Gratitude

On The Road Again

EPEngineer By EPEngineer2 min read569 views

After sitting in my backyard car port for almost two years, I have my baby back. With two different motor jobs done on it and co-workers suggesting I should sell it and others encouraging me to “blow it” somewhere in my backyard (seriously guys?); I was determined to keep it. I have had my car for 13 years, I am the sole owner and I hope to pass it down to my son once he is ready to drive.

One night at work, I was talking to one of my co-workers and he mentioned that after going through a similar experience he was lucky enough to find a trustworthy shop who takes the time to listen to the customer’s problem and troubleshoot the cars while keeping the owner of the car updated every step of the way.
I contacted the shop the following week and was pleasantly surprised when the receptionist got the shop manager on the phone to listen to my problem. After giving him a brief summary of what I thought the issue with the car was as well as everything that was done to it; he gave me a couple of suggestions as how to proceed whether on my own or thru them. We pondered on our options and finally decided to take the car to them.

Car Being Towed.
2000 Acura Integra being towed to Dave’s Automotive Repair.

Within a couple of hours of them having my car in their possession, I got a phone call informing me of the steps taking so far and how they were planning to proceed. After almost two weeks and a couple of phone calls, I got the long-awaited phone call that the car was running and running strong. I have been driving it for a week now and it still feels strong. I can’t imagine myself parting with it.

In summary, if you are looking for professionalism and a trustworthy shop, I highly recommend Dave’s Automotive Repair located in Hesperia, CA. They specialize in a wide variety of Automotive repair as you can see on their website. They are straightforward, explain their findings and inform the customer of the potential cost before proceeding (with your consent, of course).

Dave’s Automotive Repair 

Address Location:
15940 Walnut St, Hesperia, CA 92345
Phone: 1 (760) 244-0212
E-mail: davesautorpair@aol.com
Website: Dave’s Automotive Repair Or here.
Hours of Operations:

Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday-Sunday: Closed

Hesperia, CA 92345

Giving to Heal & Comfort

JM Perez By JM Perez2 min read524 views

While beautiful, the month of September has been quite rough with tension rising and emotions running wild. Somethings have been out of place and we are working hard at getting them right back on track. Hopefully the month will end just as beautifully has it started and we will all move forward to better things.

I learned just a few days ago of the death of a friend’s Mother. I would have received it sooner had I reminded my Middle and High School mates of my change of e-mail address. I am so thankful at how swiftly some of us react when it comes to assisting one another in times of need. A team on site with the collaboration of those of us who can’t be there, is getting everything ready to physically, emotionally and financially support the grieving family as they deal with their loss. I love giving and I am honored to be part of such a positive group.

Image Source: Trans4Mind.com.
Image Source: JustMotivated.com.

Why should you give? For one it’s the right thing to do and it doesn’t cost you much. Give because it will make a difference and because giving is the start of a positive chain of action. What can you give?

  • Your Money. There are so many good charities out there in need of financial support.
  • Your Time. Donate your time to the less fortunate, offer to help feed the needy, help rebuild a home, be there for someone in need. Make a difference by volunteering.
  • Your Material. Donate things you no longer need as long as they’ve been gently used and non-perishable.
  • Yourself. Donate blood (American Red Cross, America’s Blood Centers, Blood Banker). Donate your hair to provide hair replacements/wigs for people who have lost their hair from cancer due to chemotherapy (Locks of Love, Pantene Beautiful Lengths, Wigs for Kids, Children with Hair Loss). Think about the possibilities of becoming an organ donor.

“That’s what I consider true generosity. You give your all, and yet you always feel as if it costs you nothing.” ― Simone De Beauvoir

Thoughts On My Birthday

JM Perez By JM Perez2 min read759 views

“As each day comes to us refreshed and anew, so does my gratitude renew itself daily. The breaking of the sun over the horizon is my grateful heart dawning upon a blessed world.” – Terri Guillemets

I’ve learned so much about myself through the years and I’m perfectly content with my Life.

I am in awe with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ for His gift of Life and unfathomable love. I am thankful for my loving Husband who has not left my side and made it a priority to write me a heartfelt note for the past 14 years, on my special day. I am so lucky to have my Children; they’ve made me a better person, taught me things about myself that I never knew about. I am blessed to have incredible Parents who have always stood by me, believed in me and taught me about not giving up. I’m grateful for my amazing brothers who constantly look out for me. Though the grief never goes away and ebbs with the seasons and the years; I’m grateful for knowing my incredible Sister whose love was honest and true. I know she’s with me, always.

In My 30s (Thirties).
In My 30s (Thirties).

My absolute best moment of last week was when I asked my daughter what she would get for me and she said: Strawberry Shortcake Blueberry Muffin Doll and some cupcake toys. And she added, we could play together. She made me smile all week-long and I found it sneaky that she planned on giving me the same items on her wish list. It is so wonderful of her to want to share her favorites things with me.

Thank you all for hanging tough with me another Year.

Enjoying The Rain

JM Perez By JM Perez1 min read535 views

Yesterday’s rainfall brought so much joy and peace of mind.

It is the second rain we have had since the start of Summer and it was such a relief. Like most weekends, we are always out and about visiting Vintage and Antique Shops, Retail Stores, Nurseries and so much more. One thing I very much wanted to do this weekend was to take the kids to a Park and let them loose.
Instead of doing those wonderful things, we opted to stay home. As of now, the backyard fencing is 80% complete. We got rid of more Oleanders and what a difference! It feels like we gained three feet on that side of the yard. It started raining, so we ran into the garage, sat back enjoying some delicious and nutritious snacks while watching the rain fall. It was a wonderful moment for the kids. As soon as the rains stopped, they resumed drawing on the driveway with Crayola Sidewalk Chalk and we continued digging out more Oleanders.

Hawk.
Hawk perched on a Wire.

Early in the evening as my husband was removing and replacing all the solar batteries, he spotted a Hawk perched on a Wire just above the Sweet Almond Tree.

My Bringer of Serenity

JM Perez By JM Perez2 min read646 views

Finally, after weeks of praying, hoping and waiting; it rained this morning. It was a short moment of heavy rain. Prior to the rain, we had periods of thunderstorm and lightning which started around 5:00 AM until 7:15 AM. My daughter who was still asleep then was awoken by the sound of the rain pouring down as well as the thunder. Once it stopped raining, the sun came out and my husband took his little girl outside to look at the beautiful rainbow.

My Daughter
My Daughter looking at rain drops.

I love it when it rains and I look forward to suit up, get out of the house and smell the clean, wet dirt. Today was different. While it was raining it got hot inside and as soon as it stopped raining it got even hotter. Though the backyard looks beautiful and the plants healthy, the dirt smelled musty for the first time in years. It smelled like decaying organic matter. I checked my younger plants, moved the trash can to the street for our weekly garbage pickup and then I went in to spend some time with my darling little girl.

I am blessed beyond words for having a wonderful family and amazing children. Every single one of them lift me up and renew my Spirit with their love and generosity. From the moment we drop off my Son to school until it’s time to pick him up, I experience great moments with my little girl. We explore, we learn, we play, we watch TV, we dance, we laugh, we plan events, we cock and eat, she calls and talk to one of her favorite persons in the World, we take turns listening to each other …, and she even makes up stories just for me.

Silhouette
Silhouette of My Beautiful Kids.

What I love the most about my kids is that they keep me sane and joyful. They are best friends. They love and have so much respect and admiration for one another. They help each other, compromise and fight fair. They’ve somehow figured a way to give me some space when needed. Her brother though her the ABC’s and 123’s. He reads stories to her every single night before going to bed and they pray together before sleeping (whether I am present or not). Also, they remind me so much of my brother and I at that age.

“Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.” — Deuteronomy 4:9 (NIV)