This is the speech I gave re: character at the 2010 NHS Induction.
Congratulations on your achievements, which have given you the opportunity to be here tonight among the elite of Pahrump Valley High School. Congratulations also to the parents and educators that have set the standards for you to rise to in order to become a person of integrity, diligence and character.
According to Webster, character is defined as the aggregate of features and traits that form the individual nature of some person or thing. Being here tonight sets the standard, or continues the standard, for your character. While being inducted into the National Honor Society is an award for your character to this point, it is also an opportunity for you to continue setting standards, loftier goals and continuing on the road to success.
Ultimately character is defined by a chain of actions/decisions made, that comprise you. As Shaquille O'Neal said, "Excellence is not a singular act, but a habit. You are what you repeatedly do."
Tonight I hope that you are able to reflect on the standards/actions that you have set for yourself. At days end, have you made all of the right choices? Do you repeatedly do what represents excellence? When you stumble, are you able to pick up and carry on with integrity? More importantly, what are your actions and/or habits when no ones is looking? When it comes to character it has been said, "Everyone tries to define this thing called 'Character.' It's not hard. Character is doing what's right when nobody's looking."
When nobody's looking. Character is not based on who someone tells you to be, or what your friends and/or classmates think, but instead, it's about knowing what is right and following it. It's about setting goals and achieving them, for you. Only through stretching oneself can he/she find true self-worth.
Tonight, I hope you make a commitment to yourself to make your actions and habits fulfill a life and legacy of excellence. I hope you take your induction into the National Honor Society as a challenge to be a greater student, role model and person.
Please always remember, "Watch your thoughts, for they become words. Watch your words, for they become actions. Watch your actions, for they become habits. Watch your habits, for they become your character. Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny."
Congratulations on your accomplishments thus far and for being an example as to what character is and should be.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Random Thoughts
In the end, I'm going to hold baby Olivia in my arms, smell her new baby aroma, smile at my husband for what we have created, and fall in love, again. With tears in my eyes, I will introduce her to Alina and Aydon and at night we will all pray for another beautiful blessing in our family.
And what Mommy weighed will not be a thought. The tears Mommy cried for being "fat" will be forgotten. The beauty of our daughter, and our family will be at the forefront and the need to work a little harder, work out smarter and eat as healthy as ever will be worth it all.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Goodbye 2010 - Thank you!
Another year passing us by. It’s crazy that our parents were right: “As you get older, it goes faster.”
This year has been another great memory maker, although, of course, there were intensities along the way. Probably one of the most pivotal moments of 2010 was when my baby girl turned five. To most people it was just another birthday, but to me, my baby is growing up. Preparing for kindergarten. And, the world, really. My ability to shelter her from so much is really screeching to a halt. And then I think, if the first five years went this fast, how fast will the next five go? Or worse yet, 10 or 15?
Then, I lost my job. Me. The person that has a plan for everything, including my future, and always has had a plan – had reality slap me in the face, and leave me as a number. It was heart-wrenching. I cried many tears, but in the mean time, I also grew in my faith, closer to my husband, and re-evaluated my abilities as an educator and my direction. In the end, I learned that I am right where I’m supposed to be, even if I have to ride a roller coaster for a while.
Another moment of pause in 2010 is the day my husband went to Pastor Keith and said, “I would like to be baptized.” We knew we wanted to have a dedication for our children, but Armando’s baptism was the missing link, or the completion. Growing closer to God is hugely important to me, as well as to Armando, and our relationship as a team, has grown immensely this year. Even though, just like any other relationship, we need to foster our relationship, work on being better listeners and communicators, obeying, etc., I feel like we are headed in the right direction.
I could probably write an entire chapter of the blessings and disappointments of 2010, but really it simply comes down to another year full of memories, lessons and growth.
• In 2010, we visited Panguitch, just like every other year, but this year we extended our vacation time and spent more time as a family. We spent a week in Reno/Carson City, where we were able to spend time with my sister; time that we hardly ever get anymore.
• My brother returned from Iraq.
• From a career perspective, I have taken on more responsibilities and really found my niche.
• I decided to take up running and ran my first 5K, taking 2nd place. I never thought I would be a runner, but running ignited a determination for something greater, and built up so much pride.
• I attended two funerals that touched me and reminded me of the importance of life itself.
• We introduced our children to Mickey Mouse, put our feet in the sand of the beach and attended a Dodger’s game. Alina joined t-ball, and tested her Mommy so much, as she filled her hat with field dirt and watched the ball whir by. Alina had her first ballet recital and was a beautiful bumble bee, being the first to buzz off the stage. Aydon practically potty trained himself, and his vocabulary flourished. Armando turned 30! Armando and I took our first hike in Red Rock on our 7th anniversary! Seven years already!
• Armando and I made the choice to add another baby to our family. We lost a baby. And, soon after, found out we were pregnant again.
• We spent many hours with Grammie and Papa. Too few hours cuddling with our babies, but enjoying every moment.
As I always conclude, it comes down to moments. What we do with the bits of time that are presented to us, not as another item on our agenda, but as a moment of wisdom, or caring, or love. It is realizing that not everything is in our control and we are experiencing whatever we are going through for a reason. We are growing and becoming stronger, more compassionate, more wholesome. I certainly do not approach every situation as a learning experience, or “what can I take from this?”; however, typically, I can look back and see the beauty. I can take lessons from the experience and realize that the experiences combined equal who I am today. 2010, like so many other years, has contributed to my life greatly – it has made me a better Mom, strengthened my relationship with my Creator, blessed me with another year in a loving marriage, made me a better educator and simply given me a better appreciation for all that I have and all that I am.
While I know that 2011 will bring hardship, instability, and things that I simply can’t control, I am eager to embrace the New Year for all of the moments that I will be able to experience, turning into memories, which reflect me.
This year has been another great memory maker, although, of course, there were intensities along the way. Probably one of the most pivotal moments of 2010 was when my baby girl turned five. To most people it was just another birthday, but to me, my baby is growing up. Preparing for kindergarten. And, the world, really. My ability to shelter her from so much is really screeching to a halt. And then I think, if the first five years went this fast, how fast will the next five go? Or worse yet, 10 or 15?
Then, I lost my job. Me. The person that has a plan for everything, including my future, and always has had a plan – had reality slap me in the face, and leave me as a number. It was heart-wrenching. I cried many tears, but in the mean time, I also grew in my faith, closer to my husband, and re-evaluated my abilities as an educator and my direction. In the end, I learned that I am right where I’m supposed to be, even if I have to ride a roller coaster for a while.
Another moment of pause in 2010 is the day my husband went to Pastor Keith and said, “I would like to be baptized.” We knew we wanted to have a dedication for our children, but Armando’s baptism was the missing link, or the completion. Growing closer to God is hugely important to me, as well as to Armando, and our relationship as a team, has grown immensely this year. Even though, just like any other relationship, we need to foster our relationship, work on being better listeners and communicators, obeying, etc., I feel like we are headed in the right direction.
I could probably write an entire chapter of the blessings and disappointments of 2010, but really it simply comes down to another year full of memories, lessons and growth.
• In 2010, we visited Panguitch, just like every other year, but this year we extended our vacation time and spent more time as a family. We spent a week in Reno/Carson City, where we were able to spend time with my sister; time that we hardly ever get anymore.
• My brother returned from Iraq.
• From a career perspective, I have taken on more responsibilities and really found my niche.
• I decided to take up running and ran my first 5K, taking 2nd place. I never thought I would be a runner, but running ignited a determination for something greater, and built up so much pride.
• I attended two funerals that touched me and reminded me of the importance of life itself.
• We introduced our children to Mickey Mouse, put our feet in the sand of the beach and attended a Dodger’s game. Alina joined t-ball, and tested her Mommy so much, as she filled her hat with field dirt and watched the ball whir by. Alina had her first ballet recital and was a beautiful bumble bee, being the first to buzz off the stage. Aydon practically potty trained himself, and his vocabulary flourished. Armando turned 30! Armando and I took our first hike in Red Rock on our 7th anniversary! Seven years already!
• Armando and I made the choice to add another baby to our family. We lost a baby. And, soon after, found out we were pregnant again.
• We spent many hours with Grammie and Papa. Too few hours cuddling with our babies, but enjoying every moment.
As I always conclude, it comes down to moments. What we do with the bits of time that are presented to us, not as another item on our agenda, but as a moment of wisdom, or caring, or love. It is realizing that not everything is in our control and we are experiencing whatever we are going through for a reason. We are growing and becoming stronger, more compassionate, more wholesome. I certainly do not approach every situation as a learning experience, or “what can I take from this?”; however, typically, I can look back and see the beauty. I can take lessons from the experience and realize that the experiences combined equal who I am today. 2010, like so many other years, has contributed to my life greatly – it has made me a better Mom, strengthened my relationship with my Creator, blessed me with another year in a loving marriage, made me a better educator and simply given me a better appreciation for all that I have and all that I am.
While I know that 2011 will bring hardship, instability, and things that I simply can’t control, I am eager to embrace the New Year for all of the moments that I will be able to experience, turning into memories, which reflect me.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Olivia Grace - I'm already dreaming of your arrival!
Olivia. Olivia has fell from my fingertips almost daily, as I type a random password into my computer. I have uttered the name and just knew that three years ago God was going to bless me with her, and instead, I was blessed with a baby boy. As the days passed in this pregnancy, I knew that the name Olivia was going to remain an emotionless name that would continue to be typed with no meaning, as I just knew this one was a boy. And, then, we opened the envelope.
Armando couldn’t make it to the ultrasound, as I couldn’t wait another week to go to the ultrasound, so he suggested that Sandy write down the gender and seal it in an envelope. After seeing Sandy, I rushed to pick up the kids and get to the middle school as quickly as my car could get me there, safely. I called Armando and said, “Meet me outside!” He came out and together we had Alina open the envelope. Inside were the words “It’s a girl!” nestled in a heart, followed by, “Congratulations!”
I screamed out loud and then began to cry. Olivia. My precious Olivia. The meaningless name now has a life. It represents my hopes and my desires for the little one making me expand daily, inducing tears without notice, and simply causing a bit of a roller coaster. Olivia now represents my daughter, our daughter. An unknown beauty. An overwhelming joy. The sibling to my two precious children. Another life to nurture and guide, bring to God, teach, love and share with the world.
Olivia Grace. How I pray for you to get here safely and how I long for my arms to cuddle you. How I anticipate your big sister loving on you and caring for you with the big heart she has. How I am already thanking God for a beautiful baby girl. And, how I love you ever-so-deeply.
Armando couldn’t make it to the ultrasound, as I couldn’t wait another week to go to the ultrasound, so he suggested that Sandy write down the gender and seal it in an envelope. After seeing Sandy, I rushed to pick up the kids and get to the middle school as quickly as my car could get me there, safely. I called Armando and said, “Meet me outside!” He came out and together we had Alina open the envelope. Inside were the words “It’s a girl!” nestled in a heart, followed by, “Congratulations!”
I screamed out loud and then began to cry. Olivia. My precious Olivia. The meaningless name now has a life. It represents my hopes and my desires for the little one making me expand daily, inducing tears without notice, and simply causing a bit of a roller coaster. Olivia now represents my daughter, our daughter. An unknown beauty. An overwhelming joy. The sibling to my two precious children. Another life to nurture and guide, bring to God, teach, love and share with the world.
Olivia Grace. How I pray for you to get here safely and how I long for my arms to cuddle you. How I anticipate your big sister loving on you and caring for you with the big heart she has. How I am already thanking God for a beautiful baby girl. And, how I love you ever-so-deeply.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
I Remember
"In recognition of September 11th, the phrases “Never forget” and/or “I remember” are popular to depict or to portray people’s sincere sadness for the events of that day, as well as the bravery of the men and women that stood up against evil forces for the safety/betterment for others.
While reading posts on Facebook along those lines, as well as hearing various captions on the news, it dawned on me that in life there are so many circumstances where one may udder the words “I’ll never forget,” and yet that fleeting thought is gone before it can be comprehended, as our crazy world always seems to take precedence. There have been many moments in my life where I have vowed to not forget the emotion or experience, so that I am a better person and/or keep my priorities straight, and yet on a day-to-day basis I do not remember after all.
For example, I graduated as valedictorian of my high school. Driven and dedicated to learning, I deserved the honors. Yet, at moments in my life I have let the system beat me down and make me feel as if I am no brighter than the next person. I forget.
Or, the day I found out I had lost my mother. The dearest person in my life was gone. Experiencing loss for the first time, my heart gripped on to those that I still had. At that moment I felt that I would treat every pivotal person in my life, as if they would be gone tomorrow… but sometimes, I forget.
I think of the first days of falling in love with my husband. Days of waiting for the phone to ring, or seeing him – whether it be a transitory moment on the way to class, or an evening spent talking – or a bouquet of flowers waiting on my desk, every moment filled with exhilaration. Anticipation at any opportunity to be together with love filling the air. Then came a wedding, professing our love, then children to share our immense love with, a house, careers, bills, obligations, etc. While I still love him more than ever, my delivery of showing my love has changed immensely, as so often we are "keeping up". While I don’t ever forget our love, sometimes I forget its beginnings.
And, while I haven’t forgotten the dates of my children’s birth and/or how much they weighed, time of day, etc., I forget little things. Little moments, how truly small they were, how we laid around and giggled over nothing, how elated Armando and I were when both of our children arrived, how saddened we were when Aydon had to sleep in the NICU instead of with us… And while I am blessed because I can recall these things, I also want them to be at the front of my mind, so that they are reflected in my being and how I live and treat them everyday. And yet, sometimes the moment takes over, and I forget.
I truly could ramble about the things that I forget. Not because they are unimportant to me, but instead, because life is like a carnival. There are moments when you are looking over the park with faces aglow, other moments where you’re dragging two kids to the car as they’ve had enough, and moments where you simply enjoy the company of those around you. There’s good, there’s bad, but each moment has something special to offer. And those moments, combined, equal your life.
Even though this blog was started in September and I’m finishing it in November, I still am going to remember to remember. Life truly is a blessing and we let the to-do list, agenda, calendar and other obligations get in our way, but in the end, will those things matter, or the things we should have truly remembered?
Monday, October 4, 2010
The Pack is Growing!
Wolf Pack! Wolf Pack! Wolf Pack! AaaaaOooooooo! Typically this is a chant that we scream as we are rooting on the Reno Wolf Pack playing football or any other sport that we are privy to watch, but for this weekend this chant was so much more. This chant was a cheer, a celebration, an elation for family. For the Veloz family. Lorenzo proposed to Jenna. Ben and Amy are expecting. And, so are we! The Veloz Pack is growing and the excitement is almost uncontrollable.
We were so blessed to spend Saturday supporting the Pack in their 5-0 season, while also celebrating the growth of our family and the many special bonds that we are all able to share. While the atmosphere at the UNLV vs. UNR game probably was not the best place for small children's ears on a Saturday night, we were so fortunate to be sitting where we were, with the people we were with. Aydon was even fortunate enough to make friends with a lovely woman sitting next to us. (Hence, the picture with a stranger up above.) I certainly could not have asked for more of a Saturday, although the weekend quickly passed me by...it is these moments that make me stop, reflect, and enjoy. And even better, three new family members will soon be joining the pack and experiencing pure joy through the love and excitement of the Veloz family.
"A baby will make love stronger, days shorter, nights longer, bankroll smaller, home happier, clothes shabbier, the past forgotten, and the future worth living for." -- Anonymous
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Our Third Blessing!
I had said, “I don’t want any more children.” In the wee small hours of the night, and through the spitting up and screaming, or the banter between siblings, it’s easy to say that. However, this tugging feeling kept tugging and I finally came to realize it was God’s plan for us to have another one. As soon as the words were mentioned to Armando, he was excited! Of course, the belly laughter, the snuggling, watching them grow physically, emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually, and so many other special moments surpass the bad moments. It’s the being stretched beyond what one thinks they are capable of, but loving beyond one’s known ability that makes parenthood the most amazing emotion and journey in our lives.
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