Day 282 ~ Social Networking Has Its Good Side

After the last few days I have had, today was for recuperation, realization, relaxation and rejuvenation!  For some reason I found that funny!  Oh how do I come up with these things!  

If you saw my day, you'd probably laugh too.  

Actually, it wasn't bad.  As I mentioned last night... I have received quite a few comments in the past few days.  Having said that... I am surrounded not only by some amazing role models, but some amazing friends.  Most of which I have met online.

My darling mother in law, or mom as I affectionately call her... made a derogatory remark to someone we were talking to regarding facebook, blogging and social networks in general.  I was in shock to say the least, yet we were not in a position to talk about it.  Boy, if she only knew how many social networks I belong too, she would probably shake her head at me.  :)   

[as a side note, growing up when my father went through wives numbers two, three and four, I was NEVER able to call any of them mom.  I tried once and felt uncomfortable, rather forced...I have never felt so comfortable calling anyone mom.]

In all my years in the computer industry, decades really, on more than one occasion I have come across people who do not like computers, change or modern technology in general.  Some people just do not like change and do not trust the internet, not to mention that they also think that computers are smarter than people.  Well maybe in some cases!  haha  Actually, they are not!  People made computers and can control them.

Anyways... I have shared with my mom how I feel about blogging and what it has done for me.  Not to mention all the friends I have rekindled relationships with, as well as my family in other continents that I am able to communicate like never in my life!  Then there are the new friends I have made.

Don't get me wrong.. if anyone understands internet safety, it's me.  It hasn't been until recently that I have really put myself out there and it is to promote my blogs.  

The point I want to make is that I have met some quality people online.  I have met great new friends and have developed bonds with them. Granted you just don't start chatting with just anyone... it just sort of happens as time goes by.

My friend I spoke to you about last night... I met her on Farm Town a game app on facebook, a couple of years ago.  Granted we have chatted off and on during this time, however it really wasn't until yesterday that we became even closer.  Bare in mind that our relationship has developed over time... and I wouldn't trade this experience for the world.

The younger generation hasn't benefited from facebook like myself (just had my 30th high school reunion last summer), or someone that been out of school or out of touch for some time.  For example my younger sister in law and two brother in laws, two of their ten year reunions are coming up and facebook has been open to the public for at least six of those years... therefore they didn't even get a chance to miss their friends.

Don't get me wrong... history shows that facebook is notorious for changing security settings without letting their users know... I have made it a habit to check my settings every other week or so.  And there are WACKOS out there... I try to take precautions, especially with my blogs.

So to my online family and friends on facebook and voiceBoks... thank you for your inspiring, motivating and encouraging words.  I take all your comments to heart and heavy thought.  I can't tell you how much your words continue to hug and help me.  My Dream Team continues to grow and get stronger!  

Not that I did not appreciate all my comments equally, because I did... but these really stuck in my mind and have been following me around for the past few days...

I used to have a poster in my counseling office (for me and the kids) that said "what would you do if you knew you would not fail?" Maybe your birthday present to yourself could be answering that very question. on Day 279 ~ Something's Gotta Give   Left by Perspective Parenting

Hang in there Carla! I guess this is just one of those 'emo moments'... Don't worry, you'll get your groove back. I know you will! :) on Day 280 ~ No Sugar Coating Here!   Left by Czjai Reyes-Ocampo

Hang in there xoxox One thing that we can be sure of is change - nothing stays the same. Things might be rough now but there is some sun shine waiting for you around the corner. Continue to be a good role model to your kids and a wonderful friend to others, but remember to take time for yourself to recharge xoxo Leigh @oneandoneequalstwinfun.com on Day 281 ~ Doing Our Share

As simple as these words may come across to some of you, to me... they have me looking at the light of the end of the tunnel.  By the way, these ladies are great bloggers... if you have a chance take a moment, click on the links and visit their amazing blogs!  When I read the quote "what would you do if you knew you would not fail?" three days ago... well let's just say I have been nusy thinking!

What would you do if you knew you would not fail?   ~ Robert H. Schuller  

Dedicated to all my friends, My Dream Team.  Thank  you for all your heartfelt words.

Blessings to all!!

83 days to go...

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

Some images courtesy of google and bing images.  U.S Copyright laws may apply.  ©

Day 234 ~ tweet, approve, like, follow, hop..a sequel

When people walk away from you, let them go.  Your destiny is never tied to anyone who leaves you, and it doesn't mean they are bad people.  It just means that their part in your story is over.  ~ T.D. Jakes

While doing my social network roll call this morning, which now has officially become my normal morning routine, I was perusing all the insightful and more times than not, hysterical comments my friends make... and I came across the above quote. 

After reading the quote above... well let's just say it left me dumbfounded.  Actually the quote kept replaying over and over in my head, my entire day.  It left me wondering, actually pondering about all the people who have left me.

I thought about how those people once were such a part of my life.. how they touched my life... then how they left... or in some cases, I would not say that they actually left.. maybe more like our paths forked off in different directions.   you know... We grow up.  Some of us venture off to college, while others decided to travel, and some of us married young and moved... etc...  We grew up.

Then there are the other people, or rather friends, that enter our lives when we are adults.  Some of us get a job transfer and move, others marry and move, and some divorce and move.  Whatever the case... Once again our paths veer off in different directions.

My first friend... my sissy Aleah!  ;)
 I blame her for all of this!  lol!

Which brings me back to my new found addiction... social networking (SN).  A shared addiction amongst most of us bloggers, and anyone else who depends on the internet to get their message out.  

Facebook started it all for me, as I am sure for most of you as well.  It was my sister in law, Aleah, (who is 19 years my junior ~ in other words, much "hip-per" than me,) who first told me about Facebook... I registered my email with Facebook back on December 6, 2007.  [Fourteen months earlier Facebook had just opened to everyone with an email address on September 26, 2006]  


Holy cow!  It just dawned on me that it's been FOUR years since the day I clicked "I accept" to fb!  lmao! 

If I really think about this... four years ago my life was changed for the better, unbeknownst to me at the time... it changed and a new world opened up to me.  When I first signed on and for about another year after that more or less, there weren't many people on.~  I had about 33 friends up until February of 2009... then all of a sudden it was like Facebook went through and explosion!  The word really spread!  Within a months time I added over 130 friends.  Today, I have well over three hundred. 

Why am I telling you all this?  Well my darlin's.. the point I am trying to make...some of those people who left my life [for whatever reason] back then, are now back in my life again ... continuing with a new chapter in my story! 

Somehow the part of my story I share with you in tonight's post, is now part of the legacy I leave to my children [in this blog]... which tells the story of how their mother became addicted to her other world on the internet.  wink, wink.

All of this (as I wave my hand at my laptop's screen- which by the way has like ten windows open for each one of my vices, bwahahaha! lol!) is not just about FACEBOOK... 

It's about reaching being able to reach out and Skype (oh yeah , got one of those too!) to see how my sons are doing in Washington, when I am in Texas... or chatting with a friend I haven't seen since junior high (yes! back in my day it was Jr. High... Not this "middle school" sissy stuff!  LOL!!  another attempt at humor folks!)... or ... how about this one... exchanging knowledge with a new friend in Canada, or Asia, even across the pond in England or down under in Australia.  


If there was censorship, I would not be able to laugh and share  freely with a SN friend about our mutual  SN addiction.  If it takes me a solid two hours to respond to all my SN friends, and read posts, write posts, comment on posts, suggest posts, tweet, approve, forward, send, like, follow, hop... HOLY COW!  dizzy again!  I can only imagine how long it takes a seasoned blogger!  wink, wink.

Sure wish the internet would have been around back when my grandmother was alive... would have been great to communicate with her in Buenos Aires.  Back then it was strictly first class snail mail.. and you had better not take the chance of sending pictures or anything of value- (you took a big chance of the mail being intercepted.)  My family and I would give mail and small, small items to an airline pilot friend of the family.  Once in Argentina, our pilot friend would then forward the items to my grandmother and the rest of the family

So... I write another night, giving thanks to those who take part and contribute in providing us with the wonderful World Wide Web!  The freedom we have to be able to share whatever it is that our mind can imagine...  what a wonderful freedom!

[I am now standing, as I bend at my waist I wave both my arms up and down...] 

I am not worthy... I am not worthy!   (Yes I am worthy... you know what I mean)

wink, wink

One can never talk too much about censorship, or rather the stupids laws our US government are trying to pass.

Let's continue to be aware, stand up for our freedom of speech and tell the government...

Write congress now... it's as simple as clicking here.   

Blessings to all!!

131 days to go...

PS... Sons, I love and miss you.  To the moon and stars above and back.  You are my sunshine(s).

Images courtesy of Facebook and my profile, Carla Barila Karam.  Copyright laws apply.

Day 156 ~ Accepting What Is Me

A while back, Day 71,  I spoke of starting an additional blog.  That I needed structure and to feel healthy.  

Life Happens to Everyone.
CBK graphic designs - (me)

Well as you can see, I mentioned that eighty-five days ago!  In my defense, there has been a lot of "LIFE" going on.  In addition to a lack of motivation!  I can't lie to you, I have to call it as it is.  

What's changed now, you ask.  Well, my life is more of the same (which will always be an issue in one way or another) ---  However, since I wrote that back in August I would have to say that I have grown.  Not to mention, do I dare say it?! ... I am starting to like myself.

I like who I am... I am coming into terms with my past... I like what I am doing... and more importantly I like what I am about.

With that said... yes I will be starting a new blog about health and life style adjustments.  I have come to the realization that I could use to loose a few pounds, but I must be realistic.  I am taking into consideration of how my life is, how I love (LOVE) food and how I love to cook it just as much, who can forget the occasional glass of "vino" or "spirits" and the time I have to exercise... and this all has to be easy enough to maintain for the rest of my life.

My first blog on weight loss was a short term challenge, with the motivation of loosing weight in time for my 30th high school reunion.  The motivation behind my next blog is a change that will take me through the rest of my life healthy and comfortably.

You see, I came to a conclusion.. a revelation... the light turned on!   "HALLELUJAH!"

CBK

I am not obese, just about twenty pounds (more or less) overweight.  Yes I am getting older and no longer in my thirties, let alone my twenties.  I wouldn't say I am ugly, but as I said I am getting older.  

So... do I need to be SKINNY minny?  No I don't! ... Do I need or rather want to look good and be healthy?  Yes I do!  ... Do I love food and everything about it?  YES!  Does it have to be one extreme or the other?  No. 

Ok... so, do you see what I have to work with?  I accept what I have to work with... now to get creative.

I CAN DO IT!

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being,¹⁷ so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love    ~  Ephesians 3:16-17

Good actions give strength to ourselves and inspire good actions in others.   ~ Plato

If we did all the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves.    ~  Thomas Edison

I am thankful for the new inner strength I discover each day. 

Blessings to all!!

209 days to go...

PS... I hope you like the changes you see to my blog... designed by little ol' me. (big smile!)

All contents herein are protected under Copyright laws and can not be used, altered or copied. All accounts herein are written by Cali-Gal/Carla B Karam and are true accounts of her life. Some names may be changed to protect the innocent.

Day 115 ~ Don"t Judge, Don't Give Up!

I was catching up with friends on facebook part of the day today... Reading what everyone had to say and what they were up to.  A birthday here, a date there, wedding, hockey games...

Every so often I like to comment on my friend's walls or status updates, put my two cents in if you will.  Just a quick way to "pop-in", say hello and let them know I am thinking of them.

Quite often I laugh, other times I may cry or at least get a tear in my eye at the latest and greatest news on there.  Every so often someone posts something thought provoking...

It's hard to explain to someone who has no clue.  It's a daily struggle being in pain or feeling sick on the inside while you look fine on the outside.  Please put this as your status for at least 1 hour if you or someone  you know has an invisible illness (PTSD, Anxiety, Bipolar, Depression, Diabetes, LUPUS, Fibromyalgia, MS, ME, Arthritis, Cancer, Heart Disease, Epilepsy, Autism, MD, etc..)  "Never judge what you don't understand."

Wow!  Did I say thought provoking?  Having been someone who has struggled with depression on and off most of my life, I could not agree with this statement more!  This is so on the money, they hit the nail on the head!!

I can't tell you the times that a friend has caught me on a bad day... they're in a great mood. life as usual... and me, well I can't snap out of it.

I can't tell you how many friends I have lost, or rather they stopped calling and inviting me places.  I guess a person can hear "Not today, I can't."   It's not like I can stop and snap out of it to explain... "I'm sorry, I am depressed today and can't go out and play."  OR  "My sons haven't called me....I am sad..."

I can't tell you how many times I have been invited to functions, parties, dinners, lunches or just to hang out, and I have declined.  Or better yet, I have committed to going and then at the last minute I have cancelled out and not shown up. 

Most of us are so quick to judge someone else just by a mere action or something said... myself included.  I am not innocent here by any means... especially when they just finished cutting me off on the road.

Instead of judging a book by its cover, read the back cover... ask questions... don't be so quick to judge or lay blame.  You never know you may learn something not only about the other person, but maybe about yourself as well.

The next time you're on the road, look at all the other cars on the road.  Now think of everything you have going on in your life and your history... then look back to those cars, to their passengers... they have lives and history too.

If you ever call a friend or a family member, and the phone rings and rings... you think something is out of wack... don't give up on your friend... ask questions... be there for them... make them laugh... make us laugh!  

Depression is nourished by a lifetime of ungrieved and unforgiven hurt.  ~  Penelope Sweet

Good humor is a tonic for mind and body. It is the best antidote for anxiety and depression. It is a business asset. It attracts and keeps friends. It lightens human burdens. It is the direct route to serenity and contentment.    ~  Grenville Kleiser

The most wasted of all days is one without laughter.  ~e.e. cummings 

To understand the heart and mind of a person, look not at what he has already achieved, but at what he aspires to.      ~ Kahlil Gibran

Blessings to all!!

250 days to go...

All contents herein are protected under Copyright laws and can not be used, altered or copied. All accounts herein are written by Cali-Gal/Carla B Karam and are true accounts of her life. Some names may be changed to protect the innocent.

Day 52 ~ 48... the New 38!!

My 30th high school reunion was tonight... one word... FUN!  

What a great night!

I had been keeping myself busy up until I had to get ready, just so I wouldn't get anxious and cancel out.  Yes, in the past I have worked myself up so much that I actually would not go to functions due to anxiety of "what ifs". But, that is behind me now!

I was sporting a great new hair cut (and color), thanks to the future famous Chëlseá, I lost a total of 9 pounds (thanks to My Wii Fit 21-Day Challenge), and I was in a great place!

After battling the Southern California traffic on the 101... I finally arrived at the Sheraton Universal... Dean and Calley, well they were having and daddy/daughter day long date. Just as I arrived I saw a good ol' (not using the word in reference to our ages by any means!!) friend from school... she looked fabulous!!  Way to go Melinda! ... We were so happy to see each other,  not only because we were friends... but I think more so because we were "flying solo" and did not want to walk in alone.  NO! It's not like going to the bathroom with your girlfriend!  It's just easier walking into a function with a friend in hand, as opposed to making "an entrance"... and I am sooo not about that! 

Then... it happened!  I saw my SISSY!! and the shrieks all started!!!

I strongly feel that if it wasn't for Facebook, and the fact that I have re-connected with so many friends, as well as re-connected with acquaintances, who now have become dear friends... (let's just say I could not picture my life without them ever again!!) ... I more than likely would not have gone to the reunion.

So the Carlas spotted one another!! Thing one and thing two, as another friend calls us... and then there were so many other wonderful people. Carla has become such an important part of my life...a most definite "Angel" and part of my "Dream Team."   I feel blessed to have become friends with her later in life.  I strongly believe once again, that God works in mysterious ways and places people in your life when you need them most.  

Let me remind you all, and mention to others, that back in high school the only thing or person that mattered to me, was "Eddie"...  and because he wasn't part of this click or the other... and was loved by all, he did his things his way... He was the air I breathed... even the teachers knew!  LOL!  Anyways, it was too much for my parents to handle, so my mother sent me to Perú.  I had been told that I was going for a two week vacation, then once I got there my return ticket hidden from me, and finally found it in time for the senior prom, a year and a half later.  (There are more details to this chapter in my life, I just have to get the courage to share it with you.)

The point is that, the great thing about my night was that I really didn't feel out of place.  I felt as if I belonged.

You see, I was always the new kid in school.  After my parents divorced, we moved around so much... that by the time I was in high school, I had gone to thirteen different schools.  Not only that, but we even moved during junior high, still in the valley, but... well, just to clue you in, only 5 kids from my junior high went to my high school.  So, once again, the last school I go to, again, I come in and have to meet and make new friends, trying to fit in... and then most of the kids, well some had gone to school together since first grade, others maybe later, but anyway you sliced it, I always felt like the "odd man out." 

Last night was amazing!!  I re-connected with such amazing friends from the past, and discovered that we all look fabulous for being 38!!  After all 48 IS THE NEW 38!!  Or at least this is what my generation is telling ourselves!  LOL!!!  

Seriously, we came to the consensus last night that our parents were much OLDER at our age... They weren't as involved in our lives, as we are in our own children's lives.  Most of us were allowed to leave the house in the morning, and personally, my brother, sister and I, always listened for my dad's whistle for when it was time to come home... by then it was already dinner time.

Today, well we drive our kids to school... we're scuba diving, boxing, working out, going on 5k runs... etc.  I wonder how our children, will be with their's... and what they will think of us.  Especially since most of them from eighteen to twenty-four already think we are ancient!  Can't wait to see what they think when they themselves are thirty!!

There are some givens in life that no amount of positive thinking can change. Aging is a fact of life. The wisest approach is to accept and enjoy the ride.  author unknown

Blessings to all!!

313 days to go.

All contents herein are protected under Copyright laws and can not be used, altered or copied. All accounts herein are written by Cali-Gal/Carla B Karam and are true accounts of her life. Some names may be changed to protect the innocent. 

Day 45 ~ Great Drive, Great Times, Great Friends, Great Fun!!

Ok, we now know that dieting and being excited are good reasons for being at a loss for words... well, so is exhaustion!!

We did stop at a rest stop, to rest, and we did so for three hours.

Well with that said, It's been an absolute long time since I have had only three hours worth of rest.  Putting that off to the side...

Courtesy of Bing images

We had a great road trip.  Calley slept most of the way, woke up just a couple of times, and was up with the sun.  She did take a couple of snoozes... which made for a quiet trip.

That with the exception of rocking out to classic rock... Dean and I always have so mush fun with this... we sing to old tunes and rock out.  Calley woke up in time to witness my Axel Rose snake, as did the cars next to us.  I think the consensus among all of them, was that I was nuts!!  

I would have to say that this was one of the best road trips... with the assistance of my laptop and a wireless broadband usb... I was able to be on my computer, Facebook and do my blogs, all while on the road!!  Not only that but... I felt like all my friends were on my road trip too!!

Thanks so much for helping make this such a memorable trip!  It was so much fun sharing the drive out with you all!! One thing is for sure, I will never go on a long drive with out you all again!!  Love you bunches!! 

I am blessed with many wonderful friends.

I can easily be myself around my friends.

I regularly tell my friends how much I love and appreciate them,

Blessings to all!

320 days to go.

All contents herein are protected under Copyright laws and can not be used, altered or copied. All accounts herein are written by Cali-Gal/Carla B Karam and are true accounts of her life. Some names may be changed to protect the innocent. 

Day 29 ~ "1,000 View Milestone"

I've been blogging for four weeks now... can't believe it!  I know that this blog is not the book I always wanted to write, but the fact that it has taken a life of its own for me~ that it has given me something to look forward to each day and the way it is lifting me up...I know I've said it before ...well... I AM LOVING IT!   

The book will come... all in due time... all in due time  :)

I can't believe it... I just  got happy tears! as I wrote all of that.  This blog... makes me happy!  Is that crazy?  Can just sitting down each day with my thoughts and sharing myself help me feel that way?... and actually if you think about it (please, I am not condescending or trying to sound as if by any means..) I am also leaving "my self", "my thoughts", "my history" on cyberspace so that my children will one day know the woman I was and how much they meant to me and how much I love them... "to the moon and stars above!" 

Courtesy of Bing images

And with that said... yesterday my blog reached a new milestone... 1,000 views!!  Before you ask... my personal views are not included in the count. lol   It counts each time a post is viewed on my blog, not number of people that have viewed my blog... I wish!!  maybe one day!

I did a little research online (thank you, Kenya! ...never thought of doing so until you mentioned it  ~ also on my "Dream Team"!) and  I registered my blog with a blogging community, bloggers,  where people from all over the world read and review each other's blogs ~ who knows I may reach that "one person".  I've been on Facebook for what seems the beginning of it all (way, way before it was cool) And I finally went and did it... I'm now on twitter too!  LOL!!

In as much I have discovered that my blog has been read from people as far away as Ireland and India, as well as Canada.  I don't know about you?...  But all I have to say is ... this is pretty cool!   :)

Not only that, but I am getting the best comments. "Dream Team" material~ which makes you part of my "Dream Team"!!  Very supportive, caring and inspiring!  I would love your comments, if you are reading this, to become a part of my blog... meaning that It would be awesome if you all would leave your comments on my posts so that they become part of my blog, so that one day my children may read how my wonderful friends supported me!  

For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime;  weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.  Psalm 30:5 

Blessings to all!

336 days to go.



All contents herein are protected under Copyright laws and can not be used, altered or copied. All accounts herein are written by Cali-Gal/Carla B Karam and are true accounts of her life. Some names may be changed to protect the innocent.