My Journey

     I'm going to be revamping this blog, so "Bounce Back with PJ" will be under construction for the next thirty days.  I want it to be loaded with information, helpful passages, encouraging words, and links to other sites that will assist you in your journey.  I hope to take the taboo out of the word RAPE so that parents' or caretakers' will talk to their children (girls and boys) freely on the subject.  It is my hope to educate you and to help you to heal.  If I help one person I feel as though I've done something good.  If I can get people to talk about this terrible crime openly then maybe someone's child, mother, father, daughter, or son will have the education they need to avoid, or get through being raped.  I hope you will take this journey with me; for some it will be a journey of healing, other's education, some discovery, and finally enlightenment.
     I am PJ and information is power, be informed.

Useful Tool: MEDITATION

     I use meditation as a tool to bring in positive energy or to quiet the activity in my head.  For me meditation is a way to refocus and reorient myself.  It really does work for me.  It’s best to learn the basic technique of meditation before you start and to ascertain your true purpose for meditating.

     I start by finding a time and a place where I wont be disturbed.  I know, easier said than done but for me it’s the only way.  Once I’m in my quiet place I begin by finding the most comfortable place to sit; either on the floor or in a chair.  Then I cross my legs and put my hands in a very comfortable place but I make sure that my back is straight.  Next I start my breathing, in and out but naturally.  When I get my breathing going I start clearing my mind completely by focusing on my breathing and stopping all thoughts; rational or not.  I do this until I’m completely relaxed and free of all thought.  After that I continue on to my next activity for the day.

     I really hope you find this tool useful.  Below you will find some helpful links on meditation:  http://www.wikihow.com/Meditate, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0rSmxsVHPE.  These sites are by no means the only websites about mediation but they offer you a window into the world of mediation, trust me when I say there are so many different sites and so many different techniques on the subject.  I really hope that you will explore this tool in more detail so you can get the full benefit and if you find it beneficial then I would really love to know.

     I’m Lady PJ and information is power, be informed.

I AM Woman

     I am woman hear me roar!  Just go with it.  Today I helped to change the alternator on my car.  My chest all stuck out.  Before yesterday I didn't even know what an alternator looked like or what tools I would need to use to replace it.  So I took to the information highway (the internet) and I looked up my car, then how to replace the alternator.  I then printed out written instructions but I’m a got to see it kind of girl.  When I went to Auto Zone website they had an actual video that not only showed you what an alternator looked like but how to put it in the car.  Talk about pleasantly surprised!   So when my Dad said,  “You want me to take it off for you,” I jumped at the chance to get my hands dirty plus it’s cheap labor.  Just keeping it real. 

     After trying to figure out which tools we needed, we got busy; taking off the belt first (it was extremely loose), then the connectors, the bolts, and finally the alternator.  I took the alternator to Advanced Auto and purchased a new one for $145.19, then brought it back home.  I then discovered that my belt tensioner was burnt out and I had to go back to the automotive store to pick one up.  I of course had no idea what the burnt up part was or what it did until I got to the auto store.  I asked the woman at the counter, “do you know what this is.”  No shame in my game, honey.   I was just thankful that one of us had a clue and it wasn't me.  Thanks chic.  Alright, so now I got the right parts and I’m on my way home.

     Unfortunately, it was too late to finish the job and I decided to resume my task the next day.  I didn't have my Dad around to help so I decided to try to put the alternator back on my self.  Ha. Ha. Ha.  Yeah, I’m laughing.  Patients is not my virtue!  After about an hour of trying to stretch that lousy belt and put the alternator in place, I had the common sense to know that I could not do the job alone.  Executive decision.  As a woman we reserve the right to change our mind; any time or all the time.  It’s some where in the woman's handbook.  Which one you ask?  If I told you I’d have to kill you.

     I solicited the help of my uncle that lives next door.  I really didn't want to ask but what can I say.  Idea’s of grandeur.  I get his help and damned if he don’t know no more than I do.  It surprisingly made me feel better, just watching him try to figure it out.  Although I did have an hour in already.  I was standing there all pitiful with my greased up hands and dirt all in my hair, looking a hot mess.  Sad sight but I was happy because I was replacing the alternator on my car.

     After a little time we put our heads together and figured out what needed to be done then we got busy baby.  My uncle had a light bulb moment, and in the end I screwed the alternator in place using the old bolts, we figured out how to get the belt under the belt tensioner, I hooked the connectors back up, then the alternator was officially replaced.  I had to charge my battery back up before I could turn the engine on but boy did that baby purr when I finally turned that switch.  Sweet success!

     I tried something that was completely out of my comfort zone and in the process I learned something I didn't know; the best part is I saved a few hundred bucks on labor.  Now I’m not saying that I’m going to always fix on my own car but if I can do the job myself from now on I’m certainly going to try.

  I’m Lady PJ and information is power, so be informed.

Starting the year off happy

     Okay the holidays are gone and the new year is here.  We made it through another year!  Aren't you excited?  I'm so looking forward to this new year.  This is the year that I start off happy with no worries.  You heard me!  Happy, baby!  Ha. Ha. Ha.
     Finally, I can say that things are turning around in my personal life.  My current boyfriend and I have been together for a few months now and it's going really well.  I'm shocked!  Usually, by now I would of found something about him that turned me off and gave me some reason to break up the relationship.  I'm serious guys.  This time was so very different because I discovered that we have so much in common.  We both love the creative side of music, both are looking for a serious relationship, both looking to get married again, both love to laugh and have fun, both looking to enjoy our life together, and we both love the water.  He makes me happy every time I'm with him; just being with him (there's all this positive energy). I feel like I finally found my soul mate.  It makes me feel like dancing.
     I have a few issues on my own to deal with, mainly trust which is a huge thing for me, but I think I'm getting there.  He had some baggage I had to deal with early on in the relationship now the tables have turned and he has to deal with my baggage.  No relationship is perfect; there are always mountains and hills to climb.  You just have to be willing to climb them.
     I'm looking forward to seeing where this relationship will lead me.  I know where I want it to go but life has a way of stepping in and changing stuff.  Hopefully in the end we are still together.  I want a little more than just being together.  You feel me?
    I have to add that I'm grateful for this new relationship.  It gives me such joy and happiness, plus it's very fulfilling.  Thomas allows me to fully be myself and he doesn't try to change me.  I trust his opinion and his guidance because I know he has my best interest at heart.  And I'm finding that I can depend on him.  It's really nice for me to know that someone is there if and when I need them.  He accepts me for who I am; in all my craziness.  I know I'm crazy! Ha. Ha. Ha.  He knows I'm crazy, hell!  The good thing is he still loves me with all my craziness.