priscilla's Blog

Hey Folks!!

I will be chatting live on-line on Wed 12/19 @ 12:30, right here on our website!!   I would love to hear from you!!  Specifically, what are your goals for 2008?

Yes, Christmas and the New Year are around the corner, but I'm looking forward to January 13!  That is when I will be participating in my 4th marathon in Houston.  Each time, at about mile 23, I get angry at myself and tell myself it's the LAST time I'll go through such a grueling ordeal, but every time I cross the finish line, I'm reminded of the sweetness of accomplishing such a feat.

There is something amazing about going beyond your boundaries!  What are your goals?

I met Lakewood Church Pastor Joel Osteen for the first time yesterday to talk to him about his new book.  "Become a Better You" hits bookstores Monday.

He's as charasmatic in person as he is on TV.  People lined up to shake his hand and get his autograph.

We all know he attracts a huge following.  He leads the biggest church in the country, he's a best-selling author, and he's watched on TV by millions around the world. 

He has his critics.  Some say he's light on Christianity.  Dumbs it down.  Doesn't address how to tackle sin.

Like him or not, people are listening to Joel Osteen.  He's considered a celebrity. 

What do you think is his draw?

Watch the story: 

http://www.myfoxhouston.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail
?contentId=4636738&version=3&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=VS
TY&pageId=1.1.1

Suzy Roberts, the newest board member of Pearland ISD, wants lawyers to clarify the legality of prayer at board meetings.

Currently, board members take turns leading prayer at board meetings. 

Roberts wants to make sure the district is protected from lawsuits and doesn't want to offend people of different faiths.  She would also like to give spiritual leaders of different faiths opportunities to lead prayer.

 That has sparked a huge debate in Pearland with angry e-mails from parents and pastors pouring into the district's office.  

Of the several e-mailers I contacted, only one was brave enough to step up to the plate and talk on-camera.  Mike Sellars is a Christian whose four children graduated from Pearland schools.  He says the district has thrived BECAUSE of prayer and worries Roberts' request will chip away at the values of many in his community. 

What do you think is the solution here?   Can you blame either side for taking a stand for such an emotional issue?

Potlucks are one of my favorite social events, because they give me an opportunity to cook something new! 

I will never forget my most embarassing potluck moment though.  It was an "International Potluck" and guests were asked to share and sample something from around the world.  I brought a 7-layer Mexican dip with chips.  When I arrived, I brought the dip to the table, opened the bag of chips and left it there.

Shortly afterward, the host took the bag of chips and came back with them in a beautiful bowl.   I was embarrassed, because I should have placed the chips in a bowl to begin with!   Needless to say, I am no Martha Stewart, but I've since learned that presentation is key! 

What do you like to bring to potlucks?  Do you bring the same dish over and over because it's always a hit? 

I met a couple who was determined to fly to Cancun this morning even though Hurricane Dean could hit that area next.  

While other American tourists were scrambling to get OUT of Cancun, this couple went there anyway.  This was the only time they could go because of scheduling conflicts.

If this was the dream vacation you were planning for a while, and if this is the only time your schedule allow you to go, would you chance it and fly out anyway?  What would you do if you were in their situation?

My sister is expecting, not me!  She is on bedrest as she waits for the arrival of Baby Boy #3 later this month.  

We grew up with three girls.  No brothers.  My poor dad.   Maybe my sister has all boys because she wouldn't be able to handle a girl. :)

When she and her hubby first found out this was Boy #3, they were disappointed.  They wanted a girl so badly.  The good news is her attitude has transformed as she's reminded again and again how blessed she is to have a husband and kids at all.

If I'm blessed with children, may I remember that, too!!

How many brothers and sisters are in your family?  Growing up, what did you want for children?  A boy and a girl?  An only child?  Didn't matter?

I heard about a girl who wrote a book when she was 11 years old!  Her name is Nancy Fan Yi, and she wrote "Swordbird."  She loves birds and was inspired to write the book after having a hard time finding books about birds at the library.

That made me think about my favorite childhood books.  Just about everyone can remember "Where the Sidewalk Ends" by Shel Silverstein.  The characters of Amelia Bedelia, Madeline, and Encyclopedia Brown also bring back fun school day memories!

Looking forward to hearing YOUR favorites ... AND your children's!

I covered the story of a pilot who made it his mission to fly around the world solo!   If Captain Barrington Irving completes his mission as expected this Wednesday, he will become both the first black AND the youngest pilot ever to travel around the globe solo! He is only 23.

In the last three months, he flew from several cities in the U.S. to Spain, Greece, Italy, Egypt, India, Thailand, Hong Kong, Japan, and several more!

Since Capt. Irving couldn't afford his own plane, he had his single-engine plane built with $300,000 worth of donated parts from several different manufacturers!   He named his plane "Inspiration."

I am impressed by this young man's maturity.  He seeked out resources so he could chase his dream.  It's hard to remember this pilot is still a college student! 

He has much for which to be proud.  I'm sure you do, too. 

What  personal accomplishment are you most proud of?

Anything PASTEL works best for me!  I was planning on wearing the short-sleeve pink  sweater I wore today, but I covered two fires this morning, and needless to say, the sweater now smells like I've been hanging around a campfire a little too long!!  

I can always ask the dry cleaner to do a RUSH job for me, but I'll probably wear something else.  I'd like to wear a pink or "salmon" shirt with a khaki skirt.  Hopefully the showers won't be too heavy on Easter, otherwise I'll have to change my plans and wear pants instead!   Also, the rain might mess up all the kiddos' cute little Easter outfits!! 

What are the favorites for you and your children?

I've been working the early morning shift, and I'm trying to stay away from coffee!  

I've been downing tea (Lipton's Vanilla Caramel Truffle!) and when I really need a boost,  I reach for a Diet Mountain Dew.

The temptation to drink coffee can be so strong, especially when I smell it!  

What do YOU consume to kick-start your morning?

I just completed my third marathon on Sun. March 4th!  It was a thrill because I ran it in my hometown of Los Angeles.

It was grueling!!  Temperature jumped to about 80 and there were many more hills compared to the Houston route!   The Los Angeles Times described this course as "flawless."  I definitely do not agree!

Some highlights included seeing Bily Bob Thornton cheer on runners at Mile 14 and getting water from Ken Davitian, the actor who portrayed "Borat's" sidekick in the movie.  He volunteered at Mile 3 to pass out water.  Only in Los Angeles!!

The thrill of crossing the finish line this time wasn't as exciting as my two previous marathons.  Is that a sign of burn-out?  Does it mean it's time to hang up the running shoes?  Half-marathons are so much more fun and less grueling on the body.

We'll see what happens when Houston's marathon season rolls around again this summer!