If your in need of inspiration or just need a kick in the nether regions... check out the link below...? I'd very much like to introduce you to a wonderful guy I met today on Facebook. For me he's totally put everything into perspective and I suspect lots of other people too.
Thank god for people like you Nick Vujicic! :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8ZuKF3dxCY&NR=1
Want to know more? below is Nicks own website...
http://www.lifewithoutlimbs.org/
It's strange even spooky how moments, events,
including individuals and times can go on to rekindle memories, reinforcing how
truly lucky we are... Especially when faced with some memory's that might not
have been that great...But I have found with every moment of darkness, there is
always LIGHT. 
Making decisions... especially well informed ones has helped to make me feel my world is alright... Particularly now because I know in which direction I’m going. With my decision drenched in truth, I suddenly feel better than I've ever felt before... My recent brainwave regarding Jake, feels warm, sunny and accurate. The only other issue, to pick a perfect moment... spy our golden chance... My gut feeling tells me this may be easier said than done. Regardless, my longing with its warmth pounds safely within the confines of my heart. Completely reassured now, I know I've definitely made the right decision...
Monday 23rd August 2010...
Our new members of staff have commenced their posts and been with us just over a week. They unsurprisingly fitted straight in... Training sessions were tight but to deadline. It was great to see everyone pull together as a team. On Friday we all left the senators residence as planned but time and location was changed to facilitate security.
Arriving hours later in the beautiful beach resort for a private three week holiday was absolutely wonderful. The family are content and happy with all previous and present arrangements. All new members of staff as well as two original members are settling in fine. Security’s well established with Jake consistently busy assessing the initial set up after following intense organisation of extra troops to enhance the safety of the whole party.
We’ve been here for a whole weekend; the guarded agenda is being followed closely to the letter with an occasional coded security change. It must be noted this is simply to ensure complete synchronisation for each undercover agent connected to the assignment. Our earlier briefing went well. The senator delivered his own last minute agenda and needed to get together with security as well as staff members to brief them about certain unmentionable possibilities.
I have gratefully discovered since employing Emily the new nanny, I’ve been getting much more time to do all the other things that ensure a more organised household. My new skills have not gone unnoticed by the senator, his wife and Jake. I still happily find time to spend with the children and Emily whom I have become very fond of... as I have said previously, Emily has already saved me from harm. That happily connected us right from the start.
The knock on my door halted my thoughts...
“Come in”
Little Taylor popped her head around the door before she happily bounced into my office.
I grinned. “What can I do for you Taylor?”
“Miss Kristina would like you to join the family on the patio for lunch” she replied with a smile.
“Thank you, I’m on my way”.
Going through the beautiful triple patio doors, my heart leapt for joy as I saw Jake sitting with the family around the ornate patio table.
Acting as cool as cucumber, I smiled.
“Hey Crystal, I thought it would be nice for all of us to eat together. Maybe, we could organise a day out tomorrow” as normal Kristina's right eye lifted with her question.
Emily walked in with the children. All three looked damp from their swim.
“Mummy, mummy” they cry as they fiercely hug their mother.
“Children come, sit down. We’re about to have lunch, I bet your starving aren’t you?”
A joyful unison of delightful squeals fly round the table.
I hear the deep tone of Jakes voice as he greets me. This he follows with a brief but courteous hello to Emily and the children. Looking over to him, I feel the crashing beat of my heart as it over-powers my ear drums. The internal longing all consuming... but, I know I have to take my time, be steady, be patient and be ready. His eyes nervous, flick towards me. I'm half listening to Kristina but within my peripheral vision I know he's drinking me in. This knowledge makes me confident...
“Ah darling, you’re here” Kristina cries when the senator appeared.
“Yes, so sorry but I’m here now” he volunteers ruffling his children’s hair which merrily caused further giggles.
“I do apologise everybody, come on let’s eat”.
The next 50mins or so are wonderful. A feast greedily demolished. Rosa Lee and Orenda, the new cooks along with the help of Taylor have done us proud... cooked a banquet fit for kings.
“I won’t be able to move for a week” I cried, retrieving my napkin from the floor.
Everybody laughs in total agreement.
At the end of a lovely lunch it's been unanimously decided, a luxury cruise will be arranged for the following day. Everyone with the exception of Orenda the cook and our new maid Taylor, will be going. Jake makes an invisible list to share with his agents and extra security.
Excusing myself, I'm about to get up from the table when Jake leans over asking if he can meet with me for further discussion on agenda for the following day.
“Of course” I breathe.
I confirm with Kristina and Emily I will meet up with them later, to finalise arrangements.
Jake quietly but confidently follows me to my office. I turn as he closes the door. Suddenly I become nervous, convinced he must be able to hear my rapid breathing; my heart beat or at the very least sense my longing ache.
“Now Crystal, this activity needs to be synchronised perfectly. Remember what happened last time” he gently urged.
For twenty minutes Jake and I discuss nothing but work, security, agendas, staff, family and precise arrangements with times etc.. I feel questions rise in my head but my heart tells me that now was not the golden moment... I'm just about to ignore my instinct when the shrill high pitch of Jakes mobile phone rings out. Jake gets up and excuses him-self... as he walks to the door; I know any moment has gone.
“Jake” I shout a little too loudly.
He turns with a quizzical almost comical look etched across his handsome face.
“Sorry” I say shyly. “It’s ok, I’ll see you later”
For the briefest moment, which felt like the whole of eternity... his gaze penetrates right through to my very soul. He leaves abruptly as I flop into the black leather of my chair... I cry silent tears knowing yet again I have to wait for the return of that elusive golden moment...
When Crystal Slater thought back to the time when she was a little girl, she couldn't help but consider herself to be very fortunate... warm memories of doting parents and how they loved to arrange the very best family holidays. Crystal remembered how her parents felt strongly about the importance of families getting to spend quality time together... This is why Crystal’s thoughts were very clear when helping the senator’s wife arrange the family vacation. But before that happens, there are a few little problems to iron out...
Sunday 15th August 2010.
It’s been two long weeks since the domestic service interviews. Phone calls organised and references gratefully received.
Decisions on who to employ and who not too, have also been clarified.
A formal job offer has been forwarded to Miss Taylor Craven aged 24yrs, for the post of maid.
A further job offer went to Miss Emily Hart age 30yrs for the Nanny role and the two cook's positions went to Rosa Lee age 50yrs and Orenda Winters aged 48yrs. All four women received the highest praise along with impeccable recommendations from previous employers.
The senator and his wife appear suitably pleased with progress. Today Kristina messaged in to remind me to keep the ball rolling. It’s getting very close to the holidays due date. The new members of staff are to commence duties on Monday 16th August... On Friday 20th August we leave by private jet for an (Undisclosed) beach residence location, where the family’s final holiday vacation for this year will start. So much to do... but it will be easier once the new staff begin their duties.
All four members of staff are to live in but will accompany us for the holiday vacation. We will be away from the senator’s town residence for three whole weeks. The children are understandably bouncing off the ceiling, so very excited; at long last, they will get to spend good quality time with their father.
Sitting in the bright office, writing to-do lists for our new members of staff... I pause, thinking in particular about my future, Jake’s future.
Since that special time all those weeks ago on the senator’s land, Jake’s never indicated or even hinted at the closeness I know we both sensed that day. Come to think of it, neither have I...
I wanted him so bad; I needed him to put his strong arms around my waist, hold me close then pull me in closer, as he explains everything’s going to be alright.
Oh I know my role within the organisation is completely secure and I’m totally convinced that’s because of my extreme abilities, but that’s ok... I need to feel secure. A bond has formed; I know the family feel it too. I couldn’t help but ask the question, what about the love of my life? Whilst pondering that profound question, I firmly push myself backwards into the leather chair... The problem I thought, is he doesn’t know how important he is to me. Maybe it’s about time I touch the water, feel the temperature... instinct tells me he quivers inside too, just as much as me but until I see the look, feel the heat, sense the longing, I can’t let myself believe. Maybe in different surroundings, away from the senator’s residence... we'll find away to experience something special. Time for us will tell!
Staring off into space I jump as the senator bounces into the office.
“Aha Crystal that’s where you are, Kristina is on the phone” He pushed the little black cordless gadget into my outstretched hand then quickly disappeared.
“Hi Kristina, yes sorry, I’m writing out those infernal lists for the new staff intake on Monday”
I listened to Kristina’s light bubble voice, instantly feeling cheerful as she patiently explained dates, times and her brief description of where she’d left the inventory list, the one she especially wanted me to retrieve.
Listening to her excited babble, I could see into the back of my mind... the mist cleared; clarity stunned me by showing Jake’s handsome face... he smiles out to me.
It’s just what I needed. the message couldn't be any clearer, I know now what I must do!
Occasionally I get enough humour loaded inspiration to tell a joke... I confess wholeheartedly my friends, it's not very often but I'll share this with you... My week's not been one of my most positive. Soooo here goes. I sincerely hope it makes you giggle just as much as it did me. Hope Friday the 13th finishes on a high for you! 
I came across this beautifully written piece of poetry by ‘Max Ehrman’ It’s called ‘Desiderata’
It forced me to stop for a moment and think... Like so many of you I suspect I’m just as guilty of rushing around and through stuff... including life! But some time ago I made a resolution and after reading this I’m again trying to actively hush myself into remembering, it’s not absolutely necessary to accelerate at break neck speed through space and time.
I love it when words, life & people encourage me to stop and think. These words have a profound effect on me, not only are they written well, the words are deep and clear; helping us to understand what the writer is revealing... For me, the message came across loud and clear... I’m in total agreement. I love its simplicity, hope you do too. Enjoy!
‘Desiderata’
Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labours and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
No. 39 has always been a lovely house, a beautiful home. For those of you who know me, you’ll understand completely when I share this information... No.39 has also been a healing house... its therapeutic qualities were evident to me before I even moved in. This special house previously belonged to a very dear friend of mine... The first time I entered it I knew unequivocally it was going to be mine!
Well at long last No.39 is for sale... I realise there is still some way to go before the next part of the journey of dreams can be accomplished. Even so it wasn’t until the estate agent called to photograph different rooms as well as the garden that my heart went ping... followed by my brain going slightly numb. I know the end to one journey is within our sight. I also warmly feel a strong sense of mixed emotions as I quickly witness the last 7 years flash before me.
The estate agent babbles on, making all the right noises about this will sell the house, that will sell the house and you’re large garden should help considerably. His words echo before they bounce away from me. My visions continue... good and bad times travel in the form of pictures throughout my mind... I see different people and other times.
I note the experience feels surreal because while I'm able to silently encounter the good, the bad, and the brilliant... I also become aware that like me, my gorgeous man stands quietly, watching proceedings. I wonder if he feels the same... are his thoughts and memories crashing by, making him excited for our future. I make a mental note to ask how he's feeling later.
As I sign the contract, I get confirmation that quite possibly this life may never be the same!
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Tuesday 3rd August 2010
When I explain to you, I was totally unprepared for the little lady who came through the door for interview today... please trust me, because an hour or so later I just knew I’d discovered my soul sister... Emily!
In walked a tiny girl who squeaked her name... Taylor was 24yrs of age but looked sweet sixteen. She stood about 4ft 11 with wild brown hair which reached her shoulders and those almond shaped hazel eyes appeared to laugh right at you. Sitting down she shared a wonderful smile as her interview commenced. Later I realised Taylor was the only individual on the day who shook our hands; she told us she was pleased to meet us. A further 30minutes into the interview it became difficult to quieten Taylor. She was talkative, bouncy, a total delight. This funnily enough is how Kristina later described her.
Jake and I were very much enjoying the interview process... despite initially thinking it was going to a drag and be completely boring. The process proved successful in that, it flowed smoothly and the three of us knew either way when we had someone not really suitable or when we had an applicant we liked. Then as if by a natural instinct formed from years of working together the three of us shared an astounding ability to tune into each other’s thoughts and intuition.
We interviewed 4 maids and were in no doubt that our final agreement was what the senators residence and inhabitants needed is a happy soul... Taylor was being checked out along with the cooks, Rosa lee and Orenda.
We had several interviews for the Nanny position... but decided unanimously on a well deserved coffee break. Ten minutes later, the door knocked and in walked the administrative officer with the first applicant.
“Hi my name is Julia, I’ve been sent by the agency Royal Nannies”
Throughout the room... a hush descended
“Hello Julia we are very pleased to meet you, if somewhat surprised”
Confusion etched across Julia’s face.
“Surprised?”
“Yes, you see on here it states your name is John”
“Oh that, well yes officially I'm John but when I work I’m Julia” Julia seemed to think that was explanation enough and visually relaxed leaning back into the chair.
This was beginning to feel a little too uncomfortable... I could feel all three instincts blazing and I knew my colleague was feeling the same...
The interview became rushed. When John/Julia left the room, I couldn’t help noticing a sneer spread across his face as he gave me a weird sideways glance.
Kristina looked uncomfortable...
“It’s important we look into this issue immediately, see how it happened. I feel we should have been advised from the agency, let’s ring now and see who John/Julia really is”
“I agree Kristina, would you like me to make the call?”
“No it’s ok, I’ll ring”. Kristina reached for the phone, calling the number on his application form...
Jake stood up visibly bristling, his mobile glued to his ear.
The conversation was brief and direct.... Putting the phone down Kristina’s white face crumpled.
Jake spoke sharply to security, demanded they detain John/Julia who was in a blue nanny’s uniform. His voice rose further, demanding they close the gates immediately and not allow anyone either in or out...
I advised Kristina and Jake I’d be right back. On the corridor I smiled reassuringly at the rest of the applicants, advising there would be a short delay. I progressed through the side entrance which is often used to admit visitors... almost bumping into security who had our unidentified applicant.
I asked them to take him into the day room and I’d return immediately with Jake.
Several minutes later Jake asked the guy what his name was... we were greeted with silence along with that same ugly sneer.
Jake asked his security team to stay with the undesirable character until police arrived...
Kristina was fine when we arrived back in the interview room. The rest of the afternoon was uneventful with several nannies’ being interviewed. Then like a needle shining in a haystack, there was one hopeful shimmer of light.
She came into the room as quiet as a little mouse, very serene and delicate but believe me... looks can be deceiving, as I later went on to discover.
She introduced herself as Emily. She went on to say she's from England... she's 31years of age and has lived in America for approximately 8years. Loves her job has a nanny for a well-known celebrity couple. Sadly her services were no longer required, the couple were about to divorce and the children were moving to another country... she added however, the celebrity mum wanted her to accompany them but at this moment in time, Emily did not want to leave the states. I watched her explain herself, there was something instinctual I liked about Emily. I inexplicably sensed a wonderful closeness with her. I felt she was easy to speak to, she answered questions quite naturally and I could see she didn’t blow her own trumpet that easily... this quality I also liked. When Emily’s interview was drawing to a close, there was a huge ruction outside... Jake and I were first on the scene. It was what I went on to witness in slow motion that clinched Emily’s interview for me...
The guy who called himself Julia/John... had launched himself from the grip of 2 hefty police officers... in a flash he’d lunged towards me but before I react I witness Emily attack him... she forcefully brings him down hard to the ground, securing him flat against the deep red carpet that runs systematically throughout the residence corridors... In complete and utter surprise, I turn to Kristina who is also looking on in disbelief. Emily now lying spread eagle across the perpetrator is gently lifted by Jake as the police officers and security team restrain their man.
Reaching out I shake Emily’s hand in heartfelt thanks... Kristina beckons us both into the interview room.
Closing the door, I watch Jake and the team frog march the strange individual away with the police.
Hi remember me?
I’ve been thinking... I simply cannot believe how much my life has changed over the past twelve months. In that period of time the whole of my being has metamorphosed... I mean, my physical appearance has remained the same but clearly my parents scientific magic's taken place within my DNA and it's structure so, when I think about it... the miracle never ceases to amaze me... My confidence has also gone from strength to strength. People in my life right now need my support and protection. But each and every day, I fear the real me is quite possibly on the verge of becoming visible... It’s getting harder to conceal my true identity! Nevertheless, I must... If it gets out life will never be the same... and neither would my clients!
Tues 3rd August 2010
I constantly ask myself where time goes. Over the last month the schedule and it's activity within the senator’s residence, has travelled ahead of us all at approximately 100miles an hour. A great deal to tell you... So much to share! Only of course if it’s deemed suitably appropriate. You do remember don’t you that I cannot reveal everything...
Let me think where we were last time I spoke... I recall certain interviews were about to take place. The senator and his wife Kristina had asked for us to interview domestic staff for the residence. Oh yes the children were about to finish school for their summer holidays... then there was that awful incident with the intruder who had god knows what on his mind... given the frightening items uncovered in his car. It turned out he suffers from schizophrenia and has been indefinitely detained.
My days have been full and the lonely night’s empty. Security's been on full alert to the possibility of a looming attack... All agencies have pulled together; this is always of paramount importance for an assignment to be successful.
Looking at my watch I realise with a knee jerking jolt, I shouldn’t be here... In that moment the kitchen door opens...
“Crystal, quickly the first applicant’s are arriving”
Jumping up, heart hammering followed by that strange breathlessness I always seem to experience when Jake is around... in the interview room, it ceases when the first applicant sits down... She's here for the cook’s position, but going by first impression's I know I wouldn't let her near a boiled kettle, never mind a cooked meal... Jake glances over, in his eyes I see that mischievous twinkle, it shows me he's thinking the very same thing... breaking away from his magnetic gaze I hear Kristina kindly say...
“Yes Maria thank you, we’ll be in touch”
In the room we all looked at one another...
“Is this what it’s going to be like” I ask already feeling despondent.
“Yes unfortunately Crystal but we have to persevere, I need to get our domestic situation organised before the holiday” she nods to the administrative officer to show the next one in.
My first instinct was to think Rosa lee was going to be the same as Maria... she was about 50yrs old with salt and pepper hair which in it's day must have been as black as coal. Her eyes black as her hair radiated warmth, but I only sensed this once she'd relaxed into the interview.
Rosa lee turned out to be a great character. From her work history, she’d only ever had one job. I could tell from Kristina’s reaction that this was a good point. Rosa lee appeared open and honest, she was also a mother and grandmother... Unfortunately her husband had died several years ago from a heart attack and she lived local. Kristina finally asked if she would be willing to live in, Rosa lee replied this would not be a problem because her children had grown and although she saw them regularly, she had no other commitments. Kristina advised Rosa lee she would be in touch.
As Rosa lee’s tiny frame left the room an impenetrable silence followed. Jake and I waited for Kristina to give us her verdict.
“I like her, I really like her” Kristina sighed.
“Maybe today won’t be a complete waste of time after all”
“I agree with you, there was something warm and comforting about her”
“Maybe it’s because she’s a grandmother” Jake interjected.
“Well I want information with discreet enquiries made as soon as possible, if my instincts are right, Rosa lee will to be our next cook. Let’s arrange a second interview when her references come in”
Uplifted, the interviews commenced. We had one more applicant for the cook’s position and several more for the maids and another couple for the nanny position.
The door opened, the next applicant walked in.
“Hello my names Orenda “
“Please sit down Orenda, that’s an unusual name, what does it mean?”
“It a Native American name and means ‘magic power’” nervously, she smiled at the three of us.
Again ten minutes into her interview, I totally warmed to Orenda; she came across as genuine, consistent. She knew her stuff about cooking. Her previous place of work had lasted 15years. To her dismay employment ended because her employers were emigrating. They begged her to go with them but she reported although there was nothing to keep her in America, she was born here and didn’t really want to live anywhere else.
After an intense 45 minute interview, Kristina’s final question as Orenda prepared to leave... she asked, if she would be prepared to live-in. Just before the door clicked shut her answer, a resounding yes of course it would be her pleasure.
“Right then" Kristina laughed "that’s the cook interviews over. I really like both Rosa lee and Orenda, if they check out they will both be hired.”
Turning in her chair, Kristina smiled in our direction.
“Right panel next on our agenda, the maids”
Kristina called for the next applicant to be shown in...
