There is no title for this post because I can't think of one to open the many topics I'd like to cover in this post.

First I'd like to start by asking for your thoughts or prayers (depending on how religious you may or may not be). What I thought would be a simple TB test soon became a need for a chest x-ray. After recieving the results, I was told that there are two spots on my right lung. I will be going back to the health services on campus this week for more tests to find out what those spots are. Hopes are high that they are just scare tissue from valley fever and fingers are crossed that it isn't anything more. I promise to post asap when I know for sure.

This past weekend was the Arizona Jaycees 3rd Quarter Convention which took place in Casa Grande. It felt good to get away but at the same time I was very tired. Last week I had two major projects due so I hadn't been sleeping well. Still at night, standing on the 8th floor on the balcony of the hotel, I could imagine being on a specific cruise ship...feeling the cool wind blowing around me...and looking out into darkness. I felt like I was back several years before when the lights I saw far away were Puerto Rico.

A new President was elected for 2008 and I hope with that also brings a new year of hope. As I told a friend in the Jaycees the other night, "I've heard many stories of how the Jaycees used to be and how times have changed. Although I know some things have to change, there's one that I wished didn't...RESPECT. Back then everyone had respect for everyone and there were no hard feelings between chapters. Everyone worked for the same goal and until that respect and sense of we are a team comes back...I don't see the Arizona Jaycees succeeding." This is my goal. My goal is to bring a state together and knit those bonds that may have been severed years ago. My goal is to put the Arizona Jaycees back on the map. For those who are not in the Jaycees or may not have much knowledge about them...the only thing I can say is that the Jaycees taught me how to speak up and be a leader.

Moving on...

This year will be the last year for my family's Christmas Boutique. This event will take place the second weekend in December at my address. I don't know the exact number but I know that we have been having this boutique since I was still in elementary. Though our family was torn apart, this tradition survived. From baked goods to tamales, homemade wreaths to wooden crafts, dog treats and jewelry, we hope this year will be a successful ending so that my younger cousins may carry a very special memory with them as they grow older.

A child once asked me...
- "If you do not show me the way, how will I know which road to travel?"
I replied, "Your heart will tell you".
- "If you do not teach me everything I need to know, how will I learn?"
"Your conscience will guide you".
- "If I know I can't, then how will I?"
"I know you can, so therefore you will".

~ Monica
& Blue