The Christianville Spirit: The Buliding of People's Moods

The Christianville Spirit
The Spirit that touches Your Life
April 15, 2009-TCS # 144
OK, I know everyone is sick of hearing about The Stock Market and The Economy. But, here is what I’ve noticed about the problem with the investors besides Wall Street Greed. It is also their mood; when their mood is down the stocks goes down and when their mood is up the stocks goes up. You see, people’s moods depend on how they see things. Let’s think of people’s mood as a 120-Floor Building we‘ll call “The Building of People‘s Moods, The 120th floor is the happiest you can be or “Being on top on the world” and then, the ground floor is when your very sad or “Hitting Rock Bottom”. in this building, colored floors that reflect the mood the floor reflects to. These colors and floors are as follows:
Floors 0-40 (Purple Floors)
Floors 40-60 (Red Floors)
Floors 60-80(Orange Floors)
Floors 81-90(Yellow Floors)
Floors 91-120(Green Floors)
Here is what the colors means:
Green Floors: Really Happy People
Yellow Floors: Happy People
Orange Floors: Sometimes Happy, Sometimes Sad
Red Floors: Sad People
Purple Floors: Sad and Angry People
Now, these are the positive side of the building, the really angry, sad, depressed, and evil people go on the Negative Floors or “N-Floors” these floors only go to 20 “N-Floors”. being on the “N-Floors” too long can result in not believing in God, not believing in Happiness, and a lowering Self-Esteem. All it takes is a quick hop on the Elevator and go up to the Happy Floors, just go up!
Thanks for reading The Christianville Spirit. If you are feeling lower than the Orange Floors, Elevate Your Life!

The Christianvile Spirit: My Prefrences

The Christianville Spirit
The Spirit that touches Your Life
April 8, 2009-TCS # 143
For those of you that know me real well know what with my Special Needs, the things people with My Special Needs do are very detailed and have to have things in specific way, we’ll call them Preferences. Some of My Preferences are easy to get around or some aren’t. My 1st one is when I up in the morning. The time that my head rises from the pillow has to be at a time that ends in 5 like: 45, :55, or :15 just for example. Another one is not so easy to get around for other people, whenever we out at eat I have to sit in a seat that faces North or East because those are my favorite directions however, sometimes it matters what’s going on around like if there is something I don’t like facing North, then I’ll face directions. Now, please know that I don’t HAVE TO sit in those directions but, I like to. The next preference is one that has to be fulfilled, while riding in the car I have to sit on the right side window because I like to see the front and back of the road signs on the highway. Also, while flying on an airplane I like sit at the window seat so, I can look out. But, I don’t care which side of the plane I sit on. The next one is easy to work around for others, the volume for the TV and Radio. The number has to be not too loud and on the 5’s, 7’s., And 10’s. TV volume goes on 5’s and 10’s (like 10 or 15). The final preference of the day is that I have to have my snack at 8 PM each night. All in all, we are very scheduled and preference oriented.
Thanks for reading The Christianville Spirit. All special needs people want are love, respect, and understanding. It’s that simple!

The Christianville Spirit: The History of The Christianville Spirit

The Christianville Spirit
The Spirit that touches Your Life
April 1, 2009-TCS # 142

For those of you who have been reading The Christianville Spirit for a while have seen all the changes of this newsletter. But, however there are people who have been reading this since the beginning. So, I thought I would give you a view of the history of a newsletter called The Christianville Spirit. The Christianville Spirit or TCS for short started in Christianville, TN in November of 2005 as an email to My Mom and my friend Karleen about the 1st Christian’s Best Friends’ Festival. My Mom told me I should start writing a newsletter about my view on life because my view on life and the world is a unique view. One time I was writing stuff about The City of Christianville and I wanted a newspaper name for The Metro Area so, the word “Spirit” seamed like a good name to symbolize the Christianville Area. On Wednesday, October 4, 2006 was the first official “Christianville Spirit” and it was about my best friend Steven’s “10 Weeks of Awesome Behavior” back when he was in The Group Home. The Christianville Spirit has been known for its slogans. The slogans have changed over the years so, Here are a list of slogans and how long they lasted.
· The first slogan was “Serving The Christianville Metro Area” that lasted from the first Christianville Spirit to December 29, 2006.
· The 2nd slogan was “Christianville Metro Area’s Delight” which lasted one newsletter in January 2007
· The 3rd slogan was “Christianville’s #1 Newspaper” which lasted one newsletter on January 4, 2007
· The 4th slogan was “The Spirit of Christianville” which lasted January 9, 2007-December 27, 2007
· The 5th slogan was “The Spirit that touches Lives” which lasted January 3, 2008-December 29, 2008
· The 6th and current slogan is “The Spirit that touches Your Life” which lasts January 2009-the end of the year
Also, The Christianville Spirit has it’s share of websites it was posted on. The first website was 360.yahoo.com/mapkid2 which was my own personal Yahoo 360 site and after that it moved to it’s current site, thechristianvillespirit.blogspot.com. another The Christianville Spirit has been known for is it’s inspirational lines at the end of the newsletter, the first inspirational line was “ Have a Spiritful Day” in the 14th newsletter. The next thing my newsletter has been known for is its series. The first TCS Series was “Christianville Metro Highlight” which about my friends and family. In the series, I got the biggest reaction to my newsletter is the “Julie Smith-Centeno Edition” of that series. Before I started writing full articles I wrote about what was going on in my life and what was going on in Christianville, those sections of the newsletter were known the “Personal News” and Christianville News” section and Another section change was the addition of the “C. Metro Commentary”. Finally, In case your wondering what the “TCS # 143” heading means, that shows how many newsletters I’ve written since the 1st in October of 2006. all in all, it’s a lot of fun to write these newsletters each week.

Thanks for reading The Christianville Spirit. People’s good attitude depends on a good thought and good input. So, feed them good stuff!

The Christianville Spirit: The Bradford Pear Tree

The Christianville Spirit
The Spirit that touches Your Life
March 25, 2009- TCS # 141
As we all know already, It’s spring which rain showers, flowers, and trees growing their leaves. That is my favorite part of spring in Plano, the trees growing their leaves. You see, here in Plano we have these tree called the Bradford Pear Tree. The Bradford Pear Tree is really pretty in the spring. What happens is around the last of February(Depending the weather of course) White flowers start to grow on the tree and then, after that the leaves start growing along with the white flowers. From the distance, you see a combination of St. Patrick’s Day Green and White on the tree; to me it looks really beautiful. To me, seeing the flowers tells me that Spring is on it’s way. Every Spring I like to follow the growth of the tree because I like watching the process of it. All in all, The Bradford Pear Tree is a really awesome tree.

Thanks for reading The Christianville Spirit. Tell someone you love that they are as pretty as a flower.

The Christianville Spririt: Temporary Negative Thought Files

The Christianville Spirit
The Spirit that touches lives
March 18, 2009-TCS # 140
You know, when you get on online your computer saves the web pages you’ve visited. Well, those are called “Temporary Internet Files”. Well, in a way that can relate to your life. You see, computers have this part of it known as the “Hard Drive” or “Hard Disk”; the Hard Drive contains all the information of your computer like programs, web sites, computer errors, and more. By now, I’m sure your asking me, “Christian, what does all this stuff have to do with my life?” well, Your Brain much like the Hard Drive stores all the information about Your Body and Mind. The “Temporary Internet Files” are much like your thoughts. You see, the “Temporary Internet Files” store on the computer’s Hard Drive and that’s why your computer gets so slow. Well, your thoughts mainly if they’re negative instead of making you slow, they make you both bitter and slow. Body wise these “Files” we’ll call “Temporary Negative Thought Files”. These “Files” however are only temporary if you get rid of them. If not then, they stay in your brain’s “Hard Drive” and eventually turn into “Viruses” (body wise that means you get sick and bitter). The point that I’m trying to get here is that you should get rid of those nasty “Temporary Negative Thought Files” so that you can run more beautifully.

Thanks for reading The Christianville Spirit. Instead of worrying about your life and things, wonder how God’s Life is going. I mean, he’s got a life too!!

The Christianville Spirit: The Amazing Acela Train

The Christianville Spirit
The Spirit that touches Your Life
March 11, 2009-TCS # 138/139

So, A couple weeks ago I was scanning through the TV Channels looking for something to watch and I found this new show on The History Channel. The show was called “Extreme Trains”, a show about a guy from Maine, who worked at a Train Depot; who crosses the country in search of the way America functions with Trains. Anyway, on the this episode he rode what is known as The Acela Train that runs along The Northeast Corridor or “ The Northeast Megalopolis”, which is an area ranging from Washington D.C to Boston, MA. Anyway, what makes this train amazing is that it is the fastest train in North America. In fact, the top speed of The Acela Train goes an astounding 150 miles per hour! There are no other trains in North America that go that fast. However, there are many trains in Europe that go even faster; Like one in Europe goes around 500 miles an hour. The Acela Train runs via a High Speed cable overhead and The Train is actually a part of the AMTRAK system.
The host rode the train line from Union Station in Washington D.C to South Station in Boston, MA. When the host rode the train he noticed the Hudson River Tunnel was really small. So small that it seemed like only the train could fit in it. Also He also found out that New York’s Pennsylvania Station is the busiest train station in The US. All in all, The Acela Train is an amazing Train.

Thanks for reading The Christianville Spirit. Don’t waste your life going as fast as this train, slow down and enjoy life.

The Christianville Spirit: Wonders of International Borders(Part 2)

The Christianville Spirit
The Spirit that touches Your Life
March 4, 2009-TCS # 137

If you read last week’s “Christianville Spirit” I told you of the many different kinds of International Borders. So, This Week’s “Christianville Spirit” is part 2 of it. Why? Because I believe that just one newsletter to explain the borders wasn’t enough. So, I’m going to do a 2nd part of it. You see, it’s not just the Customs part of the International Border Fascination. It’s also what they put On The Border; like for example one of the most fascinating borders I’ve seen on Google Maps is the Turkey/Greece Border because the rails of the side of the road on the bridge are colored the National colors, like the rails on the Turkish side has red and white rails and on the Greek side the rails are light blue and white. And, to top it off the flags of Turkey and Greece meet at the center. Another border that is fascinating is the already mentioned Thailand/Myanmar (Burma) Border at the northern most point of Thailand. There is a bridge with the Thailand and Myanmar flags on the side of bridge to the center of the bridge. The final way International Borders are interesting is some borders put plaque to mark where the countries meet. I find it interesting that on the Amistad Dam; on US/Mexico Border near Del Rio, TX, they have the American eagle with the name of the country on the US Side and the Mexican Eagle on the Mexican Side. Another interesting International fact is about what is known as The European Union; there is an agreement in some countries in Europe that people and goods can freely travel from one country to another. And, if you are a citizen of The European Union you can live in a nation like Italy and work in France. All in all, The World has fascinating International Borders.

Thanks for reading The Christianville Spirit. Think that The Economy will get better and it will!

The Christianville Spirit: Wonders of International Borders

The Christianville Spirit
The Spirit that touches Your Life
February 25, 2009-TCS # 136

As you all know I love Travel and like find things related to travel online. One of the things I like to is look at Google Maps. I like to look at Google Maps because it has really cool functions like Street View, Pictures, Wikipedia, and more… anyway, my latest interest seems to be using that Pictures function and go to International Borders in many parts of the world. Now, in real life the only International Borders I’ve been to are the US/Mexico Border at Laredo and Progresso, TX; and US/Canada at Sault Ste. Marie, MI. but, with Google Maps I’ve been to many borders like China/Russia, Turkey/Iran, Sweden/Denmark, and more. Seeing that many borders makes you realize the different styles of International Borders. Some International Borders have gates on either side; some borders have bridges with the flags of the countries to the middle of the bridge like for example at the Myanmar/Thailand Border they have a bridge with Thailand’s Flags and Myanmar Flags on the side of them and in the middle they meet. But, the 2 things that amazes me the most is that 2 countries with 2 different languages can meet on a bridge or in the middle of land or 2 counties with different building styles and different political systems meet in one place. All in all, though it’s really cool to see pictures of different International Borders.

Thanks for reading The Christianville Spirit. Be blessed that you live in The United States because some countries aren’t as lucky as us.

The Christianville Spirit: Switch or not to switch to DTV?; that is the question

The Christianville Spirit
The Spirit that touches Your Life
February 18, 2009- TCS # 135

As we know, 2 weeks ago Congress and President Obama voted to delay the DTV Switch to June 12. But, the other day I looked up which TV stations are going to change anyway because I read in several places that even though the February 17th deadline has been delayed, it told me that some TV Stations that are ready to change will in fact change on or after February 17th. So, I looked up which ones were changing just out of curiosity and I found that hundreds of TV Stations are changing. Many of them weren’t in many major city markets. A majority of them were in smaller markets like Madison, WI; Sioux Falls, SD; and, Burlington, VT just to give you an idea. The most surprising was The Burlington, Vermont Market; there they changed all the TV stations in the market including major TV networks like ABC, NBC, and CBS. Now, although you might think the smaller markets changed, the minor TV stations of major markets changed. Like in the Atlanta market, they’re PBS stations changed and in the Dallas-Fort Worth market, a religious and Spanish channel changed to DTV. So, all in all you might need to check which station changed to DTV and if one of them is your favorite station you might want to get a converter box or connect to Cable. Also, there’s the option of watching your show online.

Thanks for reading The Christianville Spirit. Focus on Happy things and happy things will come.

The Christianville Spirit: Steven's Finally Back!

The Christianville Spirit
The Spirit that touches Your Life
February 11, 2009-TCS # 134

So, one day I was sitting watching TV when the phone rang and it was My Best Friend Steven. When I starting talking to him, he told me something you wouldn’t believe. You see, he’s been in 2 Group Homes in the past 4 years because his behavior was bad because of his Special Needs. So, he begins the call with “what would you say if I told you that I was coming back home?!?!?” it turned out that he was in fact coming back home to Plano after 4 years to try to live at home and work on his behavior. After he told me this, I was shocked and excited that he was coming back home because that meant that him and I can spend time together doing things we used to like going to Movies, Hanging at his house, and Special Olympics Bowling. So far, his behavior has been pretty good while he’s been here. All in all, I am really happy and excited that he’s back in Plano.

Thanks for reading The Christianville Spirit. Awesome Friends are hard to find. so, cherish the ones you have!

The Christianville Spirit: You Are Loved, This Valentine's Day

The Christianville Spirit
The Spirit that touches your life
February 4, 2009-TCS # 134

Valentines Day, a day on the 14th of February that many people have different feelings about; some people absolutely love it because that’s the day that they can surprise their significant other or they get lovely roses from them or if you are in High School, your secret crush. But, most people who are single, divorced, being cheated on, or widowed; it’s a depressing and feeling-like-your-unloved day. But, here’s the truth about that, you may not have someone to kiss all over but, the thing is you ARE loved. Who you say? Well, God, Jesus Christ (or whomever of higher power you worship), and of course Your Family, both the ones you live with and those far away. Also, Your Friends and even a guy/girl you know who’s been secretly crushing on you loves you. But, the point here is that there is SOMEONE in this world who loves you and don’t you forget that. There are more people out there who love you then you realize. So, open you heart let them in this Valentine’s Day.

Thanks for reading The Christianville Spirit. Drink to Your Health with MonaVie! What’s MonaVie? Email My Mom at julie8788@aol.com or call 972-400-2273 to find out!

The Christianville Spirit: Great Days at The Lake House

The Christianville Spirit
The Spirit that touches Your Life
January 28, 2009- TCS # 132

When I was a kid, it seemed like every summer Me, My Brother, My Mom, and Mr. Jeff (A guy My Mom was dating at the time) and his kids Alex, Elizabeth, and sometimes Jeffery, would go to a cabin up near a lake called Nocona, which is about a 2 hour drive from Plano. This cabin, aptly named “The Lake House”, was on the east shore of a small lake, which was next door to Lake Nocona, called “Leisure Lake” in a country neighborhood called “Nocona Hills”. Anyway, we had a lot of fun there each summer and after awhile I start making up names for places around “The Lake House”. You see, back then and even today my imagination was quite something. In my mind I would make up whole cities or even metro areas like Christianville. But, the things I named were actually real places around the house. Like for example, since The Lake House was at the east end of the lake, the shore looked like a horseshoe curve that I named “Kids Bend”. I came up with that name because we were kids, and us kids would sit on the dock on the edge of “Kids Bend”. In my mind, “Kids Bend” extended a couple blocks away from the house. I called the hill down the road from the house “Downtown Kids Bend”. There was a small creek running next to the house across from us that was called the Christian River after a long debate between us kids. After the naming, we found a flat piece of wood that wrote the name on. All in all, all of us kids had a great time up there and a great childhood.

Thanks for reading The Christianville Spirit. If you see someone who needs a hug, give them a hug and let them know they’re loved.

The Christianville Spirit: Profoundly Normal

The Christianville Spirit
The Spirit that touches Your Life
January 21, 2009- TCS # 131
So, last week on a Friday Night I was scanning through the channels looking for something to watch and I came across a movie on Lifetime called “Profoundly Normal”. So, I thought it was interesting and I looked at the info. And, it said that it was a true story about a developmentally disabled couple who fall in love, get married, and have a baby contrary to what other people say. So, I turned it on and I felt great that there was actually a love story for people with Special Needs. But, however little did I know they also would show what life inside a Mental Institution that was very disturbing. Because it showed how they grew up in a Mental Institution where they were physically and mentally abused. But, they overcame the bad things that they experienced. The best part was that this couple got married even though their The State said no. so; all in all, this movie shows that Special Needs can conquer anything they put their mind to.

Thanks for reading The Christianville Spirit. If you see or hear something about Special Needs people being treated badly, do something about it and help them!

The Christianville Spirit: Happy New Year 2009

The Christianville Spirit
The Spirit that touches Your Life
January 7, 2009- TCS # 130
Hello everyone and Welcome Back to another exciting year of touching and insightful newsletters of The Christianville Spirit. Happy New Year and Welcome to 2009; this year I believe will a year of togetherness and change. To kick off that change, their will a lot of changes to The Christianville Metro Area beginning with The State Of The Metro Address on January 12 and the things The City Counsels’ of The Metro Area want to do is to change many the area freeways names because area suburbs want to advertise their cities; here are the changes that are in store for the freeways Christian Centeno Expressway will turn to Brooke Expressway, Christian Centeno Tollway will be honored in memory of our dog Sophie called Sophie Memorial Thruway and finally, Christian Centeno Freeway will become New England Cities Freeway. Now, Other than Local Changes there will be also the big DTV switch that will drive people crazy in February. All in all, 2009 will be a year of change and love.
Thanks for reading The Christianville Spirit. Have a Loving and Awesome New Year in 2009!

The Christianville Spirit: Christian's Year In Review 2008

The Christianville Spirit
The Spirit that touches lives
December 30, 2008- TCS # 129

OK, Everyone, You know what time it is. It’s getting close to New Year’s Eve, Watching the ball drop, and the New Year of 2009 to come. But, WAIT. What about 2008? Well, I have to admit that 2008 wasn’t the best of years for everyone but, I feel like I need to review it and not because I want to talk about the hardships of it but, more for the fun for remembering the past year. So, without further a due here is Christian’s Year-In-Review 2008. As with any year-in-review we have to start in January. My year 2008 kicked off great until My Brother Michael decided to move out of the house in January. My Mom and I weren’t too happy about it and we were sad for while. But, it turned out to be fine. On January 23rd I was looking at You tube videos and I ran into one from a guy named Steve Williams who calls himself “The Georgia Road geek” because he makes videos of him driving down roads in the State of Georgia and around it, showing the road signs and other things. I thought it was really cool. On February 1, 2008 was the first “State of The Metro Area Address” in the Christianville Metro Area. The changes effected by the address were Christianville’s Beltway named Geography Loop was renamed to Geography Beltway. Also, Geography Pkwy.(the road that goes to GCI Airport was extended to G-Honey Frwy. 3 miles East of Downtown Christianville. In March, was Grandma Honey’s famous Surprise party which was really awesome because My Uncle Bruce setup a video of people telling her Happy Birthday in a “This is Your Life” style and she had to guess who said it to her. April 2008 was a sad and scary month because on April 10 there was squall line of storms which brought an F-1 Skipping Tornado to rip through Plano and the sirens of The City of Plano did not go off which was very scary. And, now for the sad part; on April 17, My Grandpa Popi (or Budsy) passed away which was really sad for The Smith Family. May of 2008 was a quiet month. In June, was our annual trip to the beach in Gulf Shores, AL. on July 5, I stopped talking to my now former friend, Madison Shields because she was not being very nice to me. On August 11th, 2008 at 1:12 PM I turned 21 Years Old, that is an awesome time ones life and My Mom was happy because she didn’t have to worry about me going out and getting drunk which 21 year olds do but, I don’t. On September 1, I had to quit my First Job because Madison was bullying me and I didn’t want to deal with it anymore. September 24, was a very sad day because my dig Sophie was getting old and sick so, we had to put her to sleep and she passed away. On October 8, I wrote the 120th Christianville Spirit which was very exciting for me because I was amazed that I’ve written that many newsletters. On October 22, My Mom and I went on to the M-Line Trolley which runs along a historic street called McKinney Ave. near Downtown Dallas. On November 16-20, was The 4th Christian’s Best Friends’ Festival in Downtown Christianville which was very exciting. On December 21, we decided to adopt a German Sheppard mix and we decided to name her Zoe. And, she is cute as ever. And, Finally, I wrap up my 2008 Year-In-Review by telling you that December 29th I had all 4 of my Wisdom Teeth removed and it quite a thrilling surgery. All in all, 2008 has been a good year but, it wasn’t the greatest. But, I believe that 2009 will an awesome year.

(For the last time in 2008)
Thanks for reading The Christianville Spirit. I hope you had at least a good year of 2008 and I’ll see you back here for another year of exciting and touching newsletters in 2009!

The Christianville Spirit: How Early is too Early for Christmas

The Christianville Spirit
The Spirit that touches lives
December 23, 2008- TCS # 128

Well everyone it’s that time of year again, The Most Wonderful Time of The Year as Burl Ives says it. Man, I love Christmas time. I mean The Lights, The Music, The Fun, The Smiles, and of course Jesus’ Birth; not to mention all the presents and Santa Claus. But, there is part of Christmas that I haven’t touched on yet besides The Awful Dread that really shouldn’t be happening to you of Christmas. This one is multi-opinionated and that is Just exactly how EARLY to start Christmas stuff? Now, let me give you an idea of how opinionated this is. Some believe that Christmas should put up in September after Labor Day. Some believe should be anywhere between the Beginning of October and Thanksgiving. And, finally there are people who believe in putting stuff up in a rush within 2 weeks of Christmas. You see, Christmas sadly isn’t what it used to be. I mean don’t get me wrong I Love Christmas like Crazy but, sometimes, people’s definition of early is just too early. These days you walk around in October (Weeks before Halloween) and there are already Christmas decorations in the shopping areas and already Pre-Christmas Sales going on. But, that’s the thing that is changing Christmas and that is that Christmas is becoming more of a sales holiday more than a holiday to enjoy your family’s company or a religious holiday. But, what people don’t get is that Christmas NOT ABOUT THE PRESENTS. It’s about Family, Company, Being Together with anyone (Family, Relatives or even Friends) as long as you’re with someone. And, no; you don’t have a buy a credit-busting amount of presents for them; just enjoy their company. But, finally Christmas is about Jesus’ Birth and he became our savior. Yet, if you don’t celebrate Christmas, Hanukah, or Kwanza then just enjoy your family’s or anyone’s company. All in all though enjoy families and they’ll enjoy yours.

Thanks for reading The Christianville Spirit. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, and Happy Kwanza.

The Christianville Spirit: You, The Word To Avoid

The Christianville Spirit
The Spirit that touches lives
December 10, 2008-TCS # 127
You know when people have verbal fights, what’s the word that starts it? Using a sentence that begins with you; You, as in, “You don’t do this!”, “You don’t do that!”, “You ALWAYS do this!” but, when you say something like that the person your fighting with whether it’s your spouse, brother, mother, or whatever, they feel like they’re being attacked and they need to defend themselves. So, here’s how to talk to them without saying YOU. The major rule to get the message across without saying YOU would be to say I. Like let’s just say that you and your spouse are fighting about the fact that your supposed to do the dishes which she asked you to and your sitting in the recliner watching the football game (now keep in mind, something small things like doing the dishes shows your love for that person) and, she says “You never do the dishes! And I’m sick of doing them!” Well, a different way she could have said this would start it out with “I love it when you do the dishes for me. So, could you please do them for me tonight”? And, with her saying something like that, that would make you want to do more things for her. Now, women shouldn’t be the only ones not saying YOU, the men should also not say YOU. All in all though, without saying you at the beginning of a fight, it will be a smoother one.

Thanks for reading The Christianville Spirit. Small Things like taking out the trash and doing the dishes shows your spouse that you love them.

The Christianville Spirit: Christian's Best Friends Festival 2008

The Christianville Spirit
The Spirit that touches lives
November 16, 2008-TCS # 126
From now till’ the November 20 is a special time in The City of Christianville because I have this festival called Christian’s Best Friends’ Festival that honors my best friends. This is the 4th year that this festival has been going on. The festival is held in Downtown Christianville on Friends St. (except for Brooke Day which is November 17 in Downtown Brooke). You see, my friends are very important to me and my idea to honor them is with this festival. I choose a couple of my friends and have days and events on those days to honor them. So, the first day which is November 16 honors My Brother, Michael because he is an awesome brother. On Michael Day, This year in honor of our dog Sophie and grandpa, Popi, the entire Christianville Metro Area had a minute of silence and said “God Bless Sophie and Popi!” after words. After that was The Presentation of Friends (New and Old) that I made this year; 2008’s New Friends included Kathy’s friend Sherry, and her sons Blaine and Drew Mitchell, and Michael’s girlfriend Meagan. Plus my friends Rachel Hogle, Karleen Frishman, Steven Vandeneykel and more…
After they played The National Anthem, The Festival kicked off with The City of Christianville Band and introduction of the US, Tennessee, and The City of Christianville flags. After that, was The Parade of Michael Centeno. And, of course, his girlfriend Meagan was with him and they had a couple extra floats for her. A lot of the people there enjoyed the extra floats for Meagan. In fact, Bryan of “the famous festival couple Bryan and Holly” who met at the 2nd annual festival said “Meagan looks like a very nice girl”. Tomorrow, November 17 will be Brooke Day, held in Downtown Brooke (which is North of Christianville). Brooke Day is in honor of my long-time friend Brooke Herrick. The event on Brooke Day is a fair called The Christian Smith and Brooke H. Fair. On November 18 is Meredith Day, which is in honor of our long-time friend Meredith Herrick. On Meredith Day there is a fair like the one held in Brooke but, today it’s held in Downtown Christianville on Friends St. On November 19 is Whitney Day, which in honor of our long-time friend Whitney Herrick. For the event for the day, they close all the streets of Downtown Christianville and let everyone explore them. Whitney Day is so fun that the magazine for area teens, “The Christianville Teen” voted it the most fun thing for them to do at the Best Friends’ Festival. The reason why, they say, is because they don’t have to drive up and down the streets with the traffic to see their favorite places of Downtown Christianville. Finally, on November 20 is Steven Day which honors Christian’s Best Friend Steven Vandeneykel. On Steven Day, they have a “Tigger Parade” for him because Steven loves Tigger. After the parade is over the festival ends with the rest of the day being a made-up holiday for Steven. All in all, Christians’ Best Friends Festival is a fun Festival for people of all ages.
Thanks for reading The Christianville Spirit. Believe anything can happen and it will.

The Christianville Spirit: The Small Town Bypass

The Christianville Spirit
The Spirit that touches lives
November 12, 2008- TCS # 125
Interstate Highways, a major highway that you take to get from Point A to Point B. but, there’s a sad fact about traveling interstate highways and that is that many towns, culture, interesting people, and hidden secrets that only the locals know of are missed. You see, an exit off an interstate isn’t JUST an Exit Number on an interstate. It’s an exit to a town that has a lot of culture and interesting places that Interstate Travelers never see. Off interstates are where the good stuff is like an awesome burger restaurant and of course the cheapest gas. Many don’t know that the cheapest gas can actually be down the road from an interstate. Of course, also there are interesting people to meet in the town that do things that you have never seen before. So, the next time you drive an interstate and have extra time, find a good exit to a town, get off the interstate, and check it out because you’ll never know what you’ll find.

Thanks for reading The Christianville Spirit. There are towns along the interstate that are waiting are you!

***Starting This Sunday, November 16, 2008 will be the 4th annual Christian’s Best Friends Festival in Downtown Christianville on Friends St. The festival will last from the 16th to the 20th and I will be reporting on it on each day of the festival. ***

The Christianville Spirit: Traffic Jam! Whoo!!

The Christianville Spirit
The Spirit that touches lives
November 5, 2008-TCS # 124

They say that PTLS and Autism Kids like to line objects up together for some reason, that reason I don’t know why but, I can tell you what I thought it was because I did exactly that when I was a kid. So, here it goes; back when I was still going to San Antonio to see my dad at my grandma on-my-dad’s-sides house I had a loop car track with tons of micro cars. Every time I went over to her house I would play with the micro cars and I’d do that and call someone to look at it. When they looked I would stay “Look, Daddy I made a Traffic Jam. It’s a Traffic Jam” I did that because it made me think of Traffic Jam. Now, I did that even at My Mom’s House with the cars I had there. when I wanted to play with them I would grab the cars, put them in a line, and once they were in a “Traffic Jam” I’d make honking noise and people talking, telling the people to move it. The best way I can tell you about the noise would the sounds out of New York City or LA Drivers. To me, I didn’t think it was anything that a normal child, I just thought of it as a cool traffic jam. All in all, though making traffic jams was a lot of fun of me when I was a kid.

Thanks for the reading The Christianville Spirit. Now that we’ve elected the first African American President, Anything is Possible!!!

The Christianville Spirit: The Texas Country Reporter Festival

The Christianville Spirit
The Spirit that touches lives
October 29, 2008-TCS # 123
In Texas, there is a show on TV called “Texas Country Reporter”. Texas Country Reporter is hosted by a man named Bob Phillips. This show is about this guy that travels all over Texas, spotlighting the unique people of Small-Town Texas. So, every year now he has a festival about it in Waxahachie, Texas, a town about an hour south of Dallas and last weekend, that is where My Mom and I went. It was a lot of fun and they had some of the people they spotlighted on the show. Some of the things we saw were of course, the Texas Country Reporter himself, Bob Phillips although I wanted his autograph he wasn’t doing it when I was there but, however I did get to see him. Also, they had a Texan who makes New York Hotdogs which I didn’t try because it had sauerkraut on it and I don’t like that. However, I did try what they called “Natchitoches Fried Meat Pie” courtesy of Mama’s Fried Pies which was really good; I tried both the meat pie and a fruit pie. After that, we saw what I wanted to see which was a lady who makes houses with miniature things in it and I thought that was really cool. Next to her was another lady who is completely blind and makes quilts which I found very amazing that she could do that. Finally, they had a family of mariachis who called themselves “Mariachi “L”. All in all, it has a fun time at the Texas Country Reporter Festival

Thanks for reading The Christianville Spirit. Be Grateful for Everyone you come into contact with, whether they deserve it or not!

The Christianville Spirit: A Fun Sunday in Dallas

The Christianville Spirit
The Spirit that touches lives
October 22, 2008- TCS # 122

So, My Mom and I were on the computer trying to decide what to do on this past Sunday so, we tried looking up DART(which is the Light Rail System name in Dallas) and we checked to see what the hours for the TRE(A train that goes between Downtown Dallas to Fort Worth). So, we found out it doesn’t run on Sundays. Then, I looked at the DART website I saw something that caught my attention; it was an another rail line that runs in Dallas that I always wanted to go on; it is called the “M-Line Trolley” which runs up and down a historic street named McKinney Ave. so, we figured out how to get there and we headed out. So, we took DART’s Red Line from Downtown Plano and took it a station called Cityplace Station. After that, we up long escalators because Cityplace Station is deep underground and went up to meet to M-Line Trolley. The M-Line Trolley was really cool. The way the M-Line Trolley ran was on a single wire above the ground which was the way light rail was in the old days and our conductor was very insightful and funny. After that, we got back on the DART and headed toward Downtown Dallas to see the West End. When we got there we found out that the “West End Marketplace” which used to be a famous mall with chocolate makers that when they made chocolate it was a show to watch. Also, they used to have Laser Tag and a Movie Theater. After we walked by that, we ended the day by eating dinner at Sonny Bryans Barbeque; All in all, though it was a really fun-packed day.

Thanks for the reading The Christianville Spirit. Make a good mark on someone’s heart or mind and chances are they’ll NEVER Forget You.

The Christianville Spirit: My Childhood

The Christianville Spirit
The Spirit that touches lives
October 15, 2008-TCS # 121
So, My Mom and I decided to take our dog, Mandy for a walk as we do every Sunday because we had to put Sophie to sleep and Mandy has been depressed because of that so, we walk her each week. But, I decided to walk down one of the trails in Plano. And, we walked to the park down the street from Mr. Jeff’s House; just because I wanted to see if it had changed or not and to relive a little bit of history. You see, at that park and in that neighborhood held a lot of history, mainly history of my childhood. The way I grew up isn’t like the normal stay-behind-the-fence or play in the street kind of childhood to the average planoan. Mr. Jeff’s yard was a big yard without fences between our neighbors and it was along a creek. Not only that but, it had a trampoline that we’d jump on practically all day. And, all the neighborhood kids would jump with me and wanting me to bounce them or do what we called “Butt Busters”. All the kids loved that about me. Even my brother wanted me to do a “Butt Buster”. Also, in our neighborhood, we were free to run through the yards we were connected to and down to street to our friend Hunter and Ashley Hooper’s House. On some days, we would go down to the Hooper’s House because they had a pool and a fort that we play on or go swimming in the pool. Also, next door to our long-time friend’s family, The Herrick’s; The Herrick’s move in a little while after we moved from our townhouse we moved to when we first moved to Dallas. Anyway, The Herrick’s were made 3 Girls, The Mom, and The Dad. The 3 girls were Meredith, Whitney, and Brooke (later the 4th child Katherine was born) The Mom, I referred to as Mrs. Judy and the dad was Mr. Dave. Back then, we used to hang out a lot with them. Michael would hang out with Meredith a lot and I would hangout with Brooke a lot. There were many fun things we did. One thing, Brooke and I made up a name for our cul-de-sac; we named it “Idyllwild Village”. For the holiday events we had 2 major traditions for 2 holidays. On Halloween, we would have a Halloween Block Party where we have a party on the cul-de-sac and one or adults would take us trick or treating. On New Years, we would gather together at Mr. Jeff’s House and would celebrate the New Years. Finally, the thing that follows me today that I haven’t forgotten about was a rule at Mr. Jeff’s House that we had to take our shoes off when entering the house and I still do it today. There are many stories in my childhood I could tell but, all in all I had a great childhood and I have Mr. Jeff to thank for that.

Thanks for the reading The Christianville Spirit. If you had an awesome childhood, embrace it!

The Christianville Spirit: You're Beautiful

The Christianville Spirit
The Spirit that touches lives
October 8, 2008- TCS # 120
Wow! I’ve written 120 newsletters of The Christianville Spirit which have been filled with life changes and things that affect me. And, what I’m going to tell you this week is no different. So, My Mom and I were grocery shopping at Wal-Mart earlier this week and while we were looking for makeup for My Mom I glanced over to this family with a girl who looked like she was in her tween years and she did something that really disturbed me. She decided to grab a tube of lipstick, and I thought, “why should she have to do that to look and feel beautiful.” But, that is a sad fact of today’s world. Little girls have to sneak to get lipstick behind their parents back so they can look pretty because they’re under pressure to look pretty and because of all the extremely pretty girls they see on TV, as well as in the media. In fact, the company “Dove” has commercials about how little girls are under pressure because of that and how they have Self-Esteem Workshops so, they’ll no longer feel under pressure and actually feel pretty. Now, the cause isn’t only the media, there’s also their Self-Esteem is low because of the way others have treated them, and just the fact that Girls are wired to want to look pretty and nice. But, most of you are wondering “Christian, how do we fix this, because I would hate to have my daughter feel that way?” well, the way girls are wired; that you can’t fix, however, just a simple compliment of “You’re Pretty” or even “You’re pretty just the way you are” and of course that’ll help boost their Self-Esteem so, they can feel pretty. But, the most important thing to know is that no one is perfect and there’s no such thing as perfecality (my own word I made).

Thanks for the Reading The Christianville Spirit. Tell someone that they are beautiful to help their self-esteem. YOU’RE BEAUTIFUL!(as my mom sings all the time.)

The Christianville Spirit: Sophie, The Greatest Dog in History

The Christianville Spirit
The Spirit that touches lives
October 1, 2008-TCS # 119
As some of you know or are soon to find out that unfortunately one of our dogs passed away a week ago today. It happened to our dog that was the most famous and loved dog, Sophie. Sophie was getting really old and having health issues. So, we decided to put her down. Amazingly, she passed at 15 Years Old (which is about 104 Years Young Dog Years) but, aside from her passing away. She was an awesome dog to our family. The Story of Sophie has a sad beginning, months before we found her and she just hoped in Mr. Jeff’s Van; she was beaten by her old owner who lived across the street from My Mom’s friend Barb and Terrell’s House in Canyon Lake, TX (which is north of San Antonio). And, Barb told us about her crawling up to the dog bowl Barb put out for her because she would always come over to their house. So, one time we went down to visit Barb and Terrell. And, up comes Sophie crawling up to us and just hops in the van we had and sat on my brother’s lap. So, we decided “well, I guess we’re taking her home with us” so, from then on she just stuck to our family. Now, there are some funny stories about Sophie; like a couple times before our bedtime when we lived at the guy my mom dated named Mr. Jeff’s House. My brother’s bed was on one side of the room and mine was on the other. And, Mr. Jeff would have Sophie jump off my bed, to the floor, and on my brother’s bed. And, she would do it several times before we would go to bed. Also, Sophie had a thing about barking at cows. So, whenever drove to Mr. Jeff’s Lake house there would be cows in the farms on the side of the road so, we would say “Hey Sophie, Cows!” and she would bark like crazy. Another thing she would bark at was a huge giraffe standing in front of The Dallas Zoo. We would say “ Sophie, Look there’s the Giraffe” and she would bark. And, finally, my funniest thing she would do. There was one time, we were at the gas station that we would wait for My Dad, Sophie would get in the front seat and bark and her paws would be on the horn and when she barked, the horn honked. All in all, Sophie’s life has been quite an awesome one and she has been a GREAT dog to us.
Thanks for reading The Christianville Spirit. Think Positive on everything and everything will be ok.
This edition of The Christianville Spirit is dedicated in memory of Sophie

The Christianville Spirit: My Brother is Awesome

The Christianville Spirit
The Spirit that touches Lives
September 24, 2008- TCS # 118
So, the other day My Mom took me to Barnes and Noble. And, I looked at some maps and read a couple books. But, there was one book that caught my attention; a book about something that is close to Potocki-Lupski Syndrome, Autism. The book was called “The Everything Parents Guide to Autism”. Just to see how much it compares to me. So, as I looked through it I came upon a section about Autism’s effect of their siblings. It said that their sibling/ or siblings get jealous of the autistic person because they get more attention then, their normal siblings. So, that got me wondering about my brother. Then, I talked to My Mom about it and she said I have an awesome brother she knows that wouldn’t happen. Then, she brought up to tell him how much and why I love him. So, here it goes. First off, I should tell how much and even why I love him. Well, how much, that is the easy part because I love him a lot. So, let’s get to deep part; why I love him. Well, I have several reasons. The first one, he’s my brother and he’s family. Not deep enough. The next one, is that he’s helps me out and lets me hang with his friends. Getting there; Ok, the next one; he’s the best brother ever, I wouldn’t ask for anything more, and I’m very proud of him for his accomplishments and going after his dream. All in all, he’s such an awesome brother that I could NEVER ask for more.

Thanks for reading The Christianville Spirit. If you have an awesome brother or sister, tell them how much and why you love them.

The Christianville Spirit: Beauty and Perfectality

The Christianville Spirit
The Spirit that touches lives
September 17, 2008-TCS # 117
So, I was watching one of my regular shows named “Life with Derek” and on the show, there was this new kid in the school on the show. He rated every girl in the school on a rating from 0 to 10. 10 being very beautiful and 0 being very ugly; well, the main character, Casey got a 6 and half. By the middle of the show, this guy was actually trying to get Casey’s attention and Derek, the 2nd main character, his ex-girlfriend Kendra was going to hold a fashion show using this guy rating. But, by the end of the show Casey decides hold another fashion show for those who didn’t get a good rating. She said the point is it was to wear what makes feel happy and like you. But, my friend; that’s not what people believe in our society. These days, People care more about beauty and perfectality. People unfortunately don’t care about you being yourself or see you from the inside. But, that we need to change. There wouldn’t such pressure on girls and even guys to be beautiful or handsome. So, I bet your thinking “Christian, how do we change that because people judging people about their looks is sooo ANNOYING!?!?!” well, first off meet the person and talk to them before you even judge them because first off, you may actually like them and also they might have a heart of gold. The next thing would be to see people from the inside because you may run into a girl who is as ugly as sin and she is the sweetest person you’ll get to know. The final thing would be to dress to makes YOU happy; not to impress people and of course, the most important rule, be yourself. All in all, don’t let yourself be judged by other people and if so, don’t let it bother you because there’s no such thing as being perfect and all-around beautiful.

Thanks for the reading The Christianville Spirit. You are Beautiful/Handsome! No mater what others say.

The Christianville Spirit: Saving Your Marriage

The Christianville Spirit
The Spirit that touches lives
September 10, 2008- TCS # 116

Marriage; It’s a wonderful thing, filled with love, compassion, trust, and commitment. But, here’s a sad fact about Marriages. Most of them these days end in divorce. So, why are they ending that much and why do we have such a high divorce rate. Well, there could be many reasons why depending on your situation. But, The 2 biggest reasons are that they get married to young or too early in a relationship and a lack of respect and communication. The most important reason though is the 2nd reason, a lack of respect and communication. So, how can you have a lack of communication when the world is filled with it? There are many forms of communication; there is emailing, text messaging, instant messaging, and of course talking. But, it’s just the communication side of communication. For men in particular, they often have a hard time expressing feelings. Most women will ask in a frustrated tone “Why don’t you express feelings to me?!?!?” and, the reason for that is that Men believe that they would be weak if they expressed how they felt. Mainly though, it’s due a tough stereotype that says that Men are strong and they don’t show emotion or cry. But, the truth is that everyone has the same feelings. But, some people just don’t know how to express those feelings. So, the best advice to save your marriage is to ALWAYS respect people and of course, communicate even if it means texting your significant other how you feel and then, meet and talk about it in person. All in all, Respect and Communication are key to any relationship.
Thanks for reading The Christianville Spirit. If someone you see needs a friend, be a friend for them.

The Christianville Spirit: TCS Series; My First Job and The Future

The Christianville Spirit
The Spirit that touches lives
September 3, 2008- TCS # 115
Ok, everyone it’s time for the 9th and Final Installment of the series “Life is a fun Highway with PTLS”. For this installment, I’m going to cover My First Job and The Future. So, without further a due; this is My First Job and The Future. In the summer of 2006, I decided to apply for My First Job which was at a Double-A League Baseball Team called the Frisco Roughriders. I wanted to work there because My Friend, Madison Shields worked there and what she did there sounded like something that I could do and would have fun doing. She was what they called a “Playball Attendant” which means you pass out programs to visitors. So, I worked there for 3 Years and then, Madison becomes a bully to me and finally I wanted to quit because I didn’t want to deal with her anymore. But, aside from Madison being a bully it was a lot of fun working there. As for the future for me, health wise we will watch as it happens and think positive about it. Career Wise, I know that I’m meant to help families of my special needs and bring light and love to people. And, finally personally I am holding out for My Dream Girl who will be named Carol Holiday. And, she will be an awesome and sweet girl. All in all, I had fun working at the Roughriders and My Future is pretty bright. Anyway, thank you for tuning into The Christianville Spirit Series, “Life is a fun Highway with PLTS”. I hope this series has helped you a lot in guiding your child through Childhood to Young Adulthood.
Thanks for Reading The Christianville Spirit. You are Blessed and Loved. Get your Spirit on!

The Christianville Spirit: TCS Series; Clothing

The Christianville Spirit
The Spirit that touches lives
August 27, 2008- TCS # 114
Ok, everyone, it’s time for 8th installment of the series “ Life is a fun Highway with PTLS” this week, I’m going to cover something that you’ll definitely notice in your children and that is clothing and how they feel about it. So, without further a due here is how we Potocki-Lupski Syndrome kids and Adults feel about clothing. First off, I don’t like clothes that I have to button together. When I was a kid, I had to always have my mom help me button my pants that had buttons on them. My Mom and I found out that it would be better to wear pants and shorts that you can just pull them up and have them on. Even today, I have issues with those kinds of pants. In fact, it’s a rarity that I wear blue jeans because I don’t like the way they feel. So, I wear soft mesh athletic shorts and pants most of the time. I also have a thing about shirts as well. I don’t like t-shirts that have too many pictures because I don’t like the texture of the picture on the shirt. Also, I don’t like having tags on the back of my shirts because I don’t like the tags touching my back and it itching me. Also, I have a hard time tying shoes so; I use shoes that I just pull on. So, I wear sandals most of the time. All in all, I hope this helps with buying your child clothes. If you would like me to cover a topic on PTLS or if you would like to comment or add a suggestion, email me at thechristianvillespirit@gmail.com
Thanks for reading The Christianville Spirit. Live Life spiritfully and as a blessed person. Get your Spirit on!

The Christianville Spirit: TCS Series; High School

The Christianville Spirit
The Spirit that touches lives
August 20, 2008-TCS # 113

Ok, Everyone; it’s time for the 7th installment of the series “Life is a fun highway with PTLS”. This time I’m going to cover High School which is ages 14-18. So, without further a due these are my experiences that you might notice when your child goes through High School. In the 10th Grade, I met 2 of my current best friends named Karleen Frishman and Steven Vandeneykel which was really cool. I met Karleen on the first day of school at Jasper High School on August 11 by walking over to her and one of my friends, Patrick Huggins talking to her and we started talking and that is how we met. Back in High School, they had 8 classes and they have a certain numbers of classes a day and then the second half of number of classes were the next day, they separated them into A and B days. So, on A-days I had Karleen in all those classes and on B-days I had Karleen in some classes. So, I called A-days “All-Karleen Day” to help me remember which day it was. Also, in the 10th grade, I stayed an extra year at Jasper because I wasn’t ready for the Senior High School (by the way, in Plano they have a High School and a Senior High School.) I and Steven decided to call the extra year we stayed in Jasper, 10. 5 Grade; In 10.5 Grade, the assistant principal has me walk the teacher parking lot and make sure that the staff was parked in the staff spots and the visitors were in the visitor lot. By the end of the year, I got 100% compliance from all the teachers and I actually got an award for it. In the summer of 2006, I got together with my 1st real girlfriend, Madison Shields who also had special needs; she has OCD and it was from her that I got my First Kiss when I was 19 Years Old. In October of 2006, Madison and I went to the homecoming dance as friends who the second time I went to a dance and this time I stayed the whole time which really amazed me that I did that. Finally, in May of 2007 I graduated from Plano Senior High School which was a very proud moment for me. All in all, I hope this has helped in taking your child through High School. If you would like me to cover a certain topic about PTLS I haven’t covered, make a comment, or make a suggestion, email me at thechristianvillespirit@gmail.com

Thanks for reading The Christianville Spirit. Have a Spiritful week! Get your Spirit on!

The Christianville Spirit: TCS Series; 21 Years Old, Special Needs Style!

The Christianville Spirit
The Spirit that touches lives
August 14, 2008-TCS # 112

Ok. Everyone it’s time for the 6th installment of the series “Life is a fun highway with PTLS”. Today, I’m going to cover something that just happened to me. See, at 1:12 PM on August 11 I turned 21 and I would like to cover that part of The Special Needs Life Trail. So, without further a due here it goes. 21Years Old, the year that many youths dream about; Being 21 means that you can drink alcohol, go to Dance and Sex Clubs, buying Lottery Tickets, and of course Gambling. My thought is basically they’re saying “Happy Birthday! Now, you can screw up your life”. But, I believe for normal people, they already do things like drink way before they even turn 21. But, what about people with Special Needs and myself; Well, people with Special Needs can do the things I mentioned if they want to but, that’s their choice. As far as I’m concerned I don’t want to do those things. Now, I’m sure your thinking “Christian, Why Not?? It would fun!” the reason why is because I don’t believe any of that stuff except for buying yourself a scratch off lottery ticket is very healthy. All of them are non-healthy habit forming and if it gets out of control. Then, my friends; you’ve screwed up your life by doing things like drinking or going to Sex Clubs. All in all though, if you know your child not to be the one to drink or do any of those things; then, you’re a pretty blessed parent.
If you would like me to cover a certain topic about Potocki-Lupski Syndrome, have a comment or suggestion; feel free to email me at thechristianvillespirit@gmail.com


Thanks for reading The Christianville Spirit. Every Year is even more Spiritful than the next. Hence, why I’ve written 3 years and 112 newsletters of Spirit; so, get your Spirit on!

The Christianville Spirit:TCS Series; Middle School

The Christianville Spirit
The Spirit that touches Lives

TCS #111
August 6, 2008
Ok, Everyone. It’s time for the 5th Installment of the series “Life is a fun Highway with PTLS”. Today, I’m going to tell you about my Middle School years. Middle School went pretty smoothly for me. But, here are a couple things that happened to me that you might take notice of. The First thing for me was in the 6th Grade after I met my friend Jeremiah, he wanted me to go to a Social with him and so I went. But, when I got there I discovered that the music was really loud which bothered my ears and I thought it was too much for me because I didn’t now what to do and I didn’t like the fact that if I wanted to talk to Jeremiah I would have speak to him over the music. The next thing for me was also in 6th Grade, Jeremiah and I decided to sign up for a Special Needs Baseball League that is called The “Angel League” which one time a photographer from The Dallas Morning News came to do a story on The “Angel League” and I didn’t know he was there so, I didn’t get my picture in the paper, just my arm. At the end of the season I got the first trophy of my life. This today is one of my prized possessions. Another thing for me was in the 7th Grade I was in the choir and I was a really good singer. I had concerts every couple weeks. Another thing for me was in the 8th grade when I had my first big crush named Ali Goodfellow and when Christmas came around I made her a card for Christmas which I got really nervous about it from when I made it to the morning of. All in all, I hope this will help you for when your child hits Middle School. If you would like me to cover something about PTLS I haven‘t covered, comment, or suggest a topic email The Christianville Spirit at thechristanvillespirit@gmail.com.

Thanks for reading The Christianville Spirit. Your Thinking attracts things. So, think positive.

The Christianville Spirit:TCS Series; Elementary School

The Christianville Spirit
The Spirit that touches lives
TCS # 110-July 30, 2008
Ok, everyone. It’s time for the 4th installment of the series “Life is a fun Highway with PTLS”. This week I’m covering a very concerning topic with parents and families dealing with their kids with PTLS. And, that is School. Well, the first step to that to make sure you’re a good school district that good services for people with Special Needs. For example, I used to go to school in San Antonio, TX at Oak Grove Elementary but, the services weren’t that good so, we moved up to Plano, TX which is north of Dallas to Plano ISD which had pretty good services. Now, when it comes what to put your child on in papers, do not put them on a specific label like Autism, put them on “Other Health Impaired”. Here are some my experiences that might help you know on what’s to come. Elementary School for me was pretty good. But, there were a couple things that you might take notice of, first off for me was humming. Other Kids and Teachers got annoyed by my humming. But, to me what they heard was humming but, what I heard was singing songs. People would tell me to stop and I would; and, I would tell them that I think it’s singing through my ears and they would tell me that they thought it was humming and they would still tell me to stop. Another thing I had was what My Mom calls Stemming. Stemming is when you focus on something they like, like a map. In fact, one time there was a storyteller that showed up and read a story to us. And, their was a map behind me so, I would turn around and look at the map and start rocking and humming road noises that are common in Dallas. Afterwards, the teacher thought that I was being rude to the storyteller because I wasn’t watching them so; the teacher told My Mom that they thought that I wasn’t listening to the story and My Mom asked if I could tell her the story and I did. And, that was proof for My Mom and The Teacher. Now, who could blame me for something like that because for ANY Kid it’s hard to sit still for 8 Hours a day during a school week? Another thing was something that I got nervous about when I saw it. It was a large blow-up grey bubble that they called “The Planetarium” that they put near the library of the school I went to. After I got inside “The Planetarium” I was fine. Another thing I had was the fear of public speaking. One time I was in a play which before the play I got very nervous and sick to my stomach but, after my part I was fine. And, of course the final thing I had was that I have a thing about jelly-like substances like Gak, Silly Putty, Silly String, and stuff like that. So, one time in the 4th grade they had what they called an “Economic Fair” and the point is this was to invent something and sell it. Well, one group decided to make gak (which sort of like Silly Putty) to sell at this Economic Fair. And, that had my nervous for at least a week before until the day of which I was really nervous. It turned that I didn’t be with my group the day of the fair because of that. The things when your child knows something is coming up that there nervous about. They’ll really show that they are either the night before or the morning of the thing that going to happen. All in all, though Elementary School was good but, it just has a couple challenges. And, hear is a way to thing about it. What’s life without a couple challenges in it, after all that what makes us stronger. If you want a certain topic covered please email me or my mom.

Thanks for reading The Christianville Spirit. Have some good old “Christianville Spirit” in your life.

The Christianville Spirit: TCS Series; Eating

The Christianville Spirit
The Spirit that touches Lives
TCS# 109- July 23, 2008
Ok, everyone; it’s time for the 3rd installment of the series “Life is a fun highway with PTLS”. Today, I’m going to tell you what I eat then and now. So, without further a due hear is what I eat then and now. The first thing that you need to know is that a lot of PTLS Kids have issues with texture of foods. They don’t like foods or things that are too soft, hard, or slimy looking. When I was a baby, according to My Mom, I didn’t even eat Baby Food because of its texture. However, all I ate was Yogurt. As I got older, all I ate was Mac and Cheese and Yogurt. Now, before I get to how I eat the foods I eat today. Hear is how to tell when your kid has texture issues when the food that you want them to eat is front of them they start gagging or if they see a food that looks gross, they start having a nervous or “about to get sick” facial expression. Now you’re asking how I got to eat the foods I do today. If My Mom wanted me to try a new food she would put honey on it and then, I would eat it. As I got older, I started eating foods that looked good whether it was new or not. Today though, I eat Meat, Enchiladas, Fish, Crab, and more. Now-a-days I don’t eat Mac and Cheese as I used to. But, some of my Eating Preferences are often weird to others and even me. For example, I won’t eat French Fries but, however, I’ll eat them if they have cheese on them. So, the best way to get your child to try a new food is to put something they like on it like Honey, Cheese or other things that they like. All in all, mine and their eating habits will change as they get older.
If you would like me to cover a certain topic, please email me or My Mom.

Thanks for the reading The Christianville Spirit. Having a positive attitude can get you a lot and a negative attitude can get you nothing.

The Christianville Spirit: TCS Series; Hearing

The Christianville Spirit
The Spirit that touches lives
July 16, 2008- TCS # 108
After Writing last week’s edition of The Christianville Spirit about what I did then and now, I thought now that I should do a series about what I do that reflects My Special Needs and that’ll also help the people who find me as an inspiration to them and their children. So, without further ado; here is the 2nd installment to the series I call “Life is a fun highway with PTLS”. For this installment I’m going to tell you about my hearing, then and now. Now, first keep in mind that people with PTLS have very sensitive hearing; when I was kid, my hearing was very sensitive. Whenever I heard something loud I either cried or just covered my ears. Now, this may surprise you that when I was a kid I was even sensitive to the sound of the waves of the ocean. My Mom told me that one time she took me to the beach when I was a kid and when I sat on the beach hearing the sound of the ocean; I started crying because it was too loud for me. Also, when I was a kid I couldn’t even go to a sports event like a Hockey Game because the noise was too loud. Now-a-day however, my hearing has gone down a little bit but, I can stand more noises then I did before. Like now, I can go to a concert and be fine; I can go to the beach and stand the sound of ocean. So, all in all PTLS kids have very sensitive hearing when their kids and then, it’s fine but, still sensitive when they’re adults.
Thanks for Reading The Christianville Spirit. You Live and You Learn, That’s Life.

The Christianville Spirit: I do what I do

The Christianville Spirit
The Spirit that touches lives
July 9, 2008- TCS # 107

We have many different people who read The Christianville Spirit and there are some people who look up to me and My Newsletter to see what their Potocki-Lupski Syndrome child could possibly be like. Most of the time when they read my newsletter it’s mainly my point of view on life. But, in the things that I do is just to bear of it; this week’s edition of The Christianville Spirit is dedicated to them. Now, keep in mind that this special need runs from a Moderate to Severe Case. Me, I happen to be in a Moderate Case of it. So, here are a couple things I did before and things I do today. First Off, when I was little I used to pace back and forth on the grass when on one was watching, in my mind I was thinking of road noises, driving on the road, and seeing road signs. Today, I don’t do that anymore. Also, when I was little I hummed a song that I liked and although people were annoyed by it, I still did it. Funny enough, back when My Brother was little, my humming put him to sleep. However, as we got older though it started to annoy him. Today, I still hum but, I think it’s a little more of singing. To most people, when I hummed I thought it was actually a song I was singing, others thought it was humming. On thing I do that’s new today is whenever something bad happened or I don’t want to remember something I take a shower “Wash It Off” and one thing I do to do that is rub the scrubber against the bottom of my feet to get it completely off. All in all, I hope this has helped the people who look up to me because they deserve to be helped and understood.

Thanks for Reading The Christianville Spirit. Everyone is special in their own way

The Christianville Spirit: Gulf Shores 2008

The Christianville Spirit
The Spirit that touches lives
June 30, 2008- TCS # 106
This past week was our annual Family Vacation in a place called Gulf Shores, AL in a beach house that my Grandma Honey gets every year. This trip was really fun and also this year had some history makers. This Year, my cousins Taylor and Olivia which are my Uncle Craig’s Son and 2nd Daughter came to the beach house this year. Also, Uncle Craig brought his brand new jet skis which My Brother and Uncle Craig’s girlfriend Kelly’s Brother had a ton of fun on. On one of the days, we went to this place called The Hangout which I thought was really cool. I think it seems like a place for teens to hang out at. All in all, this trip was really fun.

Thanks for Reading The Christianville Spirit. What You Think is what you bring.

The Christianville Spirit: A Father's Day Tribute to Popi

The Christianville Spirit
The Spirit that touches lives
June 18, 2008- TCS # 105
As most of you know or are soon to find out, My Grandpa (or Popi as we call him) passed away in April. And, On June 15 was Father’s Day. So, I figured that we all had Father’s Day without Popi; this is my tribute to him. Can you imagine Father’s Day knowing that your grandpa or dad passed away? Well, we all know it’s very hard especially the first one. So, here’s I did to help. That day I figured it would be a good idea on honor him. So, I asked My Mom if there were any restaurants he liked to go to that here in Dallas and she there weren’t. Then, I told her that I wanted to honor him and she said that we could have a cookout and make one of his famous recipes which were putting ketchup and cheese inside hamburgers before they even ate them. Later, we decided not to cook out because it was too hot. So, the final decision was going to eat Italian because My Mom told me that he liked seafood and Italian. Now, here are suggestions on others who want to honor their father or other family member who passed away. One thing you could do would be to find out what the person loves to eat. Another thing to try would be making up a Father’s Day Prayer about you and your family member. And, the final suggestion would be to do something unique to that person. All in all though, I am glad that we honored him because it made me feel much better about it.
Thanks for Reading The Christianville Spirit. If you still have a Dad, Mom, other family members that you really love, be blessed that you have them in your life.

This is edition of The Christianville Spirit is dedicated in memory of Warren “budsy/popi” Smith

The Christianville Spirit: Give Love To "Silent Heroes"

The Christianville Spirit
The Spirit that touches lives
June 11, 2008- TCS # 104
“Silent Heroes”; who and what are they? “Silent Heroes” are people who do things for you and others that either you don’t thank them, don’t acknowledge, or take advantage of. “Silent Heroes” are people who donate their time and even their money to do things for us. A “Silent Hero” can be anyone from a person at a store, your orthodontist (If your getting braces), your spouse, or even someone in your family. Now, I know you’re thinking “Why is someone like your own spouse being a “Silent Hero”?” Well, they do a lot for you and have it to put up with all the habits you have. But, then again you have to do the same. So, who are your “Silent Heroes”? Well, my orthodontist, Tammy Long is one because she put up with everything from My Nerves to me complaining about my teeth hurting for about 2 years. Now, I’ll say though it was fun along the way letting my friends choose the colors I wore. Another “Silent Hero” would My Mom because she does so much for me, some things I don’t thank her because I don’t realize what she is doing. My third “Silent Hero” would be the people out in the world who donate things and money to charity instead using all on themselves. And, my final “Silent Hero” is My Brother’s Friends because they have been really nice to me regardless of the fact that I have Special Needs, they’ve still taken me in. All in all, “Silent Heroes” are quite awesome. So, find your “Silent Hero” and thank them for what they have done.
Thanks for reading The Christianville Spirit. I thank the “Silent Heroes” who in support of The Christianville Spirit Newsletter.

The Christianville Spirit: TCS Series; Uncle Bruce

The Christianville Spirit
The Spirit that touches lives
June 4, 2008- TCS # 103
OK. Everyone; It’s time for another installment of The Christianville Spirit Series, Playlist of Your Life. This time we’re going into someone’s life that has plenty of Class, Legacy, and Success. This person’s life is one of my uncles and one of Popi’s great children. This person is named Bruce Smith (or Uncle Bruce as I call him) so, without further a due, here’s a Bruce Smith’s Life. First off, Bruce Smith was born on March 19, 1964 in Michigan. And, for this we’ll play “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother” by Mo Roca 180. Years later, he graduated form St. Francis High School in Toledo, OH. FOr this we’ll play “Graduation (Friends Forever)” by Vitamin C. After Graduating High School he moved to Atlanta, GA with Grandma Honey. While their driving to The South, we’ll play “Song of the South” by Alabama. Later on, He went to The University of Georgia where he had great friends and met his current wife, Carolee Armstrong. Him and Carolee were good friends and decided to get married. However, even today they’re still the best of friends. For these we’ll play “I get with a little from my friends” by The Beatles and melt into “Heaven” by Brian Adams. After they got married, I remember one day Uncle Brian complimenting and liking my brother’s color of hair, he said that he always wanted a Michael of his own. Well, ironically he and Carolee had 3 little “Michaels” named Gram, Callie, and Parker. For this we’ll play “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses. Today he is quite a successful, involved, and talented man. He was so successful that he was a City Councilman for The City of Norcross which is the city he lives in today. Also, He is involved with his church and he even plays in a band called “The Alley Cats” which he plays in the town park every other weekend. And, of course his talent, he can play many instruments like The Piano and The Bagpipes. For all this we’ll play “Larger than Life” by The Backstreet Boys. And, finally another cool thing about him is that he has a Pilot’s License and he flies small planes. And, for this we’ll play “Leaving on a Jet Plane” by Sister Hazel. All in all, Uncle Bruce is an awesome guy and he is great to meet.

Thanks for Reading The Christianville Spirit. Happy Birthday Kathy!!

The Christianville Spirit: TCS Series; Me

The Christianville Spirit
The Spirit that touches lives
May 21, 2008- TCS # 102
Welcome back, everyone. It’s time for another installment of The Christianville Spirit Series, “Playlist of Your Life”. For this installment, we’re going to venture into someone’s life that has been a shine on others with Potocki-Lupski Syndrome. This person is the writer of The Christianville Spirit and if you haven’t guessed who it is, it’s me. So, let’s see my life from the beginning. I was born on August 11, 1987 at Methodist Hospital in San Antonio, Texas and according to My Mom, which was the most wonderful day of her life. For this we’ll play, “Walk of Life” by Dire Straits. Later, My Mom, Michael and, I moved to Plano, TX. For this we’ll play “Life is a Highway” by Rascal Flatts. When I was 9 or so, I was diagnosed with a Duplication of Chromosome 17(which is now Potocki-Lupski Syndrome) which My Mom was happy about it because she didn’t want to settle for a special need like autism which I was pretty close to being diagnosed that. When I was in a repeat of 10th Grade which my friend Steven Vandeneykel called 10.5 Grade I had my first girlfriend who was Ali Goodfellow. She was the first girl I had really loved and everyone knew it too because everyday I would look for her name in everything like Signs, Cities, and More. For we’ll play “True to Your Heart” by Raven; In my senior year of high school, I went to the homecoming dance with my friend, Madison Shields and I stayed to the whole time. Which back in middle school, I went to a social and I thought it was too much for me. And, on May 29, 2007 I graduated from Plano Senior High School. And, for this we’ll play “Graduation (Friends Forever)” by Vitamin C. but, all in all I know that I am and will be the best role model for parents and children with Potocki-Lupski Syndrome and leave a legacy never to be forgotten.
Thanks for reading The Christianville Spirit. Love and get to know Family Members before something happens to them that will make you regret you didn’t.

The Christianville Spirit: TCS Series; My Brother

The Christianville Spirit
The Spirit that touches Lives

May 14, 2008-TCS # 101
OK, Everyone it’s time for another installment of The Christianville Spirit Series, “Playlist of Your Life”. Today, we’re going to venture into someone’s life has classiness and in the future will be a great legacy. This person is My Brother who is also known as Michael Centeno, Michael, or as his friends call him, Mike. So, without further a do here is the Playlist of My Brother’s Life. To know My Brother, we should start from the beginning. Michael was born at Methodist Hospital in San Antonio, TX on October 26, 1987 for this we’ll play “Walk of Life” by Dire Straits. He, My Mom, My Dad and I lived in San Antonio until we were Kids. After My Mom and My Dad got divorced, My Mom, Michael, and I moved up to Plano. For this we’ll play, “Life is a Highway” by Rascal Flatts. Once we moved to Plano, Michael always got hurt somehow like on time for reason he fell out of a Tree at Mr. Jeff’s House. For this we’ll play “Free Fallin‘” by Tom Petty. I believe that his proudest moment is when he got an Art Award in March 2007 in his senior year of high school. Finally, I believe that he will be successful in anything he does whether his art or other talents. All in all, My Brother will have a great legacy in the future.
Thanks for reading The Christianville Spirit. Be Spiritful

The Christianville Spirit: TCS Series; My Mom

The Christianville Spirit
The Spirit that touches lives

May 7, 2008-TCS # 100
OK Everyone, It’s time for the next installment of The Christianville Spirit Series, “Playlist of Your Life”. This time we’re going to venture into someone’s life that has a lot of legacy just like Popi’s life. This Person’s name is Julie Smith-Centeno (some people refer to her as Ms. Centeno or Momma J) However, I just call her My Mom. Julie S-C. Is the most awesome person you’ll meet. So, let’s see her life from the very beginning. She was born at Mt. Carmel Mercy Hospital in Detroit, Michigan and she was raised in Ann Arbor, MI. For this we’ll play “What a Wonderful World” by The Ramones. Later, she, Grandma Honey, Popi and the rest of the family moved to Maine and we’ll play “Life is a Highway” by Tom Cochrane for that. After Grandma Honey made that program for unwed mothers and they moved back to Toledo and she went to a bad public school on the east side of Toledo and she had to Walk to school everyday and Everyday she would be threatened to be beat up. We’ll play “Bad to the Bone” by ZZ Top. It got so bad that She moved herself over to a All-Girls Private School called St. Ursula Academy on the West Side of Toledo. After High School, she decided to go to Nursing School in Toledo, Graduated, got a job at Medical College of Ohio and eventually led to driving herself to Texas because she wanted to see what more was out there besides living in The North and she ended up in San Antonio. And, as she drives to San Antonio we’ll play “Girls Just Want To Have Fun“ by Cindy Lauper. About a year later, she met Robert Centeno at a bar, who was later going to My Dad. After that, they dated and he proposed to her while he was in the shower. And, this is how he did it “Hey Julie, want to get married?” and then, they decided to get married. For this we’ll play “Wedding Bell Blues” by Fifth Dimension. Today, I ask her why they got married because My Dad is a shmuck and she says they got married because they thought it would be fun. But, then again it was a blessing because they had 2 children, My Brother and I and one of which was on August 11, 1987 which as she says was the best day of her life and that was when she had me. For this we’ll play “Best Day of My Life” By Jesse McCartney. On October 26, 1988; she had My Brother, Michael Centeno. After she had My Brother and I, they divorced and for this we‘ll play “Goodbye to You” by Patty Smith. When My Brother and I got a little older we moved up to Plano, TX. After that, she met Jeff Barsi who she would date a long time. And, My Brother, his kids, my mom and I lived together which was personally the best of the years of our life because we had a great childhood. For this we’ll play “So Happy Together” by The Turtles. After living together for 7 or so years; My Mom and Jeff Barsi broke up. And, My Mom, My Brother, and I moved to the house we live in now. My Mom today still is friends with Mr. Jeff and she thanks him every time she talks to him for giving My Brother and I such a great childhood. Today she does a lot of hard work with getting support for The Parents and The Kids with my special needs which is now called Potocki-Lupski Syndrome. All in all, My Mom is an awesome mom and I’m happy to have her as My Mom.
Thanks for Reading The Christianville Spirit. You don’t have what you till’ it’s gone.

The Christianville Spirit: TCS Series;Grandma Honey

The Christianville Spirit
The Spirit that touches lives

April 30, 2008- TCS # 99
OK everyone; it’s time for the next installment of The Christianville Spirit series, “Soundtrack of Your Life”. The person in this installment some know as Grandma Honey, G-Honey, Jan, or Mrs. Smith. To Me, I call her Grandma Honey or G-Honey. So, without further ado this is the Soundtrack of G-Honey’s Life. Let’s kick off from the start, when she was born. She was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan with the name Janette. When she was born, we had yet to learn about awesome and wild she would be. For this will be our first song, “Born to be Wild” by Steppenwolf and While living and being raised in Detroit she was the only child, raised with her four cousins. From Kindergarten to High School she went to Catholic School, for this we’ll play “Here I Am (Majesty)” by Delirious from Kindergarten to 5th Grade. And, we’ll play “Dive” by Stephan Curtis Chapman for 5th Grade to High School. After that, Janette married Warren Smith who people call Budsy, ”The Duke”, and Popi. For this we’ll play “Heaven” by Brian Adams. And, while this is playing; I’ll tell you that they had 4 Children named Brian (Uncle Brian), Julie (My Mom), Craig (Uncle Craig), and Bruce Smith (Uncle Bruce). Later, they moved up to Auburn, ME because Popi found out that it was a lot safer there than living in Ann Arbor, MI and as they start driving toward Auburn, ME we’ll play “Life is a Highway” by Tom Cochrane. While they lived up in Maine, Jan Smith decided to have a program for unwed mothers, which helped them a lot. Well after that, they moved to the East side of Toledo for a short time and she hated living on that end because it was run down. For this and what happened next we’ll play “Hole in the World” by The Eagles. After living in Toledo for a while she unfortunately divorced Popi. And, of course Popi married Sue. And, even though they were divorced and Popi was married, they still loved each other very much. I’m sure even today even though Popi has passed away, she still has the love she had for him. After all this, her job moves her Atlanta, GA and for this we’ll play “Life is a Highway” by Rascal Flatts. Once she moved to Atlanta, she found her first dog to have in Atlanta which was named Taffy. As we stated earlier about the children Popi and G-Honey had. They also had children. Uncle Bruce had Gram, Callie, and Parker. Uncle Craig had Taylor and Anna. Uncle Brian had Lyall, and, of course Julie had me and My Brother. Uncle Bruce, his wife, and his kids are the only ones that live in Atlanta, in the same city as G-Honey. As far as G-honey is today, she loves the beach and wishes she could live there. And, for that we’ll play “Cheeseburgers in Paradise” by Jimmy Buffet but, for right now she lives in Atlanta still and of course has a job with Black Diamond which really cares for her and she cares for them. Now, if you ask me that’s quite an awesome life already and she has much more to live. Who knows what could happen? All in all, though like Popi, she is living a life of wonderfulness, class, and a great legacy.
Thanks for reading The Christianville Spirit. Live everyday as if it were your last!

The Christianville Spirit: The Storm of April 10, 2008

The Christianville Spirit
The Spirit that touches lives

April 16, 2008- TCS # 98
Ok, I know it’s supposed to be another person in the “Soundtrack of Your Life” series but, this is a story that requires attention, so here is goes. It happened at around 3:30 in the morning on April 10, 2008. There I was in the middle of sleeping when I was awaken by the loud sound of thunder, our electricity going out, and rain falling outside. The rain outside was coming down hard and the wind was blowing the rain against my bedroom window. Also, I heard noises above me that sounded like the wind was strong. So, I got up and I thought “What’s going on??” So, I walked to the west-angled window in my former bedroom which is now Kathy’s Room and the lightning was flashing so much, it was hard to see what was going on. All I knew was the wind was blowing hard, the rain was being pushed hard on the window, and there was a lot of lightning. So, then I heard My Mom’s Voice calling me to see where I was. And, I told her where I was and she told me we had to TAKE COVER and I asked her why. And, She told me there was one of those circle marker things over us on the radar (by the way, in Texas weather terms, that means there‘s a sign of rotation that might become a Tornado.) By now, I’m thinking “I hope I don’t hear a train-like sound because that means there’s a tornado on the ground” so, My Mom, 3 Dogs, and I sat in a small laundry room for about 30 minutes or so sitting on the pillows My Mom gave us. And, I just sat there shaking because I thought a tornado was going to hit us. The Weather man named Pete Delkus who we were watching on My Mom’s battery-operated TV said the sirens were going off in Allen (which is not to far from us) and there was what Pete Delkus calls sheer markers which are those circle makers I was talking about earlier over us for a while. After 30 minutes, the electricity came on and the storm was over. So, we got out and looked to see if there was any damage and here is what the damage. Part of the fence on the east side of our house was down, the fence on the northwest side was down, the lower part of the door to the outside from our sunroom was damaged by the chair, and the tree between us and our east neighbor fell on his hummer and his house. There was damage all over Plano and I knew by watching the 10 o’ clock news the night before that there was going to be swall line of storms that was going come through at about 3 or 4 in the morning. But, I didn’t know it was going to be this bad. Later that day, I found that National Weather Service called this kind of storm a Derecho. Then, My Mom told me something that was shocked me; it turned out that there was on F1 TORNADO that hit at the intersection right by My House. They say that it skipped going up and down throughout Plano. It hit the elementary school down the street from My House and then it picked up and landed again at the intersection. And, the part that get us the most, the sirens in Plano did not go off. The ones in the surrounding cities of Frisco, Allen, and Carrollton went off but, not here. Now, Channel 8 says that the spotters of The City of Plano didn’t think it was going to be that bad and boy were they wrong. All in all, it was something of a storm.
Thanks for reading The Christianville Spirit. We’ll back with our series next week.

The Christianville Spirit: TCS Series; Popi

The Christianville Spirit
The Spirit that touches lives

April 9, 2008- TCS # 97
So, A couple days I was on my Facebook page listening to music like I always do and I decided to play “Against the Wind” by Bob Segar and dedicated it to Popi since he’s still in the hospital. And, then I thought “Well, maybe I should detail his life in a list of songs to show the legacy that he has and the legacy he’ll leave in our heart now and forever. Now, my veteran readers of The Christianville Spirit know that I hadn’t hit a good series of newsletter in a while and I’m sure they think we’re long over due. So, here is. I call this series “Soundtrack of Your Life”. You know how we want to know what the world is in God’s Plan for us. Well, think of this way. God is listening to his I-pod, I-phone, or other music devices playing the songs of your life. Which ever stage you’re on, it’s a song. When the song is over, the next song comes on. Or in other words that’s another stage. So, considering Popi’s current condition and believe it or not he’s still chasing nurses around. So, either there must be a lot of nurses to chase or those nurses must pretty for him to stay this long. But, without further a due, this is The Play list of Popi’s Life. First song we’ll start off with is when Popi being born to when he was young “Walk Of Life” by Dire Straits. He was just beginning his life as he was born. Little did he know what a life he was going to live or a legacy he was going to lead? Then, that famous story of him and “Rags” getting into trouble together with the girl that hung around them. For this episode we’ll play “I get by with a little help from My Friends” by The Beatles because even thought they would get into trouble to no end, they have been some pretty good friends. Next, several years later he marries his first wife, Grandma Honey for which we’ll play “Heaven” by Bryan Adams. Next, her and Popi have Julie Smith (who will soon be My Mom), Bruce Smith (Uncle Bruce), Craig Smith (Uncle Craig), and finally Brian Smith (Uncle Brian). After all those children we’ll play “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns and Roses. Later, he sadly divorces Grandma Honey and later married My Steppi Sue, for this we’ll play “Life’s Been Good” by The Eagles. A couple years later, was one of my memories tied to his life and that was the Spring Break that we went to up North to a friend’s cabin; for this we’ll play “Life is a Highway” by Rascal Flatts. About a year later, we went to up to Toledo for My Grandma Mimi 90th Birthday on Super Bowl Weekend when it was in Detroit. That night My Uncle Bruce, Aunt Carolee, and Popi for some reason drove into Downtown Detroit to see all Super Bowl celebrations. For this we’ll play “I Want Rock N’ Roll All Night” by Kiss. So, we’ll add all his life and legacy together and play the “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong for the last song of Popi’s Play list Series. All in all though, he has led quite an awesome live and legacy. But, no matter what happens to him now. His legacy will live on forever; he’s made a good hand print on the world. And, his hand print is like no other in the world!


Thanks for reading The Christianville Spirit. What’s the Play list like in your life?

The Christianville Spirit: The Online Mapping World

The Christianville Spirit
The Spirit that touches lives

APril 2, 2008- TCS # 96
The Online Mapping World has been through a lot of different changes. Remember when you could pull up something like Google Maps and you could barely see your street and your house has blurry? Well, it’s not like that anymore. First off, on a website called Live Search Maps, they have a function called Bird’s Eye View. Bird’s Eye View shows you Cars, The Side of Your House, even almost clearly what a Highway Sign says! So, yesterday I looked Google Maps and I found something like Street View. Street View is a function which you can see the houses and the roads as if you were driving on that road. That means People can see the front of your house, what car is in the driveway, The Street Signs, you name it. Now, I think that’s some pretty cool access but, it’s kind of creepy knowing that people can see your street, your house, your car, and it also the approximate address which the point of the Car on the road taking pictures is on. So, that could mean that it could say your address or close to it. Next thing you know it, they’ll have pictures of your backyard, who knows? All in all though, the Online Mapping World has changed largely.
Thanks for Reading The Christianville Spirit. Tell someone your family that you love them every day. Because it would be better if that were the last thing you said to them before the time they pass away.