How to be THANKFUL When You Are Feeling Like A Thanksgiving Grinch

Thanksgiving is just a few days away. Everyone seem to be in auto-control mode and all thankful and grateful. Nothing wrong with that I guess since it's part of a yearly tradition. Yes, Holiday dictates it like remote controls in our brains! And much as anyone wants to admit it, we're like automated gratitude machine for about a week leading up to the day of the feast itself. Fine and dandy I say. But what if you're feeling like a THANKSGIVING GRINCH? You're just too overwhelmed with cares in the world to even care to be thankful? Will you still say thanks and partake in this day of thanks?

Let the Memories Begin...A story of Friendship sprinkled with Magic

"Let the memories begin!" This is Disney's new catchphrase for this year, which can be seen plastered all over the parks and their resort hotels and the welcoming sight as soon as you enter the Magical world that is, Disney. It encourages making memories that are not just memories, but truly magical memories and wonders to last a lifetime. One that touched not only our lives but the life of one particular girl... This is her Cinderella story...

Random Acts of Zhu Partnered with Zensible Mama Gives 2010 to benefit homeless Children

When I decided to hold a Toy drive for homeless children in Charlotte to celebrate my birthday differently this year - which is happening today, Random Acts of Zhu {RAZ} immediately stepped up to the challenge. Cepia LLC, makers of renowned toy Zhu Zhu pets have endowed me with 104 pieces of Zhu Zhu pets to give away to help bring happiness to underprivileged children in my community.

My Birthday Blessings - A Toy drive to Celebrate the Life of Homeless Children

I was born 3 days before Christmas and you know what that means when it comes to gifting! Most often that not, I would get one gift for both my Birthday and Christmas. Though I hated it then, I'm thankful now that I was able to celebrate my birthday and get gifts when I was growing up. One thing that is considered a luxury growing up in Asia and being poor. Truly, it was a blessing to be able to celebrate my birthday every year back then.

I'm older now. I no longer celebrate my birthdays nor get gifts for it but that doesn't stop me from making a difference in honor of my birthday by paying it forward to the homeless children in my community who could not afford to celebrate their birthdays or even Christmas this year! So me gives!

Happy Thanksgiving from Zensible Mama

 May you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Thank you for your continued support.

You are the reason this blog continues to thrive.

Many Thanks!!!

This is for you!
Build-A-Bear Workshop Giveaway
Little Wonder Personalized Book Giveaway
Family Flick Night Giveaway

Do Wishes Really Come True?

I'm no Cinderella. But in some way, I'm like Cinderella. Born poor and worked my butt off more than anyone I knew in my life. I also have step-sisters but I don't know if they're evil since I never really lived with them - don't want to find out! I also have a God Mother but she's certainly NOT a fairy - though it would have been nice if she was - then maybe I would be living like a princess now, in a castle and having a grand life! But nah, I'm NOT THAT Cinderella. And fairy tales only come true in fairy tale land.

Or do they really?

It's My Birthday and I'll Cry if I want to...

Well, yes I used to. Being born in December and close to Christmas has been more like a curse to me growing up. I always get 2-in-1 gift all the time! Karen Rinehart who is also a December baby says it best:

Remember as a kid you had to wait ALL year for an excuse to ask for a gift? And then you got the dreaded, "Combo Birthday-Christmas Gift". And if you DID get an actual birthday gift, it was wrapped in Christmas paper. Bet you got a lot of ornaments too...

It is quite distasteful she decided to ask people to vote to stop this epidemic! I wish her luck.

Well, today is my birthday and though scarred for life with this combonic plague that befell all December babies, I've come to terms with it and is at peace with it now that I'm older and can't care any less! I'd rather forget my age and see about getting rid of my wrinkles, grey hair and all that comes with it each year...blech!

Me & my daughter being goofy with our matching doggies.

My hubby and daughter kidnapped me after work and drove beyond the border of North Carolina to South Carolina to surprise me with a lunch date at my favorite resto in South Carolina: Red Bowl. I was overjoyed! I love this place and the thought of pigging out on my favorite dishes was a huge treat enough!

SUSHI!!! - Vegetable and Sweet Potato Rolls

and my favorite drink Thai Tea

 Red Bowl Lo Mein with Tofu and Vegetables

Sesame Tofu with Brown Rice

Chicken nuggets, Cheese sticks with Brown Rice

As we got home, my hubby pulled another surprise. A home made Tiramisu Cake (my favorite!) which he made while I was at work! I'm stuffed and so loved! Since today is my birthday, I get to be a Diva Queen all day and no one is allowed to complain! Don't you just love it when it's your birthday anytime of the year?

Now, I can't wait for Christmas...

Top 7 Things I'm Grateful For

I have so much to be thankful for but I chose the top 7 on my list since they're closest to my heart and narrated them in no particular order: (warning long post)

1. My Mother

Like any mom-daughter relationships, ours is typically not as perfect either yet to me she's the greatest! She taught me the real meaning of the word "mother" beyond it's superficial representation. In the middle of last year, Mr. unpredictable fate decided to throw my family onto the road less traveled and she, from day 1 was unceasing! She was with me and mostly during the toughest times. She became my beacon of light at the end of the dark tunnel. I can't say enough how much I'm thankful for her. She's done so much for me and my family and still is.

2. My Husband

Who after the sad fate that befell him last year, graciously took on the role of a stay-at-home "houseband" and transformed himself as a motherling to my 5 year old as I took on a different role as a working mother. He became my personal chef, my chauffeur (as to why, the book is on the works), laundry keeper, dishwasher...the list goes on. And in spite of my biatchness at various times, he is so giving. I can't ask for a better husband. He loves me the way a husband loves his wife and beyond- and that I'm so grateful about! I wish him all success on his new Tai Chi School.

3. My Daughter

Will it be overrated if I say she's my life? She's my child, she's wonderful and I love her to pieces. She is the inspiration in everything I do and I hope that someday she'll appreciate this. She's only 5 years old but think like 35. One time I was ticked off with my husband and I said something about going away and this is what she told me:  "Mama, you can't leave Papa. You are married to him. Being married means that you stay together!" Seriously.

4. My Blog

If it wasn't for my blog, I would not discover that another world exists out there that's filled with wonderful people and endless possibilities! It has brought me countless blessings and great online friends that extended offline. I know it needs more work but as of right now, I'm utterly pleased of the success it has attained so far. It's evolving and growing! Most of all, it has helped me discover my passion for charitable works and my love for networking and socializing!

5. My Online and Offline Friends

If you personally know me, you'd know that we don't have family close by in Charlotte. Mine is all over the world and the closest to me is my mom who is in California. Hubby's side of the family is all in New York. Thus, beside my offline friends, You my online friends are now considered "my extended family"! You who I spend countless hours with and who I hang out with seamlessly online or offline. Thank you! You've open a whole new world for me and welcomed me with arms wide open! So grateful to be a part of this awesome community!

6. My Golden Flower Creations

My little altered ego which has been my therapy during stressful times and of which has also brought some much-needed profits online and offline. My long term goal is to grow it and at the same time have fun doing it. If you are a purveyor of handmade creations, then please support my handmade jewelry and craft business. It's made with love. Guaranteed!

7. Finally, ALL the blessings I recently received online. Here are some to name a few:

a) Won 2 tickets to Beauty and The Beast at the Children's Theater Charlotte which became a daughter and mother nite out for me.
b) Won 5 Tickets to Southern Christmas Show and gave three to friends.
c) Free 6 Tickets to Disney on Ice and fun packs for the kids - took friends along to see the show.
d) Personalized Autographed Nike Basketball by Grant Hill

e) Review products from E.l.f (watch out for the review)

f) Featured on WCNC 36 Follow Friday TV twice : @MaricrisG

g) Won Build-a-bear $10 GC and Holly Moose during the 2-part build-a-bear Twitter Party that my daughter and I attended.

Holly Moose™ - Photo courtesy of buildabear.com

I'm blessed. And I'm so grateful. Life is good... Happy Thanksgiving to all of you! Remember all your wonderful blessings no matter how small they are and be thankful for it. Enjoy!

3 O'Clock Prayer for Anissa

Picture courtesy of CaringBridge.org

11/20/09 UPDATE from Peter (Anissa's Husband which has really brought tears to my eyes) :

At this point, mostly what we need is prayer. To my knowledge, I know of prayer chains in Europe, Africa, and North America. Several small towns are praying. Friends old and new, and complete strangers are praying. That’s exactly what we need now. Pray for her to make it through one more night with no more bleeding. Pray for the blood in her head to recede. Pray for her to come out of this.

Please pray for our family. I’m going to need to lean on you all. I’m not as strong as she is.

–Peter

Who is Anissa? Well, you may not personally know her. I don't. But we all know what happened to her on Tuesday which shocked and moved the whole blogosphere and twitterworld #prayersforanissa. I've always been a firm believer in the power of prayer and what opportune time to come together as one praying for her! It don't matter if you do know her or don't. What matters is you're here to pray for her. Community of bloggers coming together for one sole purpose and that is to pray for her safe recovery. We owe it to her as a bloggy sister.

I will start this prayer vigil for Anissa at 3 O'clock. Please join me every day at 3 O'clock to pray for her until she recovers. Just a minute of your time is required. Let's all go down on our knees and pray for Anissa.

And if your heart moves you to help out in the form of donation, all you need to do is click on her badge on my side bar. Grab it too and post it in your blog if you would. You can also follow updates on her condition at this page dedicated to her.

Pray with me! Pledge your time below:

Above all else is Charity

After my successful project for Dress for Success in behalf of Moms at Work Luncheon September of this year, I have been on all-time high since. It feels good to be able to give. Makes it more special when you give of yourself and your service. No money can top that.

I have no money to give but I have something else to give like my hair. I'm growing my hair again this year for Locks of Love. It will be my 3rd year. I also did the Shop for Cure Summer of this year in support of Avon Walk for Breast Cancer while my hubby will again be a Volunteer Crew Team Leader for their walk the 2nd time this year in honor of her sister who is a survivor.

Now we all know that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and if you're looking for simple ways to take part and support Charitable causes, here are some companies that can use some of your help :

My favorite restaurant Panera Bread has re-launched the Pink Ribbon Bagel. Good Taste for Good Cause! The idea was developed in 2001 by Sue Stees, one of Panera Bread's first Franchisees and also a breast cancer survivor herself as a way to help support the cause.

Hungry Howie's launched Love, Hope and Pizza in support of the cause.Great for Pizza lovers. Enjoy your pizza while helping fight Breast Cancer.

Organic Bouquet has a Breast Cancer Awareness Collection that includes organic cookies in support of the cause.

My shop Golden Flower Creations is also participating to support the cause by donating a portion of it's sales of some of these items below for the whole month of October:

Giving is a virtue and there are many ways to help and support any cause. I know it's hard to give when you have nothing to give but it sure does feel good inside when you've done something good. Total Nirvana! 

Please let me know if you're running a fund drive or cause for any organization so I can add them in the list. 




Note: Products mentioned here are not paid endorsements, just my personal choice.

Be Grateful of What You Have

There are times when I dwell on the things I don't have or can't have and fret and sulk about it to a point that sometimes I feel self-pity, it's sickening. I know that it is not healthy to do so but it gets tough not to do just that when times are really rough and you feel really inferior. It doesn't boil from lack of self-esteem but from lack of not having what you crave. To doubly work hard to achieve it while others seem to have it real easy is just disheartening. We all call it the Keeping up with the Joneses Syndrome. Who can't relate to that right?

I was feeling exactly this way when we were up in Huntersville applying our own Guerilla Tactics for a business venture that my hubby is planning to establish in that area. Life since last year has been tough which got rougher due to the bad economy. It was hard to keep a happy perspective when you're scrambling to make finances meet most of the time. Keeping up with the Joneses is nil.

So we went about the day then took a short breather at a nearby Target store. As we were heading towards the checkout aisle to pay for our little indulgences, my eyes caught the figure of this young lady in one of the cashier's booth just next to where we ended. She was unsteadily maneuvering the grocery bag on the bag pedestal while hastily scanning the items infront of her to keep her line up to pace. I must have been watching her so intently that she noticed me looking. She looked at me blankly. No twinkle in her eyes. Not even a sense of care nor a smile. At that point she's probably thinking "here goes another nuts". I looked away embarrassed. But that didn't stop me from secretly eying her again. I was mesmerized with profound admiration.

No, I was not attracted to her. I was attracted to her will-power. This lady got only one arm!I was dumb-founded. Here I was feeling blue about my life and here was someone going against all odd to function efficiently to get on with life. How ironic! I do believe I was meant to see her...

A gentle reminder that we are all blessed in different ways but we just don't see it. All our cares has made us blind. I was blind. But she will be a constant wake up call for me from now on. Her image is etched in my mind and will always think of her when I feel worthless. It may or may not work but there's never any harm in trying.

Noteworthy:

Jessica Cox
Born without arms, Jessica now flies airplanes, drives cars using her feet. The first person without arms in the American Tae Kwon-Do Association to get a black belt and the first woman pilot in aviation history to fly with her feet. A degree in Psychology and is pursuing a career as an international motivational speaker!

 

Barbie Guerra

Lost her arms when she was two. Her story was featured in Ripley's. A mom turned body builder.

What about you? Do you have any poignant experience such as this? And How did it affect you?

Moms@Work - Dress For Success Update

Showing off all the tons of donations from all you lovely folks!

This Thursday, Sept 17 is the much-awaited Moms at Work Luncheon and I'm quite excited to hand over all the tons of donation I gathered from all of you! In behalf of Zen Ventures and Golden Flower Creations, thank you for making my cause a success! I wouldn't have done it without you. Your donations will come a long way in helping the underprivileged & disadvantaged women of America through Dress For Success to help take charge of their lives. Women to Women!

My ticket - more than ready to network!

I will post an after-event update so stay tuned! In the meantime, I'm dancing the happy dance for you and me! Ticket is in hand, I'm ready to meet wonderful moms and have fun! I'll also be joining the Charlotte Moms Like Me group, who is one of the major sponsors of the event, so watch out for me in their booth and at the groups' luncheon table. Can't wait to meet the wonderful ladies behind this cool local mom site in person! Please come say Hi to us!

Special Thanks to:

Kathryn of Blueberry Hill

Lori of Loribelle Designs

Geri of Silpada Jewelry

Kristin of Sweet World Photography

Tiasha - @tstevens312

Martha of A Sense of Humor is Essential

Jackie of The Dancer's Spirit

These ladies have a heart of Gold! HUGE THANKS from the bottom of my heart.

The irony of road trips : Packing { again! }

And though it is soooo outrageous that I haven't even unpacked the luggage we had from our last trip yet {what can I say? I'm a mom with a wicked headache}, this is in a sense a bittersweet treat.

Remember last year, when we were forced to give up our Disney vacation that we intended as a gift for our daughter and how sad it made us because she might not see it in a loooong, long while?

Well, that changed recently. A blessing in disguise! We're actually going to Disney this week. It's not our dream vacation but what matter is, WE'RE. GOING.

My mother and her husband who lives in California are coming for a short visit then are heading to Holy Land in Orlando for a tour - which is of course where Disney is. We're driving them there. An 8 hour or so drive from Charlotte NC. Thankfully, my mom agreed to compensate her taxi drivers with a one day Disney experience which I'm really grateful for.

And though this trip will greatly impact our finances with me missing more days off from work , the sheer delight this news brought to my daughter was more than enough to force me to complete surrender and to just deal with the consequences later. I'm trying to stay positive. All for the love of my child. Just a few of the sacrifices we do for our kids which I hope they'll appreciate when they're older.

Now that Free $250 Shell Gift Card being given away by friends @ BlogHer.com can really come in handy about now but too bad it is drawn right on the day we leave but I'm hopeful. Go join if you haven't yet. They're giving away 5 GC's.

And oh on the flip side, that unpacked luggage collecting some of my BFF dust bunnies by the foot of our bed right now actually makes me semi packed! Funny how things work in your favor sometimes, doesn't it?

Now, while I'm away {enslaving myself as a chaperone}, I'll let you have a wild party in my blog! Just make sure you clean up after the party OK? So, go list your your giveaways and have fun meeting new friends and new blogs - and Oh don't you forget! Save some goodies for me!

Mr. Linky has been moved at the bottom of the blog. If you have a current giveaway, feel free to link it up. And make sure you spread the word! FREE Goodies for all. Thank you!

Making a Difference

When I see a great story or a selfless act that touches the core of my inner being or speaks to my heart, I want to highlight them and draw inspiration from it.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

A new segment of Nightly news with Brian Williams, Making A Difference is one deserving of recognition. It has made such an impact not only on me but to a lot of viewers. It is truly inspiring that during this tough economic times, great deeds and selfless giving still abounds and has not been altered but more so encouraged more philanthropist at heart to give unconditionally... Human saga at its' best!

We all have a giving heart but giving doesn't always mean monetary. This is me. I don't have the luxury of money to give but I have something useful to give which is so a part of ME. Long, black and thick. My hair! My little way of making a difference... Bringing a little happiness to the kids of Locks of Love with a 10 inch worth of my hair!

This is my 2nd year of giving.

Before

The Hair


After
{ picture courtesy of my 4 year old...}

Who is turning 5 years old this April. I'm quite blessed to have a healthy child. I wish all the kids in the world are healthy but like the kids of Locks of Love, they're NOT. As part of my Pledge of Gratitude, I'll continue donating my hair for as long as I can.

Then all this month, 10% of each sales of my shop Golden Flower Creations, will get donated to the cause. I hope to be able to raise $250 or more. Please help me reach it. Your pledge of $2 or more will go a long way!

Please join me in helping these kids.

I know I'll get by with a little help from my bloggy friends...

My utmost gratitude is yours...
If you want to donate your hair, visit www.locksoflove.org and make a difference in the life of a child today!

Glad Tidings

" Let the poor say I am rich because of what the Lord has done for us...give thanks! "

I never realized the truth to these words until...

I went to work as usual on Wednesday morning, feeling uninspired and a little sentimental when I saw the cookie gift bags that everyone else got but not me! Talk about freakin' self-pity! I frackin' hated it!

In an attempt to dismiss the surge of yukky emotions, I blindly went straight to my little corner in the office to find this :

Ever get that sensation that brings tingles to the rest of your body when your senses are piqued with excitement and apprehension of something you know is wonderful ?

So freakin' good! My whole body was awashed with that when I saw this little white envelope sitting on top of my pile of crap {so-called work} on my desk. I was trembling when I opened it. It can't be! Oh but yes it was! It was from OUR MYSTERY SANTA giving us OUR CHRISTMAS GIFT! That's all it took, I crumbled into sobs and tears! Whoever this person is, "I thank God for you with all my heart!" - You have been very good to me and my family... That gift was way beyond better than any home-baked cookies put together that day!

Here are more blessings that I got from generous people I'll call GOOD SAMARITANS :

The prize I won from FIFI Flowers - now hanging prettily on my kitchen wall.

The Prize I won from Twinkling Tees - A Personalized Pink Shirt for my daughter.

The Prize I won from Kandi Wraps - Crossword Puzzles Galore!
one of my best addictions...

Truth be told:
I've never had any luck winning anything in my life until I won all these in successions :
The Lord does provide... especially when you have nothing!

I am Poor but yes I am Rich and I'm giving thanks with all my heart!

{now, if He'll just provide my uber-hubby with a new job soon, then that will be the best Christmas present ever this year}

I wish everyone a
MERRY CHRISTMAS !!!
Thank you... I appreciate each and one of you...

Your Presence and visits here means a lot...
Enjoy your Holiday!

Giving back the Love

As part of my way of celebrating my first sale at etsy, a good sale at the festival and for the people who have supported me in one way or the other, I am giving away a pair of earrings to one lucky winner. And since Zen being my day to day Mantra in life, it's but appropriate that I chose the ZEN Earring as the coveted Prize. All you need to do is leave a comment telling me you want to play. I'll random.org the winner on Oct 15th.

Zen Earring

In this respect, I want to let everyone know that my life right now is like a calm river just free flowing down the river bend.We encounter hits and bumps along the way but with God's grace we are surviving. Hubby hasn't found a job yet. We are currently evaluating our situation and contemplating a move to where we can start a new future. It is a tough process but I believe we will find the right path. Like what Mark_Salinas said : "Your path has not been determined.You shall have more experiences and pass many more milestones during your journey! A fantastic day awaits!"

Yes, I want to hold onto that declaration : A fantastic day indeed awaits! It may not be here in Charlotte. It may not be now, but it will! Thank you to all who had played a role, major or tidbit in this soap opera drama of my life. You are all award-winners in my list!