Gift: Reverb10

December 30 – Gift Prompt: Gift. This month, gifts and gift-giving can seem inescapable. What’s the most memorable gift, tangible or emotional, you received this year?

I got the gift of my faith back... God is good. God is good ALL THE TIME!

Gift: Reverb10

December 30 – Gift Prompt: Gift. This month, gifts and gift-giving can seem inescapable. What’s the most memorable gift, tangible or emotional, you received this year?

I got the gift of my faith back... God is good. God is good ALL THE TIME!

Defining Moment: Reverb10

December 29 – Defining Moment Describe a defining moment or series of events that has affected your life this year.

I got laid off from my job and I decided that there was nothing I could do about and I needed time to be angry and hurt and then I would move on when I was done with it... I can't really decide how that all played out though. It was almost like it played me out...

Achieve: Reverb10

December 28 – Achieve What’s the thing you most want to achieve next year? How do you imagine you’ll feel when you get it? Free? Happy? Complete? Blissful? Write that feeling down. Then, brainstorm 10 things you can do, or 10 new thoughts you can think, in order to experience that feeling today.

I just want to be purely and unconditionally happy. I want to wake up in the morning and not have a negative thought or worry. I just want to feel like everything will be alright no matter what the situation is... I think that would be a wonderful thing.

pray, think positive, get dressed everyday, smile more, praise more, donate to charity more, make my life about other people more and not just about me, see the glass half full in every situation, say things that will make people feel good about themselves, write more letters, be quiet

December 27 – Ordinary Joy Our most profound joy is often experienced during ordinary moments. What was one of your most joyful ordinary moments this year?

Sitting at home with my kids on a rainy day, watching the rain fall. We just laid on the floor, talking and laughing and watching the rain drops... ordinary day, extraordinary moment...

Soul Food: Reverb10

Prompt: Soul food. What did you eat this year that you will never forget? What went into your mouth & touched your soul?

My Mama made mole for me the first week she was here. OMIGOSH! The flavors, the smell, the warmth... it was an amazing meal! I loved it. It took me back to my childhood. My Mama always made mole and rice. Then one day we asked for mashed potatoes with it to kinda of cool down the mole sauce. A tradition was born. So that day, my Mama made mole, rice and mashed potatoes for me. We sat and ate and laughed and talked and laughed some more. It was an incredible bonding moment.

For me, mole symbolizes familia, cultura, comida, amor and just being Mexican! It's a dish that is eaten by almost every Mexican I know. I can't forget the times my Mama made us mole for dinner. It was always a very very special meal for us, whether it was for our birthday, a congratulatory dinner or Wednesday...

Photo: Reverb10

Prompt: Photo - a present to yourself. Sift through all the photos of you from the past year. Choose one that best captures you; either who you are, or who you strive to be. Find the shot of you that is worth a thousand words. Share the image, who shot it, where, and what it best reveals about you.


This was taken at my church on July 18, 2010. It was the day I preached my very first sermon ever. My sermon was about Martha and Mary... The Kid Sister took this picture. God took over my life in 2010. He was everywhere I needed to be. But this picture isn't about that. This picture is about the smile that my daughter has on her face. She was so proud of me that day and all I ever want to do is to keep those kinds of smiles on their faces... I have done a good job as a mother. My kids feel empathy, sympathy, happiness and pride for other people and that was my goal. To make them feel for others... I love this picture. It is what my whole year was about...

Everything's OK: Reverb10

Prompt: Everything's OK. What was the best moment that could serve as proof that everything is going to be alright? And how will you incorporate that discovery into the year ahead?

A lot of these prompts make me sound like a weirdo Jesus Freak. But seriously, I have proof every morning that everything is going to be alright. God walks with me and I know that I don't have to fear anything. I am in constant prayer and it seems to help me in and around those times where I can begin to feel myself questioning my situation. God is with me. He moves in mysterious ways. It may not always be what I want but it's what God wants for me.

New Name: Reverb10

Prompt: New name. Let's meet again, for the first time. If you could introduce yourself to strangers by another name for just one day, what would it be and why?

I like my name. It's the name my mama gave me and I like it! I do remember though that for a spell, I wanted to be named Sara because I like Hall and Oates. Don't hate!

Travel: Reverb10

Prompt: Travel. How did you travel in 2010? How and/or where would you like to travel next year?

Did we travel! We took our first BIG road trip with our six year old twins this year. They did GREAT! We went to Yosemite and then we were off to a couple of ghost towns in NV. After that we headed to Sedona and the Grand Canyon! It was a very long trip and lots of time sitting in the van reading and singing songs. It was a great trip though. Not too much fighting and not too much mess.

YAY!

We do intend to travel some next year. Maybe schlep over to Canada for a week or so. The kids would LOVE it....

Future Self:Reverb10

Prompt: Future self. Imagine yourself five years from now. What advice would you give your current self for the year ahead? (Bonus: Write a note to yourself 10 years ago. What would you tell your younger self?)

In 5 years, I will be 42 years old going on 43 in a few days... I may or may not be in the throes of a mid life crisis... I hope to be happy and healthy and what not.

Dear Amy: Your 2010 was great and awful at the same time... It was a good year though and next year is going to be a banner year...

Breathe... Just breathe. Everything is going to be okay. God is always with you and He will NOT let you get lost. Enjoy your year sabbatical. Enjoy your children because you are not going to be able to get this time back...

Take care of yourself and try to be better about your sweet tooth...

Love you, Amy

Avoidance: Reverb10

Prompt: Beyond avoidance. What should you have done this year but didn't because you were too scared, worried, unsure, busy or otherwise deterred from doing? (Bonus: Will you do it?)

I should have started exercising on a regular basis... I didn't do it because I was lazy mostly. I am lazy but I should be. I just can't help it. I don't like to exercise. AND I like food. What can I say?

In addition to being lazy, I was also really really busy this year. But I'm going to be not so busy in 2011, I think. I mean, I won't have a jobby job so that will give me at least 40 hours a week to do something productive with the exercise and the diabetes thang!

Healing: Reverb10

December 19 – Healing. What healed you this year? Was it sudden, or a drip-by-drip evolution? How would you like to be healed in 2011? (Author: Leonie Allan)

I haven't healed yet.... I'm still hurt. I am starting to feel better about things though but often times I find that I am still reeling from the feelings of betrayal. My Mama is helping me get through it though. She really is. She has NO idea how great it is to have her here this holiday season. It means the world to me. She will be my healing...

Try: Reverb10

December 18 – Try What do you want to try next year? Is there something you wanted to try in 2010? What happened when you did / didn’t go for it? (Author: Kaileen Elise)

I still want to try knitting. I have been wanting to do it for so long and this year I had a chance to but then something happened and I didn't get a chance to learn or do it when I wanted to do it. I'm determined to do "caps of caring" where you knit beanie type caps for cancer patients who are losing their hair. I'm going to do it... I'm going to do it!

Lessons: Reverb10

December 17 – Lesson Learned What was the best thing you learned about yourself this past year? And how will you apply that lesson going forward? (Author: Tara Weaver)

I learned that I really do have a strong faith in God. It was a wonderful thing to discover after so many years of being in kind of a denial about it.... I will apply this lesson to everything I do. I have my beliefs and I am committed to this world. Not in a freaky God Freak kinda way either.

Friendship: Reverb10

December 16 – Friendship How has a friend changed you or your perspective on the world this year? Was this change gradual, or a sudden burst? (Author: Martha Mihalick)

I have a friend who is AWESOME! She's a new friend. I met her in 2009 but I really got to know her in 2010. She is responsible for changing my outlook on the women of Danville. She is the kind of person I always wanted to meet in this town and unfortunately I didn't meet until now. Don't get me wrong, I have met other great people in Danville but meeting Mickie just made me really happy and made me feel comfortable in my own skin in my town. It all happened in a sudden burst and I thank God that I met her. She's a great person and I know that if I need her, she's got my back.

WORD!

5 Minutes: Reverb10

December 15 – 5 Minutes Imagine you will completely lose your memory of 2010 in five minutes. Set an alarm for five minutes and capture the things you most want to remember about 2010. (Author: Patti Digh)

kiddos lost first teeth, first big road trip with the kids, lots of laughing, lots of love...

Appreciate: Reverb10

December 14 – Appreciate What’s the one thing you have come to appreciate most in the past year? How do you express gratitude for it? (Author: Victoria Klein)

Over and over again, every year, I find that I appreciate my family more and more. They are just there! Fiercely loyal and always there. No one would ever have my back like my family. Seriously now... They are just an amazing bunch of people.

I say thank you A LOT! and I also try to do everything that they need from me... something small, something big, I'm trying to make them happy and keep them happy.

I'm blessed. I truly am...

Action: Reverb10

December 13 – Action When it comes to aspirations, it’s not about ideas. It’s about making ideas happen. What’s your next step? (Author: Scott Belsky)

Finish up my CLP classes, get commissioned in June and work within my community to spread the Good News and bring a spiritual home to the marginalized...

That's the plan...

Body Integration: Reverb10

December 12 – Body Integration This year, when did you feel the most integrated with your body? Did you have a moment where there wasn’t mind and body, but simply a cohesive YOU, alive and present? (Author: Patrick Reynolds)

I know I sound like a total holy roller but it's all true and I'm not one of those freaky extreme Christians. I'm just a girl who decided to believe in God again and do something with my life that He wants me to do... He wants me to be there for people.

So when did I feel most integrated with my body? I don't know how to write about that.... When I started my whole pastor learning one of our assignments was to write a sermon and a worship service and preach it to our congregation. Standing up at the lectern the few seconds before I started my sermon, I took a deep breath and opened my mouth, out came the word of God. I was just one person who had God's voice in my ear and His words were coming out of my mouth... it was amazing. It was beautiful. It wasn't something I hadn't felt in a long time...

Okay, you can call me a freak now, but it's all true...

11 Things: Reverb10

December 11 – 11 Things What are 11 things your life doesn’t need in 2011? How will you go about eliminating them? How will getting rid of these 11 things change your life? (Author: Sam Davidson)

Drama: I plan on keeping everything cool... no more jumping to conclusions and I will speak clearly all the time so no one will misunderstand me.

Chaos: I will try to have a place for everything and everything in its place. I can't keep living like I have been this past year. It's been chaos and it will end on 12/31/2010

Annoyances: I'm going to breathe deeper and not take things so seriously. I will just take people and their actions as then show them and quit trying to read into them.

Betrayal: I will NEVER put myself in a position where I am betrayed the way I was by my congregation. I will be very cautious from now on.

False Hope: Again, be very very cautious with peoples promises and words.

False Friends: I have really good friends already. I know which ones are true. They are the ones I will focus on.

Debt: Pay everything off and not create anymore. I don't have a lot of debt so it won't be too difficult to do this one.

Pain: Exercise more and be healthier.

Hate: Preach love, love and more love. It's not easy but where hate is shown, I will show love.

Ignorance: I will always take a stand for what I believe in. I will not let someone spew hate without a retort.

A Job: I want to spend more time with my kids... I am just going to NOT work outside the house.

Wisdom: Reverb10

December 10 – Wisdom Wisdom. What was the wisest decision you made this year, and how did it play out? (Author: Susannah Conway)

The wisest decision I made this year was to follow the path that is laid out in front of me instead of trying to find another way. It played out beautifully. Because of this decision, I was hurt and made to feel betrayal. It is all making me stronger and I'm going to be a better person for it...

Party: Reverb10

December 9 – Party Prompt: Party. What social gathering rocked your socks off in 2010? Describe the people, music, food, drink, clothes, shenanigans. (Author: Shauna Reid)

I don't go to very many parties. That is not to say that we are not invited, it's just that most times something comes up that makes it where I can't get there. Lame I know but it's the truth. I did go to an awesomely wonderful party this year though. My longtime friend Sarah invited me to our friend's surprise birthday party. I hadn't seen Sarah in a long time and I hadn't seen Daniel and his mom Victoria in even longer so I was going to go to this party. I committed myself and demanded myself to go and hang out with my friends.

It was a Sunday night and it was a little bit warm. Bay Area late summer weather is either awful or beautiful. I get to Fruitvale in Oakland. Already the streets and the sounds are so different than where I live. There is life in the streets and it's beautiful. People walking in the streets, talking, laughing... Get to Sarah's house, she lived behind a tea house and see her and people i hadn't seen in a long time or just meeting for the first time. There is something about meeting people like this. They are beautiful and accepting. Wonderfully welcoming. It's a great feeling. The house is warm and full of laughter and the smells of carne asada, salsa, guacamole and beer. Reminders of home... Daniel arrived with his mom and it was heavenly! He looked great, Vicky looked great and the smiles on everyone's faces only showed how much love there was in that house. Hugging La V was the best. She gives these really great hugs. They last long after she lets go...

The party was a success. Daniel was pleasantly surprised and I was amazingly happy...

Beautifully Different: Reverb10

December 8 – Beautifully Different. Think about what makes you different and what you do that lights people up. Reflect on all the things that make you different – you’ll find they’re what make you beautiful. (Author: Karen Walrond)

I am different, just like everyone else! What makes me different? I don't really know how to answer that question because if I say I'm a great person it kinda sounds like I'm giving myself a whole lot of credit that I may or may not deserve.

I like to think I live my life as an honest mother of twins. I'm not one of those moms who gushes over every little thing my children do. I just don't. There are things that I expect and things that I don't want to see and they pretty much, for the most part, do it. I'm don't overly baby them or talk to them in a way that dumbs them down. We have NEVER talked baby talk to our children and most of all, when they ask us questions, no matter what they are, I have always tried to be as honest with my answers as I can be. Even if that means that I have to use words that they might not quite know yet. I just add it to their words to look up.

I am generous. I will give until I bleed. This is a lesson my children are learning. I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing.

I smile and try to talk to everyone... I even pause when I ask someone how they are doing because if I asked, I honestly want to know. It's not just a passing greeting for me.

I have a opinions and I am not afraid to share them. I don't condemn or convert.

I think that is all... I'm beautifully different.

Ohhh Mama!

My mom is here. You will learn that my Mom is my queen. She is my hero.

The Muth flew in yesterday and we spent the whole day together, drinking coffee and laughing and talking and catching up. It's so great just to spend time with her. I can't imagine my life without her.... love that lady!

Community: Reverb10

December 7 – Community. Where have you discovered community, online or otherwise, in 2010? What community would you like to join, create or more deeply connect with in 2011? (Author: Cali Harris)

I discovered community in the most unlikeliest of places: my kids school. I have found a great group of ladies whom I love and share a lot about my life with. It's great. I finally feel like Danville really is my home. I found one really really good friend who seems to there whenever I need her. that's a friend. And I mean if I can't watch Freaks by Tod Browning with them, then they ain't no friend of mine!

My intention is to stay connected to my current circle of friends. I hope to make these connections even stronger...

Make: Reverb10

December 6 – Make. What was the last thing you made? What materials did you use? Is there something you want to make, but you need to clear some time for it? (Author: Gretchen Rubin)

I am ashamed to say that I haven't made anything this year. That's terrible! I haven't made anything! ARGH!

I want to make scarves and caps... I want to make afghans too. I really should take some time to learn how to knit and crochet.... Will do it in 2011. Boring entry.

Let Go: Reverb10

December 5 – Let Go. What (or whom) did you let go of this year? Why? (Author: Alice Bradley)

I let go the pressure that I often feel in my community to be the perfect mom.

I remember feeling like I had to be like the other moms for anyone to really like me or identify with me. I tried to conform to what "they" appeared to want but you know, no matter what I would have done, nothing would have won me the friendships and appreciation of these women. Wanna know why? I wasn't born or raised in Danville or in California for that matter. I'm not skinny. I'm ethnic. I have very ethnic features and I have an opinion that differs from the majority of people in this town. So instead of trying hard to fit into a community that would never really accept me, I found my own group of women in Danville that I can relate to and I am so much happier!

Wonder: Reverb10

December 4 – Wonder. How did you cultivate a sense of wonder in your life this year? (Author: Jeffrey Davis)

The only way that I really cultivate my sense of wonder is through my children. Anytime we do something new, my kids have this really great way of expressing how cool they thought it was or their facial expressions or smiles just tell the story. It's awesome! I think that's the cool thing about being a parent. You get to do all the things you did as a child all over again and see the wonder of a common carnival ride in your child's eyes...

that's a shame

There is this man in my pastors class that is really nice and sweet. He's a great guy in general, except for the fact that he believes that homosexuality is wrong because the Bible says so...


That made me sad... How can love be wrong?

Moment: Reverb10

December 3 – Moment. Pick one moment during which you felt most alive this year. Describe it in vivid detail (texture, smells, voices, noises, colors). (Author: Ali Edwards)

I can't really recall just one moment that I felt most alive this year. I have to think hard. My life was full of really great moments this year.

I would have to say that the moment that I felt most alive was when we were standing at the Grand Canyon as a family. Standing on the edge of great beauty was an amazing feeling. I remember being scared for my kids. They were so small up against this majestic background that could just swallow them up and feeling renewed and alive, smelling fresh air. Taking deep breaths and feeling my lungs fill up with the smell of dirt and rock and grasses. I remember hearing the birds cawing so loudly and sitting on the rock and feeling the coldness and hardness and smoothness of it all... It was a great moment...

Writing: Reverb10

December 2 - Writing.
What do you do each day that doesn’t contribute to your writing — and can you eliminate it?
(Author: Leo Babauta)

Writing.... what do i do each day... that's easy. I'm on Facebook waaaay too much and not just to communicate with people or see what people are up to but because I'm addicted to a couple of games. I know, I know, that's kinda lame but you know, so what... I like games.

Can I eliminate my games? Yes, I suppose I could but the sad part is I don't really want. Yes and I do know how lame that makes me sound.

One Word... (Reverb10 first post)

December 1 One Word.
Encapsulate the year 2010 in one word. Explain why you’re choosing that word. Now, imagine it’s one year from today, what would you like the word to be that captures 2011 for you?
(Author: Gwen Bell)

2010 = reaffirming

I found my faith again in 2010. It was not behind the couch. It was actually found in a 2nd floor office on Patrick Ave. in Hayward, CA. I was talking to my friend and pastor and I realized that I have been called to do something very special in my life. I realized that if I didn't answer this call, the time may come where I would stop hearing my name... I answered the call and here I am, maybe not necessarily where I want to be but definitely where God wants me to be...

The word for 2011 at this time, I hope that it's going to be: consumed