Well, my goodness! It’s been about a week since I have updated this blog. Told you I wasn’t very good at that, dear readers But while I’m here – don’t forget to click on the Upper Deck box over there on the right —–>

It’s free – all you do is click! It supports a wonderful charity

Anyhow, I received a surprising comment on here today and I was truly touched. If I can inspire anyone, I know I’m not only living up to my name (Greek meaning of Xandria means “Defender of Mankind”), but I’m also living my life and following the paths that I want to be on. So thank you so much for that. That’s why I choose to do what I do. There’s no greater payment than receiving a thank you or a kind word from someone.

I promise to write more in the coming days. Seems like so much has happened since I last updated.

X

July 25th – the day I came into this world. Should prove to be an interesting 24 hrs

Sometimes I wonder why I help so much when people are such a disappointment *sigh*

For PJ

Back from vacation *sigh* It’s good to  be home, but dreading going back to work next week. It was a pretty good time, although we came home a little earlier. Kinda grew tired of all the togetherness. Sometimes I would just like 5 minutes alone to myself. LOL  Too much going on constantly. Now just planning for the annual summer bbq for this weekend so another couple of busy days ahead. Visited my mother this morning and she is doing great. Improving everyday and looking forward to bringing her home soon! Soon I will share and bore you with stories from my vacation, but for now I leave you with this as discussed in a previous conversation:

“You Had Me From Hello” by Kenny Chesney

One word, that’s all you said
Somethin’ in your voice caused me to turn my head.
Your smile, just captured me
And you were in my future as far as I could see
And I don’t know how it happened, but it happened still
You asked me if I love you, if I always will

Well you had me from “Hello”
I felt love start to grow
The moment that I looked into your eyes, you won me
It was over from the start
You completely stole my heart
And now you won’t let go
I never even had a chance you know
You had me from “Hello”

Inside, I built a wall
So high around my heart, I thought I’d never fall
One touch, you brought it down
The bricks of my defenses scattered on the ground
And I swore to me I wasn’t gonna love again
The last time was the last time I let someone in

But you had me from “Hello”
I felt love start to grow
The moment that I looked into your eyes, you won me
It was over from the start
You completely stole my heart
And now you won’t let go
I never even had a chance you know
You had me from “Hello”

In a few short hours I will be leaving for vacation! YAY!!! A few days of relaxation and fun. Just what I need. Everyone have a safe and fun weekend. You’ll be hearing from me soon.  Don’t get too naughty!  x mwah x

xoxo  The X-Girl  xoxo

“All of us have the power to make a difference, but it’s in your power to decide what kind of difference you make.”

Dedicated to King:

Like a movie scene
In the sweetest dreams
I have pictured us together
Now to feel your lips
On my fingertips
I have to say is even better
Then I ever thought it could possibly be
It’s perfect, it’s passion, it’s setting me free
From all of my sadness
The tears that I’ve cried
I have spent all of my life

CHORUS:
Waiting for tonight, oh
When you would be here in my arms
Waiting for tonight, oh
I’ve dreamed of this love for so long
Waiting for tonight

Tender words you say
Take my breath away
Love me now, leave me never
Found a sacred place
Lost in your embrace
I want to stay in this forever
I think of the days when the sun used to set
On my empty heart, all alone in my bed
Tossing and turning
Emotions were strong
I knew I had to hold on

“Waiting for Tonight” – Jennifer Lopez

I think Metallica said it best:

“Then it comes to be that the soothing light at the end of your tunnel,

was just a freight train coming your way”

excerpt from “No Leaf Clover”

Currently listening to one of my anthems: “Decode” by Paramore

Happy Independence Day to all my fellow Americans. God or Goddess bless the troops and I thank my country for what freedoms we do have.

Some updates:

Firstly, the little skits we put on for the kids yesterday was an absolute blast! I need to thank a few people for giving their time and efforts to make this a success: Shelia, Kathy R., Cathy M., Craig, Roger, Bill, Bob, Jamie, Sarah and Mike – you guys are wonderful and did an amazing job! Let me tell you there are some amazing kids at the hospital and a little illness isn’t going to get them down! Their spirit’s are strong enough to get through anything. We did shoot video of the whole thing that hopefully will be getting posted onto YouTube very shortly (Mike). We had so many skit ideas come from the kids that we will have to do it again in a few weeks!

They had so much fun with this and I think they enjoyed being apart of it as well and helping us out. We made sure we had jobs for everyone so even those that were not permitted out of bed could help. Most of the skits were funny or silly, but we did have one that was very dramatic. I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house after we were done and it was a tough one to get through without breaking down in the middle of it. Without saying too much, it was a young boy’s courageous battle against his illness. It had many emotions attached to it: joy, anger, sadness, bravery and triumph. Although the ending was tragic, the boy was brought to life again through his brother’s talented words. I only hope that we captured his loving spirit and did a good job at paying homage to him and his family. I’m tearing up now just thinking about it.

I honestly cannot tell you how these kids have changed my life. After my previous post, I know I’m doing the right thing by the changes I am making in my life. I only hope that one day I will find that someone special to share all this with. I have been accused of trying to help too much or having a “bleeding heart”; but in all honesty we need more people fighting these fights. We need more financial backing to find the cures for cancer, Aids, and many other horrible diseases out there. It’s not about finding the fountain of youth and trying to live forever; but when you look a 5 year old or a 16 year old in the eye that are dying from Leukemia – do you honestly not want to do anything about it? Can you just sit back and let the world go to Hell? I don’t believe that. Remember, it’s not always about giving money either. There is plenty of volunteer work that just need willing individuals who want to give something back with their extra time.

Second update for the day, the charity event last night was spectacular. Although, I was a little worse for wear having not slept since the day before; it was a good time. The Hartley Foundation raised a lot of money towards Parkinson and Alzheimer disease research. It was nice to be apart of it and I did get to meet key people in the non-profit world. Pictures will be posted (or emailed) soon since I have gotten a few requests. There are many events coming in the next few months (not all so extravagant) that I will be posting up the information. It’s a busy, busy time for me.

Lastly, for those of you who actually know me – things are going good. I’ve been smiling a lot more thanks to a certain individual who shall remain nameless right now; but they know who they are if they’re reading this   An individual who shares some of the same passions in life that I do, so the last few days have been really nice. The doctor’s tell us that mom is improving and should be waking up any moment now. We can’t wait to bring her home. My life has been a mess and a little chaotic living in two places, but I would go to the ends of the world for that woman so I don’t care what nonsense I have to deal with. I do it without complaint and with a smile. She always has my support. I know I’m doing the right thing by still being there, but also going back to work and getting some things done in my life. Now I just have to go through the pain of finding a new place to live when I change careers.

Well, that has been my life the last few days. We are having a small cookout today for the holiday. We’ll eat, play games, swim and watch the fireworks tonight. Should be fun. Everyone enjoy it and please BE SAFE!!

xoxo  The X-Girl  xoxo

“All of us have the power to make a difference, but it’s in your power to decide what kind of difference you make.”

So things have been rough since last Friday, but like the saying goes there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel. I did a lot of soul searching and family time this weekend. It really helped the situation. To make a long story short, I will be quitting my job at the firm and coming to head up the foundation my family is starting. Of course, I will have Mr. James Barnes with me for six months to a year, guiding me in the right directions until I can fully take over. We spend a lot of time and money towards charities and the like, so why not start our own 501 (c)(3) and help even more people out. We will still be donating to other non-profit organizations; but we also have plans for our communities which I will be unvailing at a later date. Apparently, this idea has been in the works for some time; but I was just given the proposal over the weekend. I don’t want to spend my life in a career, that while I excel at it, doesn’t really bring me any joy. A lot more to come about this in the future, but I wanted to share my wonderful news!

Also, a friendly reminder: we will be doing the children’s wing this coming Friday at 10 A.M. so please get your ideas in and also anyone that is planning to attend or help out needs to email myself or call Bob D.

Lastly, for those of you who have asked I will be posting pictures from this Friday’s Black Tie Event from the M.S. Gown is being delivered tomorrow…so exciting!!

xoxo  The X-Girl  xoxo

“All of us have the power to make a difference, but it’s in your power to decide what kind of difference you make.”

Ok firstly – Jon & Kate…who cares?!? Personally, I think the whole situation is ridiculous and child services needs to step into that mess. I’m sorry, but exploiting your kids is wrong. The two of them need to get their heads out of their asses and get their shit together, be it together or apart. I’ve never seen the show nor do I plan to. I won’t support something that disgusting.

Perez Hilton vs. will.i.am – Do you care? Who’s side are you on? Do you think it was right for the BEP’s manager to punch Perez after Perez hurled a very ignorant remark to will? Both will and Perez have made statements about the situation.

Anyways, onto much more important news. Firstly, October 10-11 of this year, people from around the nation will be gathering in Washington, D.C. to participate in a march to demand equality for all LGBT persons. I know this is a sensitive issue for a lot of people, but you do not have to be an LGBT person to participate and/or support this movement. The America of today spouts about equal rights and liberties for all; but those of us who live here know that is not the case. I fully support my LGBT friends and will be proud to march along side them so that they may make our elected officials realize that now is the time for full equal rights for everyone!

Lastly, it is official. We are taking the fight to Washington to demand stricter DUI laws and punishments! How is it fair that my mother should have to fight for her life because a 4th time offender hit her?! Yes, you read that correctly. His FOURTH time behind the wheel of a vehicle intoxicated. I cannot describe the pain, anguish and utter hatred this has made my family feel. We are fighting for every family who has ever had to deal with this situation. If you drink – DO NOT DRIVE! People need to start being more responsible about this issue. Going through school I was a member of S.A.D.D. the entire time. I’ve always felt passionately about not drinking and driving. The fire only burns brighter, higher, and stronger now that I am faced to deal with this ugly ordeal. We need to wake up and smell the roses because we are not punishing those that are irresponsible enough. I realize that no matter what you do, there will always be those people that just don’t care and will continue to break laws. Somethings got to give here though. Something just needs to be done. Actions need to be taken. I am fortunate enough to have parents who have contacts. We’ve already spoken to a few Congressmen on Capitol Hill and we are ready to rock it!

Go out and do one kind thing today. I know volunteering isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but start small. You won’t know you like it until you give it a try

Until next time, take care bbs! xoxo