From Chaos to Serendipity

Pompous or Polite?

2011-09-14T17:28:00.000-05:00

I recently recieved a response e-mail that just rubbed me the wrong way. I think the author was trying to be polite but he came across as a pompous a$$ to me. Here's the situation:

I have to create a Power Point Presenation on a Chapter out of our text book for one of my classes. It is a soft skills class for IT geeks because apparently we aren't pegging high on the social list. The class emphasises public speaking and does and don'ts. Anyway, back to my story. My presentation is about communication. One of the areas addressed is e-mail ettiquate. I searched the internet for some cute little quote or cartoon to make a point and found one that was right on target. It is copyrighted and says that permission must be granted to use it. No, big deal. I hit the contact link and sent an e-mail explaining that I was a college student and that this was going to be used in an inclass assignment for less than 20 people. The fee to use the cartoon in newsletters and such for a company is $40. I'm not paying $40 for a homework assignment. I received a prompt response:

Hi Patti,

Thanks for thinking of me. I used to grant free or discounted use of my cartoons for this kind of project, but what happened was that somehow the word got out that I worked for free, and I started to have a flood of similar requests. I hate saying no. I really do. But I'm afraid that if I start granting this kind of use again, the phone will start ringing with endless requests for free use.

Is it just me or does this come across as arrogant? I totally understand his position but, "Thanks for thinking of me"? First off, I have never heard of the guy. I found the cartoon by luck. After I read his email, I looked him up and he is quite an accomplished cartoonist in the business world. Come on, get real, I don't even know who the hell you and and I don't really give a shit. Don't worry about your phone ringing endlessly, I won't be advertising for you. I guess when you reach a certain point in your career you don't have to worry about the little people.

I felt obligated to reply. This is what I sent:

Thank you for your prompt response. I understand your position. I was researching quotes for my communications presentation and stumbled upon your cartoon and site. I requested permission because it was requested not because I was thinking of you. I have no idea who you are. But, thank you any how and I'm sorry to have bothered you.

I think we're even now. I think he is a pompous a$$ and he is probably saying, "b!tch". I feel better now.

Missing

2011-07-12T20:48:00.002-05:00

Mrs. Who posted about a few of the things she misses. It got me thinking about the things I miss the most.

Freshly washed little boys wrapped in towels snuggling in my lap to get warm.

I miss reading bedtime stories and giving dozens of goodnight kisses.

I miss homemade cards.

School plays.

Making capes out of pillow cases so they could be a super hero.

I miss morning time snuggles.

I don't miss the fighting and crying.

I don't miss having to make them do homework.

I don't miss fighting to get them to get dressed.

I miss playing in the rain and splashing through mud puddles.

I miss taking them to the park.

I miss the sound of their laughter.

Most of all. I miss them.

Apples, bananas, sweat and grease

2011-07-11T21:05:00.003-05:00

My company provides us fruit during the summer to help us stay hydrated during these hot and humid days. The blue collar workers, such as myself, either work outside or in a very hot, steamy environment. So every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, each department is sent a box or two of fruit. We usually get apples, bananas, oranges and pears throughout the week. For some reason this year, we are getting way more fruit than we can possibly consume. So when the first batch of apples started to go bad, I being a practical person who hates to waste anything, took them home and made apple pie. Mistake. Big, big mistake. The mistake was bringing it to work for the guys. I figured the apples were company property and I didn't want to be stealing. So, I brought them back. Just a little more tasty than they were when I took them. The mouths' were drooling and the wallets came out. They sent the supervisor to the store for vanilla ice cream. Our morning break is at 9 am. By 9:15, the pie was gone and a conspiracy to steal apples from the other areas was in the works. Two days later, we had bananas going bad and a new case of apples were delivered. This was on a Friday. I took a case of speckled bananas home. On Monday, the bananas were returned to the mill in the form of banana bread and banana pudding. But, now the apples were going bad. So, I took apples and pears home and made an even bigger dish of pie. I make a very simple recipe that is a bottomless apple pie. You just mix the apples with sugar, flour, cinnomen, and nutmeg and then top it with a pie crust. I buy the ready made onces in the dairy section. They just need unrolled. Quick and easy. The most time consuming part is peeling the apples. Well, it seems that the guys working the 7pm to 7am shift were coming in and finding empty containers. Complaints were filed and begging commenced. Please, please, make some pie when I'm working. I got smart this time. I measured out the ingredients into a zip lock bag, grabbed my ready made pie crusts and took everything to work. We have an oven in our shop. I told them if they wanted apple pie, they would have to peel the apples. There were no objections. So, I'm out in the shop up to my elbows in grease working on my loader while giving instructions to one of the other guys on how to make the pie. He peeled all the apples. He even bought some and brought them in to make sure we had enough. He dumped in the sugar mixture, topped it with the crust and then popped it in the oven. I only supervised. Our supervisor was once again sent on an ice cream run. The shop has never smelled so good. Nothing like hot apple pie to combat grease and sweat. All was going well, everyone had a sugar high but was satisfied. Finally, everyone in the department had gotten some apple pie. Then, they brought in another case of bananas. "Owwwwwwwwwwww, how many bananas do you need to make banana pudding?" So, tomorrow they will have banana pudding. I will be glad when summer is over.

Cover me with a rock

2010-12-19T18:09:00.002-05:00

David is home. He left Afghanistan a few weeks ago and he is now passed out on the living room floor after taking the red eye flight from California to Florida. He just finished his second seven month deployment to the middle east. I look at his young face and wonder about the things he has seen with eyes that I wish could stay innocent to the horrendous things in this world. I avoid the news during deployments. I just don't want to know. I usually don't ask him questions about what he experienced over there. Today, I causally asked. I learned he lost three members of his group. I could see the wall come up to hide the pain. I quickly changed the subject. I want to crawl back under my rock. I try not to think of the mothers that don't have their sons returning home to give hugs and raid the refrigerator and sleep on the floor. I don't want to think about it because at this very moment, I have another son enroute to the same horrendous place this one just returned from. I want to stay under my rock.

How I can make my millions

2010-07-21T20:16:00.002-05:00

I had to write a paper for my Human Relations class. The assignment was:

Technological changes have resulted in the publishing industry falling on hard times. Fewer people are reading newspapers since they can get the same information faster (and perhaps cheaper) from TV and the Internet. Students are getting more content information in their courses from the Web, and sales of standard textbooks are declining. Overall, the publishing industry needs to change, but to what? And how?

The VP for Marketing and the VP for Technology are called into a meeting with the president of Prentice Publishing and his Senior VP for Finance. They ask that the two VP’s meet with them again next week to present their independent views of how the company should change to meet these challenges and how this change can be brought about.

What should the VP’s report to the president? Play the role of either the VP for Marketing or the VP for Technology and advise the president fully of what should be done and how to effectively bring this change about. Defend your views from the scientific viewpoint. Post your response on the Discussion Board and then read and reply to posts that oppose the view you have taken.

My response is a stroke of genius. I think I'm on to something here.

As the world moves into its “green” phase advocates are urging people to go paperless. This is especially true in the publishing industry. As VP for Marketing, I propose that we form an alliance with the manufacturers of bathroom paper. It is urgent that we reform our perceptions of reading material. The bathroom is one area that will not go paperless. We will market disposable bathroom readers. Books should be printed on toilet paper. Americans alone use 433 million miles of toilet paper annually. (http://hubpages.com/hub/The-Nasty-World-of-Bathroom-Facts) “As we all know, there can be some considerable downtime during an average trip to the bathroom. Using the telephone seems contra-indicated given the circumstances, and watching television or a movie can come off as a bit too self-indulgent. This would appear to leave reading as the most viable time-killing option for long-term bathroom occupants”. (http://www.wisegeek.com/why-do-some-people-read-in-the-bathroom.htm) According to a survey on bathroom habits 29% of people read in the bathroom whenever possible and 42% say they sometimes read while using the facilities. This means that almost 71% of people read in the bathroom. ( http://www.bathroomsurvey.com/results.html) And 100% of homes use toilet paper. (I used common sense on that statistic. If all homes don’t, I’m not going there) Most homes now have two or more bathrooms. This would mean at least two books per household at a time. We could market different reading levels and even series. Families could have holders and name cards for each individual so someone didn’t use your book and lose your place. There could even be picture “books” for toddlers that are potty training. There could be a guest roll with short stories so they could finish reading before they left. They could tear it off at the beginning of the next story so the next guest could enjoy it. This would be a win-win situation. You can’t wipe with a laptop.

Who should I contact first?

Stress, Dieting, JW, and laptops

2010-07-20T05:12:00.003-05:00

Today is day one of my I seriously want to lose weight diet. I found it in a Woman's World magazine that I picked up at the Wally world register the other day. I never buy magazines but this one was cheap and it called out to me. In it is an easy summer detox plan. Basically, it is the very similar to what Bou did earlier this year (I'll find the link later.) or not. ). It cuts out all processed foods. This should be fun. My hubby will be back in six weeks, maybe and this is a good time to diet as I won't have him to tempt me. I'll post more on the diet later.
_________________

When my hubby left so did the laptop that lived in the living room. I miss them both. Still debating on which one I miss the most though. Just kidding. I will have to rearrange a little and put my slow ass computer in the living room. This chair in the kitchen isn't fun.

____________________

I keep a little note on my bedroom mirror which list on one side "101 ways to praise a child" and the other side is "101 ways to cope with stress". I've had this for years. I'm not sure when or where I picked it up but it helps to keep me grounded. I don't read it every day but for some reason today it called my name. I took it down and was reading and soaking in the suggestions. When I took the dogs for a walk this morning, I picked up the growing pile of literature the Jehovah Witnesses leave on my front porch. One of the pamphlets is entitled "Relief from Stress How?" I think it's a sign. So, here are a couple of suggestions from each:

The mental Health place says I should:

Get up 15 minutes earlier.
Avoid tight fitting clothes.
Avoid relying on chemical aids.

Well, I did get up 15 minutes earlier this morning just by luck not plan or purpose. The diet should check off the tight fitting clothes issue and hit the chemical aids at the same time. Because as soon as I'm finished with finals next week, the coffee is stopping.

JW, tell me:

Don't expect perfection of yourself or others - Ecclesiastes 7:16
Get regular exercise - 1 Timothy 4:8
Get sufficient relaxation and sleep - Ecclesiastes 4:6

I'll have to dust off my Bible and look up those versus.

Have a great day. I'm off to work.

Improvising for 24 years

2010-05-17T18:49:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday to my Improviser. Wow, I can hardly believe you are 24. It just seems like yesterday that you were running me ragged and making my hair turn gray. You were always the inquisitive one. You took everything apart to see how it was made. You even showed me how to put it back together. You told me I was "doing it a different way". I had to hide the tools from you. A four year old with a screwdriver is a dangerous thing. But, I didn't want to discourage you either. You were my cook. You loved cooking and still do. There were several occasions when you "cooked" by yourself. Oh, the stories if I had a blog and camera back then. There was the time I woke up from your nap to find you "cooking" in the living room. I don't think I ever got the chocolate syrup stains out of the carpet. Or the time I woke up because I rolled on a cold package of ham in my bed. It was 3 or 4 am and again you were "cooking". I found you sitting in the kitchen by the light of the refrigerator. There was a bowl between your stretched out legs and a dozen and a half eggs shells beside you. I forget what all ingredients you used but you were making a cake you told me. You never slept much as a child. I would find you up watching TV at 4 am. You definitely kept me on my toes. There was nothing you couldn't or wouldn't do for yourself. You were constantly surprising me.

I am in awe of your intelligence and ingenuity. There was the time you rigged up a contraption so you didn't have to get out of bed to turn off the lights. You took off the training wheels on your bike and just started riding. You didn't need any assistance. I've watched you through the years and I hope you realize how amazing I think you are.

I love you and I am so proud of the young man you have become. I miss seeing you daily and watching you grow. Happy Birthday.

2010-05-14T04:00:00.002-05:00

My Robotics class started last night. I am going to love this class. It is all hands on. I have the same teacher for the majority of my classes. Normally, he just reads the book or a powerpoint presentation to us and it is very boring. But, not tonight. He handed out the syllabus told us to Read Chapter One and then gave us handouts on the Robot we are going to be programing. The Robot isn't the latest and greatest but it will suffice for general purposes.

After class was dismissed and the spoiled generation left, three of us older folks ganged up on the teacher and begged him to let us write a quick program. The instigator of this expedition is a guy that was in one of my previous classes. I love being around him. He has such enthusiasm and it just spreads to everyone in his vicinity. My good fortune is he is already a computer programmer. I will have a great advantage having him as my lab partner. Always, he is very encouraging. I guess that comes from being a father of six. The man has patience. Anyway, he I and one other older guy set up the Robotic arm, created a position table and then wrote the code to operate it. We just did a three position move but it was exciting. We had a near miss on the first go around. Our position offset was too low and we barely missed taking out the conveyor belt. We all gasped and laughed. We edited the program and all went well the second go around.

I will look forward to Thursdays for the next 11 weeks.

Essay Question

2010-05-12T19:35:00.002-05:00

I'm filling out scholarship forms and as part of the process I have to submit an essay. It has to include the following:

Please indicate why you feel a college education is important.
Describe your career and educational goals related to your program of study and how you plan to reach them. Also include what, if anything is impeding those goals (i.e. financial burden).
Please describe why you are deserving of a scholarship and how it is important to attaining your goals.
List any previous activities related to your major (i.e. related volunteer work, freelance work, or participation in related student organizations). Please also describe your work experience.

First off, I hate essays. I hate trying to write what I think people want to hear and that is what they are asking. Plus, it is pressure. I stress doing things like this. The good side is that I am not sitting in a classroom with a clock ticking away. I can't do that. I freak. I panic. I hit meltdown mode.

I read a book recently that suggested if you have difficulty writing start by writing down all your thoughts. All excuses, fears, everything. Just write what comes to mind. Also, don't edit as your writing. Save that for later. I know those suggestions work because my best writings come when I do exactly that. The difficult part is getting in that zone. Everything has to be perfect. Especially my head. That's no easy task.

I started this essay several days ago. I deleted numerous beginnings. I just couldn't get into it. So, I will try to take each part first and then later pull it together into some type of comprehensible rambling. I don't anticipate getting any scholarship but it doesn't hurt to try. The reason I don't feel I will get one is that most of the scholarships are based on ethnics believe it or not. I thought that was discrimination. But, it you are a black female with children, chaching, you are cashing in. I saw ones for Asians, women, Hispanics, and gays too. I did not see a single scholarship for a Caucasian male. They are screwed. Anyways, I'm rambling and avoiding the task at hand.

This is a work in progress. Please feel free to give suggestions for the essay. I appreciate any and all help.

1. Please indicate why you feel a college education is important. (Because I don't want to be a poor, ignorant redneck and do manual labor for the rest of my life. And if you don't have a degree that is what is going to happen. No one promotes someone who isn't educated. That is my truthful answer. But I don't think that is what a review committee is looking for so I'll try to come up with a politically correct beauty contestant answer. Damn, I hate writing what people want to hear when it's just a bullshit answer. I'm a tell it like it is kind of person.)

Knowledge is the only thing in this world that you can acquire and no one can take from you. It is a key that opens doors that otherwise would be forever locked. A college degree indicates to others your dedication to education. It shows that you are not afraid of goals and challenges. It is the end result of hard work and focus.

2. Describe your career and educational goals related to your program of study and how you plan to reach them. Also include what, if anything is impeding those goals (i.e. financial burden).

***I'll pick up here later.

All dressed up

2010-05-09T01:22:00.002-05:00

Comings and Goings

2010-05-02T18:49:00.002-05:00

Lately my house has had a revolving door. First, my step son was here for a week. He lives in South Florida and was up here for spring break. Bless his heart, he spent most of his time studying for the ACT. He will be graduating from high school and June and then heading straight to Orlando to attend UCF.

Daredevil came home the day Dusty left. In fact, we just swapped kids out at the airport. His visit was bittersweet. He will be leaving for Afghanistan in a few days. There will be a knot in the pit of my stomach for the next seven months. It was a great visit. I love when he sits next to me and puts his head on my shoulder. I live for those moments and will cherish them forever.

He left on a Sunday and then Chowhound arrived the next Wednesday. He is here for a couple more weeks. His next assignment is in Japan.

My children are getting scattered around the world. In a few weeks, Improviser will be the only one still on US soil. He is on a deployment status and can't come home on leave. He may be deployed by the end of the year.

I am proud of my boys but I miss them terribly.

Just Do it

2010-05-01T22:22:00.002-05:00

I've been skimming through this book called, "Do it! Let's Get Off Our Buts". I say skimming because I just open it at random and read a section. I do my reading in the bathroom so sometimes a paragraph is all I get to read and other times I manage several pages. You know the drill. I don't have to spell it out.

Anyways, this book has been very interesting. One of the things it says to do is quit rationalizing. But, I'm good at it. I can make a case for everything I do. I can even convince myself it's true. It also says we must move out of our comfort zone. But, But, But...wait. I spent my whole life making my comfort zone perfect. There's a lazy boy and a big screen tv, plenty to eat and drink and no stress. I like it. Yes, that is me rationalizing. The truth is I have come out of my comfort zone quite a bit in my life. In fact, recently, I was way out of it. The engineering drawing class I was taking took me so far out that my inner child took over and poof, it was melt down time. My poor husband saw me in my rarest form. I was slamming my books closed declaring I was out of my mind to think I could do something like this. I got to the point of tears everytime I got near the class room. I couldn't even ask the teacher for help. I didn't think he would understand why a middle aged woman was crying over homework assignment. Geez. It was a rough couple of weeks. I managed to suck it up enough to call a wonderful friend who talked me through it like I was one of her kids. It was the hand I needed to get over the wall. Once, I hurdled over that obstacle, it clicked. My comfort and confidence came back. I had fun doing the final projects and I am proud of my work.

The comfort zone knows us intimately and hits us at our weakest point. It wouldn't dream of using an excuse we could see through. It uses the reasons we find reasonable, the rationales we find rational (the rational lies), the realizations we find most real (real lies). It takes our greatest aspirations and turns them into excuses for not bothering to aspire.

Damn comfort zone. I hate being uncomfortable but I hate being stagnate even worse. The road less traveled always brings adventure.

I once complained to my father that I didn't seem to be able to do things the same way other people did. Dad's advice? "Margo don't be a sheep. People hate sheep. They eat sheep. (Margo Kaufman)

I'll remember that quote the next time I hear, "You're doing it backwards!" That is the phrase I hear most often. I hear it at work all the time. My grandmother even said those same words when she was attempting to teach me to knit. My engineering drawing teacher shook his head as he uttered those words. He said, "Technically, it's correct but it's a mirror image. I don't know how you did it but it's completely backwards."

I'm convinced I'm right and the rest of the population are just brainwashed.

I hate homework time

2010-04-11T12:39:00.002-05:00

She's one of those kids that you hate to try to teach. Emotions take over and the meltdown begins. She can't think. She can't "see" what your trying to get at. The tears well up behind her eyes. Jaws are taunt. Teeth grinding. The book goes hurling across the room. The pencil gouges deep holes in the paper as she transfers frustration. Walls are up trying to contain the rage. Nothing can penetrate. No reasoning. No comforting. Nothing.

Yeah. She is me.

It doesn't make sense

2010-01-21T21:13:00.004-05:00

I'm still trying to wrap my head around a senseless violent act that occurred in my little town. Someone I know was murdered. It was in the middle of the day and some punk 17 year old kid stabbed her to death in her own front yard. She lives right across the street from the Middle/High school my boys attended. They are friends with her daughter. This young girl is now trying to understand why. We are all trying to understand why. Marilyn didn't have much. Nothing that was worth stealing and definitely not worth murdering someone over. The details are still sketchy. One of the coaches from the high school witnessed her struggling with a young kid. The coach alerted the school resource officer and they went to help Marilyn. The kid took off running. It took three blocks but the officer caught him. Life Flight landed at the high school, which was immediately put on lock down. Marilyn died on the way to the hospital. The speculation is that the kid was trying to steal her car. I don't know if he was a student or if he is telling the truth to the cops. He has been arrested. He received cuts to his hand during the incident. I hope it gets infected and he has to suffer.

This is just so stupid. I am sick and tired of all the violence in this world. Why can't people just get along and help one another? What ever happened to following the Golden Rule? Why is this 23 year old girl having to help make funeral arrangements for her mother? Children are supposed to bury their parents but not at this young age.

Donate Life

2010-01-10T17:57:00.003-05:00

Bou did a PSA recently about organ donation. My MIL brought home a info card on organ donation from the DMV. There is an online registry now. You can register and have your wishes printed out with your registry number and even e-mail your loved ones with your wishes and information. The site iswww.donatelifeflorida.org. Under their terms and conditions it states,

"This registration will serve as a document of gift as outlined in the Florida Uniform Anatomical Gift Act. A document of gift, not revoked by the donor before death, is irreversible and does not require the consent of any other person."

This is a great way to make your wishes known.

The dog speaks better Spanish than I do

2010-01-09T20:32:00.003-05:00

I'm learning a language through the Rosetta Stone Program. The program is really good. It is interactive and teaches pronunciation, recognition, spelling, and grammar. I am working on learning Latin American Spanish. I'm in Lesson 2 so I'm not really expecting perfection at this point. But, come on. The program needs to give me a break on my accent. Apparently, a southern accent doesn't work well with the pronunciation. It displays a picture and the words describing it and then it says the words. I then have to repeat it and it will "ding" and go green if I get it right. I don't see that very often. More often than not, I get the "buzz" and the gray microphone sign. I have to repeat it until I get it right. It's not going so good. I'm comprehending the language and am able to listen to what it says and pick the correct picture from a choice of four. That part is going good. But as for speaking it, if someone who was native to the language heard me, I'm sure they would be rolling on the floor. Hell, for that matter, everyone who heard me regardless of their language would be rolling. I suck. I was trying to do this over the holidays when the boys were home. Chowhound and I were in the living room and of course the TV was on and the dogs were hanging out. It was not an idea environment to be using a microphone built into the laptop. All of the background noises were being picked up. At one point, I was repeating and repeating the words to no avail. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. Then all of a sudden the dog started barking and "ding" he got it right. Damn it I didn't know my dog knew Spanish and can speak it better than me. He's giving me speech lessons now.

Good Bye 2009

2009-12-31T15:05:00.002-05:00

Hello 2010.

Here is what I want from the coming year:

1. A local job for my husband that pays at least what his previous job paid.

2. A new house with a wrap around porch, an island in the kitchen, a big tub and sinks for two in the masterbath. There should be at least two acres fenced in with a small barn.

3. the energy and clarity of mind to accomplish my goals at work.

4. All my children should remain happy and healthy. Should any of them have to go to war areas, they should return safe and sound.

That's all I have for this moment. I'll add more later. Thank you for all the blessings I have in my life.

I did it!

2009-10-03T13:15:00.003-05:00

I can down put a check mark next to "Complete a Half Marathon". I completed it in just a little over 3 hours. I wasn't out to set any records. I just wanted to do it.

Kudos to the folks who organized, set up and operated the Marine Corps Half Marathon here in Jacksonville, FL. I'm not sure how many participants there were but obviously more than they anticipated because they ran out of medals for those of us who completed the 13.1 miles. That's okay. I don't need a medal to remind me of what I just accomplished. I have my screaming muscles to do that. Actually, I'm not as sore as I thought I would be. While I did train, I didn't stick to the schedule. So, any pain that I'm in is my own damn fault.

It wasn't as cool as the weather people predicted but it was a nice morning. It started to get a little warm towards the end but that just inspired me to get my butt in gear and hit the finish line.

I started out next to three platoons, two Marines and one Army. I loved the cadences and was keeping pace with the Army group. The Marines were way to fast for me. I was disappointed when my singing soldiers veered off at the 5K split. Wimps. None of those three groups were going the distance. I held my head a little higher and headed towards the first bridge. We had two bridges to conquer, the Main Street Bridge and the Acosta Bridge . The Acosta kicked my butt. Even with my determination, I couldn't make it to the top running. I walked up. Up until this, I had kept a steady pace. I was doing about a 13 minute mile which is fast for me. The planners were smart in placing the bridges at the beginning of the race. In between mile 10 and 11 we had a ramp that goes up under the Acosta Bridge and it about killed me going up it. Coming down was fun because it goes around in circles. This part of the course is right on the St. John's river. I did mess up my pace a little because I had to stop and talk to the guys fishing. I couldn't run by them without out checking out the catch of the day.

I was grateful for the water station people. Especially at mile 10. I was feeling the effects of not sticking to my training schedule. I was getting tired and my legs were beginning to scream. They handed me a pack of energy gel. Wow. That helped. It really started to kick in about mile 11 or so. I needed that boost. My sweetie met me about a 1/2 a mile from the finish line and accompanied me to the final sprint. Yep. I kicked it in gear and ran full throttle across the finish line.

The people who participate in these runs are great. They are from all walks of life and in all different stages of physical shape. As noted in one of the previous posts, I called VW at the half-way point to give her an update. She went into hysterics when I mentioned that I had almost caught up to the guy on crutches. I wasn't kidding. This man did the entire half marathon on crutches. I never did catch him. He was fast. He is my hero of the day. What an accomplishment!

One guy gets the jerk award. I couldn't believe this man. He was probably in his late 50's or older. He's jogging by this young girl who is probably in her early 20's and says to her, "I hate to pass you. The view is great." What a creep. I wish I could have seen his number. I would have reported him to the officials. There is no excuse for rude behavior like that.

Overall the day was fantastic. The course was beautiful. The event was well organized. The people were great (except for one idiot). And the charity it benefits is special. The proceeds from this event go to Scholarships for the children of our Service people who have been killed in Iraq. I hope they raised a lot of money.

I personally ran for Run4Chance who supports the Injured Marine Fund and the Fisher House. I raised $260. Thank you to all who supported me. I had a great time and felt honored to represent Run4Chance and participate in this event.

3 hours 7 minutes or there abouts

2009-10-03T09:28:00.000-05:00

Yipeee, she finished the race. FANTASTIC. I'm so proud of Sticks. Getting old and still able to get out there with the best of them! *ducks and runs*

1/2 Way Thru the Race

2009-10-03T07:31:00.000-05:00

Just got a call from Sticks. She is half way thru the race and has almost caught up with the man on crutches. No joke. I laughed so hard when she told me. She just kept telling me it was true. I believe her, but it is still too funny!

Go Sticks Go!!!

The Soul of a Woman

2009-09-15T20:40:00.001-05:00

The Soul of a Woman

Down in the depths of a woman's soul,
God's love is found, perfect and whole.

In her motherhood and sisterhood, she is healer of all,
Mender of life, she waits for her call,
And puts self aside, to bring out Self in all.

Beauty exists in the dawn of the day,
The answer is found by all who pray,
To know, truly know, woman's loving way.

Her heart grows from birth to transition,
Guided through life in quiet decision.

With the wisdom of sages,
She faces life's stages,
Knowing her role all along,
Is to sing and dance to every song.

Through expression of love, true and pure,
Her heart holds our secrets, safe and secure.
Down in the depths of a woman's soul,
God's love is found, perfect and whole.

Sore but grateful

2009-09-15T04:50:00.002-05:00

Sunday I completed my 8 miles of training. While I was slightly sore and not so bendy yesterday, the worse part came at work. I am required to wear steel toed, metatarsal boots. I haven't weighed them but they probably weigh about five pounds. My legs screamed as I dragged those heavy ass boots around. It felt like I had my feet tied to concrete blocks. To make matters worse, I also do a lot of climbing. I am actually grateful as my job helps to keep me in shape. About three years ago, I transfered out of this particular job. I gained 28 pounds and felt like crap. Between my job and training for the Marine Corps Half-Marathon, I have lost 18 of those pounds in the last three months.

Hero of the Day

2009-08-25T05:37:00.001-05:00

There are people who are far stronger and braver than I am. When faced with impossible circumstances, they prevail. One of those people is Sgt. T. J. Edwards, USMC. He was wounded in Iraq on December 9, 2006. Despite being burned on over 45% of his body, he recovered and is running marathons. He states,

"If I can be burned over nearly 50% of my body and complete three marathons and one triathlon, along with overcoming the mental anguish of losing six of my brothers in combat, then anybody can overcome their tragic circumstances, and come out a winner on the other side.

It just takes time and effort and the will power to never quit."

He is my Hero of the Day. Thank you Sgt. Edwards for your duty, courage and sacrifices.

Run4Chance

2009-08-24T19:21:00.005-05:00

Today two great things happened. My official Run4Chance Shirt arrived and I officially registered for the Marine Corps Half-Marathon being held in Jacksonville on Oct. 3. I have 45 days to hit the training hard. I have been training but not as diligently as I should be. This race is important to me. First, because of the cause I am representing. Run4Chance. I am running this event independently. This is not one of their official races but I am still raising money for their cause. The money raised goes to the Injured Marines Fund and the Fisher House which gives the families of the injured service people a place to stay.

So, far you wonderful people have donated $265.00 to Run4Chance.

Mrs. Who of House of Zathras.
VWBug of One Happy Dog.
Writers Block of Pereiraville
and my blogless friend, Linnaya.

The men and women of our military put their lives on the line for all the liberties we have. The more I read about how women are still treated in other countries, the more I truly appreciate the sacrifices others have made for me. Recently, I read about a woman being caned for wearing pants. Pants. I can't imagine not wearing pants. Hell, I work in a man's world. I run a 35 ton tractor. Another woman is being caned for drinking beer. I would have been caned to death by the time I was old enough to drive. That would have been more beatings. While I have done a lot of things I probably shouldn't have, it is up to me to choose my how I live my life. I have to figure out what I believe is right and wrong. I don't think that should be done for me. Here in America we have the freedom to make wrong choices and the freedom to make right choices. And to decide if they are right or wrong.

I am truly an American Woman. I used to drink. I cuss. I wear pants. I drive a car. I travel by myself. I am going to college. I have married and divorced. More than once. More than twice. Stupid maybe. But, it is my life. I have to find what I think is beyond this life. I am discovering what my purpose in life is. I love the freedoms I have. It pains my soul to know that women are still treated so disrespectfully in other countries.

I am extremely proud of all of our servicemen and woman, past and present, who sacrificed so much including their lives so that I am free to make decisions for myself. I love being an American.

Focusing

2009-08-24T05:24:00.002-05:00

I am alive with creative energy, awake to prospering ideas, and open to unlimited goodness.

I am focused and handle distractions quickly and with ease.

______________________________________________________

I have two things at work at which have been procrastinating. Today I will tackle these.

Conquoring Adult ADD

2009-08-22T04:06:00.002-05:00

I took an ADD quiz and scored an 82. Anything above a 70 is considered Serious. I have often mentioned to people that I have ADD. They laugh and usually joke that they do too. But, I am serious. This is something that holds me back. I need to make some changes in my habits to help me overcome this.

Just the thought of trying to get organized enough and stay that way to accomplish this almost brings me to tears. I know that I am an intelligent person and that I could be doing so much more in my life if I could only control this more. I love when I am organized. I feel better. But, it takes so much energy and is draining.

I am determine to finish projects that I start and start projects that I keep postponing.

A suggestion from one website says:

This is a different take on dealing with procrastination. Instead of trying to overcome procrastination by fear “get organized, try harder”, they suggest overcoming it by getting around fear through creativity and making “a small, imperfect start ” Here’s one of the steps.

How to talk to yourself:

– Replace “I have to” — which promotes victimhood and resentment — with “I choose to.”

– Replace “I must finish” with “When can I start again?”

– Replace “This is so big/difficult/complex” with “I can take one small step: one rough, rough draft, one imperfect sketch.”

– Replace “I must do this right (i.e., perfectly)” with “I can be human.” Accept “mistakes” as feedback, and part of the natural learning process. In fact, try to be imperfect. Intentionally do the first part of your project sloppily: rough draft in crayon, or on a coffee-stained old envelope.

My fear of making mistakes is huge. I am a perfectionist and analyze things to death. I don't "see" things like other people do. Solutions are not obvious. But, most of the time, I find that my ideas are right on. It's just that I have difficulty bringing them to life or finishing them.

I must conquer this. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Pirohy and learning my Slovak side

2009-08-21T05:03:00.005-05:00

My trip to PA was fantastic. I learned more about my grandmother and my heritage than I ever knew. I love tracing my roots and learning about my family. A lot of people don't seem to understand why I enjoy countless hours of research, visiting cemeteries and libraries and places where my ancestors once stood. I guess I do it for a sense of belonging. To understand the influences that have shaped my life.

My grandparents on my mom's dad's side of the family were Slovak immigrants. I was always told that I was Russian and Polish. But, the more I learn about the family, the area and the history, I'm am finding out that is not exactly right.

My great grandmother came from Mergeska (Nova Polianka). It is a small village in the Eastern Carpathian Mountain region in Slovakia. In 1896 when she left to come to America it was part of the Austrian-Hungarian empire. Anna or Bubba as she was known (I'm sure the spelling is Americanized, but, that is how it was pronounced. I was told it meant mother in her native tongue) was a kindhearted but stern woman. Although, she spent over 60 years in America, she never learned the English language. My mother interjected, "except for when you were talking about something you shouldn't have done. Then she understood English perfectly and would knock you upside your head." So, as I am learning about her I am being introduced to her language and her cooking. She loved to feed people. There was always something cooking on the stove. I have been told she would feed everyone especially the other immigrants that were passing through. Her home was open and she made everyone feel welcome.

The day after I arrived in PA, there was the huge annual picnic at the church. Unfortunately, I didn't find out about it until too late to attend but I did get to benefit from it. The next day, my grandmother and I ran into some of my mom's cousins and they gave us some Pirohy (there a numerous spellings, In English, the word pierogi and its variants (perogi, perogy, pirohi, piroghi, pirogi, pirogen, pierogy, pirohy, pyrohy) are pronounced with a stress on the letter "o") . They are basically potato ravioli smothered in butter and onions. Everyone had been raving about Pirohy. Which by the way I had a very difficult time pronouncing until I saw it spelled out on the Church website. This church was established in 1904. My great grandfather was one of the original members.

This is the stained glass window with his name on it.

In my search for a recipe, I found a slovac cookbook that I will be ordering. I want to learn and pass this heritage on.

Update

2009-08-20T19:14:00.003-05:00

I'm crawling out from underneath my rock to let everyone know I am alive and well. I checked my last post and was shocked that two months have passed. I'll blame it on being newly married. I have better things to do than spend all my time on the computer telling my secrets.

First, I want to thank everyone who has donated to Run4Chance. Bless each and every one of you. This is a cause that is very personal to me as you all well know. I love my boys dearly and with all of them in the Military right now, I draw a deep breath with each phone call. Presently, they are all state side and doing well but that can change at a moment's notice. Again, thank you for your donations. They are going to be very worthy cause. While I am still collecting for Run4Chance, my plans have changed slightly. I will not be going to VA to participate in the half marathon. Instead I will be doing the Marine Corps Half Marathon here in Jacksonville on Oct. 3. The main reason for this is that my youngest son, Chowhound, is no longer stationed in Virginia Beach. He has been transferred to Twenty-nine Palms, CA (only 3 hours away from one of his brothers). He was my main reason for wanting to do that particular run. We were going to run it together. But, that's military life.

Anyway, I used my travel money to go visit my 95 year old grandmother in PA. It was the best trip ever. That woman is my hero. I will be posting stories and pictures soon. I learned so much from her and met family for the first time. It was incredible.

There have been other things going on health wise, but they have resolved themselves and I am back to training for the half-marathon.

I finished my summer class, Industrial Electronics, with an A and the next semester starts Sept. 2 for me. I will be starting with one class, Basic Instrumentation, and adding Advanced Instrumentation in October.

My company did away with my position at work but fortunately they needed someone to do one of my previous jobs so I am still employed and back to work in a physically demanding job.

Well, that's it in a nutshell.

I promise to visit more sites, comment more often and post here too.

Revelations

2009-06-08T13:18:00.003-05:00

sticks's Dewey Decimal Section:

228 Revelation (Apocalypse)

sticks = 909319 = 909+319 = 1228

Class:
200 Religion

Contains:
The Bible and other religious texts, books about the general philosophy and theory of religion.

What it says about you:
You don't mind thinking about the unknown or other very big ideas. You will never feel like your work is finished. The 200-series is dominated by Christian topics, so you may feel like you're constantly surrounded by Christians.

Find your Dewey Decimal Section at Spacefem.com

I found this via Mrs. Who, but should I really hat-tip her for this? I'm the apocalypse? She's Arts and Recreation. I'm frickin doom. That's just not fair.

A glimpse of the Okefenokee Swamp

2009-06-02T04:47:00.006-05:00

This handsome fellow lives at the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge just south of Folkston, GA. He was kind enough to sit and pose.

The view from the lookout tower was spectacular.

The Chesser homestead is open to the public.

We had a great day trip to the Swamp and are planning on going back as we did not get to take the boat tours.

Jumping the gun

2009-05-31T18:06:00.003-05:00

I think my new husband is trying to collect on my insurance policy already. Immediately, after I returned from doing my hour walk/run, he wants to walk the dogs. That is an additional 1 1/2 miles. After that we went for a 12 mile bike ride and then he wanted to hit the pool. I have done my own mini-triathlon today. I'm whooped.

I guess he doesn't realize I haven't changed my beneficiary yet.

Run4Chance and heeding great advice

2009-05-31T06:52:00.004-05:00

I have started my training for the Rock and Roll half Marathon in Virgina Labor Day weekend. I'm not a runner. But, I am determined to complete this and achieve my donation goals. I will be begging for money as soon as I get my donation website completed which I plan to do today. I have joined the Run4Chance Team. This team was established in honor of Chance Phelps, a Marine, who was killed in action. The donations go to the Fisher House, which gives the families a place to stay while their loved one is recovering from injuries, as well as the Injured Marines fund. I will need everyone's help to reach the minimum goal of raising $1,000.00. This is such a small amount compared to what these heroes have to endure. I am a not a person to ask for help but this time I will and I will be shouting it from the rooftop if I have to. I believe in this cause. I know everyone who reads my blog, both of you, know who Chance Phelps is and have probably seen the HBO movie, Taking Chance. I was first introduced to Chance through The Blog of War. I was moved by the story and very impressed with the grace and dignity in which HBO translated the story to a movie. The hardest part for me to watch was when Lt. Strobl met the young man escorting his brother home. I held my breath, pushed back the tears and prayed that none of my boys would ever be in that position. Anyways, that is the charity for which I am running.

UPDATE: Here is my donation website: http://www.active.com/donate/09VABeach4Chance/pkehoe2

Please spread the word. I need all the publicity I can get. I know times are tough right now. But, war does not stop because of economic conditions. Our service people and their families need our help now. It's the least we can do for all they do for us.

Yesterday was an extremely hot and muggy morning. I struggled. The famous words of a wonderful, determined lady came to my mind and and I kept pushing myself chanting her words. "Embrace the suck, Embrace the suck." Thank you Boudicca. You are helping me get through this.

Changing my last name

2009-05-27T08:05:00.002-05:00

I’ve always hated those questions that ask you to predict the future. “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” I know that life throws so many variables at you that even a mathematician can’t solve it. I can honestly say that five years ago when I was filling out an e-Harmony personality profile, I didn’t see myself getting married tomorrow. In fact, I wasn’t doing the profile to find a mate or even a date. I was doing it to find out what the hell was wrong with me. Why was I single again at age 39?

I had been in and out of relationships. The longest had been a teenage infatuation that survived five years of on again/off again dating followed by eight years of marriage and three wonderful children. There were a lot of mistakes made on both our parts. No one person was to blame for the break-up. We just weren’t compatible. Shortly, thereafter, I took the leap again. I was struggling financially, going to college, and rearing three busy elementary age boys. This man promised me the world and told me he owned it. I took the bait, hook, line and sinker only to find out it was all a lie. Five years later, I found myself divorced again but this time I was over 300 miles from my family. I was alone with my three boys and on my own. I had a decent job and wasn’t struggling financially now but I was desperately lonely. Desperation makes you do things you know you shouldn’t do. The next fellow was easy on the eyes but hard on my heart. I knew from the moment I met him that it wouldn’t work. But, he was smooth and charming and I was clinging onto hope like a shipwreck survivor clutches a life ring. Three years later, he left me wishing I was dead and hurting emotionally like I had never hurt before in my entire life. The pain was unreal. My faith was destroyed.

So, I while I was trying to pull myself back together and mend the wounds that only time can heal, I saw the e-harmony ad for a free personality profile. I thought, “why not.” Maybe they will have insight into my flaws and I can fix what is wrong. I answered painfully honest and then soaked in the results. One observation hit the nail on the head.

“Because of your lenient and complacent nature, others with fewer scruples may take advantage of you. You could, perhaps, benefit from greater assertiveness.”

I knew deep in my soul that this was the root of the problems I had in relationships. The men I have always chosen talked a big talk about loving independent, strong women but in reality they felt threatened and retaliated by being controlling and demeaning.

I was determined to strengthen my resolve. I knew that if I was to ever have a happy, healthy relationship, I first needed to trust and believe in myself. I’m a survivor. Now, I was determined to thrive as well. I had accomplished quite a bit on my own. I needed to acknowledge my successes and not dwell on the failures. I was 39 years old. I had three great boys in High School. They were busy with friends and activities. They weren’t scholars but they weren’t criminals either. They were individuals and used their minds to make decisions. When raising them, my goal was to teach them how to think and how to make choices based on consequences and how to determine what the consequences would be. It was time to take my own advice.

At that point, my youngest son was starting high school. I made a choice that I would spend the next four years raising my sons and developing who I was. There wasn’t time for a man in my life and for the first time I decided I didn’t need or want one either. This was me time. I took to heart the advice I received in the e-harmony profile. It was something I already knew I just needed to see it in black and white.

So, I focused on me and ignored the matches e-harmony sent me. I’d browse through them for grins and giggles but never signed up or answered any. Then on June 21, 2004, one caught my attention. I was intrigued. The part that made me smile was his response to “what book did you read last”. His answer was “Harry Potter, so I could talk about it with my son.” I thought about the Harry Potter book I was currently reading with my boys and smiled. He didn’t live with his son. In fact, he wasn’t even in the United States. He lived over 600 miles and an ocean away from me. He was in the Bahamas and had been working in the islands for the past 11 years. We began communicating. I learned a lot from his questions and answers and must have statements. Shortly, thereafter we started e-mailing each other. One day we happened to be on-line at the same time and switched to chatting. This became my salvation. All day I looked forward to our evening chats. One night he asked if we could meet in person. He was coming into the U.S. to see his son and family and thought perhaps we could meet half-way between his home in South Florida and mine in North Florida. Orlando seemed like the perfect place for a first meet.

However, Mother Nature had other plans for Florida that hurricane season. In fact, four hurricanes that year caused us to cancel our plans. He was in the US more that year but hell and high water appeared and we couldn’t get together. He thought it might be a sign that we weren’t supposed to meet. I took the position that if someone was going to those great lengths to keep us apart then it might be to see if we have the resolve to fight for something. So, after months of tropical storms and hurricanes and dashed plans, I decided to take a chance and go to the Bahamas to meet him. I was turning 40 at the end of October and needed a break. After checking my sanity over with my mother, who encouraged me to go, I booked a room at a local hotel and took the leap. My mother’s advice was “you have to take risks in order to grow and move on to better things.” It was just for the weekend. The plan was to fly down on Friday afternoon and leave on Sunday. So, with butterflies in my stomach and a “what the hell are you doing” in my head, I stepped on the flight that would forever change my life. But, it wasn’t smooth sailing. I made it as far as Miami when they canceled my flight. Do I give up and go home or do I suck up my determination and keep on? I went for it. I arrived on a small island in the Bahamas on a Saturday afternoon. The sun was beating down and I was exhausted. A man I had never met waited on the other side of the fence for me. I couldn’t believe I had actually done this. I just flew 600 miles to an island for a first date. It was a fairy tale. It was like meeting up with an old friend you just haven’t seen in a great while. Twenty-four hours later, I was back on a plane heading home. As the plane ascended, I glanced down at the island. There coming from the clouds and highlighting the spot on the island where I had just been was the prettiest rainbow I had ever seen. Was it a sign?

Almost five years have gone by since that time. There were nightly phone calls, weekend trips and months and months of not seeing each other. We weathered storms and the debris that life throws at us. He broke his shoulder and needed surgery, my car was stolen and then my next car was wreck by one of my kids sneaking out on a midnight run. There were graduations and birthdays and holidays. There were the usual stresses of life and then the unusual stresses of a long distance relationship. We bonded with a friendship and trust I had never experienced before. He made those four years fly by.

Shortly, after I left the island for the first time and took in the beauty of that rainbow falling from the sky, I found this poem by B. G. Wetherby. It sums up our journey.

The storm is ending, the sun’s peeking out,

Your life will change without a doubt.

Beautiful rainbows will be everywhere,

Plenty of smiles, you’ll find them there.

You’ve passed through so much rain.

And you have endured so much pain.

You will heal, and you shall mend

As you draw nearer to the rainbow’s end.

At the rainbows end you will find

Love, acceptance, and peace of mind.

Life can be so simple there.

Worry free and without a care.

Something’s waiting on the other side.

Stay on the rainbow and enjoy the ride.

It won’t be gold on the other end,

You just might find a rainbow friend.

Your dreams will be culminating soon.

You will sing a new and happy tune.

So if you feel your life descend

You’re getting closer to the rainbow’s end.

Then suddenly, or so it seems, this past fall I found myself alone. My boys were no longer boys. They were young men who had lives of their own. Two of them became US Marines and the other went into the Air Force. There were scattered out around the world. I was alone for the first time in over 22 years. I had a job I loved, a house, a dog and a man I had promised to marry a year earlier. Only he was still over 600 miles and an ocean away. The question was how to reconcile this problem. What now? Fate stepped in and what might seem like a bad thing turned out to be a blessing. He was layed off from his job. After over 25 years with the same company, he found himself having to find new direction. So, our logistics problems were decided for us. He headed north back to the States.

We were both naturally scared. Although, we had been dating for over four years, two weeks was the longest stretch of time we had spent together. Would we still have the same bond day after day of being with each other? There are little things you find out about a person when you live with them that otherwise you would never know. Would we be able to work through those differences?

I have found it easier than I ever imagined. It just works between us without having to fight to make it work. Every day I am more aware of how amazing a person he is. Yes, there are adjustments and I know that there will always be challenges and storms to endure. But, this time I have an ally. I have someone who works with me and not against me. So, tomorrow I am changing my last name. We will elope in a simple ceremony. It will be just he and I. We have the blessings of our sons, our mothers, and our friends. We have each other. We will now build our lives together. It has been a long time in the making. And I have no doubt that our relationship will withstand the tests of time and the trials of life. We have been through so much together while being apart. Now, we will be together through all the tough times and through all the easy times. Two worlds have finally come together.

Training vs Mother Nature

2009-05-24T06:42:00.004-05:00

I've started training for the Rock and Roll Half-Marathon to be held in Virginia Beach on Sept. 6. I actually started week before that but that only lasted a couple of days before Mother Nature stepped in. Not only did she bring torrential rainfall to this area, she decided it was a great time for me to prove I was a woman. I have yet to find a training program that says, "if it's that monthly time throw all this out the window, curl up on the couch with a bowl of chocolate and say the hell with it all." I don't know who writes those fantasy women protection product ads that say you can run and bike and be superwoman during that monthly crap but I suspect it's a man. If it's a woman than she should be sued for false advertising and shot just for plain lying because she should know better. I feel like crap for about four days. I have no energy. I hurt and I some evil woman shrinks my clothes and takes over my body. It's not helping matters right now that I also have a cyst on one of my ovaries and an enlarged uterus.

So, yesterday the weather cleared as well as other things and I was up early to train. Except that I didn't have an ounce of energy so early turned into more like 7:30 am. Big mistake. Big mistake. It gets way too humid to early even here in Northern Florida. I pushed myself through the 3 miles. I'm just starting and I am more of a walker than anything. I was zapped. It was a really rough 3 miles. The weather was humid already and my energy level was in the negatives. I never could find my "zone". Usually, I can get wrapped up in my thoughts and just go. I forget about my feet and just go. Not yesterday. I watched the road and agonized over each step willing myself to keep going.

Then I got fascinated with counting the frogs that didn't make it. This rain storm and flooding really brought them to the streets. It was like a bad frogger game. Smashed frogs everywhere. I figured as bad as I felt at least I wasn't road kill. Although, a couple of times it seems like a good idea. The evening was a little better and I got four miles in on the bicycle. It was scheduled to be a cross training day but since the days prior were a wash out I made my self walk/run.

Today was much better. I ran more and felt less tired. I never found my zone today either. But, I felt good afterwards. I got out a little earlier today so it wasn't as humid yet. There is a man that walks the same loop I am doing. He was there yesterday too. We go in opposite directions. My goal is to make it around the loop faster than he does. It's a little competitive but it is pushing me so that is good.

The calendar is ticking

2009-05-13T05:15:00.003-05:00

59 Days

The Marriage license is only good for 59 more days. Now we have to figure when and where to get married.

Times are tight right now and it is difficult to get everyone together because they are spread so far apart. My children are coast to coast. Chowhound is on the Atlantic in Virginia. Daredevil is on the Pacific in California. And, Improviser is stuck in Oklahoma. My Sweetie's son and family is in South Florida and my family is in NW Florida. I think it will be just us going to the courthouse.

I'm going to dress shopping this weekend.

Since I am off on Mondays, it will most probably be a Monday. The only problem with that is I have Mondays booked with Doctor appointments. It was bad enough getting my marriage license after the dentist appointment. Half my face was still numb. I felt like a freak.

Next week I have a follow-up OB/GYN and ultrasound appointment. NO I AM NOT PREGNANT! I'm having other issues. But, I really will feel violated and don't want to say my "I do's" after that appointment. That just seems so wrong.

So, we have waiting for the right time and place. But, it needs to be within 59 days. No pressure.

Is it a sign?

2009-05-10T12:09:00.003-05:00

My sweetie and I are planning to go get our Marriage license tomorrow. In the state of Florida you have to have present your social security card as well as show proof of termination of previous marriages. A couple of months ago I sent off for a certified copy of his divorce certificate. I already had mine. Once I received his, I put it with all my important papers so when the time came I would know exactly where it was. Great theory except in my world. I spent all of yesterday frantically tearing through my file cabinet going through every stupid piece of paper in there. I seriously need to rethink what I keep and why. I went through it at least a half a dozen times. I know I put it in there. Nothing.

My Sweetie says, "It's a sign".

"It's a sign I'm a bubble headed half blonde".

This morning I checked again. Nothing. I start drumming my fingers on my temples, "THINK, THINK, THINK." What file was next to my "important paper files"? I don't know now since I have moved them all around. Finally after another full search through both drawers in the filing cabinet, I walk into the living room to surrender. I notice my "school file" sitting on the end table. I pulled it out of the file cabinet yesterday to stick my new tuition papers in it so I know exactly where they are.

"I, wonder."

Yeah, I found it. It was stuck in the very back of it. It wouldn't be so bad but I remember thinking when I stuck the document in the folder, "I sure hope I got in the right one."

I wiped the sweat off my forehead and breathed a sigh of relief. Boy, was that premature. Now, I can't find my social security card. Until recently, I carried it in my purse. But, I remember thinking, "You know, I should put this somewhere safe." Crap here we go again.

So, now I'm tip-toeing around the house hunting for my social security card.

"Honey, what are you doing"?

"You don't want to know."

Damn, maybe it is a sign.

Happy Mother's Day to the breasted

2009-05-10T07:30:00.005-05:00

A friend of mine lives in Guatemala and writes quotes on her Facebook page in Hispaniola. The Spanish-English online translators suck. Sometimes I can figure out what she is intending to say other times not. Today she posted a quote for Mother's Day. It's the best one they've had yet.

In all families there for moms, happy day, God bless her, not only today but every day! Remember that breasts are working 24x24, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, or EVER!

Some man some where is snickering and probably toasting over this translation. Only a man would have phrased it that way.

My son, My hero

2009-04-25T13:55:00.004-05:00

I keep walking through the living room pinching myself. Yes, he really is home. It's three in the afternoon and he's sacked out on the couch. What a beautiful sight. Daredevil came home on the red eye flight from California. I keep walking in there and peeking at him like he's a newborn just home from the hospital. I'm trying really hard not to snuzzle him and kiss his sweet forehead. Babies respond positively to that but I'm guessing a 21 year old wouldn't. So, I resist my impulses.

It's been seven months since I have seen him. I miss him and his brothers terribly. Fortunately, we live in a great technological time and communication is frequent. I feel for the wives and mothers of yesteryear that would have to wait months and months to hear from their loved ones. I go crazy after one week.

Why I blog

2009-03-28T15:44:00.002-05:00

While I haven't been a habitual blogger, more like an intermittent one lately, today was a great example of why I blog. It's because of the wonderful people you meet. It is so easy to get discouraged with mankind when all you hear is the negative crap on the news. Through blogging I have met some wonderful people. Some I only know through blogs and e-mails. Some through phone calls and a few in person.

One special blogger came to the aid of our country today, so to speak. You see, the Air Force sent Improviser to Oklahoma. He was really bummed out. " What the hell is in Oklahoma?" It turns out a really wonderful lady and her family. Improviser is almost literally stationed in Rave's backyard. She went to the base and hauled him back to her house for the day. He is hanging out with Girlie playing Halo.

I've never had the pleasure of meeting Rave in person yet. We've spoken on the phone, swapped comments and e-mails but now my son is hanging out with her and her family. I love the era we live in. I can sit at home and make friends across the country and even the world. (And yes, I know my neighbors too. Though, I will admit not near as well as I know some of my online friends.)

Thank you Rave. You are a very special person. I hope one day I get to hang out with you.

Nineteen years

2009-03-28T09:34:00.004-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHOWHOUND!!

Boss Lady

2009-03-24T05:19:00.000-05:00

This is Rue. Twelve lbs of pure terror and sass. She bosses my 112 lb lab around. If you don't have size then you must have attitude.

Hidden Florida Treasures

2009-03-22T20:58:00.005-05:00

I've been browsing through my digital photos trying to decide which ones to print and scrapbook. In the process, I've realized that Florida has a variety of things to offer. Florida is known for it's beaches. But, it has a lot of rivers too. These places are off the beaten path. Florida has some spectacular state parks. I suspect not a lot of people know about these gems. I'm fortunate to live near some beautiful places that are just day trips. I'm a state park junkie. I love them. They are usually well maintained and absolutely breathtaking.

I took the following photos in 2004 at O'Leno State Park.

"Located along the banks of the scenic Santa Fe River, a tributary of the Suwannee River, the park features sinkholes, hardwood hammocks, river swamps, and sandhills. As the river courses through the park, it disappears underground and reemerges over three miles away in the River Rise State Preserve. One of Florida's first state parks, O'Leno was first developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s. The suspension bridge built by the CCC still spans the river."

The Civilian Conservation Corps did a lot of incredible work that is still standing today. It was President Roosevelt's way of putting men to work during the great depression. I hope our current President finds a way of adding beauty while benefiting our economy. The stone work is astounding. I see it in a lot of the parks that the CCC helped build. These men weren't afraid of hard work. They worked hard for their families. It is what built America. We, as Americans, need to remember that and not let their hard work be for naught.

This is where the river disappears. It appears again at River Rise Preserve.

flashbacks

2009-03-21T20:22:00.003-05:00

Mrs. Who's son, Eraserhead, posted a photo of a tux reject. I nearly peed myself. That was my date's tux to the prom. The photo is faded and doesn't do justice to brightness of the baby blue tux. After all the prom was 28 years ago. Holy Shit. That just hit me like a ton of bricks. Almost thirty years. Damn.

**Sidenote to Mrs. Who---Aren't you jealous?! This could have been your date. No need to thank me. I've been cussing myself for my stupidity all these years.

A little background to those who aren't in the know. The fellow in blue with the mutton chops is my ex-husband and the father of my boys. He was "dating" Mrs. Who when I met him and he dumped her for me. Yeah, I have great luck. That was in 1980. She and I stumbled upon each other here in blog land and started comparing lives and low and behold we had a connection. The story really is hilarious and shows how small this world is.

Warning--no negative comments about my dress. You can laugh at the Ex all you want. Believe me, I am. You can even laugh at my Farrah hair-do. The dress is off limits. My mother made it without a pattern. My sister had modeled one exactly like it in a fashion show and she fell in love with it. But, we could not afford luxury's like a store bought prom dress. So, she studied it the night of the fashion show, made notes, shopped for material and went home and made a pattern. My sister wore it to her prom in 1979. It was fitted for my sister and obviously I don't fill it out. It was like putting a stick in where an hour glass had been. But, I still treasure it anyhow. I was so proud to wear it. I wish I had her talent for sewing. I didn't appreciate it at the time but she made the majority of our clothes all the way up to when I started high school and she got a job. Any store bought clothes I owned were hand-me-downs or the few treasured presents at Easter, Christmas and back to school. My mom even made our bathing suits and underwear. Enough of memory lane.

To the Who family: Thanks for the flashback. And Eraserhead, don't wear anything but black unless you want to look back in 30 years and laugh your ass off.

Starting off with a bang

2009-02-23T08:30:00.000-05:00

Bang! Screech! Bang!

I hear pounding overhead this morning.

Yeah! I'm getting a new roof!

I love my insurance company.

Economic Stimulus

2009-02-21T17:34:00.004-05:00

I've read the highlights of the Economic recovery act in the papers. It's a list about 2 pages long. I was curious about what all was in the entire Stimulus bill. So, I googled it. Holy Crap! It's 407 pages long. I bet only a handfull of our Congress actually read the entire thing. I know I can't. I was mind boggled by page 4. I scrolled and scrolled looking at all the spending. I haven't gotten to the part of how it is funded. I live under a rock so if it's been on the news I've missed it. But, I'm pretty sure it's going to come from my paycheck.

I'm still trying to figure out how an extra $13 per week in my take home pay is going to encourage me to spend. I've already been cut back to 36 hours per week. The stimulus money doesn't even pay me back one hour. But, if I buy an automobile by the end of the year I can write off the sales tax. If I can find a dealer willing to sell me a car so that my payments are $52 a month then I'll appreciate the tax credits and be willing to go further in debt.

I'm not seeing how this stimulus is going to stimulate anything. From the quick look at the Bill, it looks like most of the jobs it creates are government jobs. That I means I have more people to support.

Yes, I'm skeptical.

Saying goodbye, again

2009-01-20T04:37:00.003-05:00

I received word last night that my step-father died. Last month. Here we go again. Two fathers. Two months apart. A month passed before I heard of either of their deaths.

I'm still struggling with the delayed bereavement of my father. That news was devastating. He was a good man. I never saw a bad side to him. I grieved openly. I told people what happened. I talked about it. I wrote an obituary and had it published Thanksgiving Day. I had the utmost respect for my father. While it was hard hearing the news, it was easy grieving the loss.

But this news is conflicting. My walls go up. This is a man I loved and hated to extremes at the same time. I saw and experienced the best and worst of him. I was four when he came into our lives. My mom divorced my Dad in July of 1968 and married my Step-dad in November of the same year. I turned four ten days before they were married. The young and the innocent love immediately. They know no different. They know God's love. Unconditional.

I've blogged on the abuse that I suffered at this man's hands. But, I knew another side to him too. The kind and gentle side. A giving caring person that never turned away from someone in trouble. I've fought to reconcile my feeling towards him. I've learned it's okay to love the person but hate what they do. I forgave him a long time ago because forgiveness is for yourself not for the other person. It releases the anger, the hurt, the shame, the humiliation. I empowers your soul again.

But, now how do I grieve. The conflicts surface again. The walls come up. People don't understand. They don't want to hear that you can love someone who does terrible things. Especially to children. So, I grieve in silence. I don't talk to everyone like I did when my Dad passed.

My step-father had dementia. I last saw him about four years ago when he was put in the first Nursing home. He was alert when I got there. He was delighted to see me. But, I found I was still guarded. I was forty years old but still felt like a child. We talked for a while and I pushed him down the halls. Then after a while, he was somewhere else. It didn't seem like a good place either. As I was leaving I asked if there was anything else I he needed before I left. He nodded and asked him he could have a hug. I froze. I hugged him like you hug a stranger. Then I left. That was the last time I saw him or spoke to him. He died alone.

On the road again

2009-01-01T16:56:00.001-05:00

Improviser's leave is almost up. We are heading out this morning. He has to be in Mississippi tomorrow. I'm not looking forward to the goodbye.

Too many goodbyes already. Chowhound left Monday.

So, once again it will be me and the dog.

What's bad this time is that I don't have a "I'll see you in ____ date". After MCT, Chowhound will go directly to Norfolk, VA, for six months of school. Improviser finishes his school in mid February and then will be attached to the Combat Communications Group out of Oklahoma. Daredevil is scheduled to return from Iraq in April but he will return to California. I'm sure he will come home on leave afterward but this is not definite. So, I am left with a "I'll see ya" but I don't know when.

Happy New Year

2009-01-01T13:12:00.002-05:00

In the New Year, may your right hand always be stretched out in friendship, never in want. (Irish toast)

Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each New Year find you a better man*. (Ben Franklin)

*or woman, person, human or whatever you want to insert.

Keep 'em waiting

2008-12-28T19:28:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow Chowhound leaves. So, he made plans for us to meet his Dad and brother at a local sports bar to chow down on some grub and shoot some pool. I'm in my bathroom getting ready. Suddenly, above the roar of the blow dryer, I hear Brad Paisley bellowing out "Waiting on a Woman".

That child is such a brat sometimes.

Moonpies, Peaches, and Pelicans: New Years Southern Style

2008-12-28T17:06:00.006-05:00

Yes, Mobile, Alabama is going to drop an electronic moonpie at midnight this year. The materials include:

• 1200-1500 golf ball-size clear lights;
• Eight sheets of 2-by-2 square aluminum tubing;
• Ten sheets of plywood;
• Massive amount of banana colored mache;

They are also serving a four foot moonpie. It has six pounds of chocolate icing and fourteen pounds of marshmallow.

They chose moonpies because of their connection with Mardi Gras. They throw moon pies at Mardi Gras. You've never been to a real southern parade until you've been beaned in the head with a moonpie. My thought is that if I were drinking, the last thing I would want to eat would be a moonpie. That makes for some nasty stuff to come up.

Not to be left out, Pensacola is also launching their unique celebration. While New York has their ball drop and Atlanta has the peach drop, Pensacola is proud to stake claim to the one-and-only Pelican drop. When I heard they were having a pelican drop. I immediately thought of WKRP's Turkey drop. "As God is my witness, I thought turkeys could fly."

Back in 2004 right before Hurricane Ivan came to town, Pensacola had decorated Pelican's set out around town. My sister and I Pelican hunted for the day. Here are a couple of my favorites:

Moonpies, Peaches, and Pelicans. The South knows how to ring in the new year.

Christmas Spirit

2008-12-28T07:29:00.002-05:00

Christmas was great.

Family.

Food.

Fun.

Laughter.

Lots and Lots of laughter.

All day long.

I needed that.

Christmas Stinks

2008-12-19T08:15:00.002-05:00

I heard this on the radio this morning and immediately pictured VW's boys doing and singing this.

I then discovered there are all kinds of Christmas farting songs.

Merry Christmas. I hope your's doesn't stink.

The check is in the mail

2008-12-13T16:20:00.003-05:00

Unfortunately, it isn't mine.

I took the mail out of the mailbox. Ripped open the envelope. And had a fricken heart attack. A check for $100,000. An actual legitimate check. Except it's not to me. Right address, wrong person. It's to the City. But, mailed to my address. Why I haven't a clue. I've lived here for six years. Someone up above has a very warped sense of humor.

'Cause that shit ain't even funny. Don't worry. It will go back. I will do the right thing. But, damn that would have been a great Christmas present.

I'm off to go pout some more.

My Newest Marine

2008-12-13T06:03:00.002-05:00

Chowhound is officially a PFC in the USMC. The graduation yesterday was held outside. It was cold but not unbearable. The ceremony was moving.

The first stop off the Island was at McDonald's for a sweet tea and to change clothes. He would have changed in the parking lot and car like his brother did but we were in a little more visible area than last year.

The only significant change I have noticed is he eats faster. He always savored his food. The first to start and the last to finish. That is no longer. I laughed at him last night sucking down steak and potatoes. I don't think he even chewed. I reminded him he wouldn't get yelled at now if he didn't eat fast enough. He laughed. I don't think he realized how fast and focused he was at eating.

It's good to have him home even if it's only for 17 days. Next weekend we will bring Improviser home for the holidays. The only missing will be Daredevil. He won't be home until April. He does call pretty often. Both Improviser and Daredevil called yesterday to congratulate their little brother. That was heartwarming.

So, now between my sister and I, we have our own little militia. We have 4 Marines and one Airman. Nobody better mess with us.

My New Airman

2008-11-19T17:19:00.002-05:00

Isn't he handsome? Improviser is officially an Airman. He is glad to be finished with Basic Training. He will be home for Christmas. Yeah!

A dream that I wish hadn't come true

2008-11-19T15:39:00.003-05:00

I still trying to wrap my mind around this whole ordeal. I knew my Dad's wife was evil and I guess I knew in my heart what she would do, but still it baffles me that someone can be so cruel. My Dad died and she did not tell any of his family. Not his two brothers and sister. Not his four daughters. She has contact information. It's not like she couldn't have gotten in touch with one of us or all of us. The ultimate control and isolation. She didn't even invite his family to honor him at his memorial service. He died Oct. 25 and we didn't find out until Nov. 17. We were told after his memorial service. That was mean. It was mean to my Dad. It was mean to us. How can someone be so heartless and cruel.

Several months ago I vividly dreamed this exact situation occurred. I dreamed it not once but twice. Both times I woke up in tears. I can't remember the details now but I woke up crying because I found out my Dad had died and she didn't tell us. Now, that is exactly what happened.

Dad, I love you with all my heart. I always have and I always will. I am glad you are finally away from her. I am sorry that you had to die to do it. I wish I had done more for you. You deserved to have a happy life. I am so sorry. I love and miss you.

No words can describe what I feel

2008-11-17T20:34:00.008-05:00

Dad
July 7, 1934 - Oct. 25, 2008

Congratulations Improviser

2008-11-12T06:14:00.000-05:00

I am heading to San Antonio, Texas. Lackland AFB to be more specific. This Friday Improviser graduates from Air Force Boot Camp.

CONGRATULATIONS IMPROVISER!!!
I AM SO PROUD OF YOU!

Veteran's Day

2008-11-10T19:38:00.003-05:00

This year Veteran's Day has an extra special meaning for me. This day honors not only all those who have served but those who are serving and this year it includes my sons and nephews. Although, Chowhound and Improviser are technically still recruits soon they will be officially serving the United States of America. And of course, Daredevil is currently in Iraq fighting for freedom. Two of my nephews are also Marines.

I went yesterday and added Daredevil and his two cousins to the Wall of Honor. The lady in the photo department was wonderful. She copied the photos and matted them. I was given the additional copies, which one was matted also, at no charge. She said it is the least they can do for what our veterans do for us. I was admiring a USMC Blanket while I was there and got to talking to another lady looking at it. He son was just awarded the purple heart. I fought back the tears. She told me that a simple flinch at the right time saved his life. The doctors told her if he hadn't turned his head at that split second he would have died. The bullet struck his neck and shoulder. He is still in rehab and will probably be discharged from the service. Although, Daredevil is over there in the middle of all this mess, it doesn't hit home until I hear stories from neighbors. Personal stories. I followed a car the other day that had a dedication to her son across the back window. He died in Iraq last year. It said "My Son, My Hero", "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave." I wanted to get out of my car and run up to her window and hug her and thank her. She probably would have thought I was nuts. I lost it. I drove down the road crying. I cried for her, for her son and for every family that has ever made a sacrifice so that I can live my life how I choose.

I was raised in a Military family. My father was a photographer in the Navy. My step-father was a mechanic Navy. He spent the majority of his time in submarines. My ex-husband was in the Navy. It is ironic that none of my boys joined the Navy. Two went into the Marines and one into the Air Force.

Thank you to all who have served or are serving.

Happy Birthday USMC

2008-11-10T16:06:00.008-05:00

MARINE CORPS ORDERS
No. 47 (Series 1921)
HEADQUARTERS U.S. MARINE CORPS
Washington, November 1, 1921

759. The following will be read to the command on the 10th of November, 1921, and hereafter on the 10th of November of every year. Should the order not be received by the 10th of November, 1921, it will be read upon receipt.

(1) On November 10, 1775, a Corps of Marines was created by a resolution of Continental Congress. Since that date many thousand men have borne the name "Marine". In memory of them it is fitting that we who are Marines should commemorate the birthday of our corps by calling to mind the glories of its long and illustrious history.

(2) The record of our corps is one which will bear comparison with that of the most famous military organizations in the world's history. During 90 of the 146 years of its existence the Marine Corps has been in action against the Nation's foes. From the Battle of Trenton to the Argonne, Marines have won foremost honors in war, and in the long eras of tranquility at home, generation after generation of Marines have grown gray in war in both hemispheres and in every
corner of the seven seas, that our country and its citizens might enjoy peace and security.

(3) In every battle and skirmish since the birth of our corps, Marines have acquitted themselves
with the greatest distinction, winning new honors on each occasion until the term "Marine" has come to signify all that is highest in military efficiency and soldierly virtue.

(4) This high name of distinction and soldierly repute we who are Marines today have received
from those who preceded us in the corps. With it we have also received from them the eternal spirit which has animated our corps from generation to generation and has been the distinguishing mark of the Marines in every age. So long as that spirit continues to flourish Marines will be found equal to every emergency in the future as they have been in the past, and the men of our Nation will regard us as worthy successors to the long line of illustrious men who have served as "Soldiers of the Sea" since the founding of the Corps.

JOHN A. LEJEUNE,
Major General Commandant
75705--21

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

I am proud of the young men in our family who chose the Marine Corps as their Duty. My Daredevil (left) is presently in Iraq. "R" (Middle) is in Okinawa. And, "G" (right) just returned from Iraq. These are my nephews.

Also, my youngest, Chowhound, is currently at Parris Island becoming a Marine. He is in Training Week 8. On Dec. 12th he will become a Marine.

I am very proud to be a Marine Mom. The network and support is amazing. Marines are amazing. I thank each and every Marine for the sacrifices that have been made.

Getting away from Nothing

2008-10-31T10:06:00.002-05:00

This week has been as unhurried as a sloth. I've spent my days strolling down the tranquil, deserted beach or curled up with a book traveling to places not so far away.

How do I change?

2008-10-22T16:35:00.002-05:00

How do I change?
If I feel depressed I will sing.
If I feel sad I will laugh.
If I feel ill I will double my labour.
If I feel fear I will plunge ahead.
If I feel inferior I will wear new garments.
If I feel uncertain I will raise my voice.
If I feel poverty I will think of wealth to come.
If I feel incompetent I will think of past success.
If I feel insignificant I will remember my goals.
Today I will be the master of my emotions.

-Og Mandino,

Fed Up

2008-10-21T18:03:00.002-05:00

Dear Mr. Obama,

I know you are running for President of the United States. I know a lot of people have donated tons of money to your campaign and you feel you must spend it.

All.

You know why I know this?

Because I have heard your stupid commercials a billion times. I hated to turn on my TV prior to this but now I am considering having the cable disconnected.

I hate listening to the radio now. I used to love to listen to it. Not any more. The five minutes I have in the car on the way to and from work is now taken up with your "spots".

SHUT THE HELL UP!

I am tired of it. I am tired of you.

I am tired of people calling my house and waking me up to see if I am going to vote for you.

HELL NO! Does that mean anything to you?

I realize you are keeping the printers, the post office, and the garbage men employed. But, send your damn flyers to someone who cares. And that is not me. Go drop them over Iraq or Africa. They need toilet paper over there.

I used to love the internet. Not any more. Your face pops up everywhere I click. Get a life. Get out of mine.

Now, today, you violated my cell phone. I got a stupid voice mail about your campaign. I couldn't hit #7 fast enough to delete it. It is now contaminated. I started running around like Lucy when Snoopy kisses her. "BLEAGH! Get hot water! Get some disinfectant! Get some iodine!"

Why don't you use the money you have received for some good? Bail out the stupid banks with it. Don't take any more of my hard earned money. You want my vote? Put your money where your mouth is. All talk and no action doesn't do a damn thing for me.

So shut the hell up. Quit wasting money trying to convince me that I want you to be my President. If you're going to run the country like your running your campaign then we are in a whole lot more trouble than we are now. You are showing no responsibility. None.

Leave my health care alone. It's fine. If I'm sick. I go to the Dr. They take my $20, tell me what's wrong and send me to the pharmacy for my $5 prescription. I can handle it.

Leave our military alone. They have a job to do whether or not you agree with it. It employs my three boys. They are earning a decent wage and learning discipline, self-respect and a trade all while protecting the very freedoms you enjoy.

This is supposed to be OUR Government. I don't want YOUR Government to control my life. I can and do make responsible decisions for myself. I don't need someone to make them for me. Leave me the hell alone.

Got it? I've had enough. That goes for every politician. Straighten your own life out. Mine is just fine.

Time Marches On

2008-10-10T20:36:00.002-05:00

I'm adjusting to being alone. It sucks. I'm not adjusting well. I'll get there. It has only been a week.

Encouragement

2008-09-18T05:34:00.002-05:00

"When you feel like giving up, remember why you held on for so long in the first place."

~ Unknown

Overall, emotionally, I've done pretty well the last couple of days. Now, if I could just get rid of this cold.

One to go...

2008-09-16T19:46:00.004-05:00

Improviser came over tonight. Waltzed into the kitchen and the next thing I knew he was cooking me dinner. The only one of my three boys that cooks. He made Chowhound a chocolate cherry cake with fudge icing before he left for bootcamp. It was made from scratch. No box, no mix. He shows love with food. I love this about him. I am going to miss him so much. These next two weeks are going to be special since it will be the first time since he was 16 months old that he didn't have to share me with his brothers (he's 22, do the math, it's been a looooooooong time). I am going to cherish every moment.

Daredevil is packed up and turning his cell phone off tonight. He starts his journey towards Iraq tomorrow. I told him to keep an eye out for his cousin who is packing up and leaving Iraq Thursday to come back to the states. Who knows, they may just cross paths somewhere while in transit. I sent out a care package today so he should get it upon his arrival. Please pray for his safety in his travels and for the next seven months. Please pray for all of our troops.

Chowhound is in day 2 of bootcamp. He is sleeping in hallways, getting yelled at, and having his head scrapped bald. He is going to look like this again.

This picture cracks me up. He insisted that I shave his head. I cried. He was happy as a clam. I doubt that he is smiling now. Only 13 weeks to go.

Day 2-

2008-09-16T05:42:00.002-05:00

Graduation day is tough for adults. They go to the ceremony as parents. They come home as contemporaries. After twenty-two years of child-rearing, they are unemployed. (Erma Bombeck)

I'm not unemployed. Now, I'm a consultant. I should start making the big money now. Oh yeah, parenting pays in hugs and I love yous. I'll take that.

Day 1 of being on my own

2008-09-15T05:27:00.004-05:00

"And I know what I have to do now. I gotta keep breathing. Because tomorrow the sun will rise. Who knows what the tide could bring?" (Cast Away)

This is how I feel today. I heard this quote before I cried myself to sleep last night. I'm a big girl. I can do this. I realize I have been way too dependent on my children. It's time for me to figure out what I want to do when I grow up.

As a kid and teenager, I always felt lost. There was this empty space inside of me that longed for something. I tried to fill it with activities and friends and then booze and other unhealthy stuff. Nothing filled that void I felt. I graduated from high school at 17 and had no direction, no goals, no aim. I took the path that I was told I should. I got a job, signed up for a full schedule at the Jr. college and started my life. I still didn't have a purpose. For the next few years, I bounced in and out of school, jobs, and relationships. I grew moody, angry, and volatile. The emptiness grew. I still felt lost and lonely. I still had no purpose. Then, at 20, I got pregnant. That was the pivotal point in my life. The stability I needed. And even though I still have been in and out of relationships throughout my life, I have always had my kids. For the past 22 years I have had a reason to get up in the morning. I had a purpose for working. After I had my children, the empty space disappeared.

Now I have to find a new purpose.
_______________________________________________

8:20 PM

Just got back from the grocery store. I ambled up and down the grocery aisles feeling sorry for myself. I kept passing by the things that I would normally buy for the boys, snacks and stuff, that otherwise I won't buy for myself. I strained to think of what to buy and how to cook for one. I've never had to do that. Ever. I went from cooking for my mom and I to cooking for a husband and then children. This will be a new concept and experience. This morning I threw out all the junk food in the house. I'm eliminating temptation and concentrating on getting back in shape. I've never been this out of shape in my life. Anyways, back to shopping. It was depressing. I struggled and then it hit me. My children didn't die, they moved away from home. I can still do things for them. I have lots to do right now. Daredevil will need care packages and cards and letters. His birthday is the 21st and it is bad enough that he has to spend it in Iraq or where ever he will be at that time but to not get anything from mom would be heart breaking. I can't do that to my son. The first care package for Daredevil is packed and ready to send out tomorrow. It should arrive at his post in Iraq about the same time he does. Birthday cards are signed and sealed and will be going out as well.

The scripted call from Parris Island just came in a few minutes ago. Chowhound will have an address sent to me in a few days. I have three months of letter writing to him. And then in a couple of weeks, I will be writing to Improviser.

Oh my. Suddenly, I feel really busy. It feels good.

"When mothers talk about the depression of the empty nest, they're not mourning the passing of all those wet towels on the floor, or the music that numbs your teeth, or even the bottle of capless shampoo dribbling down the shower drain. They're upset because they've gone from supervisor of a child's life to a spectator. It's like being the vice president of the United States." (Erma Bombeck)
**Shhhhh. Don't send that quote to Sarah Palin.

Update

2008-09-14T20:23:00.004-05:00

Okay, you can stop lashing me with wet noddles. Sorry I didn't post an update. Yes, my Sweetie made it out of Turks and Caicos before Hurricane Ike pounded the little islands. We spent a couple of days together, including his birthday on Monday, and then he flew to south Florida Tuesday. He showed up back here on Wednesday with a 24ft UHaul and then left for Turks and Caicos on Saturday. I'm not sure when he will return. I figure I won't see him again until Christmas. I hope it'll be sooner but I'm not counting on it. We had a great time while he was here.

So, I said goodbye to Daredevil on the 2nd. He went back to California. Now he leaves this week headed to Iraq.

My Sweetie left yesterday.

Chowhound left a few hours ago. Tomorrow he will step in the yellow footsteps at Parris Island.

Improviser leaves in 15 days.

Too many goodbyes this month. I'm hanging in there.

I don't like Ike

2008-09-06T04:35:00.003-05:00

My Sweetie is presently in the Turks and Caicos Islands. I'm hoping and praying his 10:45am flight is not canceled. The last chance to get out of Dodge before Ike comes storming through. I'll be on pins and needles until I know he is in the states, checked through Miami and on his way here.

Come Hell and High Water

2008-09-02T04:55:00.004-05:00

Daredevil leaves today. I won't see him again until he returns from Iraq. (this is the Hell part)
Chowhound leaves in 12 days.
Improviser in 29.
(but who's counting)

and now the high water part. Hurricane Hannah is hanging over my Sweetie. He is in Provo in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Last night he was in the eye. The news reports there were telling them the storm was over. This morning that are getting hammered. It's only a Cat I but when you are on a little island this is still bad. And Ike is on Hannah's heels.

This month just keeps getting better. (and it's only day 2. Crap.)

Time Marches On

2008-09-01T08:13:00.005-05:00

September is here already. I want to skip this month almost as much as I want to skip November and December. I vote that we jump to October now and then skip over to say April. I hate winter. I like October because I love the weather then and it's my birth month. I can handle October. In November I start getting psycho. First, there is way too much food and secondly it's the lead in for the Chaos of Christmas. Don't get me wrong. I love Christmas. I just can't afford it. I try to keep things simple. But, I am a procrastinator. I wait until the last minute to get prepared. On Christmas Eve you can find me starting my shopping. I've been working on that but it is usually finances that make me procrastinate. I always dread December.

But, this year September is the demon month. Daredevil leaves this tomorrow*. He'll be in California for a couple of weeks and then he will be of to Camp Korean Village, Iraq. Even though I haven't seen him a lot in the last two weeks he's been here, it has been wonderful having him home. I love having my boys together. I even smile now when they pick and fight with each other because I know I won't hear that any more. In two weeks, Chowhound will report to Parris Island and two weeks after that Improviser will head to Lackland Air Force Base. All my "babies" will be gone.

Today, we are going bowling. That ought to be a blast as I suck at bowling. The last time I went it was with two friends of mine. Three middle-aged women using the bumpers is quite entertaining. But, it's not about the scores. It is time spent together. I am taking a camera. I wish I had video as I can never do justice to the insane hysteria that is present anytime all my boys are together.

Case in point. The other night, I hauled them out for family pictures. First, all three boys pounced on the roller coaster bead mazes in the lobby like they were dessert. Then, Daredevil and Chowhound immediately start a reinactment of this video. Chowhound hollars at Daredevil, "Put on a tie."

It went downhill from there. Daredevil grabs a rose and poses with it. They are all poking me and pushing each other. They made faces. A two year old would have been better behaved. The photographer was great. She has three young boys herself and she immediately just went with the flow and started harassing them.

But, none of this bothered me. They were just laughing and goofing off. They know how to behave when it's important. Right now, it was important to laugh. Although, there was a thin line when Daredevil dared Chowhound to jump up and headbutt the ceiling joist. Chowhound accomplished the feat and proudly wore the red mark on his head. I did a lot of blinking and shaking of my head.

All of this was before dinner. Dinner was even more hysterical. Ever since the kids were big enough to play card games, I have carried a deck in my purse for entertainment purposes. I found that it alleviated a lot of stress if they had something to do while we were waiting for our food. I get fussed at if I don't have them for some reason. Chowhound made sure I had the cards before we left the house. We used to play rummy, war, and speed when there were only two of us. But lately, we have started playing Bu!!sh*t. Now, if there are people, especially little kids, they have to say "BS". It is always a lot of fun especially when we are all together.

UPDATE: This post is incomplete. Daredevil leaves today. I got distracted. I'll post Part II sometime. My ADD kicked in.

Working (Wo)Man's Holiday

2008-09-01T07:58:00.003-05:00

Happy Labor Day!

...a day to honor those "who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold."

Veterans History Project

2008-08-18T17:54:00.002-05:00

I stumbled across a very interesting project today; The Veterans History Project.

(The) primary focus is on first-hand accounts of U.S. Veterans from the following wars:

* World War I (1914-1920)
* World War II (1939-1946)
* Korean War (1950-1955)
* Vietnam War (1961-1975)
* Persian Gulf War (1990-1995)
* Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts (2001-present)

In addition, those U.S. citizen civilians who were actively involved in supporting war efforts (such as war industry workers, USO workers, flight instructors, medical volunteers, etc.) are also invited to share their valuable stories.

The United States Congress created the Veterans History Project in 2000. The authorizing legislation (Public Law 106-380), sponsored by Representatives Ron Kind, Amo Houghton, and Steny Hoyer in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senators Max Cleland and Chuck Hagel in the U.S. Senate, received unanimous support and was signed into law by President William Jefferson Clinton on October 27, 2000.

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), America is losing her veterans at a rate of over 1,000 each day.

Our veterans deserve to be honored and their stories available for generations to come. I have been doing family genealogy recently and what a find it will be for families in the future to come across these stories. I would have loved to find something like this. But, the generations I am researching did not have the technology that is available now. Too many stories have been buried and lost. It is sad that I do not have stories to tell my children about their great, great grandparents. What a delight it will be for a great, great grandchild to one day find a recording in the Library of Congress of his or her relatives. To be able see them and to hear their own personal account will be such a treasure.

There is a packet that can be downloaded. There are suggested questions and all kinds of tips to make this a great interview even if you don't have the experience. I encourage everyone to participate. Our Veterans are the reason why our country is strong and wonderful. They have helped to preserve our rights and freedoms. The least we can do to thank them is to give a little of our time and listen.

I'm not sure who I'm grabbing and interviewing but I will find someone. I bet there is a lonely person in a Nursing Home with some wonderful stories. Also, soon my nephew will be home from Iraq and I know he has stories.

(Hat-Tip to Senator Jim DeMint for promoting this project on his webpage.)

Prayers, Faith, and Humor from above

2008-08-18T15:54:00.002-05:00

When Daredevil was in bootcamp, my sanity was saved by a group of ladies whose sons were at Parris Island too. We forged a bond a year ago and still stay in daily contact. They are my lifeline sometimes.

One of the mothers has a son who is deployed to Afghanistan right now. Up until a week or so ago, she had heard from him about every other day. Now, nothing for over a week. Needless to say she is worried. The Causalities board is constantly checked (it is under maintenance at the time I write this). There have been five causalities in the past week in Afghanistan but the names have not been released. She rationalizes that if something had happened she would have heard something by now.

But, we, mothers, know that may work on your head but not your heart. The image of men in dress blues showing up at your door haunts your dreams and thoughts. We have all been worried for her. We have kept her son in our prayers. She is a woman of faith also. She has been praying constantly. She feels a little better after an incident this weekend. She relates,

"I did have a funny experience -- anyone who believes in God knows that he has a great sense of humor. I was at (the) Lake this weekend, walking down a path bordered by farmland on one side and forest on the other. I was thinking about (son) and I stopped for a quiet moment of prayer and added, "Please God, just give me a sign that my son is OK." I walked another few feet and then turned to go back to the cottage. Right there, very close to the spot where I'd been standing when I stopped was a very old rusted SIGN for some sort of fertilizer or weed-killer called Ora-K. The "O" and the "K" were large and the other letters were smaller and faded with age. Ha! I got my "sign," alright. I laughed all the way back to the cottage. I suppose I ought to relax now, huh?"

Sometimes faith is all we have. Please add her and her son as well as all of the other men and women over there to your prayers.

My kind of math

2008-08-17T20:04:00.001-05:00

I'm surprised my kids didn't do these.

Tidbits from the Past

2008-08-10T08:29:00.003-05:00

I'm doing genealogy research and have found that a portion of the newspapers throughout Florida have been archived at the University of Florida and are viewable online through their Digital Collection.

Currently, I'm looking through the 1899 Editions of The Florida Index, the weekly Lake City, Florida, newspaper at the time.

This excerpt is from Nov. 3, 1899.

This widower isn't dating. He is "running a preparatory department in society". He "hauls the girls about". That makes 'em sound like a sack of feed or something. I just wonder exactly which part of marriage he was preparing them for.

Terrible momma

2008-08-04T15:21:00.003-05:00

I'm such a terrible momma. The A/C went out at the house and I bailed and left town. I'm in a nice cool hotel room in Charlotte, NC, while Chowhound and the dog sweat it out at home.

UPDATE: I've learned not to brag. The AC went out in our meeting room today. What goes around comes around. The AC gremlins seem to be following me.

Luckily, I am cold natured and even though the thermostat said 83 I was still comfortable. No one else was but I was. I was freezing during the first half of the day so I figure it's only fair.

My days are numbered

2008-08-03T07:55:00.003-05:00

13 days until Daredevil comes home on leave (YEAH!!)
30 days until Daredevil leaves again and heads to Iraq (BOO HOO)
41 days until Chowhound leaves for Marine Corps Bootcamp (BOO HOO)
58 days until Improviser leaves for Air Force Bootcamp (BOO HOO)
59 days until it's just the dog and I.

While I am extremely proud of my boys, this part of life SUCKS!

Pain free!

2008-08-03T07:50:00.002-05:00

I want to jump up and down and shout with joy. My head doesn't hurt this morning!! The first time in five days. I feel like a new person. I just hope this lasts a really, really long time.

Daredevil Update

2008-07-31T04:11:00.003-05:00

Daredevil got the cast removed from his leg yesterday. He said the doc looked and looked and looked at the x-rays and couldn't find where it had been broken. His leg is weak now but he is walking on it and I'm sure will be running again in no time. He has been told he can take leave and come home Aug. 16 through Sept. 2. He will be going to Iraq sometime around the middle of Sept. He will be on the Syrian border at a post called Korean Village. Here are some pics I found on the internet. I'm not sure when these were taken. Yeah, they just opened a new internet facility at the base.

Currently, Daredevil is at Camp Pendleton, CA. We thought that it would be a step up into civilization compared to the facilities and location of 29 Plams, CA. Twenty-nine palms is isolated. Daredevil couldn't wait to leave there. It was a long and lonely six months. Camp Pendleton is between LA and San Diego. Again, we thought it would be more advanced and accessible. First, he was in a part of Camp Pendleton called Las Pogus. It has an exchange about the size of a convenience store, an internet facility and a couple of fast food places. But, was far more isolated than 29 Palms. Add to the fact that Daredevil arrived on crutches. He was very limited and bored. After about 10 days he was transferred to Las Flores. It makes Las Pogus look inviting. The exchange is in a semi tractor trailer and although there is a Subway sandwich shop it is closed on weekends. That's it. No internet. Poor child. He keeps going from bad to worse and the next stop is Iraq. I bet when he returns to the states he will have a greater appreciation for all the luxuries we have. Las Flores may even look good. The bright side is he is saving up a lot of money. There is no where to spend it. I think there is a method to the Marine Corps madness.

OUCH!

2008-07-31T03:59:00.003-05:00

I came home from work about a week or so ago to find blood spots all over my house. It seems my dog, Remington, developed a fast growing tumor that ruptured. The vet said it is skin cancer and had to be removed.

So, here is my pitiful dog after surgery. He was still doped up and on pain meds in the picture. Also, someone at the vet's office has a sense of humor. They are the ones who wrote "ouch" on his bandage.

Why I love my children

2008-07-18T19:34:00.002-05:00

I found this on Chowhound's Myspace:

Well I have gotten news about a change. Unfortunately, I have to leave a month earlier. I got a call saying that I'm now scheduled to leave September 15. The reason they gave was because they need a marimba player. So I guess that's a good thing, I guess I'm the only one that can fill that spot. There's nothing I can do about it. Its just the way these things go. This seems to be hard on my mom because, well, I'm leaving in September, (Daredevil) is going over to Iraq in September as well, and my oldest brother is leaving for the Air Force some time in October or something like that, so shes kinda down. I think she'll be fine, she just has to worry about herself now. If you care to leave her a message or a smile you never now how much a small thing like that can improve someones mood.

I hate that he worries about me but I'm glad that he cares.

Six word Memoir MeMe Part II

2008-07-15T03:00:00.002-05:00

VWBug has tagged me with the Six Word memoir meme. I did this once already but I'll play again. Last time I came up with:

From Chaos to Serendipity since 1964.

That pretty much describes my life. Now time to get more creative.

wild child neurotic mother now what?

This is how I feel

2008-07-13T08:08:00.002-05:00

A friend sent this with the caption, "Have you ever felt this way?" Yeah, that's exactly how I feel right now. I just don't look that cute with that scowl on my face.

Empty nest coming fast

2008-07-13T06:47:00.003-05:00

The time with Daredevil flew by. He is now at Camp Pendleton. He has a couple more weeks in the cast and then he will be preparing to deploy to Iraq. My heart sank yesterday when he mentioned that little tidbit of information. He kinda slid it into the conversation. He sounded apprehensive about it. Now I know why. I googled Northern Iraq. Daredevil mentioned that he would be sent to that region. It seems that is one of the hottest spots right now.

Violence is at its lowest level in Iraq in four years, according to U.S. officials. But al Qaeda in Iraq maintains an active presence in northern Iraq and U.S. and Iraqi raids regularly target them. (emphasis mine)

Great. Crap. I hate the Internet sometimes. Ignorance is bliss. I want to crawl back under my rock. The tentative date is sometime in mid September.

Chowhound has his second audition for the Marine Corps Band tomorrow morning. Someone from Parris Island is coming down to evaluate him. Although, he performs percussion in the front ensemble mainly on the Marimba, he has to audition on the snare drums. Fortunately, he has a drum set so he has been able to practice the rudiments he has to know. I hope they take into consideration that he only started learning them a month ago. Chowhound is a talented musician. I'm sure he will have no problems tomorrow. Once, Chowhound is accepted into the Band then he can firm up his date to report to Parris Island for Bootcamp. Right now, it is either September 8 or sometime in October. They told him they changed it but he doesn't have it in writing so I'm not banking on it.

Improviser leaves for Air Force Bootcamp in October as well. His brothers badgered and tormented him until he finally enlisted. I think it will be great for him. He has been living in indecision since he graduated three years ago. His attitude changed immediately once he made the commitment. He signed on for 6 years. He has a test scheduled for Thursday to determine if he is eligible for the computer programming billet. He scored an overall 87 on the ASVAB (a minimum score of 49 is needed to even get in any of the services). He made a 94 on the mathematics portion. They said he can pretty much get into any field he wants. He is my computer geek so I hope he does well Thursday.

So, more than likely my boys will be scattered out around the world by Christmas time. It will be my first Christmas without them. I'm tearing up now just thinking about it. I am so not ready for this.

My boys are home

2008-06-16T17:55:00.002-05:00

MY BOYS ARE ALL HOME! I HAVE BLOG FODDER AGAIN!!!

My world has been quiet since Daredevil left for California January 2. It's been Chowhound, me and the dog. Improviser visits every now and then but he has been gone for almost 3 years. So, the quiet lingers in the house. Not much blog fodder is made. Life has just been trolling, quietly along almost uneventfully. There have been birthdays and graduations but no drama.

Well, that has changed. Daredevil showed up unexpectedly. He is home on 15 days leave. He got into town 4 days before I did. Chowhound and I have been in the Turks and Caicos Islands spending time with my Sweetie. Daredevil and Improviser picked us up at the airport. My jaw dropped and I did a *blink* when I saw him. Chowhound knew all along and never said a word. I was wondering why that child was bouncing off the walls like he needed Ritalin. He was pestering the shit out of my on the way home Sunday. Stealing my scrunchie out of my hair. Poking me. And, just being a genuine smart ass. He has missed Daredevil so bad. Daredevil booked his trip before I booked mine but didn't want to say anything. So, I missed out on this first four days of leave.

On to the blog fodder. My office phone rings at about 8 this morning. It's my EX telling me Daredevil is on the way to the emergency room. It seems Chowhound spotted a hula hoop on a roof and Daredevil felt compelled to retrieve it. The landing wasn't pretty. He broke his foot. I leave those two boys together for less than 14 hours and look what happens.

I love the chaos. I'm off to go fix their favorite, Chicken and Dumplings.

I'm going to cherish the next 10 days!!!

Always Remember

2008-05-26T17:05:00.002-05:00

Abstract and Random

2008-04-20T07:15:00.005-05:00

Yep. That's me.

Your Thinking is Abstract and Random

You are flexible, adaptable, and creative.

There's many ways that you can learn - and you're up for any of them.

You relate well to other people, and you do well working in groups.

You can help people communicate together and work with each other's strengths.

You don't work well with people who are competitive or adversarial.

You prefer to work toward a common goal... not toward conflicting goals.

What Kind of Thinker Are You?

She singing about my life

2008-04-20T06:17:00.003-05:00

If you ever get the opportunity to see Martina McBride in concert, GO! Don't think twice. Just GO! She is phenomenal. The woman has so much energy and puts all of herself into her singing. She is better live than recorded. I don't think I've ever thought that about a performer before. I don't see how she can sing like that night after night without straining her voice. She a gift to reach inside your soul and touch your heart. Her songs all have meaning and inspiration. They hit home on so many levels. I am still astonished by the magnitude with which she sang each song and note. WOW. Just WOW.

I lost it when she sang Concrete Angel. I tried discretely to wipe away the tears running down my face but others noticed. Chowhound consoled me by saying that he was sure I was probably not the only one.

I don't have daughters but my sons rescued me so I totally relate to In my Daughter's Eyes. Change daughters to sons and it applies to me.

The end of the song talks about "one day when they leave". That's the trouble I'm having now. I never thought I would have difficulty in the transition to the "empty nest". I was just fooling myself and talking out my a$$. Chowhound is the only one left at home now. He graduates from high school next month. I was okay with that as he has been talking about going to the Jr. college here. That was cool. I can do that. He changed his mind. He has decided to following in Daredevil's footsteps and join the Marines. He signs the papers Monday. He won't leave until September at the earliest. So, I have the summer with him and to adjust to his leaving. I'm a basket case already. I hate to see myself in a few months.

I know this opens up opportunities for me also. But, I'm scared. For over 22 years my life has revolved around my children. They rescued me from a destructive lifestyle. Becoming a mother was the best thing to ever happen to me. It is who I am and I am proud of that. I am proud of my boys. Who ever said that having children is like having your heart walk around out side your body was dead on. I feel so vulnerable.

Choice

2008-04-15T05:05:00.001-05:00

I CHOOSE determination and persistence over quitting every time. I will attain my goals.

Prosperity Affirmations

2008-04-14T05:33:00.004-05:00

This week I'm going to be posting affirmations design to attract wealth and prosperity and the means for getting help. I need a new roof on my house. I have siding that needs replacing. The carpets need removed and replaced with wood or tile. I need a new backdoor. Plus I would love to do some serious remodeling. My kitchen is ancient and needs updating. So, I am going to concentrate on money and resources to accomplish the things I need to get done.

I am a financially independent and prosperous being. I recognize that independent doesn't mean that I can't ask for or accept help and resources in my journey to attain the things that I need.

Weekend Blues

2008-04-13T16:20:00.002-05:00

I was in Tampa singing the blues this weekend. Tampa's annual Blues Fest Rocks!

Last night was Los Lonely Boys and Walter Trout.

We danced and jammed and people watched. Fun was had by all. I was envious of the people sitting on their boats listening to the music. But, then again they couldn't see the show only the backs of the booths and the port-a-potties. So, come to think of it we had a much better seat. The weather was perfect. A slight breeze and no bugs. The music was fantastic.

I'm going back next year.

Attaining Goals

2008-04-10T05:34:00.002-05:00

I achieve my goal with joy, ease, and peace. As I look upon my words, I know that the world is shifting to bring forth everything on my list. I now see opportunities, I now have ideas, and I now have the means to accomplish everything I desire and it feels wonderful.

Prosperity

2008-04-09T04:42:00.000-05:00

My financial situation improves every second of every day. Each moment brings in new opportunities and the right people are aligning themselves with me to help. My debt decreases and my net worth increases. I am in the black.

Good luck Chowhound

2008-04-08T04:55:00.005-05:00

Today's affirmation goes out for Chowhound. He is performing a marimba solo today at the State level. This is the fourth year he has earned a Superior at District and qualified for State. However, the superior rating has eluded him at State. He is a senior. This is his last chance. He is playing a piece that is extremely difficult. It is the highest level available, grade 7. I even talked with the composer of the piece. He said it was difficult and complicated.

So, Chowhound,

Believe in yourself and your abilities. You have talent. You can reach your dreams. Have faith.

Repeat over and over.

"I am filled with faith. Faith flows into me like the river into the ocean. Amazing things happen in my life each day as a result of this faith and I appreciate every moment of it.

UPDATE: CHOWHOUND EARNED A SUPERIOR FOR HIS SOLO PERFORMANCE AT STATE. NOT ONLY A SUPERIOR BUT SUPERIOR WITH DISTINCTION! THE HIGHEST MARK POSSIBLE.

WAY TO GO CHOWHOUND! GREAT JOB!!

Six word Memoir MeMe

2008-04-07T14:55:00.005-05:00

T1G tagged Bou with the six word Memoir meme.

Legend has it that Hemingway was once challenged to write a story in only six words. His response? “For sale: baby shoes, never worn.” Last year, SMITH Magazine re-ignited the recountre by asking our readers for their own six-word memoirs. They sent in short life stories in droves, from the bittersweet (“Cursed with cancer, blessed with friends”) and poignant (“I still make coffee for two”) to the inspirational (“Business school? Bah! Pop music? Hurrah”) and hilarious (“I like big butts, can’t lie”).

And the Rules are:

1) Write your own six word memoir.

2) Post it on your blog and include a visual illustration if you’d like.

3) Link to the person that tagged you in your post, and to the original post if possible so we can track it as it travels across the blogosphere.

4) Tag at least six more blogs with links.

Then Bou added:

However... I'm tasking you instead, to leave your six words in my comments. Y'all are the creative bunch.

But, would you believe mu.nu won't let me comment. I get an error message. So, I'm forced to actually post.

My first thought was: "Single, Married, Single, Married, Single, Married....(Single, Engaged)."

Crap.

I had to revert to the extended play. Can't I just take the first three marriages and put them in the deleted scenes?

Next, I thought, "Boys gone. I need a life."

Yeah, that's getting close.

Then it hit me. Most of it is at the top of my blog.

My 6 word memoir is:

"From Chaos to Serendipity since 1964."

Yep. That's the story of my life.

Power lies within

2008-04-06T07:03:00.002-05:00

I am responsible for my life and always maintain the power I need to be positive and have joy.

Potentials

2008-03-27T05:31:00.001-05:00

I respect my abilities and always work to my full potential.

Life is good

2008-03-16T08:46:00.003-05:00

I have three beautiful boys.

Fantastic Friends and family.

A Wonderful Man.

A job I love.

Life is Good.

So, Today's affirmation is
" I am thankful for all the love I have in my life".

I am truly blessed.