Family is for Life

Yesterday my little man had his last open house of the school year along with a three song performance and we got to share in the closing of his first grade year.  He gladly took us on a tour of his classroom and showed us some of his work on display.  Am so proud of the person he is becoming.  As we toured his classroom he confidently stopped and chatted to a few of his classmates and he just looked so comfortable and happy. As I walked down the hallway of the familiar elementary school I couldn’t help being thankful for the change one generation can have.  When we were children our family life was mostly chaos due to poverty, alcoholism and domestic violence.  Mom was the only one that ever showed up to our school events.  Thus, to see my nephew coming from a now healthy family really makes me grateful.  It’s wonderful what a new and improved generation can accomplish.

My dapper nephew.

His first published book!

Though we had many challenges in our family nucleus when I was a child, the value of family is one that my Latino culture holds above all.  I am really close to my now healthy family.  In our home, we learned that blood is thicker than any other relationship and we mastered forgiveness.  My mom comes from the mindset that marriage and family are for life and she bravely stuck through the painful years.  She showed us, through example, that family forgives all, hopes for a brighter future (especially in dark times) and always loves with great mercy.  To us family is not something that expires once we reach the legal age of eighteen, it’s an ongoing life commitment.  My parents never adopted the I am free after eighteen years of parenting - in fact even now as my oldest sibling is past forty my parents are our voice of wisdom.  We go to them in our troubles and value their input in our lives.  They will take care of us and we will respect and value them until they reach the grave.  It’s a given that we (my siblings and I) will take care of them when they can no longer take care of themselves.  There’s no removing my aging parents from society into an old peoples home in their future. 

A future fashionista! He asked his mom to buy him a bow tie because 

he wanted to look extra handsome for his performance (smile)!

We are tight because we love each other and no amount of injury, hurt, or brokenness will come between us.  Family is for life!  When I was growing up and especially when I neared my eighteen birthday I realized that the silent commitment that my family has to one another is not the popular mindset in American society.  I think it stems from our disposable mentality.  Even in the realm of people society makes it ok to get rid of people once they can no longer contribute.  The am free after eighteen years of parenting is utterly selfish.  How can we ask our children to help us as we age when we are telling them that we will only vow to take care of them for a specific number of years?  Every generation should be better than the last!  Sometimes that means keeping the values of our ancestors.  Am so glad that I come from a traditional family one whose values are for life.  For I know that they will never dispose of me and I will never discard them either.       

Showing off his teacher, works and classroom. 

    

33: The Pope Room

Yesterday I spent some time in the Pope Room at Buca di Beppo Restaurant celebrating my good friends thirty-third birthday. While Hallmark hasn’t made the age of Jesus (before he died) a milestone birthday to Christians our thirty-third birthday holds great significance.  A priest advised me to practice dying to the world this year (as I too turned thirty three) in remembrance of what Jesus did for me.  I am a chump for sentimentality and his recommendation really inspired me to continue my conversion.  I shared with a friend what this wise priest had suggested and my friend began to argue that he didn’t really understand the whole notion of assuming that the physical world was bad; thus, prohibiting Christians to enjoy material possessions.  God created the physical world for our enjoyment and I am a firm believer that God wants us to be happy here on earth and to gratefully enjoy the material gifts He provides.  My understanding, of what Father suggested was to die to the things in the world that keep me from God and suffocate my spiritual growth.  I took a deep look into my life and the things that occupy my time and treasure and realized that all sorts of things keep me from God.

For one, being bipolar and constantly monitoring my emotions has created a barrier between God and I.  Sometimes, I am so tired and I give into my fatigue and skip on mass- this year alone I have already missed more than five Eucharist Sundays (yikes).  Again, during at least two weeks of each month I am so exhausted that I zone out watching way too much Netflix and skip out on prayer and spiritual study.  My feelings control me a great deal and while I strive to be a mature lover and to do things even though I don’t feel like doing them sometimes I throw tantrums and just avoid all spiritual exercises. Am really working on finding the strength to change this bad habit of giving my feelings way too much power; but, it’s difficult to change old ways (but not impossible).

Birthday girl in green.

Over scheduling is another problem that keeps me from God.  I am learning that a busy schedule doesn’t define a deep spiritual life.  This year I have tried to not be a Catholic socialite and attend every event my parish or even dioceses creates, rather jealously choosing only a few events a month to participate in.  Though, at first dropping some activities made me feel guilty – God is showing me how to balance my life a bit better.  These past few months I have committed to doing less activities and I am really enjoying the stability and in my moments of rest am beginning to hear God’s guiding voice.

Yum giant ice cream!

My answer to the familiar question, do you like to shop was always a firm no, but as I look at my crowded living space I realize that I do.  The way I administer my money is a joke! Though I use some of my money to sponsor a few great causes and do tithing I still spend way too much money on myself. 

I photo-bombed a picture with Pope Francis.

While these are just a few of the things that keep me from God, I know that my walk with Him is forever and He will continue to help me become more like Jesus.  Though, lately I have been feeling like a horrible Catholic focusing on of my shortcomings I know that God (like the perfect Father that He is) smiles upon my attempts towards sanctification.  This time of introspection has also given me areas to work during this special year.  I know that He will continue to guide me and will never give up on me no matter how many times I fail.  I want to die to materialism, impatience, intolerance- to all those worldly sins and make room for more of Him who loves me.

The Pope Room

Part Two: Confessions of a Catholic Material Girl

After categorizing my over one-hundred plus shoe collection according to brand, color and style on an excel spreadsheet and doing inventory on how many times I have worn each pair.  The shocking results showed that I have never worn (not once) over twenty-pairs in my collection; routinely I rotate among a batch of 12 pairs of shoes almost all flats and the other 80 pairs of shoes sitting in my closet have been worn under five times.  Getting this data together helped me see that I have a problem, a shoe problem.  Thus, I went on a shoe diet and stopped buying two pairs of new shoes on payday and changed my habit to if necessary occasionally buying a quality used pair.  I also got rid of ten pairs as one of my Lenten exercises and was feeling really good about myself refusing to call it an addiction and humorously laughing that it’s my lovely collection.  Until I took a serious look around my room and saw piles and piles of stuff everywhere- it seems like I have several unacknowledged collections!

BCBG Two-Toned Pump-Goodwill $12.99, Free Press Statement Necklace-Nordstrom Rack $14.99, Rubbish Leopard Sweater-Yard Sale $1, Skirt Refashioned by Me 

I didn’t have to do more spreadsheets to see that I have tons of make-up, jewelry, clothes, scarves, belts, gloves, hats, books...  Everywhere I turned I saw evidence of my consumption problem, of my excessive shopping sprees.  Things that I have never worn spilling from my closet, drawers and floor –including hundreds of unread books occupying tons of shelve space.  I recently began to learn about fast-fashion and while most of my items are quality pieces the way I shop might as well be fast shopping!  Through years of sales and bipolar shopping sprees I have become a materialistic Catholic!  I began to meditate on scriptures like: “do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy…” or the image of the raining manna in Exodus where God tells Moses to only gather what each will need.  I looked at my space and saw excess way more than I needed of everything!

All this time I prided myself in my thriftiness, my recycled fashion sense and my ability to constantly donate to secondhand organizations.  Yet, I continue to buy, to hoard and to discard.  These actions have serious effects, though I donate constantly bags of stuff to Goodwill I have come to learn that a lot of donations end up as waste because our society has turned into a disposable society.  People are getting rid of cheap clothes at such fast rates that thrift stores are forced to throw out a lot of donated stuff. I had imagined that my dresses and heels were being worn by underprivileged women and that my sweaters were keeping the less fortunate warm- but the reality is that (according to research) very little of my donations get purchased.

As I looked at my over-stuffed closet I realized changes need to be made…  While the thought of cleaning out my closet and my living space quickly came to mind as a possible solution.  I realized that donating my stuff is a temporary solution because at the rate I shop my closet will soon be full again...  

Turn in next Monday for part III...  

Part One: Catholic Fashionista
Part Three: Spring Cleanning

There's No Fear In Love

Yummy food, drinks, deep spiritual talk and friends!

Sometime ago my parish priest and I were enjoying lunch together, we were engaged in this great conversation and eventually it led to why I was still single.  He suggested I put myself out there and start actively looking for my husband.  Though, I told him I thought the single life was my vocation he insisted on me putting myself out there.  His words left me contemplating marriage in a manner that I hadn’t before and I decided to maybe just take a peek to see if God wanted me to open myself to the marriage vocation.  The following Sunday as I visited Saint Vincent de Paul Parish for mass during the announcements a beautiful woman (with the greatest set of curls) invited us to Theology on Tap.  The event was described as an opportunity for young, Catholic adults to meet, enjoy good food and drinks along with a faith-filled talk.  After my chat with my parish priest the invitation seemed like a nice way to put myself out there.  Since then I have attended most (of my now parish SVDP) Theology on Tap events, and though no romantic relationships have been established I have met wonderful people that inspire and motivate me to press on and continue walking with God.

Last Night's Theology on Tap Group

Am not sure on the success of the Theology on Tap movement in bringing spouses together, but I can testify that it’s a great way to meet other believers who love God and want to contribute goodness to the world.  It’s also a nice way to bring God into the world and such a blessing to be able to meet at a bar and celebrate in unity God’s redeeming love.  As I talked to some of the new women that showed up last night I realized that am not the only person having difficulty finding my better half.  While there are many dating websites and events that aid in making the process easier- it’s nice to know that I am not the only one coming empty handed.  All in God’s time…

Listening to the priest’s recommendation to be in the lookout for my husband has brought a lot of healing.  I realized that fear was the reason I didn’t want to get married.  Growing up in a chaotic, alcoholic home made me steer away from involving myself with someone that would eventually hurt me.  I was afraid that I wouldn’t be able to cope with the pains of marriage and family, but as I have given myself to God, He has filled me with His strength.  I have learned that the things in life that give the most pleasure can also be the ones that inflict the most pain – but keeping myself in a protective bubble is not living.  Thus, after a few years of taking a peek into the marriage vocation my heart and mind have changed and now I await for God to send the one He created for me.  The one God wants me to help sanctify and the one who will help sanctify me (smile).  

      

The Green Catholic

Sorry for the poor quality, they are vintage photos LOL

Once I was in the middle of a spiritual discussion in one of my young adult affairs and I expressed my passion & support for animal rights and the preservation of our planet.  One of the men confused me with the stereotypical tree hugger and advised me to use my time and energy more wisely and on more crucial issues like all aspects of human rights (since the value of human life supersedes everything else).  Obviously God made man the top of the food chain, but He also gave us strict instruction on caring for creation.  I grew up surrounded by animals in nature and my parents taught me to value the natural world.  My earliest memories include lots of animals and fields of wild flowers.  In fact, my mother has a natural remedy for most ailments and growing up she was our main physician- we really only visited the doctor for serious cases like surgeries (she’s just that good)! 

Exploring the Amazon Jungle...

I loved the gigantic lily pads in the Amazon River and the Condor atop Mt. Huyana Picchu. 

Some years ago I visited the Amazon Jungle, for a week I was literally in the middle of the most abundant paradise free of all signs of civilization.  Everything really is so much bigger in the tropical forest due to the thriving vegetation, butterflies and snails are the size of my face!  The days in the Amazonia went by so quickly and though at the time I was an agnostic I remember thinking as I floated on a small canoe along the Amazon River that if heaven existed this is what it would look like.  On a night canoe ride the stars filled the sky and the music the various creatures sang was sublime.  Every morning all types of monkeys would come close enough for us to enjoy and we had a colorful toad as a bathroom mate that made showering quite the experience.   The deeper we went into the jungle the more tourist we lost (they went back to the border of Brazil and Peru).  For a week it was just my three friends, our tour guides and I; thus, the rainforest felt like it had been created just for us- at times just for me. I didn’t have access to any modern conveniences, so most of my days I was either exploring the wilderness or resting in a hammock contemplating my great surroundings.  During a hike our tour guide, who spoke like Captain Sparrow, rubbed some potion he concocted from tree zap and a flower all over my friend because mosquitos had feasted all over her body. The potion alleviated the itchy and puffiness of the bites immediately.  As we walked through muddy paths he pointed out various plants that heal all sorts of complications.  He also shared how a lot of the Amazonia is endangered as a result of our greed (known as deforestation).  Logging companies are exploiting Brazil and destroying the rainforest!  After experiencing the all-consuming beauty of this place and listening to Captain Sparrow speak with sadness and rage about the destruction of his home – it’s hard not to care.  I want the rainforest to be there for my children and my children’s children and all generations to come!  I want the indigenous tribes that call the jungle their home to continue having a home.  I want the species that call it a home to also have a home.

Rowing, Rowing down the Amazon River... (Captain Sparrow is behind me)

The picture doesn't do it justice- simply heavenly!

Exploring Machu Picchu.

My desire to care for the planet and its creatures is not a fad – it stems from love and my Christian duty.  Our world is hurting in many aspects, but I truly believe that God gave each of us a very specific love for a particular cause.  I believe that He engineered each of us in such a unique way that if each of us followed our inner compass it would direct us in a very determined path.  While I am fighting for green and animal rights and my fellow Catholic brother is fighting for human rights we’re each following God’s will, but are addressing various needs.  For me to be the most comfortable around animals is natural- it gives me great pleasure and instantly connects me to God.  I see God in nature.  Although I would love to have time and energy to fight all the battles that need defending- I know that I can’t.  Thus, I have chosen based on my passion what I want to help improve.  I have friends that are passionate about ending abortion and are prolife advocates that spend most of their free time and resources giving to the cause.  I have others that help recovering addicts and alcoholics.  Still others that work with the elderly, prisoners and the homeless… The needs are great in this fallen world and there are so many ways we can individually contribute ourselves and our treasure.  Whatever you decide based on your God given talents go for it because every cause needs workers- and am sure that doing good (whatever that might be) makes God smile. 

Before climbing the mountain behind me and coming out of a cave.

With the Peruvian Lama's!

Part One: Catholic Fashionista

Recently Regina Magazine (a Catholic on-line periodical) was calling all Catholic Fashionistas to submit a piece for their Spring Style Offensive and a friend thought I should submit a post since she thought my Sunday Modesty pieces would be perfect.  In the email that was forwarded to me the editor of the magazine joked about the fashion piece request since it dealt with something as superficial as clothes and serious Catholics generally prefer deeper more significant readings.  After doing some research on the topic of Christian Fashion I found very little and even less when I looked for Catholic Fashion.  What I did find were a few women like myself desiring a Catholic magazine that celebrates the art, beauty and craftsmanship of fashion.  A magazine that works at redeeming the fallen art because women like myself who work daily at transforming themselves into true images of Christ also enjoy clothes and shoes. 

I even found a pastor who for the past two years has created and hosted an event called Christian Fashion Week.  Which reminds me, at my parish once a year we have a fashion fundraising event and though it’s put on and geared toward older ladies it’s nice to know that our church is open to speaking about not so popular subjects.  Pope Francis said, “An authentic faith- which is never comfortable or completely personal- always involves a deep desire to change the world, to transmit values, to leave this earth somehow better than we found it.”  How can learning about fashion make us better stewards of creation?  For one we can learn about the effects of cheap fashion (producing new styles cheaply and quickly to reap big cash rewards) and how our consumerism is creating so much waste, increasing pollution and exploiting workers.  These days with the popularity of chains like Forever 21, H&M, Old Navy, ZARA- we are buying literally tons of clothes a year and because their value is so cheap and not made to last we discard pieces after a little more than one wear.  Due to fleeting trends, fast fashion has become the new making money scheme.  Most stores are no longer supplying new inventory seasonally, but weekly if not daily!  This means that the craftsmanship and quality has degraded.  Now oversees manufacturing companies produce quick, cheap and sizable orders to meet the greedy demands of American consumers.   With record low prices on cheap clothes people don’t think twice about their purchases. If the shirt purchased only lasts one wear- it is easily justified by the bargain price.  Due to such low prices and low quality we have become a disposable society.  One wear and we can afford to throw them out- we even feel justified that since we paid so little we can get rid of it quickly. 

GAP Dress $15 - at the GAP, GAP Cardigan - Gift, 

Steve Madden Hoppe Bow Flat at Ross - 12.99, Star Necklace - $1 Yard Sale

I am guilty of this, I am a sucker for a sale.  A few months ago I was at the GAP and I bought four pairs of pants, six t-shirts and two dresses because they were on sale.  With the happiness of the great deals I didn’t try anything on knowing that everything was a final sale, meaning no returns.  When I got home and tried things on I didn’t like the majority of the stuff I bought because the fit was off, but I comforted myself with the happy thought that I had paid so little.  As I thought of Christian fashion I realized that I need to be converted in this area – I possess a disposable mentality.  I looked around my room and it screams excess, excess, excess… I have too many shoes, clothes, make-up, jewelry- I am drowning in so much stuff!  Before I consoled myself thinking that since I donated bags to Goodwill my shopping ways could continue, but I am helping pollute the planet and supporting bad work practices in other countries!   I am suffering from greed and hoarding and I think I need an intervention!  This whole assignment on Catholic Fashionistas really got me thinking and put things in perspective bringing a desire to change.  My name is Penny and I am a shopaholic!

Turn in next Monday for part II...
Part Two: Confessions of a Catholic Material Girl
hPart Three: Spring Cleanning         

My Week in Gratitude:

The most common type of prayer is that of petition, God I want this, I need this, can I have this... I am very good at asking for things from God, but not so natural at at saying thank you. Sometimes the initial cheer caused by an answered prayer request causes me to run to share it with my family and friends before I remember to halt and thank my Father for granting my petition.  Usually, after I have shared with at least one other person I remember to express my gratitude to the One that made it possible.  Thus, this past week I kept my eyes open for any and every opportunity to express my thanksgiving and here's what I came up with.

My week in Gratitude:

Wednesday: Thankful for poetry. I love words especially when they are combined to create vivid pictures and Pablo Neruda is quite the master! 

Thursday: Thank you Father for all dog owners who walk their dogs! One thing that will never fail to put a smile on my face is the disposition of a dog with his tail flying in the air as he shares a walk with his best friend (SMILE).  Here's a dog walker I came across in LA.

Friday: Home grown avocados anyone?  I love my daddy's garden which includes papayas, limes, avocados, tomatoes, various types of chile peppers and an array of colorful flowers.  Am not sure which I am more thankful for: my daddy's garden or watching him work in it (smile).

Saturday: The dog beach makes so many dogs thankful and happy - while mine hates water he loves to romp around with other spoiled doggies.

Sunday:  Every time I listen to the homily during Mass I thank God for the changes that came after Vatican II and for being able to understand everything that goes on during the Eucharistic Celebration- I especially love attending Spanish services (smile).

Monday: Thankful for my other pet, Sunny.  This vibrant guy is a rescue that I found being harassed by crows at the park a few years ago. Though I don't like having birds as pets this lost, domesticated fellow needed a home - he's such a character, quite the trouble maker; but such a loving, singing, sweetie pie.


Tuesday: I am thankful for art.  My nephew is super creative and loves to give us his art for special occasions, he always draws things that he knows we love.  Here are some of his reproductions of my pets. 

This post made me happy, I live in a pool of abundance - God has given me so much!  It's nice to take the time to recognize His gifts and to give credit to the One that provides so much luxury every single day of my life!

Overcoming Distress Disorder

Family day at the beach.

When I was a teenager I learned the power of making goals and I planned most of my young adult life around my college education.  As I graduated from university and completed the secondary teaching credential program I was stuck not having thought further than that in terms of goals.  However, during the transition from student to career woman I had my mental breakdown and until recently all of my goals revolved around my need to get healthy and regain my sanity.  My early life plan wasn’t designed to include years of recuperating and relearning to trust & believe in myself.  After hearing voices and suffering from severe hallucinations simple tasks needed to be relearned and slowly I began to take on responsibilities. For a long time I had to rely on my family to separate the real from the fantasy that my mind was creating I had to consult them before making any decision to make sure that it was a reasonable choice I was making.  The healing process has been terribly slow- I am speaking years of recovery from the damages of a single, massive, bipolar manic phase.  To this day, I am still working on overcoming the trauma and distress intolerance that were left behind from that intense experience.

The dog beach.

A few weeks ago, during therapy as I completed my yearly evaluation with my therapist I told her about how at nights I still have anxiety before I go to sleep.  During my breakdown I went through a two-week period where I couldn’t shut my thoughts off and during the nights I mostly laid awake in bed unable to sleep.  Due to the euphoric mania- I wanted to stay up reading the Bible all night, sleeping felt like a total waste of time and I had unlimited energy and an unstoppable racing mind.  Now usually with the meds I take I can sleep fine every night; yet, before I fall asleep I always get anxiety thinking I won’t be able to stop my thoughts and fall asleep.  What I learned is that people deal with emotional distress differently.  A healthy person knows that disliking unpleasant emotions is fair, but accepts that they are inevitable and rides through them. I on the other hand, experience unpleasant emotions as unbearable and feel the need to get rid of them- this breeds a whole lot of problems.  Usually I try to avoid these overwhelming feelings by overeating or excessive sleep.  The discovery that I need to relearn how to deal with emotional distress really inspired me because I have never been a person to run away from problems- though I can be a procrastinator I like to confront things head-on.  Learning that at night it’s fair for me to have anxiety (after what I have experience) and understanding that by riding the wave of nervousness I am confronting the fear and healing in a healthy way really encouraged me.  This too shall pass, I will rise above my troubles.

Mom with her girls.

As I accomplished my educational goals my motto had always been "no pain no gain," but after experiencing such a traumatic event following the death of my brother I unconsciously ran away from any situation that caused discomfort and ran directly into junk food.  If I was feeling anxious I would go and buy food to comfort me and direct my mind away from my inner turmoil to the momentary high of chocolate and sweets.   Identifying with my therapist that I have a case of distress intolerance has given me a eureka sort of experience.  I understand now that when I am feeling anxious over going to bed, showering or any other activity that I have to do on my own riding the uncomfortable wave is the best option.  However, this experience of being a plus-size woman has really given me personal insight into obesity.  I used to think that people that where heavy were lazy and didn’t control their hunger urges, but now I know that it’s a deeper issue.  It stems from all types of inner turmoil and struggles.  Yet, there’s always hope and help, one just really needs to be open to it.  For the past month I have been working on no longer eating sweets when I feel troubled, rather I repeat to myself one of my favorite Bible parts of a verse this too shall pass - I have been riding the wave of anxiety and slowly I am seeing the weight come off (smile).           

      

Should Women Wear Pants to Church?

My first encounter with long skirts came in 2008 a year after I joined Jovenes Para Cristo. After a year of arduous formation I was ready to serve on retreats only to learn that the strict dress code (for women) included a button-up-long-sleeve-shirt accompanied by a long black skirt.  When women served on retreats or special events pants were prohibited.  In addition, at that time the priest of that parish encouraged women to wear long skirts or dresses if serving as Lectors, Hospitality or Eucharistic ministers during Mass.  The long skirt issue had long been battled way before I joined JPC and was not budging.  Thus, I just submitted to the long skirt requirement without a fight.  It was a humbling experience to accept the rules and invest on plain, long skirts.  I hated wearing a uniform, I’ve always enjoyed creativity in my manner of dress even when I am a bridesmaid I detest wearing the same dress everyone else wears.  Ah the woes of vanity (smile).

ECI Jumpsuit, Gold Coin Belt = Yard Sale $1 each 

Hot Pink Jacket- T-J Max, Michael Kors Purse- Ebay  

There’s a verse in the Bible in book of Deuteronomy that states that a woman must not wear men’s clothing and vice versa because God detests anyone who does this.  Some people think this verse prohibits women from wearing pants because pants were traditionally worn by men.  However, in biblical times men wore tunics not pants.  In addition, the new covenant initiated by Jesus supersedes the Old Testament Law and frees us from the strict legalism of the Old Testament.  Yet, I read that Saint Padre Pio (considered the greatest mystic of the 20th century) would refuse to hear a woman’s confession if she was in pants believing it was an immodest form of dress... So let's explore this a little deeper.  

Layered Necklace - Yard Sale $1, Carlos Santana Strappy Sandal - Macy's

What I learned from submitting to long skirts is that the big message behind the skirt restriction is to dress simply, humbly and to promote the unique beauty of gender differences.  The long skirt in JPC was aimed at not distracting participants during moments when we joined in prayer for others to have an encounter with Christ.  The uniform like dress code of JPC helped take the focus from me and place it on Jesus and the faith being shared during JPC retreats and events.  Similarly, wearing the same bridesmaid dress takes the focus off of self and refocuses it to the bride.  For that one day the bride shines while the bridesmaids play secondary roles.  Christianity is about taking the focus away from self and shining the light on Jesus and some people firmly believe that this can only be done with a long skirt for women. However, while modesty never changes, styles have changed from generation to generation and pants have long stopped being viewed as for "men only."  As the roles of women in the workforce changed so has the popularity of pants amongst the ladies.  

I do have a tendency to wear more dresses to Sunday Mass, but that’s strictly because I am a girly-girl.  However, I haven’t worn a long skirt since I left JPC and my day-to-day outfits are always planned around a comfortable pair of pants.  In addition, when I serve at retreats pants are my article of choice... Which sums that this Catholic girl is pro-pants (smile).    

Review: The Ranch in Anaheim

The Kelly Rae Band

Early in my twenties I spent a great part of my weekends dancing.  Though I hated the atmosphere of night clubs and drank too much to loosen up, I went because I love to dance.  As I have gotten older I still love to dance, but since I try not to drink excessively nor to get drunk I stay away from clubs.  Occasionally once in a great while for a friend’s birthday I still go, but for the most part I no longer frequent those places.  THE RANCH Saloon is different - though it offers some of the cool things about nightlife- like good music, a variety of alcoholic beverages and an atmosphere similar to a club - the crowd it attracts is extremely unusual since it brings in people ranging from twenty-one to seventy-one.  You won’t see a lot of drunkenness though they sale a lot of alcoholic drinks, the bouncers are really keen to kick people out if they are too intoxicated.  What you will see is classiness and a crowd really interested in dancing.  In addition, you will see a mixture of ages; young women dancing with older men or vice versa because they are there to dance and have a good time.  I love to see the older folks teaching the younger people, it’s almost as if I am witnessing the handing down of a treasured tradition.  The dance floor is surrounded by tables for people to sit and to order yummy appetizers if one is not in the mood or can’t dance certain songs.

Such a Neat Variety of dancers!

My buddy the one that introduced me to Country Dancing.

After a long hiatus, on Friday I returned to THE RANCH for a little bit of country dancing.  They provide a free thirty minute lesson every night, but it’s always to a different song with new steps; thus, I never seem to learn any new dances – so I still only dance to the Hustle, the Electric Slide, the Wobble and freestyle.  During the other more complicated dances, I either sing along from my seat enjoying the live band or appreciate the variety of proficient country dancers.  It’s beautiful to see people in their element.  From my seat I take in the various couples and I love to see how naturally the men lead and how gracefully the women follow.  I love looking down at the synchronized boots moving in thoughtful steps and admire the wearers’ ability to follow either in the coupled or line dances.  Country dancing really highlights the best of both sexes: the men in their jeans, flannel shirts and cowboy boots look manly as they artistically spin the women around the dance floor.  There’s no room for sexualized twerking moves in country dancing every song follows very contemplative steps; yet it’s very sensual and oh so much fun!  

The place is super cool inside.

I think Jesus would give THE RANCH a thumbs up because the place really promotes Christian values.  For a nightclub it breaks all the rules- it has young adults dancing with really mature adults, it sales alcohol yet people don’t get embarrassingly drunk, the bouncers promote a safe environment and quickly address any drunkenness and it’s only five bucks to get in!  On Friday, I met a woman and her daughter who were out on a girl’s night at the saloon!  The place attracts a lot of Christian groups and that’s the best part because I, as a woman, enjoy the security of knowing that I won’t be disrespected or violated in the crowd while I am dancing.  As I sat enjoying a Blue Moon I knew I had to share this awesome place with y’all because it’s such a neat venue for dancing loving Catholics to hang out without feeling like one’s compromising one’s faith (smile).  I just wish they played a little bit of Spanish music then it would be heaven on earth (smile).  

Every night the owner sings a song with the band.

"It's said that Walt Disney created Disneyland because he wanted to spend time with his daughters.  Andrew Edwards, the owner and president of Extron Electronics, has created THE RANCH Restaurant & Saloon for pretty much the same reason... to dance with his daughter."