thinking "bees wax" really.. these people were older than me!  LOL!  I replied, "This is where you are mistaken. You made it my business when my daughter asks why the mean people are yelling. You are being ridiculous.  It was an accident, she apologized and that's it.  I saw the entire thing!"

Mind you the crazy woman, had continued to tell me "mine-ya... mine-ya."  I guess that meant to mine my own business.  She made it my business!

The Target employee turned to me afterwards and thanked me.  I said that they must be having a very bad life even though there was NO excuse for their behavior and asked her to pay it forward.


What would you do?

Seriously, what would you do?  Do you keep to yourself?  Do you say something?  Do you look the other way?  

My closing thoughts in tomorrow's post.  to be continued...

Do to others as you would have them do to you.  ~Luke 6:31

[here's to you finding your... ]

Peace...

I am second..

... for a, l & c.  You are my sunshine(s).  

Images are courtesy of google or Bing images.  Some images maybe labeled property of Carla Barila Karam and of this blog, Took It... Making It... Living It... My Life .  © 2012  U.S Copyright Laws apply.

Day 448 ~ What Would You Do?... II

You're driving down the road and spot something in the middle of the street.  You pull your car over, park it and check out what it is... it turns out to be a wallet, filled with credit cards, a payroll check and $120 cash.

What would you do?

You're standing by the school fence waiting for your child to get out.  A line of cars has formed for the curb-side service where the teacher brings the child to each parent in their car.  Out of nowhere, you witness a woman pull up and park her car in front of all the other cars that were there first. 

What would you do?

You're with your child at Target pushing your cart behind a young lady, and she's walking behind a couple who were walking in such a way that they took up the entire width of the aisle.  No one could get by.  They were walking, then would stop, then go, and then walk slow off and on.  The distance between each of you lessen more and more due to the couple in front walking as if they were the only ones in the store.  Next thing you know the young lady accidently bumps into the man (what do you expect?... the man kept stopping) and she immediately starts apologizing profusely.  The man starts yelling at the young lady for bumping into him and accuses her of doing it twice.  [You watch with disbelief]  The young lady apologizes again, so sweetly.  Next thing the woman, who is walking with this man, starts yelling as if the young lady hadn't said a word.  "Don't you know "she" works at Target and can do whatever she wants.  They have no manners here..."  This woman gets louder and louder and continues to repeat herself over and over.  You and your daughter, along with others, witness this couple's rant and rage an entire five minutes.

What would you do?

Seriously, what would you do?  Do you keep to yourself?  Do you say something?  Do you look the other way?  

What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works?  Can that faith save him?  If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?  So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.  ~James 2:14-17

[here's to you finding your... ]

Peace...

I am second..

... for a, l & c.  You are my sunshine(s).  

Images are courtesy of google or Bing images.  Some images maybe labeled property of Carla Barila Karam and of this blog, Took It... Making It... Living It... My Life .  © 2012  U.S Copyright Laws apply.

Day 447 ~ What Lies Ahead...

After having a little "being" attached to my hip for the past 5 years-10 months... and then to (more or less) have her be gone... well... today was a little dumbfounding.

Quite honestly my house hasn't been this clean in I don't know how long...  well actually I do know, the last time we were all in school! hahaha.


In the last two days not only have I gotten all of our laundry done... but it's all ironed too!!  My floors are clean and my computer work all caught up.

That's all fine and dandy... but during all of this I have reverted back to blasting some loud music or tv!  It is just too quiet!

Is that possible?  Too quiet?  Well I am here to tell you that it is possible.

Not only that... but Calley starting school has had me reminiscing of when both my boys started their Kindergarten, 20 and 16 years ago.  Oh how time flies.

My life will never be the same... ever again.  That's it.  My baby started school.

From now on we will face the start of each school year together, as well as Thanksgiving break (because now they get the ENTIRE week of Thanksgiving off! as opposed to just Thursday and Friday as I did,) winter breaks (which I may add here that this used to be referred as "Christmas" break back in my day,) spring breaks as well as every other holiday they get off. 

We will be tackling class behavior, report cards, and the inevitable parent/teacher conferences.  Field trips and birthday parties... not to mention school dances, (non)romances and heartaches.  Thank God I have a [long, long] while before the latter events come into play!  

Most importantly I will be witnessing my daughter grow with knowledge and blossom into a beautiful person inside and out.

As empty as the majority of my days may be from now on... I am certainly looking forward to what lies ahead... my baby growing up.

Children make you want to start life over. ~Muhammad Ali

Children need your presence more than your presents. ~Jesse Jackson

Children require guidance and sympathy far more than instruction. ~Annie Sullivan

If you bungle raising your children, I don't think whatever else you do well matters very much. ~Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

If you must hold yourself up to your children as an object lesson, hold yourself up as a warning and not as an example. ~George Bernard Shaw 

[here's to you finding your... ]

Peace...

I am second..

... for a, l & c.  You are my sunshine(s).  

Images are courtesy of google or Bing images.  Some images maybe labeled property of Carla Barila Karam and of this blog, Took It... Making It... Living It... My Life .  © 2012  U.S Copyright Laws apply.

Day 446 ~ Surviving the First Day of Kindergarten!

I SURVIVED THE FIRST DAY OF KINDERGARTEN!!!  WooOO HooOO!! 

All ready for her
first day.

Hold the fort!  I'm sure you think I should be saying that Calley survived Kindergarten... NOPE!  I Had it right to begin with.  I survived the first day of school!

Let me start by saying that leading up to the first day of school my plate was full.  I had commitments with my church, family and starting a new company {for my husband and brother in law.}  

Was this done as happenstance?  or Was it mere coincidence?  or Did I sub-consciously keep myself occupied {so I wouldn't have to think about it} ?  

I will continue by saying that it wasn't until yesterday morning that "it" hit me.  Shortly after waking up and in the middle of my new Sunday routine I realized what day it was... it was the day before school was to start.

This was no ordinary day by any means... quite the contrary... a very special day at that... this was to be the first day of Kindergarten for Calley.  

I had the pride and privilege to have taken my first baby to his first day of school, yet was not allowed to be there for my second baby... which still breaks my heart ... so now with Calley...

Was told to go to the sticker
wall because she arrived
on time.

Calley, Ethan's mom, Ethan and
the rest of their table.

My poor Calley... hehehe... [everything I didn't get to do with my sons I make sure I do it with her] ... I am not going to miss any of her special moments...

Before, during and after dropping her off for her first day at school... I kept holding back my tears.  I didn't want to spoil her day nor give her the impression that I was sad.  The moment I felt tears creeping upon me I would look at my daughter's beautiful happy face.  

By the end of the day yesterday she kept telling me, "mommy, don't worry.  I am going to have a good day.  I am going to make new friends too!  I am not scared. I'll be okay."  ...  Calley wasn't scared, just a few First Day of School butterflies in the tummy.  

There she is!! Finally the day was over.

Telling Grandma about her
day at school.

Sharing with Daddy about
her day.

A couple of times I caught myself... and after I dropped her off... for the next six and a half hours... I did laundry... made Calley's bed all pretty... ironed... and decided to take a little nap... oh and I even went on an errand before picking Calley up... all that and I was the second mommy in line to pick up her baby.  I was fifteen minutes early.

All I knew was the first thing is I wanted to know all about her day!

It was no surprise to me when Calley jumped into the car chatting away 100+mph if that's at all possible! lol! - with little girls it is!  I couldn't even get a word in.. I had to pull over.  Seriously!

Calley slow down... take a deep breathe and listen to me a moment... did you have a good day?  now answer me slowly....

It was the sweetest thing listening to her sweet voice tell me about her day and what the teacher taught today, which on the first day it is more a getting to know everything, a familiarizing of sorts...  

Calley's face lit up while she was telling me about her day.  She couldn't wait to get to her Grandma and Grandpa's, tell her Daddy and share with her uncles.  

I knew it!  I thought I was going to get through this day tear free... yet the pictures finally got to me. 

Education is not filling a pail but the lighting of a fire.  ~William Butler Yeats

I am second..

[here's to you finding your... ]

Peace...

... for a, l & c.  You are my sunshine(s).  

Images are courtesy of google or Bing images.  Some images maybe labeled property of Carla Barila Karam and of this blog, Took It... Making It... Living It... My Life .  © 2012  U.S Copyright Laws apply.

Day 445 ~ Joy Comes With Giving Back

Funny... it took me until after church today, after a nap, that I finally felt somewhat fresh after being on my feet all day yesterday at the Rescue Mission.  

One word... wow!!  I can't even imagine their doing that day after day.  Well I did go beyond the call of duty with the fund raising as well...

I still feel as if I am walking on a cloud... so full of joy and happiness after yesterday's experience.

I never realized how rewarding it would feel to give back to others.  Sharing some pictures from our day.

This is me!  LOL!  Took time away from the fruit salad to take a few pictures to record the "historical" event.  

Here are some of the volunteers from my church, including my brother in law's girlfriend far left and my mom (mil) serving right next to her. 

My little Calley taking a little salad break.  Such a wonderful learning opportunity for her.  

More volunteers from my church.  A mom and dad in the background, while we had their three children and two of their friends are serving food.  Boy we really used this as a learning opportunity for them.  Mom and Dad thanked me after I spoke with them of the importance of an education. 

Picture of some of the wonderful people we were serving at the shelter.

My hope for the people that stay and use the Rescue Mission is for them to be able to get on their own one day and not have to turn to the Rescue Mission for their meals and a night's rest.  I even saw that there were even some families staying there as well.  My heart goes out to them.

I feel so blessed that even through all our tough times it never came to this for us.  I feel so blessed that we have a roof over our heads, utilities, television and internet, and not to mention food on our plates.  Thank you Jesus!

Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. ~1 Chronicles 16:8

I am second..

[here's to you finding your... ]

Peace...

... for a, l & c.  You are my sunshine(s).  

Images are courtesy of google or Bing images.  Some images maybe labeled property of Carla Barila Karam and of this blog, Took It... Making It... Living It... My Life .  © 2012  U.S Copyright Laws apply.

Day 444 ~ Success is Good for the Soul!

I was not tired all day until I just sat down!

Today was an absolute success!!! One thing is for sure... I would  we would never been able to do this without all the other volunteers today!

What an amazing experience.  Sure I had a handful on no-shows, but even so... everything could not have gone more perfectly!!

Funny... at one point it started to rain out of the blue... and the roof was leaking so bad that I was drenched!  Again... it didn't matter.  It had been so hot that the water felt quite refreshing.  

I had the perfect amount of helpers... I even had a mom and dad that brought the teenage kids plus two friends and we had them serve the dinner.  They did an awesome job!  I had an amazing amount of food thanks to Sprout's Farmers Market... and I was even able to leave the Shelter food for another two meals.  Thank you again for all the food!!

All I can say is that.. we may not have much, but compared to these people I have so much.  I have so much to be grateful for... and I am so grateful for having had this opportunity today!  I am definitely signing up again.

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deedsand glorify your Father in heaven.  ~Matthew 5:16 (NIV)

I am second..

[here's to you finding your... ]

Peace...

... for a, l & c.  You are my sunshine(s).  

Images are courtesy of google or Bing images.  Some images maybe labeled property of Carla Barila Karam and of this blog, Took It... Making It... Living It... My Life .  © 2012  U.S Copyright Laws apply.

Day 443 ~ Another Item Off the Bucket List!

Okay so we have arrived to the night before I go to the Rescue Mission to help feed the homeless.

I told you there's been a lot of life going on.  wink, wink...

You see what has been happening in the last six months is that I have really become involved at my Church.

I have gone through several of their classes to become an official member... I have signed on to have a food lover's theme bible study each week (starting on Sept. 13th- more on this subject at a later date)... and I also signed up at Church to volunteer tomorrow on a city wide restoration.  My group, {which I was assigned as its leader due to my experience in the food industry,} was to help at a local Rescue Mission feed their homeless for lunch and dinner.

I am really excited about tomorrow.  You see I have been wanting to volunteer to feed the homeless at Thanksgiving for years, but was always had family obligations.  I know it's not Thanksgiving right now, but I am getting to feed the homeless and that's the important part.  I get to cross this one of my bucket list, baring in mind that I plan to do this over and over again.

Oh...sure I have to gather the other volunteers, as well as organize the day... the best part is that I get to help plan the menu and get to do the grocery shopping as well.  I suggested taking a letter to the local grocery stores and possibly getting donations from them.  

l am sooo happy to share with you that the local Sprout's Farmer's Market donated $500 in food for the event!  Thank you Sprout's!! Sprout's has no clue about my writing this thank you... all of this is my opinion alone. I am not getting paid for this shout out to them.  I already shopped at Sprout's... love their produce and vegetarian/vegan products... but now I REALLY love them!!

SO... I bid you adieu for the evening knowing that I will need a good night's rest.

For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.’  ~ Deuteronomy 15:11 (ESV)

I am second..

[here's to you finding your... ]

Peace...

... for a, l & c.  You are my sunshine(s).  

Images are courtesy of google or Bing images.  Some images maybe labeled property of Carla Barila Karam and of this blog, Took It... Making It... Living It... My Life .  © 2012  U.S Copyright Laws apply.