Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Remembering Peter Paul Apollo



Peter Paul Apollo was only 26 years old on that fateful day of September 11, 2001 when terrorists flew an airplane into the World Trade Center where he worked as a securities trader for Cantor Fitzgerald on the 104th floor of Tower One.  


Peter was born September 23, 1974 in Tinton Falls, NJ, the only son of Peter Apollo Jr and his wife Cecile. He graduated high school at the Red Bank Catholic High School where he was on the football team and also graduated at the University of North Carolina, class of 96 with a degree of Bachelor of Science In Business Administration, Marketing and Management.  His Pi Kappa Phi fraternity brothers described him as a positive, caring, and sincere person who was always willing to lend a hand when needed and he always wanted to help them make good choices.   
Peter is also survived by two sisters, Lisa and Denise, who he cherished very much.


He loved the beach, skiing, fishing, and sports.  He made the football team in high school but was too small to play and only got a few chances on the field but he showed up to every practice and every game.  He told his mother "You have to think big and dream big" and he did.  That dedication followed him into his career at Cantor Fitzgerald where he was known as the first to show up in the morning and the last to leave in the evening, even having his lunches at his desk.  


Peter was engaged to be married in November of  2001 to his fiance Debbie Johnson and they planned to buy a house in Colts Neck and start a family.  My heart goes out to her and the rest of his family as I can't imagine losing the love of my life.   To have to wonder what if every single day.  This brings tears to my eyes as I write this tribute.


They say Peter was huddled in a corner with fellow employees on the 104th floor of Tower One, trapped as smoke billowed up the  stairway and there was no escape.  They say the voices stopped before the tower ever collapsed and I hope that's true.  
It is my hope that these lives were not lost in vain as we try, every year, over and over to come to terms with this tragedy that has affected all of us, America and the rest of the world. 
There is a scholarship fund set up in his name at the Red Bank Catholic High School in NJ that helps with college tuition for one football player every year. 

Red Bank Catholic High School
RBC Peter Apollo Scholarship Fund
Attn: Gail Casey Slevin
Director of Alumni
112 Broad St.
Red Bank, NJ 07701-1706

Father we entrust our brother Peter to your mercy. You loved him greatly in this life: now that he is freed from all its cares, give him happiness and peace forever. Welcome him now into paradise where there will be no more sorrow, no more weeping or pain, but only peace and joy with Jesus your Son, and the Holy Spirit forever and ever.  Father Michael Lezzi




 I pray for peace and love for all.  Never forget 9/11.

This tribute has been written as part of the 2996 Project at 

Friday, August 24, 2012

Couple a things

First, I have decided to begin an exercise routine.  I wish I had a bike because I love to bike ride. So I will have to just exercise in my room.  I have some Shape magazines and I'll find a routine in on of those that I like and I can handle to start out with. And I might start walking the track at the high school where I work.  Can't walk my neighborhood because there are way too many stray dogs running the streets.  Plus I can do the stairs there too.  I've already cut back on sugars and snacks.

Next, I am reading Stephen King's new book 11/22/63.  That book is absolutely goliath and it sat on my shelf for approximately three months because I was intimidated by it's size.  But I have started it and now I cannot put it down.  It is so good.  It's about a man who finds a portal to the past and is planning to try and stop the assassination of JFK.  That's all I'm gonna say about that except that I'm hooked line and sinker.  Ha!  I just copied this excerpt of my journal to Facebook. :)  Cause I'm cool like that.

That is all.  I got nothin else.


Thursday, August 23, 2012

Football, Isaac, and a Family Reunion

Jacob has decided to stick it out with football.  With a lot of prodding.  I think he is really starting to enjoy it though we have had some bad weather this week here in central FL and he had to practice in the rain.  I am also concerned about his schedule at school.  They gave him advanced band and he has never taken band before.  So yeah.  I probably should call the school and let them know he needs a schedule change before he fails. He has an eye doctor appt at the end of the month.  The physician said he is 100 in his left eye and 20 in his right?  

In other news, I'm so sick and tired of hearing about the RNC here in Tampa that I hope Isaac blows the top off. (But not actually hurt anyone if possible)  :)

My first two weeks back to work at the high school are almost over.  It has been busy and frustrating to say the least but I have almost made it and feeling good about it.  

Last weekend I did a small family reunion for my cousin and her kids at the park as they haven't seen each other in over 6 years.  It was really nice to get them all together and see them happy.  I helped my cousin raise her kids and I feel like they are mine too.  They have grown!


My cousin is the blond in the very center.  These are all her kids and grandkids except my son in the back who snuck in the picture without me noticing. lol  He has a little kids on his shoulder.  Some of these babies are just meeting each other for the first time.  It was really sweet.

Friday, August 17, 2012

Headache

Headache all day.  Not sure if It's allergies or the lack of caffeine. I over analyze everything.

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Football

My son had his first football practice today.  He walked off the field after an hour and a half and refuses to go back.  I'll make him stick it out for as long as I can though.  He needs to give it a chance before he quits.

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Little Red Roost: The Alice Dress

Little Red Roost: The Alice Dress: It’s time for a little DIY Day clothing mash up. What do you get when you cross the tank top style dresses seen everywhere from Anthropol...

A commission

Patio chair cushions I made for a friend.  There are 6 in all.  I made $100!  That's Tommy Bahama fabric.  Ooh la la.  And I just figured out mobile Blogger!  Go me.


Sunday, July 29, 2012

Hey Ope!

56% of U.S. women surveyed said they would rather have a thinner waist than a higher IQ.   What?


32% say they'd take a pay cut to work with their dogs.
-- from a survey of 150 of dog owners by Dogster.com


84 % of new car sales in China are to first-time buyers. In the U.S., just 1% are.


SHOPPING MATH
> A man will pay $2 for a $1 item he needs.
> A woman will pay $1 for a $2 item that she doesn't need.



"Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is most depressed of all ?"
Scientists found that depression is 200% more likely in women as in men. Parenting increases her risk, not his.

The Greek goddess of beauty: Aphrodite
How she was born: Kronos castrated his father, Ouranos, and threw his penis into the sea which caused it to froth, and from the foam Aphrodite was born

Marilyn Monroe had six toes on one foot.



Almonds are members of the peach family.



A snail can sleep for 3 years.


81% of Americans say they want to write a book.  I don't remember anyone asking me this question??


There are 1 million ants for every person in the world.  ahhh that explains it!


Odds of being killed in a plane crash -1 in 25 million.


Odds of being killed in a car crash - 1 in 5,000.


Odds of being killed by lightening - 1 in 2 million.


The Apollo 11 only had 20 seconds of fuel when it landed.


The average human produces 25,000 quarts of spit in a lifetime, enough to fill two swimming pools.






Thursday, July 26, 2012

Time to Get Down to Some Real Blogging

I enjoyed the 30 Days of Thankful very much.  I'm glad I did it.


I realize that I've missed blogging very much.  I miss J-Land and the camaraderie that we all shared.  I knew every day I could sign on to AOL and click a journal to read or write in mine and I had friends who cared and supported me in everything that happened in my life. People who really cared enough to visit my site and show some love.  That old journal is so important to me.  I still have it but it's private with no readers.  I look at it from time to time and I end up weeping almost every time.   Five years of my life are documented there.


I know we can't ever go back to that but I am going to make a good go of this thing called blogger.  Hopefully I can recruit some old friends to join me and start writing again.  I need to think of a way to do this.  Most have abandoned their blogs or only write once in a while.  Some aren't even there anymore.  How can I get them to start writing again like I am?  Most J-landers are on Facebook.


Today I would like to write about forgiveness.  Yesterday I made a phone call to someone who hurt me very much.  Something that I knew I had to do so that I could move on and have peace within myself.  This person was hurt too so the call was good for both of us.  Somewhere deep down inside, I didn't want to forgive the person or ask  for forgiveness either but I knew that I needed to do it.  So I made the call and I said "I'm sorry" and forgiveness was given by both parties.  I no longer feel hate in my heart for that person but I do still feel a small amount of distrust.  I'll always be on alert around her so that I don't get hurt again.


Forgiveness is the economy of the heart... forgiveness saves the expense of anger, the cost of hatred, the waste of spirits.
Hannah More

I also added someone on Facebook that hurt me very much when we were children.  I have to let that go and move on.  For my own sanity.  I'm not going to think about it anymore.  Forgiveness is silently granted and my heart is lighter.  


I've prayed on it and I think I did the right thing on both accounts.   Is there someone you need to forgive?

Today I am thankful for forgiveness.  What a cruel world it would be without it!

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Thankful Day 30!!


For the expanding grandeur of Creation,
worlds known and unknown,
galaxies beyond galaxies,
filling us with awe and challenging our imaginations:

We give thanks this day.

For this fragile planet earth,
its times and tides, its sunsets and seasons:

We give thanks this day.

For the joy of human life,
its wonders and surprises, its hopes and achievements:

We give thanks this day.

For our human community,
our common past and future hope,
our oneness transcending all separation,
our capacity to work for peace and justice in the midst of hostility and oppression:

We give thanks this day.

For high hopes and noble causes, for faith without fanaticism,
for understanding of views not shared:

We give thanks this day.

For all who have labored and suffered for a fairer world,
who have lived so that others might live in dignity and freedom:

We give thanks this day.

For human liberty and sacred rites;
for opportunities to change and grow, to affirm and choose:

We give thanks this day.

We pray that we may live not by our fears but by our hopes,
not by our words but by our deeds.

we give thanks this day 

 o. eugene pickett

Well, I did it.  I posted 30 days of gratitude and I have to say that I learned a lot about myself and all the things that I take for granted everyday.  So from now I on, I am going to make note of something I am thankful for every day.  Remember to always give thanks if you want more of what you are giving thanks for.   Things like love, opportunity, hope, faith, achievement, success, health and wealth.  


Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Thankful Day 29

“Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude.” ― A.A. MilneWinnie-the-Pooh


Today I am thankful for:


The beauty of the night sky--the moon and stars.
the gift of today.
my health.
simple truths.
the lessons in life that provided wisdom.
my perfect partner.
the many many blessings I have been given and that I am able to continue to learn such amazing things every day.
learning patience.   still working on that one!
this amazing day and everything and everyone in it.  I'm going to make it a productive one.
the miracles around me.
my support system.
infinite abundance that is always here for me.  All I have to do is open my mind to the universe and have gratitude.
to be me and all the love that is here for me.
peace of mind.





Monday, July 23, 2012

Thankful Day 28

As a child, I didn't know what I didn't have. I'm thankful for the challenges early on in my life because now I have a perspective on the world and kind of know what's important.
America Ferrera



Today I am thankful for


time with family and friends.  That is the center of my world.
my girls again.  I miss my girls and I am thankful for every second with them.
Geocaching.
Kraut.  a biker who turned 69 this weekend.  I dreamed I went to his birthday party.  Maybe it wasn't a dream.  
I did not drink the Jim Beam.
salsa.
enchiladas.
the love of my life.
another day.
that is all.  
two more days of these posts and then I can go back to normal.







Friday, July 20, 2012

Thankful Day 27

"Make it a habit to tell people thank you. To express your appreciation, sincerely and without the expectation of anything in return. Truly appreciate those around you, and you'll soon find many others around you. Truly appreciate life, and you'll find that you have more of it."
                                                                                       Ralph Marston


Today I would like to say thank you to:


My mom and dad for giving me life and teaching me how to live, love, and appreciate life.
My grandmother for giving me the gift of hope and faith.
My sisters and brothers for a strong heart bond.
My big sister for understanding and guidance.
My mother in law for life skills.
My husband and my kids for every single day we have together.
My teachers and students in life for every thing I have learned and try to teach to others.
My friends and family for their support in all that I do.
and above all God for all of the above and everything else.


From left, my daughter Cindi, my MIL Flo, me, son Jacob, my daughter Kara, and my mom Carolyn.

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Thankful Day 26

Say thank you deliberately and with meaning.
The more you say thank you, the more you feel gratitude.
The more gratitude you give out, the more abundance you will receive.  

                                                            From 'The Magic' by Rhonda Byrne


Today I am thankful for:


Feeling better than yesterday.
that my headache is subsiding.
for a good nights sleep.
for pokes. on FB of course! :)  
free magazines.
flowers.
English muffins.
that I was able to get my daughter a new phone because she lost hers.
getting my other daughter's new place all cleaned up and ready to be lived in.
life.







Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Thankful Day 25


Be Thankful
Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don't know everything,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.
Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations,
because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge
because it will build your strength and character.
Be thankful for your mistakes.
They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you're tired and weary,
because it means you've made a difference.
•••••••••<<§>>•••••••••
author unknown

Today I am thankful that my tv and internet are back up after having a storm and lightning surge and it having been down for the last two days.  I'm thankful for pancakes too.  That is all.  For today. 

Hey this is Florida. 

Monday, July 16, 2012

Thankful Day 24

The road to success is always under construction. – Lily Tomlin


Today I am thankful for:


getting those plants potted up yesterday.
the river rock planters my brother gave me.
avocados!
the meat. don't ask! 
school supplies.
PJs.
my little sister. who is 37.
my daughter's new place.
spell check.
that my husband goes to work everyday even if it he using my car for now.
money. Thank you thank you thank you.
that I am able to pay my bills today.
to be able to come up with things to be thankful for everyday.  This is actually kind of difficult to come up with new things every day. 

J-land friends!  Hopefully we can all meet again soon.

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Two Friends in a Dream

I had a dream last night.  I was visiting with my friend Dejuana who lived  in an apartment complex.  Her sister DeAnn was there too.   The library was next door to her apartment and I wanted to go over there very badly.  I was being very persistent but neither of my friends wanted to go.  I made them go anyway and they complained all the way down the block and the whole way into the library.  But once we got into the library they both became distracted and I was able to get my books.  We were on our way back to the apartment when I stepped in dog poop. (I know, who dreams about stepping in dog poop? ONLY me.)  I wiped it off in the tall grass as best I could then we continued on to the apartment.  When we got there I took off my shoes at the door and asked her if I could borrow a pair of pants because mine were soiled at the bottom.  Then I remembered that I had gym shorts on under my pants so I told my friend nevermind about the pants.  I noticed the carpeting in her apartment was all white?  There was someone else with us too but they remain faceless.  My ride, also faceless, got there and I left with the two faceless people. 

Thankful Day 23

When eating bamboo sprouts, remember the man who planted them.  Chinese Proverb


Today I am thankful for:


A great night out last night with my man.
he is cooking breakfast for me.
a great day today.  I'm alive!
the lawn mower.  Seriously I know I say this alot about the lawn mower but we have an acre and a half.  Lawn mowers are important.
our hens and their eggs. not that red rooster though.  He's the devil's spawn.
my neighbor.  She is the best neighbor! Be thankful for good neighbors.
saving money at the grocery store. 
coupons.
friends coming from up north to visit and go to the beach.  Can't wait!
checks.  Hey we look forward to every check.
getting those cushions sewn for a client.
that I have the cushions all cut out and ready to be sewn.  That was 2/3 of the battle.
K. Bye.


my daughter who is so talented! My son has grown a foot and a half this year.





Saturday, July 14, 2012

Thankful Day 22


I'm thankful for a pair of shoes that feel really good on my feet; I like my shoes.
I'm thankful for the birds; I feel like they're singing just for me when I get up in the morning... Saying, 'Good morning, John. You made it, John.'
I'm thankful for the sea breeze that feels so good right now, and the scent of jasmine when the sun starts going down.
I'm thankful...
Johnny Cash

Today I am thankful for:

Johnny Cash!  I love that guy so much!
his wife June too.
his music which I play in my car alot.
the flag.
options.
jars.
visiting with friends yesterday.
having lunch with my daughter.
acceptance.
organization. I try.
encouragement.
smiles. :o)
glitter.
July.
random acts of kindness.
driving. my car.
clothes.
kisses. and hugs.
memories.
my journal which I haven't written in like forever.
independence.  which I need more of so I'm thankful for what I have.
YOU!


Friday, July 13, 2012

Thankful Day 21

In daily life we must see that it is not happiness that makes us grateful, but gratefulness that makes us happy.

Today I am thankful for:

Day 21 of being thankful!
the previous 20 days of being grateful.
seeing my daughter today.  I am at her house right now!
money.
checks.
checks.
checks.  Thank you.  Thank you.  Thank you.
the more grateful you are for things, the more of that thing you attract to you.
money to pay my bills.
food.
air conditioning.
nail clippers and polish.
reading glasses.
grandma and poppy.
a new dryer.
a new lawn mower.
free magazines in the mail.

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Thankful Day 20

Feeling grateful or appreciative of someone or something in your life actually attracts more of the things that you appreciate and value into your life.” ~ Northrup Christiane


Today I am thankful for:


Freebies!
Salsa
sweet tea
The ♥ of family and friends.
For an amazing summer.
the internet.
all our customers.
Ryan having a good meeting today.
God's will.
comfy t-shirts.
the books I had on hold at the library.
the energy to clean house today.
flowers. birds. animals.
my house.
my computer.
Jacob.
happiness.
having my brother in my life for the short time that I did.
rain, wind, and moon.
the universe.
the dark part of my life that made me the strong person I am today.
my childhood, good and bad.
springs.
Florida.
sunshine.
tropical breezes.
plants and trees.
I'm on a roll today..................



Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Thankful Day 19

Gratitude is the sign of noble souls.  Aesop (wow, that's deep stuff)

What exactly is a noble soul?  hmmm something to ponder today.

Today it is very hard for me to find things to be thankful for but I'm going to try.

Today I am thankful for:

the cemetery where my brother was buried 5 years ago today.
the people who so beautifully take care of the place.
the fact that I have a place to visit him and remember him.
the memories I have of him, some good and some bad, but I keep them all.
feminine hygiene products.  I mean really?  I cannot imagine how on Earth women lived before these were invented.
ibuprofen.  It is my friend today.
the cell phone. I need to use it to call my sister and my mom today because they will be remembering my brother as well.
the library sending me a notice reminding that my books are due.  I am finishing the last one today.
the power only went out for 2 hours yesterday after that big storm came through here.
my son's love.  Last night he hugged me and told me he loves me.  That kind of stuff stays with you forever after it happens.


Dont' fall.  There's gators in there. :)




Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Thankful Day 18

Gratitude as a discipline involves a conscious choice. I can choose to be grateful even when my emotions and feelings are still steeped in hurt and resentment. It is amazing how many occasions present themselves in which I can choose gratitude instead of a complaint. I can choose to be grateful when I am criticized, even when my heart still responds in bitterness. I can choose to speak about goodness and beauty, even when my inner eye still looks for someone to accuse or something to call ugly. 

Henri J. M. Nouwen


Today I am grateful for:


doing this 30 days of grateful blog posts because it is really teaching me to think positively even in the face of adversity.


a commission to make some patio cushion covers.

a commission to repair some dress zippers.

learning how to make friendship bracelets.

giving away the friendship bracelets to people I love.

the money. yeah.

the day when that Kilz primer paint smell in the bathroom goes away. ugghhh!

the new ceiling fans in the den Ryan hung last night!  Fabulous!

ok.  a new day.  here I go.









Monday, July 9, 2012

Thankful Day 17



It is necessary, then, to cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.
Wallace D. Wattles

So today I am thankful for:

People who love me.
Second chances.
Forgiveness.
Mexican food! mmmmm
Seeing my daughters grow into smart beautiful and successful young ladies.
words.  Like these.
Garlic?
Hugs!  And kisses!
elephants.
Google Search.
baby coos, sighs, and bubbles.
possibilities.
hope.
books!!!!!

Ok, I know, long list today.   Here is a pic from my weekend.  A picture tells a story, don't it?

P.S.  Martha, if you are reading this, I can't get into your blog.  Every time I click on it, a virus scan starts running?  I miss reading you.