Jody's Journey

Guidance

2011-11-08T09:31:00.002-06:00

I am feeling a bit lost these days, to be honest with you! I have been praying a lot about what road to take in regards to my career. I have been in the special events industry for almost 20 years, I am great at what I do, but how it is really helping people?

Not really sure which direction to take or what God has in store for me. I know that my heart keeps coming back around to "you want to help people".

It's Been Awhile

2009-03-10T20:09:00.003-05:00

Well, as the title says...its been awhile since I last posted but a lot has happened. My grandmother passed away on February 1st, but Judy, Jill, Jack and I were able to spend a few days with her and mom & dad...where the original 6 Fishpaw's do not usually get to spend much time together. I will miss her and think about her every day!

Danielle is moving in with her boyfriend this month. I am so very proud of her...the woman she has become and still growing into. She has found a wonderful man in Ryan...he respects her, treats her well and loves her for who she is...which is all a mom can ask for in the one her daughter chooses. God has truly had a hand in this and I am thankful.

Alex is working full time and still trying to figure out who she is in this life, where she belongs and what she wants to do. It comes with time and patience, so I just hope she is true to herself and will make the decisions based on her choices not others. She needs to listen to her heart.

I really appreciate and am thankful for my growing relationship with Sarah. She has been dealing with a few things, but God is healing and strengthening her daily. Her and Parker sold their house and are taking some time to themselves.

And the biggest change...I have made the decision to leave Dallas for a year. I am moving to Tucson in April...to work and to help Jill with her 4 kids, while Steve is in Iraq for the year. Please keep Jill's family and Steve in your thoughts and prayers as well as all the military personnel.

Leaving here is a happy/sad bed of emotions. Of course, first and foremost, missing the girls. But the year will pass by quickly and I will be back often. I have also lived and worked here for over 30 years. I am excited about the new adventure and also helping Jill. A definite win/win situation. Telling my friends and leaving my special events industry friends in Dallas is also hard for me, but I will be back.

I am looking forward to what the next year holds for my family.

Holidays

2009-01-03T18:13:00.010-06:00

Well, the holidays were great this year...spent Christmas Eve at Jack & Kellie's...our local family and most of Kellie's family attended. We ate appetizers, drank a little and then opened gifts from each other. Had mom & dad as well as Jill and her family on a speaker phone so we could all share in the gift opening! Here are the local cousins...Jack decided to play "Vogue" in alot of the pics and of course, Scottie played monkey see, monkey do! :)
Then the girls and I had Christmas morning at home and watched the next installment of Harry Potter, seems to be a new tradition in our family.

Sunday, the 28th...Danielle, Alex, Sarah, Parker, Ryan and I went to Blue Mesa for the breakfast buffet then back to Sarah's house to exchange gifts. Santa brought the girls some fun gifts including giving Danielle these signs called Schticks...they have all different saying that you can raise to the cars around you. Here is a pic of the girls...there are signs that also say "Just Drive", call me with a place to write your phone number (I think Alex will be using that one) and then of course, one with just a finger. Danielle says people just laugh if she shows them. LOL
All in all, the holidays were fun for the family. We are all looking forward to the new year...as '08 was challenging for me professionally, but brought many blessings too!

Christmas Is Almost Here...

2008-12-20T18:11:00.002-06:00

Well, we are in the final stretch of Christmas...it being the Saturday before. I am really looking forward to spending time with the family. We are doing things a bit different this year...having appetizers on Christmas Eve at Jack & Kellie's instead of the traditional Christmas Dinner. I really like this idea because we usually fill up on them anyway and can't eat much dinner. We will open gifts from each other that night, while we have Jill, Steve and the boys and Mom & Dad on the phone. Then I will have Christmas morning with Danielle, Alex and Brian and then celebrate with Sarah & Parker Christmas night. I am truly blessed with the family I have and I hope all of them know how much I love and appreciate everything they do for me throughout the year!!

Mavs Game

2008-12-02T10:25:00.002-06:00

Danielle, Alex, Sarah and I went to the Mavericks game last week. We had a great time...and we actually were on TV...the real TV not the jumbo tron. A camera man came by and told us to scream next time the Mavs scored, so he positioned himself to get the 4 of us...we scored, we stood and screamed and then he said he didn't like that take, so he had us do it again. It was funny. We pigged out on junk food and enjoyed a comeback win from the Mavericks. Had a great time and look forward to more games together!

Thanksgiving

2008-11-29T16:03:00.006-06:00

I love my family...we celebrated Thanksgiving last weekend at my sisters house. The Holidays usually bring out the best in everyone and this celebration was no different. We are so lucky to have the family we do...as there are others that don't.

Danielle brought her new boyfriend, Ryan, and we got to meet his son too, of course she was very nervous about it before he got there, cause he was meeting the whole crew, and we all liked him!! Sarah & Parker joined us and are truly part of this family and even started acting like this crazy family. Parker found some new "tea" and just had us all cracking up. Alex had her usual dry sense of humor, the cousins laughing together, past stories being told, mom & dad, Judy and her boys and lets not forget Natalie and Ross, Jack & Kellie and their boys playing with their new friend, Liam (Ryan's son), watching football, lots of laughing and just enjoyed each others company!!! We did miss Jill and her family and Grandmom, but they were in our thoughts and prayers!!

This year has personally brought some challenges to me, but I am truly thankful and blessed with my daughters and my family!!! What more could I ask for?!!!

Adopted Soldier...

2008-10-26T12:55:00.009-05:00

Last month when I went to Branson, mom & dad received the church newsletter that talked about one of the members sons unit in Iraq. There were apparently 8 soldiers that had not received any package or mail since getting there in May. Of course, this just broke my heart, so the girls and I have adopted one of the soldiers...his name is Fabian Galarza. We sent the first box and got a thank you email that was very humble and eye opening and I truly wish some of the media could read it...

"Dear Jody. Thank you for the package and the letter it means alot to me. Well, let me introduce myself as well, I'm also from Texas, I'm from Mesquite but I was raised in Durango Mexico. I'm half mexican and half mexican indian and i was raised on a farm till I was 5. Then my parents sent for me to live with them in America. I join the Army because my Father loved this country and always wanted to be a Soldier, but as only a resident he could not. And then on 9/11 one of my friends thought his mom was killed in one of the towers but luckily she was unharm. I was going to attend UNT in Denton but I lost my father from a stroke during my junior year in H.S, so during my senior year; I enlisted in the Army and proud to say I just enlisted again this past monday for six more years. Coming here from Mexico and be able to see how much of a better life one can have in America is something worth fighting for and to protect. Well thats about it Im not use to writing in english so excuse me if I have so many misspelled words or run ons. Thank you again and all I ask is a letter or email. you can Im old fashion so the small things in Life means the most for me and its a custom for me to say PRAY FOR OTHERS BEFORE YOU PRAY FOR ME its a old indian warrior saying my great grandfather told me when I was a kid. well Thank you again and hope to hear from you soon."

I just wanted to share this with you and hope you will do the same...pray for Fabian and this entire unit. And I will keep you posted.

Branson...

2008-10-09T18:47:00.007-05:00

I went and spent some time in Branson with mom and dad last week to try to get some perspective on my life. One afternoon, I went to Tablerock Lake and just sat there for 2 plus hours (pic is taken from where I was sitting). It was so enjoyable and relaxing...it always is when I go up there. Its just quiet and the Ozarks are beautiful. I now understand why Danielle and Mom & Dad love Missouri. Yes, there are lots of retired people, but there is a lot to do for younger people and kids too. Dad left one day to go pick up mom in Kansas City, so I just drove around...found a place called Stoney Point Village that the kids and grandkids will stay in when we all go up there together. Mom and dad really want us to all go up...Jack - there is a lot of golf courses, Judy - there is water North too, Jill - very Republican town (except for the visitors) and TONS of different things to do for the kids. Anyway, just wanted to share this pic...I love it!

Hurricane Ike - A Moral Compass???

2008-09-20T09:03:00.007-05:00

I know...you are thinking that "wow, Jody has really lost her mind this time!" but just so you know, I lost it a long time ago! :)

Seriously, my daughter, Danielle, forwarded me some pictures of Hurrican Ike from the Boston Globe that also happened to be a blog spot. I was curious as to what people were saying and started reading their comments. Started off with prayers for the people on the Gulf Coast, people commenting about how devastating the pictures are and then I got to a few that really started to bother me and I am going to share some of the ones with you!

First, let me start by saying that while I have my strong beliefs, I am usually the one in my family or around my friends that just sits back and takes in what everyone else is saying in regards to politics and God and faith. But with this blog and comments made, I just can't.

People were blaming God, President Bush, the Government, Global Warming, Christians and anything else they could blame on this Hurricane.

Had an atheist write this in his ignorance..."Funny how after every natural disaster we have people who loudly proclaim that their imagined deity exists and is in total control of our lives and world. Fortunately, as an Atheist, I realize that these hurricanes and tropical storms are not driven by any higher power and therefore I don't take the damage they cause personally. I would think that the tragic results caused by these forces of nature would make we humans think twice about living on or near the coast. Rather than use reason, many people seem to fall back on superstition & find a way to claim that the destruction caused by hurricanes is simply their "god's" judgment on we poor sinners and we better get right or their angry, vengeful god will send even more death and destruction out of love and concern for our well-being. Sorry, I don't buy such BS that ignores reality & does nothing to prepare residents for the next storm that will eventually come. If a belief in your imagined deity helps you cope with a difficult life and an impersonal feeling world, then go ahead & believe but don't expect the rest of us to fall for this line of faulty thought." I about fell over! My thoughts went to, why are people making this tragedy into a place to get on their soapbox?!

Some people actually blamed the weather on President Bush. These kind of comments just show the ignorance of so many people in this day and age. One wrote "this is how greed rules the world" by bringing us a Hurricane as punishment. REALLY?! Because they believe that only rich people has houses by the coast, so somehow they were due.

People started making this a Lousiana/Texas disbute, on who had it worse. I understand there are still feelings about Katrina, but we still have Katrina victims living in Texas and still wanting to take advantage of the government hand-outs. People kept commenting that Texans will be doing the same thing...some might, but most won't. One wrote, "Louisiana is a failed, pitiful excuse of a welfare state, while Texans will get their hands dirty". Is this really the time to be dumping on others?!

I got so fed up reading the excuses and stupidity that I finally posted comment that I am going to share with you as I close out this blog...I could go on for hours about how rediculious some of these people were...by the way, there are now over 4000 comments posted on this blog when mine is number 1205. Incredible!!

I wrote..."As a fellow Texan, my heart and prayers go out to the Gulf Coast families that are dealing with this disaster. As stated many times in these blogs, we will pull together, re-build and help each other every way we can. That is what we call "The Texas Way".

To those ignorant people making political statements, you need to re-evaluate your thoughts, inconsistancies and priorities. It's not about that...it's not the Presidents fault, its not the governments fault, it's not about past mistakes, it's not a Louisiana/Texas fight...it's not anyone's fault! It is pure, plain and simple...a tragedy to which no one can be blamed.

Get off of your high horses and say a prayer for those in need, donate a few dollars or your time and hope that something like this does not ever happen to you, where you might be faced with people like yourself!!!

God Bless Texas, the USA and our Military!!!"

When Life Gives You Lemons...

2008-09-15T13:00:00.003-05:00

Hello everyone...well in my last blog I mentioned that I wanted to get back into the special events world. Well I am trying very hard to make that happen. I've been sending resumes out and found out Friday that I no longer have a position at ViB. I think I could look at this many ways but what I am going to do is look at it as an opportunity to make some changes in my life.

I need change and hope all of you can follow along. I am enjoying living with Danielle (only) again and starting to have some fun. Went to the Women the other night with some new people and hope to do it again soon.

I am thankful to have Stacy as my best friend because she helps me in so many ways you can't even imagine. I am blessed to have her and I hope she knows that I love her and care for her so very much!

I made a discovery that other day that really bothered me. I was thinking about the last time I was "truly" happy with all things around me, and I can't remember when that was. I need to let go of the past and move forward.

So...here's my thought for the day...I am making lemonade out of these lemons and am going to start making my life what I want and need it to be...starting with myself and moving into other directions.

I know that I need to start enjoying my life again and see what plan God has for me! So any positive thoughts or ideas you may have, I would love to hear them!

What to do...

2008-08-24T15:38:00.003-05:00

I am struggling with 2 things right now...

I am missing the special events world terribly and firmly believe that it is my niche in life. I like starting something and seeing an idea turn into a something great that the clients love. The people in this arena are unique and the energy is incredible. So, I am looking for a job back in this industry.

Also, someone from my past is contacting me on a regular basis these days and I have been really emotional over the past few weeks. He was someone that I loved and shared a lot of firsts with...but he hurt me terribly, not just once but twice. He does not live around here so that isn't the issue, but he wants to see me...I just don't think I can do it. There are other factors to be considered and I just am afraid that if I see him, my heart will be right back in the middle of it again. Looking for some guidance from God on this one and hope he will direct me on the correct path where he is concerned!

Rainbows in my storms...

2008-08-03T16:58:00.004-05:00

I know I spoke about what this year has been like in a previous post but the hits just keep coming...last week the air conditioner went out in my house so I was staying at my sisters for a few days...

Sounds good huh? Judy and I spent some time together and then Thursday morning we woke up to the great surprise of 2 of my car windows busted out. We called the police and after a bit more investigation on our part, we noticed the car across the street with two holes in his front car window. Well it seems that some kids decided to drive up the street and shoot up cars with BB Guns. We found at least 10 other cars that were damaged. Police took the report and then now all of us have to pay to get our vehicles fixed. I don't understand the thrill of this act...but I sure hope they get caught.

I am ready for '09...it just seems there are not many rainbows in my storms right now but I am patiently waiting...

Fishpaw Family Reunion Weekend

2008-07-18T16:38:00.026-05:00

First, the newest addition to our Family...Alex with Jaelynn and then Sarah with Jaelynn.

Wow, what a fun filled weekend we had...Jill, Steve, Justin, Jake, Jacqueline and Jaelynn hit town on Friday night, as did mom and dad. I went over to Jack's and we watching Jaelynn & Jacqueline who are just adorable. And to watch Jack & Scottie play with Jacqueline is so much fun.

Saturday we got up and went to the Haggard Park (yes Jill...Haggard Park) LOL for the dedication of Jill & Steve's kids. Later that afternoon, Alex and I headed over to Jack's house early to hang out. We had the Crab Feast and had a great time. We laughed, cried and just enjoyed spending time with each other. We tell stories about the past and debate on politics, religion and other issues, which always make for interesting conversation. We played Rock Band and I scored a 99 on the singing part, go Jody! :)

A few funny stories from this weekend Jacqueline was playing with Alex and she said her name wrong, I told her it was Alex, she then looked at her and said "Alex...whatever". And yes, she is 3.

When we were playing Rock Band on Saturday night, Big Jack kept changing the rules to fit how he was playing so he could play the guitar or drums longer than anyone else.

And sometime during the course of the night, Baby Jack got tired of 2 Jack's, so he called him Daddy Jack instead of Daddy. :)

Jacqueline and I were saying nursery rhymes and we were saying Patty Cake...well, I say "pat it, pick it, mark it with a B...etc." We were doing it and Jacqueline says "us don't pick it". I about died laughing! They roll it and pat it...but they don't pick it. LOL

Mom was reading Dora to Jack, Scott & Jacqueline and a spanish word came up, she looked at them and said, I don't know how to say that and Jack & Jacqueline, in unison, said "Vamanos", and then gave mom a crazy look.

And then Sunday, we went to Judy's for the Family BBQ. Mom and dad had some friends come over, we took family pictures, lots of pictures, ate a lot, laughed a lot...I am sure we are a bit overwhelming (in a good way), but we were very happy that Sarah & Parker were able to experience the whole family. Jill was very glad to get to spend some time with them (even though Parker was not feeling 100%) we feel very blessed to have shared the day with them. We ended up playing Rock Band again and Danielle got a 100% on singing.

What I realized about my family is this, Mom and dad have always been the backbone of this family, we can argue and disagree on things, but when it comes down to it, we love each other, would do anything for each other, always have each others backs and no time, distance or situation would ever change that between us! I feel very lucky and blessed to be a part of this group I call my FAMILY!

My Drive Time to Branson

2008-07-03T21:45:00.003-05:00

Well...I drove to Branson yesterday to stay the long weekend with my mom and dad. It took about 6 1/2 hours to get here and that is a lot of time to drive, think and enjoy some alone time. I had my CD's of my favorites from the IPOD and loved every minute of it. Songs that made me cry, made me laugh, brought back old memories and those songs that made me think about certain people.

On the way up and as I was listening to an old 80's song, my best friend from High School called...Debby. We talked for about 30 minutes and caught up on each others' lives. We live close but rarely see each other...why is that? Is life too busy to make time for those people that saw you through some major events in your life? Something is wrong in that statement...although we are both guilty of it.

We talked about the recent drama in my life and she told me that I need to start living for me again and take some control over a few of the situations I am currently dealing. I know what she tells me is true and I know she's right...as is my best friend Stacy, who tells me the same thing and who is involved in my life on a daily basis.

I know I am strong, I know what needs to be done, but for some reason I feel guilty about that. It's a very confusing situation. I know what is best for me, but I don't want to hurt anyone...even those that have hurt me.

Oh well...I am enjoying my relaxation time with my parents who are always a big help in helping put things in perspective, so when I get back home, I am stronger and can do that things that I need to do to make my life easier!

This probably may not make a lot of sense to some of you, but this is my chance to vent...and my chance to get my thoughts on paper...I do plan to start sharing some of the poems and pieces I wrote over the years...so stay tuned! And thanks for reading! :)

What a Weekend...

2008-06-28T20:10:00.018-05:00

Sometimes I have to pinch myself with some of the friends and contacts I've made in my working life...

Friday night Brian, Jack, Kellie & I went to the Heroes All-Star VIP Party at Palladium. As we were getting out of the car, Mike Modano and Willa Ford were getting out of the car behind us. He said "hi" and continued to walk in the building...waiting in line beside us.

We got a prime spot in the front by the stage so we could be up close for Lifehouse. They played unplugged and were awsome...Jack was like "do I know this group?" Kellie and I kept telling him that he would recognize some songs...and he did! They did play my favorite song too..."Somewhere in Between".

Other party goers included (just to name a few) Donnie Nelson, DeMarcus Ware, Mark Cuban, the Stults brothers from 7th Heaven, David Annabel from Brothers & Sisters and many more.

After Lifehouse came the DJ with dance music. Some 80's, 90's and today...We danced, we sang, we laughed and noticed that there were a lot of very drunk girls on the prowl for their MRS :)
And then today (Saturday) was the Heroes All-Star Baseball game. It was fun to watch DeMarcus Ware and Jett Terry playing baseball and talking smack about each other. All the proceeds went to the Mike Modano Foundation and the Heroes Foundation, both benefitting undepriviledged children. One observance I made this evening...Mark Cuban had the $ for his number on his shirt. I left before the end of the game, so I'm not sure which team one.

All in all...it was a fun weekend...a little drama, but overall a fun time.

I feel very blessed to have the friends I have...like Donnie and Big Mike, so that I can share in a weekend like this...as a guest. Because for the past 4 years, I planned and worked this event at HOB and Gilley's both! Its a lot more fun as an attendee... :) Good Times!!!

Just a thought...

2008-06-25T21:22:00.001-05:00

Actually...someone at work today was talking about things they would have done differently if they were given the opportunity to go back...

I like who I am today, I love the people in my life and I firmly believe that everything I've gone through...the good things...finding love; my parents; the good times (there were plenty of those growing up); Judy, Jill & Jack; my daughters, Danielle & Alex; being reunited with my other daughter, Sarah; the rest of my family; my friends; my determination and inner strength; and most importantly Gods will have made me this person.

And the harder times have made me who I am...divorce; the heartbreaks; pregnancy at 17; the difficult choices; the times I struggled; losing love; and other bad situations all had a hand in it as well.

My sister, Jill, and I were talking a few weeks ago and I made the comment "I like who I am today" and she replied "because you are finally who you were meant to be".

Would you do things differently if you could?????

Welcome...

2008-06-21T12:24:00.002-05:00

Welcome to my blog...life has been quite the journey lately, as it has my whole life, so I wanted to get with the program and have a place to post my thoughts, feelings, etc. and to keep my family up to date.

I have been dealing with some medical issues this week and found out that I have an ulcer...and am supposed to get stress out of my life. Is that just the dumbest statement a doctor can tell you...to not stress. Lets just take a second to think about that...STRESS.

My dad always told me growing up that God doesn't ever give you more than you can handle. Well, I think I am at my limit. This year has been one challenge after another...leaving House of Blues; my father losing his job at ACS; trying to build a relationship with my newly found daughter, Sarah; parents moving to Branson; health issues; money issues and lets not forget trying to be a good mom to Danielle and Alex.

Don't get me wrong...I have many blessings too. Danielle with her kind, big heart and caring ways; Alex being able to make me smile or laugh when I am upset; my parents constant and unwavering love and support; Sarah finding me after 25 years (Parker too); and this crazy family, I love so much, that has always been there for me.

In addition to my family, I have my best friend, Stacy, who lets me cry, laugh, complain and lets me be myself. I do have many other dear friends in my life that are just as important...those that keep me in check (CBC) and those that make me smile just with a text (BC).

So where does one start to relieve stress? Let go and Let God...I have always found that easier to say than do. I have always tried to be in control of things, the event planner in me, but sometimes we just have to leave things to others and I guess this is where I start.

I have been a writer my entire life...it helps me relieve stress and get things out, so I guess that is why I started this blog. So, stay tuned and thanks for being a part of my life.