Blog by Sofia Pinero

Everyone has high expectation when going on first date.   As a single women I have many experience in dating, I been in good dates and the worst dates possible. Ladies don’t have high expectation cause Brad Pitt is not goanna walk through that door.  Boys don’t think you will get your kiss goodnight.  There are rules of dating that you should follow. First thing first a movie is not a date.  The place should be a place you can socialize and get to know the person. When you find the perfect place to talk, remembers get to know each other’s interest but at the same time not a whole history. Don’t ever talk about your past relationship. If ask make it brief it just didn’t work out. Complement each other it makes good atmosphere. After dating a while don’t move things to fast do it when it feels right? Take your time things go in their own pace.  Boys don’t ever talk about other women. Women are very jealous so bringing up another woman is not a good idea. Is the same for guys they get jealous too. Dating is never easy, don’t get nervous. Always dress to impress and it always give a good expression. Above all be yourself.

Human Trafficking by Jasmine Osborne

Human trafficking is a big problem around the world.  This topic gets pushed aside a lot because people feel like there are other more important things to worry about.  This is so important because it’s not buying and selling goods, people are buying and selling human beings. I got started on this issue because of the lack of involvement of people. Human trafficking is so inhumane that women and young girls are sold as sex slaves. Not only does human trafficking involve women but it includes boys too. Human trafficking doesn’t just involve sex slaves but also forced labor. Most of the people who are victims of human trafficking are under the age of 18. The things the victims of human trafficking experience no human being shall experience it but millions do. About 30,000 sex trafficking victims die each year. Many victims contract sexually transmitted diseases and some even die from it. Many children are victims and they are forced into the industry very young. Once a child has experienced this inhumane act they are never the same. What should be done about human trafficking is there should be more research about it. Also, there should be more help centers for victims. The help centers should be confidential, because many of the victim’s dealers may threaten to kill the victim’s family. More should be done with the law about human trafficking. Around the world laws change and things get hectic, but there should be some kinds of international center for human trafficking were people could receive help for themselves and other people. People around the world need to be saved from this issue and they are asking for help, and we as people of the world have to help to end this inhumane act!

Juice Plus by Mylin Esguerra

When I make meals for my daughter I try to incoporate as many fruits and vegetables as I can. Whether it was breakfast, lunch or dinner I always had something healthy on their plates. Then I realized that I got to busy and sometimes I would get fast food or my daughters would be picky and not like the friut and vegetables that I gave them, but I came across this product called Juice Plus.

Juice plus is supplement that has concentrated fruits and vegetables for your daily percentage. That means if my kids do not get enough fruits and vegetables that day I would not have to worry because they got their daily servings of friuts and vegetables from Juice Plus! I know that my kids are picky and they go through stages when they are eating so much it's like I was starving them for days or they might eat a bite here and there and I feel like they are malnutrient. So after buying this I felt better if there were peas or a peice of kiwi left on the plate.

Juice plus can come in tablets for adults, chewables or gummies for children. I hate taking tablets so I get gummies for myself because it taste great and i don't have to worry about trying to shallow a pill. The only problem with the gummies is that it taste so good the kids will want more of it. My youngest daughter Michaela always points to the cabinet and says "gummies gummies!" I wish I had these when I was a kid because I know I was really picky when I was a kid, but now I like to try everything.

https://www.juiceplus.com/nsa/content/Welcome.soa

Safety First by C'ne Ross

One nice evening in August 2008, my husband and I decided to take a trip to Memphis, TN to attend a motorcycle rally they have every year.  We owned a Harley Davidson Road King Classic.  This would be a long drive for me, but my husband was able to also work and we still get to go to the rally was a good plan.  I thought the scariest part of the trip would be hauling the Harley, but this would be the least of my worries.

We safely made it to Memphis, TN, rested and enjoyed a day before the rally.  The time came for us to make it over to the rally with some friends we met up with at the hotel.  As we traveled to the rally, less than a mile from the gates our lives would change forever.  A van did not want to follow behind the bikers, decided to change lanes hitting us on the motorcycle.  I remember turning back and seeing the headlights, then within seconds hearing a loud boom.  We were thrown from the bike.  My head hit the pavement, so I begin to pray asking God, if I’m alive, please take care of us. 

I would quickly learn my husband’s injuries were not as bad, so he was immediately there we me, as well as trying to contain his anger toward the driver of the van.  The other bikers stopped and stayed with us until police and ambulance arrived.  I would later learn the driver of the van, tried to get away and the bikers surrounded until the police got there.  Wearing the correct protective gear could have made big differences to some of my injuries.  My husband and I had never worn casual clothes when riding the bike in the past.  On that night I had on my helmet, with capris and sandals, and no gloves.  These are not the correct items you want to wear, when riding a motorcycle.

Some of my injuries could have been prevented if I had on my gloves and boots for the injuries I sustained to my fingers, heel, and toes.  They had to scrap the glass and dirt from my fingers and toes without sedating me.  Talk about scrubbing flesh, this was horrible.  When I landed on the ground my heel was upright, so this affected my walk on top of a messed up knee.  X-rays were never painful, however, it called for me to lay flat and feet upright.  My tailbone was fractured, so it was not easy getting x-rays done.

We learned cutting corners and doing your own thing can sometime cause long term damages.  My husband and I were very blessed to have survived and tell our survival story.  All it takes is one mistake to make a life changing events.  I know without a doubt, God was looking after us, even when we chose to dress inappropriate.  Wearing the proper protective gear can save your life and minimize the injuries you receive.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorcycle_personal_protective_equipment

Gruene, TX by Lisa Neal

My husband and I, and 10 of our closest friends, just returned from our annual “River Trip” in New Braunfels, TX. There are so many things about this yearly trip that I look forward to: the crowded Comal and Guadalupe rivers, the relaxation, the food and the historic town of Gruene, TX. No matter what we do, we always make a trip to Gruene. Gruene Hall, which is located in the heart of Gruene, is Texas’ oldest dance hall. It is an old building with a somewhat west Texas country feel to it. It is occupied by a variety of musicians on any given night, and was the starting venue for some big names such as George Strait, Lyle Lovett and Charlie Robison. Gruene also has some of the best Maw and Paw shops that I have ever been to. You can find current souvenirs or hit up one of the local antiques shops. My favorite part of Gruene is the Gristmill Grill.  The Gristmill is a fantastic restaurant, a little on the pricey side, but definitely worth every cent! The Gristmill sits along the Guadalupe River and was built in the late 1800’s as a cotton gin. You can feel the history behind this structure just by sitting there and breathing in the air. It’s such a peaceful feeling. Not only is the setting magnificent, but the food is to die for! Steaks, chicken, salads and some of the biggest onion rings I have ever seen!

You can always dance off your dinner at Gruene Hall or by all the walking through the historic shops.

Gruene is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!

http://www.gruenetexas.com/

The Single Mother-Hood by Simona Muttilib

As a single mom, like me, you may find yourself a bit overwhelmed at times. I mean raising a child is no easy task, and to compile that with having multiple kids and an absent parent, it can be very difficult at times. Not to worry, this is all a part of parent-hood. Just think about it, you are now in the position of handling issues that would have normally been handled by both parents.  I have compiled a few tips and tricks that I have learned over the years that will help you on your way to becoming an effective single parent by first taking care of yourself.

Never be afraid to ask for help

There are many organizations set in place to help with single parent resources. And studies have shown that it is far more available to single parent homes, than homes with both parents intact. Also, have a support system in place. This can be family, friends, or even help from your church.

Take care of yourself first

 I believe the true and effective way to do so would be for you to know your limits. If you feel yourself getting too overwhelmed by taking on so many tasks, slow down and find a quiet place. This can be taking a long short walk, a soothing bath, or even meditation if you choose. The key is to relax. Another thing is to find a hobby that you enjoy. You may decide to read a book, writing, or even crocheting for example. Whatever your hobby is, make sure that it is one that brings you an abundance of calm. And lastly, remember to treat yourself. Motherhood can be tense, but that doesn’t mean that you have to be. Whether it’s getting a massage or a manicure and or pedicure, make sure that you make the focus for that hour on YOU. Your kids will only benefit from this.

Keep up a great Attitude through it all

Between work, school, the children activities, and taking care of the home, you may be stretched a bit thinner that you would like to be. But the one of the healthiest ways to raise the kids under those circumstances is not to allow them to experience your frustrations or worries. Just remember to remain positive and follow the first two examples (ask for help, take care of yourself), and you will be fine.

They key to raising a healthy happy child begins with you. It may not be glamorous at times. But keep in mind that even though at times you may find it stressful, the reward is greater than the struggle. And contrary to popular belief, we as mothers are not “SUPERWOMEN”. But to do all we do at times is nothing short of being a super-hero in the eyes of our children. Please refer to the link below for additional resources and single parent outlets in your area.       http://www.singlemom.com/

How to make Chiles Rellenos - Queso Panela by Julie Villegas

Ingredients needed:

Poblano peppers / Queso Panela / flour /  eggs                                           

Step 1: 

Blacken the peppers directly in the flame of a burner if you have a gas stove or can be done on a grill. Make sure to continuously flip the peppers until all sides are blackened and blistered.

Step2: ( optional)

Once you finish this step put the peppers in a plastic container and close the lid on them for about five to ten minutes. This is to allow the peppers to sweat and make it easier to peel off the skin especially if first time making Chiles Rellenos. However this is optional step and does not have to be done. If you do not want to wait you can just start peeling after you are finished with step one.

Step 3:

Peel the peppers and make sure all the skin is off. Once the pepper is peeled, make an incision with a small but sharp knife starting from the top and go down a few inches only on one side of the pepper.

Step 4:

Once you have made the incision cut the seed pod out which is located right under the inside of the stem and be careful not to rip the pepper. Once you take the seed pod out rinse the pepper under cold water inside and out and make sure to get rid of any seeds or veins left in there.  Get a plate pour some flour on it and roll the peppers in the flour and set aside.

Step 5:

Take your Queso Panela and crumble it into pieces then place into a bowl. Set aside.

Step 6:

Prepare the batter. This step can be done while roasting the peppers if wanting to save some time. Place egg whites into a bowl. I recommend having an egg per pepper to make sure they are coated well.  Using a beater, beat the egg whites until they firm up. They are done when they look like whipped cream. Then add the egg yolks and mix again just enough to blend it into egg whites.

Step 7:

Now that you have your ingredients ready start by stuffing the pepper with the queso panela. Do not over-stuff because it can cause the pepper to rip. Next dip your pepper in the egg mix and coat evenly all over. Using a frying pan add about 1 to 2 inches of oil and turn burner on at about medium-high. Let it heat up while stuffing and coating peppers.

Step 8:

Place one or two peppers at a time in the hot oil. Slowly rotate the pepper until lightly brown, then remove. Repeat for the rest of the peppers.  Enjoy !

Best served with Mexican rice, frijoles charros, corn or flour tortillas.

http://lamichoacanameatmarket.com/  This is where I get all my ingredients from. Great place.

Chiari Malformation by Amanda Miles

My sister has always had headaches, bad headaches. We have always been told that they were just migraines, however the meds they gave her for migraines did not work.  Then a few years back my sister started having different symptoms, she began getting numbness in her hands and feet, and when she would wake up in the morning she could only see in black and white and her vision was blurred. After tons of testing she was diagnosed with Chiari Malformation.

What is Chiari Malformation?

                Chiari Malformations are structural defects in the bony space at the lower rear of the skull. It is a malformation of the brain. When this happens the cerebellum and brainstem can be pushed downward. This pressure can block the flow of cerebrospinal fluid. If you have a stage 3 malformation and it is not treated it can lead to paralysis.

Once someone has been diagnosed with Chiari Malformation and if their symptoms are severe enough the only real treatment is a decompression surgery.  The surgery  consist of removing the lower part of the skull at the back of the head along with one or two top vertebrae to relieve pressure and provide more space. Then a piece of muscle typically taken from the thigh is placed over the missing portion of the skull.  My sister had her surgery on November 16^th 2010. She has had an amazing recovery. She was in a lot of pain in the beginning and that was difficult to watch, but since her surgery she has rarely had any headaches, and her numbness is gone and her vision is completely normal.

Since my sister and I are identical twins, and I do get severe headaches located at the back of my head and neck, and since there is not the much research on Chiari Malformation, her neurosurgeon, wants me to get a cat scan to see if I could also have this condition.  Simply put he wants to see if this condition has something to do with genetics, he believes that it does, but there really has not been that much research on it especially in cases with identical twins. I have mixed feelings on it, as it stands right now, even though I get severe and frequent  headaches  I have come to learn to deal and function with the pain. I guess it boils down to this, I saw the pain my sister went through right after the surgery and her recovery, and that is not something I am sure I want to endure.  If my symptoms worsen obviously I wont have a choice but at this moment in time I am not sure if I want to be used strictly for medical research.

www.asap.org/index.php/disorders/chiari-​malformation

Blog by Brian Lesmeister

I have always been a baseball guy. My dad got me started with YMCA baseball almost fifteen years ago, and ever since then I have been addicted to the game. Now that I look back on the days when I actually played baseball, I find it amazing how my life revolved around the game. I no longer had to plan my day around baseball games and baseball practices. Although I played baseball as a way to pass the time, I met some of my closest friends while playing, and that is what I missed most. I wanted to find a way back into the game.

After high school baseball, I chose academics over sports, and I have no regrets over my decision. I had a few offers to play, but I wanted to play somewhere where I could major in something that I wanted to study, and the right offer never came along.

I played baseball for the Houston Power Baseball organization for about five years. That is where I officially ended my baseball career. However, this is where I officially re-began my baseball career. I was offered an assistant coaching position on a 16 and under baseball team. At first, I was unsure about how the kids would treat me. I wondered if they would respect and listen to me. I am only 18 years old, and I could potentially pass as a 16 year old player. Fortunately for me, I had the credentials necessary to garner their respect. I have varsity high school baseball experience, and many of the players on the team have yet to reach that point in their careers. Now, I have made new friends and I don’t have to worry about if they will call me “coach” anymore.

Link to Houston Power Baseball site:

http://www.houstonpowerbaseball.com/