. . . Pohrales Forever

 In 2010, I was set on getting a dog. I knew we weren’t going to be having kids any time soon, and really wanted a puppy.

    My friend Jen had sent me his profile from an OC animal shelter (after we’d exhausted our hunt on adopt-a-pet and other sites). I was pretty picky and wanted our dog to have the perfect amount of fluff and personality to fit into our family.

This was the photo posted on the shelter site.

Problem was, Luis did not want a dog. He’s always been the logical one in our relationship and he’d repeatedly have to explain that it was a huge decision and wasn’t sure we were ready for the responsibility. But the heart wants what it wants and mine was ready, so I went to the shelter the next day to go meet this puppy.

When I got to his kennel Poh immediately trotted over to the door, wagging his tail and practically dragging his tongue on the floor. He was like no other dog I’d seen in my months-long search, and I immediately fell in love. 

But, because I knew pulling on Luis’s heart strings wasn’t going to be enough, I decided to try a different strategy. I’d appeal to his more practical nature. I explained that I’d visited this dog and I would like for us to go to the shelter, so he could meet him in person, and we could then come together to have a logical conversation about getting a dog (this one in particular). 

If you really know me, you know how hard that was. To not let my emotions do all the talking, but to actually slow myself down and try to be sensible about the situation. At this point we’d been married for 3 years (together for 12) and it appeared as though Luis’ common sense way of thinking was actually starting to have an affect me.

Luis responded well to this tactic, so he agreed to go visit the shelter and humor me with  a conversation. The next day, on my way back from teaching summer school, I called Luis or maybe he called me. Either way, I was excited to go back to the shelter and discuss the possibilities from a more thoughtful and rational perspective. 

Well, the first thing luis said to me had nothing to do with our puppy planning. All he said was, “You have to head home so we can clean the house.” At that moment brain shut off and my emotions took back control. I immediately burst out in a rant which probably sounded something like, “But we were supposed to go to the shelter! Why should I come home and clean right now?! There’s no rush and YOU SAID we could talk about getting a dog!!!”

Luis managed to interrupt my tirade and calmly said, “You have to come home to clean right now, because… I got the dog.”

Poh in the car on his way home that very same week.

Apparently he’d gone to visit the shelter earlier that day actually asked to go into the kennel with him. Luis said the very first thing Poh did was pee right at his feet (as he would do hundreds of times after that to everyone he’d meet) and he just knew this was it. Truly love at first sight. 

His paws were my absolute favorite.

Looks like I wasn’t the only one being transformed by our relationship. While I was willing to use my head to make this decision, Luis made an impulsive purchase based on emotion and made this choice with his heart.

Poh was able to get us to find that balance and I am beyond grateful for his unwavering love and adoration for us, his forever Pohrales family. 

Just the 3 of us. I actually used this photo in the last
  post I made on here in 2015.

All of us in 2021.

We spent the last few days with Poh, at his side, loving him as long as we could.

Poh stayed by the door all week, waiting for Luis to get home. Their bond was beyond special. 

In our hearts is where he’ll always be,
but in our arms is where I wish he could stay.

Thank you for showing us how to love.

Been a long time

Well... it's been a while. This is how I started out this blog.... With this song by Madeleine Peyroux. It's one of my faves and really set the tone for the intention of this space that I started 4 and half years ago.

Instead of feeling bad
Be glad you got somewhere to go
Instead of feeling sad
Be happy you're not all alone
Instead of feeling low
Get high on everything you love
Instead of wastin' time
Feel good 'bout what you are dreaming of...

...Instead of feelin' broke   
Buck up and get yourself in the black   
Instead of losing hope   
Touch up the things that feel out of whack   
Instead of being old   
Be young because you know you are   
Instead of feeling cold   
Let sunshine into your heart

 In starting this blog (in late 2011) and in the time since I stopped (even though I only wrote for a little over a year), a lot has happened.  I had no idea where the past three years were going to take us, but I will tell you that there was always a clear intention for this blog ...even though it was never officially mentioned. The timing was never right and we didn't want to rush things. We've spent the last few years teaching and traveling.  And now we're ready for the third part.

 Overall, in the last 3 years, we have become more aware of the little things and less demanding about things out of our control. We have learned to really let go and Let God. We've chosen to be "thankful for every little bit."

This blog will hopefully come back to life at some point. I may once again be posting things here, mostly for my own safe keeping, but I am now going to include a link to a new one.

This new one will chronicle our new journey... into Parenthood.

No. I'm not pregnant. (I actually thought about calling it that.)

In the weeks to come it will catch you up on the last few months (years) and include excerpts from a special letter we are writing. If you'd like to follow, click on this link to "One Breath Closer."

From New Years 2015. We knew the show was about to start.

Amor por Key

Little bits of love coming from around the block and across the country...

For those of you who don't know the situation with my cousin Key, 

please read the previous blog "for Key." 

It's also been so great to have friends come by the sales whom I hadn't seen in a while, some in years. They've donated money, letters, items to sell, and hand-made art/jewelry. My friend Lisa, from the Nest and the Makery at Community, even gave me a couple of pointers that boosted our sales! 

(Thanks Square App!) 

People have been so loving, so supportive, so giving... and it's more than I think any of us ever expected.

made by a college friend! thanks Aja! and sold to a lucky girl! thanks Aline!

Our goal is really just to show our support for Key and do any little bit that we can. At the Flea Market I was encouraged by a man that I met who actually takes wheel chairs that a local convalescent home throws away and refurbishes them! He says that he does it all on his own, and donates the chairs to local centers or ones in other countries. Where ever there is a need. He does what he can to make even the smallest difference and believes it really matters. It's making a huge difference in the lives of those people and I was really happy to hear his story. It's that kind of attitude, combined with action, that changes the world.

antique onion heads

Last weekend was our 5th Key Sale, and I have to say... it was amazing.... Every sale has been. First of all, at each sale we get lots of stories from people who are struggling with or have beat cancer (including my mom) and it's been so uplifting to hear their stories.

everyone needs a pair of stripper shoes!

We will be having a couple of more sales in the future and a hair-cut-a-thon!
I will post more information on those events in the coming days.
We're hoping to reach the $3000 mark by May 3rd. We're at $2,800 as of April 27th. 

Meanwhile, we're still  accepting donations through our Paypal account at key.cure.perales@gmail.com

Oh so comfy rocker!

Ray Ray: at the 4th Key Sale at the Flea Market:

Ray Ray, probably in his late teens, came by dressed in a t-shirt and jeans and had his hair carefully done in a mohawk. He came over to our booth quite excitedly and started asking me questions about "the girl in the photo." I told him it's my cousin and we're trying to raise money to help her with her chemotherapy. Right away Ray Ray's energy went up. He started to speak more quickly and at first I didn't know what he was saying, but he kept pointing at himself. After a bit more time with him I realized he was saying that his mother has cancer. He was saying she went through chemo. He was saying he knows what it's like.

He told me to wait there and he ran down a few booths and grabbed his mother, pulling her all the way to our space. He showed her the sign and he started saying, "Just like you!" His mother, a bit taken back, shared with me that her son, who has Downs Syndrome, doesn't usually like when she brings up her cancer.  Ray Ray's reaction came as a surprise, typically he gets angry when she mentions it. Holding back tears she shared with me her battle and that she just finished up her last round of chemotherapy and is now waiting for results. She is hopeful and even has a cruise coming up that she will be taking (I believe with other survivors).

Ray Ray, who was playing with the drum set that was holding up the sign, asked if he could sign the board. I gave him some markers and he wrote down his name and number. And repeated several times, "Tell her to call me, I'll make her better." Before he left he held out his hand, as if to give me a high five. He'd written "Key" in large blue letters across his palm. He said he wrote it down so he wouldn't forget. I almost started to tear up and thanked him as he walked away.

Ray Ray's note in blue, towards the bottom center.

for Key

Every little bit helps...


Exactly one week ago my cousin Lola posted a prayer request for my cousin in Mexico via Facebook. 
I immediately posted my own in order to help spread the word.

Here is my first post: 

This is my cousin Key... (Pronounced K.) She's 15 and lives in mexico city. This week she's starting a new round of chemotherapy. from what I understand, this is the 2nd time it's come back and she's been battling cancer for over a year. Her parents are pretty much out of money for treatment and they really need help. I'm not asking for money, just prayers and support. Another cousin here in westminster is going to be setting up a yard sale for her some time soon and I want to support it as much as I can. If you would like to donate items to sell, if you've done some early spring cleaning, or would like to do some shopping at the sale, let me know. I'll keep you posted for more information. I really don't know Key much at all since I don't visit mexico city as often anymore, but when I saw her photo for the first time a few weeks ago I felt instantly connected and my heart literally started to ache. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers, even if you're simply reminded of her when taking out your ”keys.” thanks to those of you who've been praying. I'm sure she can feel it.

Literally the next morning I had tons of messages, comments, and texts asking how to help. Since then we have had people from all over donate items, money, care packages, artwork, hand-made crafts, time, prayers, and words of encouragement. It's been overwhelming and motivating! 


Little by little we have gotten more and more support from friends, co-workers, and extended family.  There are now multiple dates planned for donations, sales, and potential for other possible events and in May, my aunt will take over the proceeds and gifts/letters that people have put together for Key. God has blessed us with compassionate friends who care and are keeping us moving forward. My cousin Lola was the catalyst for this whole thing and I'm excited to see where it will go. 

UPDATE March 27th: The first sale went really well, generating over $400, not including all of the donations that we have continued to receive.

Thank you to those who attended, those who donated items, and those who are continuing to pray and offer support for her!

Every little bit will continue to help. 

There will be another sale this weekend and more in the future.  

Thank you so very much. 

Her mother, Erika, recently updated us. 

Here is what she said: 

(translation below) 

"Gracias a todos por su apoyo Katlin esta bien tiene buen animo estas quimios no la hacen sentir tan mal, eso si no le gusta la comida del hospital, así que aveces le llevamos comida a escondidas, Mañana va por la 3er quimioterapia, Katlin agradece sus oraciones y esta sorprendida de que mucha gente esta rezando por su pronta recuperación . Mil gracias a todos Que dios los llene de Bendiciones.

Thank you all for your support Katlin is well and in a good mood, these chemotherapy do not make it feell so bad. She dislikes the hospital food, some times we bring her food from home. Tomorrow is her third chemotherapy. She appreciates your prayers and she is surprised by that many people are praying for her full recovery. GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!!!

Let me count the ways...

Daily love notes to Luis 
during the month of Febrero.

Day 1...cuddles... make me feel safe, comforted, warm, needed, loved.

Day 2 ...when i get all hot and bothered... you somehow keep your cool.

Day 3 ...i like to be woken up by you... even if i do sound grouchy when you do it.

Day 4 ...i love that you've never been in a fight. let's protect that pretty face of  yours. :)

Day 5 ...i like it when you focus on the positive. 

Day 6 ...it's part of what made me fall in love with you in the first place. that hasn't changed.

Day 7 ...helps me build confidence in the kitchen. 

However, you will always be the "top chef" in this house.

Day 8 ...whether it's coaching, tutoring, home-schooling, football stuff or whatever... you do so much for us and i am appreciate all that you do and love you so much for it. 

Day 9 ...with you, i discovered how good food can be... you appreciate a good meal, whether it comes from your mom's kitchen, our kitchen, or some crazy fancy, let-me-clean-your-spot-with-a-knife-fancy ...i love how we enjoy food together. let's eat!

Day 10 ...Poh was a decision you made with your heart. It was an impulsive and completely emotional reaction to love at first sight. I love that he brings that out in you. :)

Day 11 ...us and costumes are always a good time! you get just as creative as i do and it is so much fun running around trying to find the perfect pieces to wear, even if it is always last minute. 

We make each other look good. ;)

Day 12 ...although i've always had a problem in this area, and although i might want you to spill your guts when it comes to other people's bizness... i am thankful that you don't. i respect that you keep your nose out, don't judge, and don't make assumptions about others. i am learning from you. 

Day 13 ...you read my mind last night!!! our laughter makes me the happiest person on earth! it's the most genuine thing and feels so good to do until we're both in tears. even if it's at inappropriate times or about inappropriate things... i want to laugh with you forever. it's my favorite.  

Day 14 ...you're a fan of me. What more can I say?

Day 15 ..."Love ain't easy." I feel like we're always a work in progress. Marriage is something, I feel, we both actively work at and I think our love definitely keeps us on our toes.

Day 16 ...So loud, SO FUN! I hope the neighbors can hear us!

Day 17 ...and he's a pretty good judge of character. ;) 

Day 18 ...sometimes you give me a look (today in the car). It's a look between, you are the nuttiest person on the planet, why the heck am I laughing right now and I love you because you're the nuttiest person on the planet and I love laughing at you. That look, I love. 

Day 19 ...taking time to get away, try new things, and wandering the earth is fun with you.

Day 20 ...both literally and figuratively and i trust you behind the wheel. :) 

Day 21 ...when my eye puffed up for absolutely no reason today, you seemed so concerned. when you show concern, it's nice. even when you don't know what's wrong or how to fix it, you try to be reassuring and i definitely need that sometimes. you've always been that way.

Day 22... you totally get my stress, at least when it comes to school. you totally understand when i am under a stressful deadline and have to stay at work late, or come home moody and exhausted... not to say that you like it, but you get it. 

Day 23... we've known each other for 16 years... more than half of our lives. we can totally be ourselves around each other, without reservation, especially when we're at home in our pjs on a saturday morning. we know each other in a way no one else on earth ever will. 

Day 24 ...k, so technically i didn't write this... it was Jayden. and actually, if i'm being honest, she wanted to say, "...you help me to play golf." lol. but i edited it and told her to leave it at "help me" because you really do help her with so many other things. you help me too. the heart was her idea. ;) you're so good with her and it's like getting a glimpse at a possible future.

Day 25 ...you don't hold a grudge. you don't let things get to you. you don't judge. you let things go. 

(4.5 years today!)

Day 26 ...whether you pretend to be asleep so j and i can play a prank on you or because you let me test out magic night cream on your face... you really are a good sport.

Day 27 ...you don't really ask for much. ever. you are happy with all that you have and what God's blessed you with and understand that where you are is where you should be. you put others before yourself and i definitely admire that about you and need to learn to be more like that.

Day 28 ...whether it's in work or in your work-outs, you keep yourself motivated, give yourself goals... and that's sexy ;) ...i'm thinking it's bound to rub off on me at some point. 

Day 29 ...how awesome is this! i got an extra day for my February love notes! I kept it simple. 

I just DO. 

i feel like it's so easy for us to just take each other for granted and all that we have... i know that it's definitely easier to point out all the things that irritate, annoy, or anger me... it's true for most. 

(but that list would not have been as much fun... but trust me, they're there.)

i am blessed to have grown and changed along with you all these years, in our points of view, in our experiences, in our faith, in our love. i hope to continue to grow and evolve right along side you. 

i wrote down even more things this morning, on the 1st of March... and i know there are so many more that i am not even cognizant of... but i know that in all the big and little things that you do and say every single day, 

you show me.

Thank you for loving me.