Family Time

This is the start of a new family tradition, spending the evening at Holiday in the Part at Fiesta Texas. We had lots of fun!!


Christmas time is the best time of the year! It is one of the few times that we see most of our family, as sad as that sounds. With everyone working, juggling their own family life, and surviving everyday events, it is hard to make more time to just relax and hang out with family. During this time of year, we make the time to focus on what is important, FAMILY! Every Christmas Eve, we head over to The Gonzales Family home. Michael's Aunt Mercy and Uncle Joe. Her home is the home where Michaels' mother, Rosa, grew up. Rosa lived there with her parents and 7 other siblings. The Gonzales home is the hub of the Chavez family. We gather there several times throughout the year to catch up, eat great food and watch all of the kids play. This Christmas Eve was no different. But my, how the kids have grown. And now, for the first year, we have our own family addition, Logan. Most of our family was meeting him for the first time. How exciting to see the joy on their faces, and ours. Our time there was fabulous. My parents joined us too, as Michael's family alwaya extends an invitation to them and has done so for many years now.

The biggest part of Christmas for us this year was celebrating with Logan. This was his first Christmas and by far the best for all of us. For being almost seven months old, he was full of excitement and really focused on opening his gifts and touching each one. I really thought that he would not pay much attention and would not have much interest, but as always, he amazed us all. My mom and I are avid resale shoppers when it comes to buying toys and clothes for Logan. I don't feel it is neccessary to pay full price for his clothing since he is out growing them after a month or two. And the same with his toys. We have found so many bargains, that he has more than we ever dreamed. Needless to say, he received some fantastic learning toys, books, trains, etc that will last him a long time. He has so much that I have put some away so I can bring them out in several months as if they are brand new.

I am so looking forward to many years of making family memories. What a blessed life I have.

Someone PLEASE don't answer the phone.....

"Hello"...(silence)......"Hello".....(continued silence)....."Hello, can I help you?"........"Yes mamm, can I speak to....(telemarketer). My response...click.

Is it rude of me to hang up? Should I warn them that I am about to hang up on them? How friendly do I need to be? With their scripted questions and answers, I have no time to discuss what they are selling or wanting me to sign up for. My evening time with my family is my time. I completely understand everyone needs a job, and when they have a job, they need to do what it takes to hold on to it. But who started the business of telemarketing? I find it intrusive and un-necessary. If you know this person, please have a chat with them. Explain that when people spend all day at work, talking on the phone, sitting in meetings and trying to make the world go round, they don't want to come home and continue to listen to the phone ring. It's time for peace and love.

I love the Seinfeld episode where he receives a call from a telemarketer. Seinfeld explains that he is busy. He then asked the telemarketer to give him his home number so he can call him back later when he is at home with his family. Do you think the caller really did it? NO!! But it proves a great point. Why would you do this to someone, when you wouldn't want them to do it to you.

I have found an IPhone app that allows you to set up various voicemail messages for different callers. For unknown numbers and 1-800 numbers, I have a message that states the number they are calling is no longer in service. This has helped reduce some of the calls. But where are they getting my number? Supposedly, you can call and sign your number up on a no call list. I have done this numerous times, but still get calls. We do not have a home phone, only cell phones. And my cell phone is also my work phone. So of course, my cell number has to be used for everything. I guess it's true that our numbers really are being sold for advertising purposes. Why am I not getting a cut of the money? Afterall, it is my phone number. Oh well, I guess it's the price we pay to keep businesses in business. And with today's economy, everyone is looking out for only themselves.

Suppose this is something I will have to deal with. As long as it's not a bill collector, then I will let the phone ring....but I still choose to not answer it.