Hello - Hello - Hello !!!!!


My good friend Abbagirl asked me where the heck I have been and what have I been doing...or something like that. Soooooooo.......

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving, we did not have Turkey...the kids all said that they did not want turkey this year, they wanted Beer Can Chicken on the grill. I must admit I had never heard of it but when they explained it, I was in....then I don't have to cook the meat....grilling...that is David's job (and I love it). As soon as we were done eating and cleaning up the mess, we headed to David's parents house. It is about a 3 hour ride so the kids (Stephen and Amanda, David's kids) asked that I drive...they know it will take about 3 and a half hours if their dad drives.
We had a bit of bad news on the day before Thanksgiving, David's grandpa had passed away. Now, I say a bit of bad news because he was 90 years old, his wife of 68 years had passed about 5 years ago and he has been miserable ever since. He has told us over and over again that he did now want to live, he wants to be with Jesus and his wife. He loves us all but he just does not want to be here. This alone kind of made it a celebration of his life. His Pastor had wonderful things to say about him and some of the adult grandkids got up to talk about their memories. It was like a family reunion with a few sad parts in it. The sadness was our own selfish things though, because he was dancing in Heaven with his wife.

I have been busy busy busy at work. There is a young girl here who is a single parent of a two year old boy. She is the sweetest thing and I remember Christmas coming and not being able to buy for my kids because I was living paycheck to paycheck. She is paying $ 120.00 a week in day care alone (she has asked for her from Social Services and they have her on a waiting list, she might get help around this time next year.) So, I approached one of my co-workers and talked to him about maybe doing a "Secret Santa" for her. Then I talked to another co-worker, low and behold....everyone wants in. I have been collecting money and so far I have $ 200.00 and I am not even halfway through the company. Everyone wants to help. We are going to get her a Wal-Mart card, that way she can get groceries, toys and clothes. We will have one stipulations though, we want her to get something for herself also. I am so excited about this. I dream about this kind of thing. I wish I had more money and could help other single parents (not just mothers but fathers too) with making Christmas special for their kids. I LOVE CHRISTMAS!!!

Ok, you all are probably tired of the stories that I get and then I post here but I have just one more, well...you know me....for today I have just one more.

I will let you know that I went to the doctor yesterday. Had a mole removed from my back and they sent it in to be tested. I have had this mole for as long as I can remember but being that it is on my back, I don't get to see it that often. Aparently it is turning color around the edges and my doctor thought that we should have it checked out. So, I am sitting here at work with my back killing me (I had no pain yesterday so did not think to ask for any pain killers). I figured that I could either be in pain at home and not get paid for it or come to work at least a part of a day paid. Also, my blood sugars are kinda high, not seriously high but high enough where they need to check me more. Please pray for me there....thanks. Now the story, Have a great weekend!!


A Pierced and Tatooed Angel

I couldn't believe it. Of all the times for this to happen. . .a flat tire.
But when is a good time? Not when you are wearing a suit and you have been traveling for nearly five hours and, added to this bleak picture, nightfall is approaching. Wait! Did I mention I was on a country road?

There was only one thing to do. Call the local automobile association. Yeah, right. The cell phone I bought, for security and protection from moments like these, isn't in range to call anyone. "No Service," it says. No kidding! I thought.

I sat for a few minutes moaning and complaining. Then I began emptying my trunk so I could get at the tire and tools needed to get the job done. I carry a large plastic container filled with what I call "just-in-case-stuff." When I am training or speaking I love to have props with me. I hate leaving anything home so I bring everything. . ."just in case."

Cars buzzed by me. A few beeped sarcastically. It was as if the horns were saying, "Ha, ha."
Darkness began to settle in, and it became more difficult to see. Thank goodness it was the tire on the passenger's side, away from the traffic-but that only made it more impossible to benefit from the headlights of passing cars.

Suddenly a car pulled off the road behind me. In the blinding light, I saw a male figure approaching me.
"Hey, do you need any help?"
"Well, it certainly isn't easy doing this with a white dress shirt and suit on," I said sarcastically.

Then he stepped into the light. I was literally frightened. This young guy was dressed in black. Nearly everything imaginable was pierced and tattooed. His hair was cropped and poorly cut and he wore leather bracelets with spikes on each wrist.

"How about I give you a hand?" he said.
"Well, I don't know. . .I think I can. . ."
"Come on, it will only take me a few minutes."

He took right over. While I watched him, I happened to look back at his car and noticed, for the first time, someone sitting in the passenger seat. That concerned me. I suddenly felt outnumbered. Thoughts of car-jackings and robberies flashed through my mind. I really just wanted to get this over and survive the ordeal.

Then, without warning, it began to pour. The night sky had hidden the approaching clouds. It hit like a waterfall and made it impossible to finish changing the tire.

"Look my friend, just stop what you're doing. I appreciate all your help. You'd better get going. I'll finish after the rain stops," I said.
"Let me help you put your stuff back in the trunk. It will get ruined," he insisted. "Then get in my car. We'll wait with you."
"No, really. I'll take care of everything," I said.

"You can't get in your car with the jack up like that. It will fall. Come on. Get in!" He grabbed my arm and pulled me toward the car. Crack! Boom! Lightening and thunder roared like a freight train. I jumped into his car. Oh, God protect me, I prayed to myself.

Wet and tired, I settled into the back seat. Suddenly a kindly, frail voice came from the front seat. "Are you all right?" A petite old woman asked as she turned around to face me.
"Yes, I am," I replied, greatly relieved at seeing the old woman there. I suspected she was his mom.
"My name is Beatrice, and this is my neighbor, Joey," she said. "He insisted on stopping when he saw you struggling with the tire."

"I am grateful for his help," I responded.
"Me, too." Beatrice laughed. "Joey takes me to visit my husband. We had to place him in a nursing home, and it's about thirty minutes away from my residence. So, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Joey and I have a date." With a childish grin she looked at Joey.

Joey's whimsical remark, "We're the remake of the Odd Couple," gave us all a good laugh.

"Joey, that's incredible what you do for her. I would never have guessed, well, you know I. . ." I stumbled with the words.
"I know. People who look like me don't do nice things," he said.

I was silent. I really felt uncomfortable. I never judge people by the way they dress, and I was angry with myself for being so foolish.

"Joey is a great kid. I'm not the only one he helps-he's also a volunteer at our church. He also works with the kids in the learning center at the low income housing unit in our town," Beatrice added.

"I'm a tutor," Joey said modestly as he stared at my car.

I reflected for a few moments on what Joey said. He was right. What he wore on the outside was a reflection of the world as he saw it. What he wore on the inside was the spirit of giving, caring and loving the world from his point of view.

When the rain stopped, Joey and I changed the tire. I tried to offer him money, and he refused.

As we shook hands, I began to apologize for my stupidity. He said, "I experience that same reaction all the time. I actually thought about changing the way I look, but then I saw this as an opportunity to make a point. So I'll leave you with the same question that I ask everyone who takes time to know me. 'If Jesus returned tomorrow and walked among us again, would you recognize him by what he wore or by what he did?'"

Joey walked back to his car. As they drove off, Beatrice was smiling and waving as she began to laugh again. I could almost hear her saying, "You got another one Joey. You got another one."

This is a story someone shared with me today, Share it with someone else if you can.

A Veteran's Day Miracle

I was feeling my age that morning as I limped from the parking lot up to the Physical Therapy Building. I was pushing fifty. I was crippled, and I was feeling like a failure. Thankfully, I was happily married. However, health problems had cut short my dreams of finishing my education. Gloomily, I couldn't recall a thing that I had ever done that was important.My thoughts became more disheartened when I noticed the middle-aged man limping in front of me--his long gray hair blowing in the wind. I just knew I'd be stuck in the waiting room with him. I was in no mood for a conversation. I knew I was in for a long and painful wait.
By the time I reached the hallway, one of the two chairs available was occupied by the gray-haired man. Reluctantly, I took my seat next to him, hoping that I could bury myself within the pages of an outdated magazine.My bubble of protection was immediately interrupted by his curious stare. I looked up with a sigh. He gave me an uncertain smile as our eyes met."I know you," he said."No, you don't.""Yes, I'm certain I know you.""I'm not from here," I insisted."No. I've met you someplace before.""That's impossible. I'm certain we've never met.""I feel that I know you from long ago," he said with conviction.In spite of myself, I was intrigued. We played "twenty questions," and we finally got around to the Vietnam War and San Francisco.He had served in the Army. He'd been wounded in battle, and he was darned proud of it."I didn't do anything important," I said. "I served stateside, as a U.S. Navy WAVE, at San Francisco International Airport. I married way too soon, and I was discharged when I became pregnant," my voice trailed off.Suddenly, the man became very excited."I remember receiving help from a young WAVE," he grinned, "with red hair just like yours! It was in the spring of '67, when I came back wounded from Vietnam."He continued, "I've never seen anyone like her, before or since. She moved heaven and earth to make sure that I was well taken care of. She was a tiger, all right. I was badly wounded, barely dragging on crutches. She got me into a wheelchair, and she literally ran after a local bus, making them stop. Then she nearly carried me onboard, giving the driver careful instructions to make sure that I arrived at the hospital, safe and sound. And then she called to see how I was!""I didn't see her, again, until four months later, when I was heading home, still on crutches. All I saw was this WAVE fighting like a wildcat, trying to get away from some drunken sailor."Chills crept up my spine as I remembered the wounded soldier who had rescued me.
"I just couldn't let that girl be ill-treated, after all she had done for me. I threatened that sailor with one of my crutches and he finally put her down. I escorted her back to her desk...""And then you went and got the sailor," I choked on the words, "and you made him apologize to me."Tears streamed down my cheeks, as I remembered that day, and him.How could this happen? My rescuer from 1967 was sitting next to me, twenty-five years later and half a continent away. Our lives had come full circle, and there we sat--thanking each other for a mutual kindness, long ago.We talked for a long time, and then we parted. I learned some important truths that day.First, people are seldom what they seem to be at first glance.Second, kindness is its own reward. It changes the lives of both parties.Last, I learned that though my time was short, I had served my country, simply by serving those who had sacrificed everything.I continued that day a happier woman because I understood that a kindness given will often return to bless you again.

Happy Veteran's Day Everyone ---- Find a Veteran, thank them and then give them a hug.

Ok, 2 posts in one day...almost a miracle. I just had to come back and tell you a story.

Out of the mouths of babes:

My girls were talking about next Halloween, they decided that they should have a Wizard of Oz theme. Jasmine will be 5, she can be Dorothy. Damien will be 18 months, he can be the lion, Alex will be 22 months, he can be Toto and Kody will be 4, he can be the scarecrow. Kody overhears this and whines (like only Kody can do)......


I don't want to be the scary Ho.


Too Funny :)

Happy Halloween all.

I have been sitting here thinking about Halloween when I was a kid. I can honestly say that I don't remember trick or treating, Halloween costumes that I may have worn..None of that. I know that my parents took me, but I really cannot think of something that really sticks out. I think it must be all that pot I smoked when I was younger.

I DO remember being a teenager on Halloween. Soaping cars, egging houses, TP'ing trees, All the fun stuff like that. I also remember one incident when we strung a wire across the street. It was pitch dark out and we (me and about 4 or 5 friends) took some wire, we strung it across the road and a few of us stayed on one side and a few on the other. We waited patiently...smoking cigarettes, telling jokes thinking no one could hear or see us. All of a sudden we saw a bike coming down the road, we ran behind trees and pulled the wire taunt, the dude on the bike hit the wire and flew, he got up and chased us for blocks (that is the good old days when I could run for blocks). Now today, I am thinking....what if he would have really hurt himself, what if he would have flew head over heel and hit his head on the road....Jeez, we were stupid kids.

Halloween is just not the same anymore. More and more cities are banning trick or treating or alot of people simply are taking their children somewhere safe because you never know who is in that house or what they will do once they open the doors.

I am taking my grandchildren trick or treating, it is the thing to do and shucks....I want candy (I hope they will want to share). They are so excited.. Kody is going to be Batman and Jasmine is going to be a princess, she is so excited that her dress lights up and the bat on Kody's costume lights up also. They have been wanting to "try on" their costumes for days. Now, don't think that the little ones are not going, Alex is going to be Spiderman and Damien is going to be the Incredibles guy. I know that they are only 10 and 6 months but the candy is for the parents I think.

Ok, one another note, I received a email today for quitnet.com. I signed up on this web site when I quit smoking 10 months ago today.

The results so far are...

Time Smoke-free: 303 days, 10 hours, 27 minutes and 35 seconds.

Cigarettes NOT smoked: 3641,

Lifetime saved: 27 days 19 hours,

Money Saved: $ 755.00.

For that I am thankful. I never could have made it this far without the Lord, my family and my friends. I am extremely proud of myself. I smoked for 26 years, it was the hardest thing I had ever done and now I am smoke free. I can't wait until my one year anniversary and find out how many cigarettes not smoked I have then.

Have a great Halloween BOO!!!!

Good Morning :)

I recieved this e-mail today and thought I would share it with you. Also one of my blogger friends started something called Memory Mondays. This is where you can share a funny or even a not so funny memory with everyone and you know us bloggers, we have to put a theme to just about everything. So, I am going to try and do this every Monday and I would like all of you to do it also, I think it will be fun!! Now, on with the show (so to speak).



As I Mature:

As I mature, I have learned that you cannot make people love you, all you can do is stalk them and hope that they panic and give in.

As I mature,I have learned that no matter how much I care, some people are just assholes.

As I mature, I have learned that it takes years to build a trust, and it only takes suspecion, not proof to destroy it.

As I mature, I have learned that you can get by on charm for about fifteen minutes, After that you better either have a big willy or huge boobs.

As I mature, I have learned that you should not compare yourself with others, they are more screwed up then you think.

As I mature, I have learned that you can keep vomiting long after you think you are finished.

As I mature, I have learned that we are responsible for what we do unless you are a celebrity.

As I mature, I have learned that regardless of how hot and steamy a relationship is at first, the passion fades and there had better be alot of money to take its place.

As I mature, I have learned that 99% of the time something is not working in your house, one of your children did it.

As I mature, I have learned that people that you care most about in life are taken from you too soon and all the less important ones never go away.

Ok, pass this along to 5 friend, trust me they will appreciate it, Who knows, maybe something good will happen....if not....

Tough Shit.

LOL, Have a great day.

Famous Love Story


> I will seek and find you . .


> I shall take you to bed and have my way with you


> I will make you ache, shake & sweat until you moan & groan.


> I will make you beg for mercy, beg for me to stop.


> I will exhaust you to the point that you will be relieved when I'm finished with you.


> And, when I am finished, you will be weak for days.


>All my love,


> The Flu


> Now, get your mind out of the gutter and go get your flu shot!

Good for a giggle or 2.

Subject: Proof That The World Is Nuts


> Proof That The World Is Nuts
>
>
> In Lebanon, men are legally allowed to have sex with animals, but
> the animals must be female. Having sexual relations with a male
> animal is punishable by death.
>
> (Like THAT makes sense.)
>
>
>
> In Bahrain, a male doctor may legally examine a woman's
> genitals, but is prohibited from looking directly at them during the
> examination. He may only see their reflection in a mirror.
>
> (Do they look different reversed?)
>
>
>
> Muslims are banned from looking at the genitals of a corpse.
> This also applies to undertakers. The sex organs of the deceased
> must be covered with a brick or piece of wood at all times.
>
>
> (A brick?)
>
>
>
> The penalty for masturbation in Indonesia is decapitation.
>
>
> (Much worse than "going blind!")
>
>
>
> There are men in Guam whose full-time job is to travel the countryside
> And deflower young virgins, who pay
> Them for the privilege of having sex for the first time
>
> Reason: under Guam law, it is expressly forbidden for virgins to marry.
>
>
> (Let's just think for a minute; is there any job anywhere else in the world that even comes
> close to this?)
>
>
>
> In Hong Kong, a betrayed wife is legally allowed to kill her
> adulterous husband, but may only do so with her bare hands.
>
> The husband's illicit lover, on the other hand, may be killed in any manner desired.
>
>
> (Ah Justice, How about that girls (Solarisgal? Meg?)
>
>
>
> Topless saleswomen are legal in Liverpool, England - but only in
> tropical fish stores.
>
>
> (But of course!)
>
>
> In Cali, Colombia, a woman may only have sex with her husband,
> and the first time this happens, her mother must be in the room
> to witness the act.
>
>
> (Makes one shudder at the thought.)
>
>
>
> In Santa Cruz, Bolivia, it is illegal for a man to have sex with
> a woman and her daughter at the same time.
>
>
> (I presume this was a big enough problem that they had to pass this law?)
>
>
>
> In Maryland, it is illegal to se ll condoms from vending machines
> with one exception: Prophylactics may be dispensed from a vending
> machine only "in places where alcoholic beverages are sold for consumption on the
> premises."
>
>
> (Is this a great country or what?
> Well, not as great as Guam!)
>
>
>
> Banging your head against a wall uses
> 150 calories an hour.
>
>
> (Who volunteers for this stuff?)
>
>
>
> Humans and dolphins are the only species that have sex for pleasure.
>
>
> (Is that why Flipper was always smiling?)
>
>
>
> The ant can lift 50 times its own weight, can pull 30 times its own weight and
> Always falls over on its right side when intoxicated.
> (From drinking little bottles of???)
>
>
> (Did the government pay for this research?)
>
>
> Butterflies taste with their feet.
>
>
> (Ah, geez.)
>
>
>
> An ostrich's eye is bigger than its brain.
>
>
> (I know some people like that.)
>
>
>
> Starfish don't have brains.
>
>
> (I know some people like that, too.)
>
>
>
> And, the best for last?
>
> Turtles can breathe through their butts.
>
>
> (And I thought I had bad
> Breath in the morning!)

So, it's your first kiss and several questions might come to mind:


Is it the right time?

Is anyone watching?

Does your partner even want to?

Is your breath fresh?

And the big question...

Should you use some tongue?

Then you lean in and just go for it!!!



* see below

Hey all,
I don't have a clue what to write about here today so I am going to think about it and come back. I am trying to think of something that happened when I was a child that I could write about but there is just nothing in my head right now.....Oh, that is just great, I just told the blog world that I was empty headed....Jeez!! ok, back in a little while.

Just when I thought there was going to be nothing to write about today...it happened!! Here I was, minding my own business when I glanced out the window of my office. Wait, I should tell you that I have now changed offices, I am out in the hanger with the boys instead of up in the office part with management....a move up??? I think so....I don't have to live in a fish bowl (windows completely around my office so everyone could always see what I was doing) Any way.. Here I am, typing away (that is my job he he) and I glance out my window and our floor manager is standing at the parts counter (with his back to me) with his hand down the back of his pants scratching his butt. I mean EWWWWWWWW.
First of all...come on, you are standing in a hanger with pilots that are coming and going constantly and second...you are basically 20 feet away from Karin's office and she DOES have a window.
Then the parts manager comes out, I will call him Gene...because well, frankly that is his name. Gene comes out of his office and talks to the floor manager (I will call him Sam) and they are reading some paper together, both of their hands are on this paper....I just cannot wait for Sam to leave so I can go out and tell Gene about Sam and his butt scratching and oh by the way...he did not wash his hands.
Oh man, the things that go on in the work place. I LOVE IT HERE!!! :)

P.S. Did I happen to mention that Sam weighs in at about 300 pounds.....EWWWWWW!!

Hello everyone, Hope you all had a wonderful weekend. Mine was not long enough but I think that is always the case for most people. My friend Jade is back (I thought she was missing in action for a while). Go and visit her at http://theroad2rocks.blogspot.com/ She hit me with the meme so I will try and get this done before I have to really do some work.

The Work Meme:

1. What is the best thing about your workplace? Well as most of you know, I think the best thing about my workplace is that I work with mostly men. We have women up in the offices at the front of the building but I am the Secretary of Maintenance, I work with the men :)

2. What do you hate about your workplace? Well, the weird thing about it is that there is nothing that I hate about my job. I can pretty much come and go as I please (I don't take advantage of that so maybe that is why it is so easy for me to leave early or take a day off here and there) and I really like the guys that I work with. Some of the women up front are uppity but I even get along with them (I just choose not to go up there often)

3. What small irritance at your workplace really annoys you? Ok, you all should know that answer to this one....The Whistler. I have to admit, I told him how annoying it was and he does not whistle nearly as much but also one more thing about him, He always wants to be touching me. Not sexually, just like touching my shoulder or my elbow to move me in a direction...I don't know...it is just ICK!!

4. Describe the actions/quirks of the weirdest person you work with. There is one girl that I work with that I have to laugh at most of the time. She is 22 and no nieve, You have to love her and I do love going to have lunch with her but she is 22 and should be blonde, really!!


5. What is one thing that you would change at your workplace to make life a helluva lot better? I can't think of a thing...a raise would be nice but I am sure that will come one day. I can honestly say that I don't wake up in the morning and dread getting out of bed, ever. I like coming to work and seeing the people that I work with.


Now I tag these 5 bloggers John over at http://www.dadslife2.blogspot.com/ , Solarisgirl at http://mydivorcejourney.blogspot.com/ hmmm Jade already tagged Abbagirl so I can't do that, Jason over at http://cigarsdonutsandcoffee.blogspot.com/ , Finn over at http://finnmccool2.blogspot.com/ and Sue at http://sue-memyselfandty.blogspot.com/

Have a great day and to all my Canadian friends: Happy Thanksgiving!!

Good Afternoon, Today is my 43rd birthday. I don't know if I feel good or bad about it. I think I feel pretty good but I also think it is because of all the presents I got today. I am such a baby when it comes to presents, any presents. It can be as small as a candy necklace or as big as a steam cleaner, I don't care.....I just like presents.

Maybe that is why I love Christmas so much. It is different at Christmas though, I really don't care if I get anything (well, thats a lie...but I don't care if it is only one thing) What I love about Christmas is the giving. What my husband stresses out every year about is the "Karin giving" LOL!!! I love giving great presents, watching them (kids and adults alike) open the presents.

Anyhow....Happy Birthday to me.
Hope everyone has a great weekend.

Good Morning, Good Morning. I have been taged by my friend trueself over at http://toodeepanddark.blogspot.com/ (Sorry, I am soooo computer illerate that I don't know how to just put the name and make it a link). I have been asked to state nine things about myself, weird or otherwise, and then tag six others by leaving a comment on their blogs. So let's see if there is anything at all I haven't already shared here:

1. I was married for almost 20 years to my first husband. Thought about and had many oppurtunities to cheat on him, only cheated once and that was at the end. He cheated once that I know of but I am sure there were others, he just learned how to be descrete.

2. I smoked alot (and I mean ALOT) of pot when I was a kid. Shoot, we are being honest here, I smoked pot until almost 5 years ago.

3. If I were to get some kind of disease, I would smoke it again.

4. My X was not a relegious person, I believe that God brought me to David because he knew I was lost and wanted to be found, he knew that David was the one person that could bring me back "home" again.

5. I cannot leave my house unless I have had a shower and I have makeup on. I always have to remember "what if I see someone I know".

6. I have a compulsive disorder that lurks inside of me. I want my house completley clean at all times, it is never that way and it drives me crazy. After all, what if someone stops by and wants to come into my house.

7. These past 5 years have been the happiest times of my life. I cannot express how much I love my husband and I am sure, with everything that is in me, he loves me just as much. I can tell you that I NEVER felt that way with my X, he made me feel like he was "putting up with me" for ALL the years I stayed married to him.

8. I am not a small person, I am overweight and would love to have that surgery that makes your stomach smaller. My friend had it and she is doing great, She lives in Minnesota and I wish I could see her now.

9. I am also very jealous of her, She was always the big one in our crowd and I am scared (Lord, I don't know why) that when I do see her, she will be way smaller then me.

OK, that is my 9. Some of them lame....ok, most of them lame but never the less it is what it is.
I am going to tag Di, Jan, Shattered, and abbagirl. Thanks guys, you make my day when I get comments back from you :).

I am absolutely devastated by what is going on in our schools this past month. I cannot understand why in the world someone would want to shoot a child. What in heavens name could that child have done to the shooter? It is my understanding that these shooters don't even know these children....Why????? It just makes me shudder. And, then there is the boy in Wisconsin that shot the principal, it is my understanding that the boy got into trouble at school for smoking, so the kid just goes and gets a gun and shoots up the school. Where are the parents and how in the world did he get access to a gun? Now, the 2 grown men that shot little girls. Sick basta*ds!! I got this email this morning, maybe you will agree with it, maybe you won't but you have to know that the school systems and children in general have changed since we went to school. I was never scared to go into school. I never feared someone would come in and shoot me. I am scared for my grandchildren who will go to school in a few years. Home school might be the answer, although I don't really believe that either. I think children need the "away time" from home and also the socialization skills they get at school. I just wish that I had the answer, any answer.

Mary's Lamb

Mary had a little Lamb, His fleece was white as snow. And everywhere that Mary went, The Lamb was sure to go.
He followed her to school each day, T'wasn't even in the rule. It made the children laugh and play, To have a Lamb at school.
And then the rules all changed one day, Illegal it became; To bring the Lamb of God to school, Or even speak His Name!
Every day got worse and worse, And days turned into years. Instead of hearing children laugh, We heard gun shots and tears.
What must we do to stop the crime, That's in our schools today? Let's let the Lamb come back to school, And teach our kids to pray!

I am not sure what I am going to write about today. I just feel this sence of obligation to write. I don't know why but I do.

My daughter asked me what I would do if I found out that I had 6 weeks to live. She asked me if I would go and bungy jump with her.....hell no.

I thought about it for a minute and turned to her and told her I would smoke, that's right, I would light up a cigarette right then and there. She asked me what else I would do. I thought about it and decided that I would also smoke pot.

When I told my husband this (remember he is a Pastoral Counselor) he got really really quiet and I had not even sprang the news about the pot on him at this point. I asked him what was he thinking about and he said he just wished that I would not smoke. I told him that if I only had 6 weeks what would it matter, it is not like it would shorten my time down to 3 weeks or something like that, then I told him about the pot. He wants to know where I would get it. I don't know....I suppose if you look for something long enough you can find it. I never had a problem finding it when I was a teenager, of coarse all my friends smoked pot and someone could find someone who was selling it. Now of coarse since I am going to be the big 43 a week from today, I would have not the slightest bit of an idea where to find it. Hmmmm I am thinking Amsterdam. LOL.

I don't think this would go over big with my husband.......maybe the time to bring this up was not when we were coming home fro a bible study group.

Oh and a quick granddaughter entertainment......My 4 year old granddaughter is now going to Head Start everyday. When my son got her off the bus yesterday and asked her how her day was, she just turned to him and said "Daddy, I don't want to talk about it, it has been a long day. Isn't she precious!!

Have a great weekend all.

I received this e-mail today, No matter if you agree or disagree with the war, I am sure that you will all agree that we need to support our troops, we need to stick together. We are after all "The people of the United States of America".

Last week, while traveling to Chicago on business, I noticed a Marine sergeant traveling with a folded flag, but did not put two and two together. After we boarded our flight, I turned to the sergeant, who'd been invited to sit in First Class (across from me), and inquired if he was heading home. No, he responded. Heading out I asked? No. I'm escorting a soldier home. Going to pick him up? No. He is with me right now. He was killed in Iraq. I'm taking him home to his family. The realization of what he had been asked to do hit me like a punch to the gut. It was an honor for him. He told me that, although he didn't know the soldier, he had delivered the news of his passing to the soldiers family and felt as if he knew them after many conversations in so few days. I turned back to him, extended my hand, and said, Thank you. Thank you for doing what you do so my family and I can do what we do. Upon landing in Chicago the pilot stopped short of the gate and made the following announcement over the intercom. "Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to note that we have had the honor of having Sergeant Steeley of the United States Marine Corps join us on this flight. He is escorting a fallen comrade back home to his family. I ask that you please remain in your seats when we open the forward door to allow Sergeant Steeley to deplane and receive his fellow soldier. We will then turn off the seat belt sign." Without a sound, all went as requested. I noticed the sergeant saluting the casket as it was brought off the plane, and his action made me realize that I am proud to be an American. So here's a public Thank You to our military Men and Women for what you do so we can live the way we do. Signed: Stuart Margel -- Washington, D.C.

Also, here are two very touching photos honored at this years International Picture of the Year. First Place ( See bottom picture)


First PlaceTodd Heisler The Rocky Mountain News When 2nd Lt. James Cathey's body arrived at the Reno Airport, Marines climbed into the cargo hold of the plane and draped the flag over his casket as passengers watched the family gather on the tarmac. During the arrival of another marines casket last year at Denver International Airport, Major Steve Beck described the scene as so powerful: "See the people in the windows? They sat right there in the plane, watching those Marines. You gotta wonder what's going through their minds, knowing that they're on the plane that brought him home," he said. "They will remember being on that plane for the rest of their lives. They're going to remember bringing that Marine home. And they should." Second Place (see top picture)




Second PlaceTodd Heisler The Rocky Mountain News The night before the burial of her husband's body, Katherine Cathey refused to leave the casket, asking to sleep next to his body for the last time. The Marines made a bed for her, tucking in the sheets below the flag. Before she fell asleep, she opened her laptop computer and played songs that reminded her of 'Cat,' and one of the Marines asked if she wanted them to continue standing watch as she slept. "I think it would be kind of nice if you kept doing it," she said. "I think that's what he would have wanted."

"No arsenal, no weapon in the arsenals of the world, is so formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women." -- Ronald Reagan.

Red Fridays........ Very soon, you will see a great many people wearingRed every Friday The reason? Americans who supportour troops used to be called the "silent majority."
We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love forGod, country and home in record breaking numbers. We are not organized, boisterous or overbearing. Many Americans, like you, me and all our friends,simply want to recognize that the vast majority of America supports our troops.

Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts this Friday -- and continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that ... every red-blooded American who supports our men and women afar, will wear something red.By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the UnitedStates on every Friday a sea of red much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers. If everyone of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, coworkers, friends, and family, it will not be long before the USA is covered in RED and it will let our troops know the once "silent" majority is on their side more than ever, certainly more than the media lets on.The first thing a soldier says when asked "What can we do to make things better for you?" is ..."We need your support and your prayers." Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example, and wear something red every Friday. WE LIVE IN THE LAND OF THE FREE, ONLY BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE!!

And this is how I feel today. Two months after my boss walked out the door, yesterday he came back. Acually he was here on Monday to make sure that he still had a job but yesterday he was back for a full day of work and he was here again today!! I am so glad, you just can't know how happy I am about this. Now I don't have to put up with anyones crap. I can just ask Darryl the right way to go about it and I don't have to listen to 2 people tell me to do things 2 different ways.

He is looking so good and healthy. I know that it did him alot of good to get time off. I know that the stress from this job (his job, not mine) was really getting to him and I think that he and his family (he is married and has a son that is 2 (and a son that is 22, yeah, I know...LOL)). needed to get away and have some "family time" together.

OK, I better get to work, just wanted to let you all know that he is back :)

I want to leave everyone something to think about this weekend. I hope everyone has a great one, God Bless you all.

THE MAYONNAISE JAR AND 2 CUPS OF COFFEE:

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 cups of coffee.

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls.

He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls.

He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was. The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full.

The students responded with an unanimous "yes."The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand.

The students laughed."Now," said the professor as the laughter subsided, "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life.

The golf balls are the IMPORTANT things--- your family, your health, your friends and your favorite passions---and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.

The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house, and your car.

The sand is everything else---the small stuff.

"If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, "there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls.

The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you.""Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Spend time with your parents. Visit with grandparents. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your spouse out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal.

Take care of the golf balls first---the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand."One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented.

The professor smiled. "I'm glad! you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.

"Please share this with someone you care about.. I JUST DID.

About 10 years ago......Wow it has really been that long. I was still married to the well, the not so nice guy and we were going through so rough times. My mom called and I was telling her what an ass he was being and she said that her and I ought to just pack up and go on vacation to Hawaii. I told her that was a great idea, wish it was a reality.
So, about a week later she called and told me that she was serious, could I take my vacation time at work and go with her to Hawaii. I told her that I would. I knew right then and there that I would have repercussions when I got back. Sure, he would be nice before I left because then I would not be able to tell my mom what a jerk that he was. I didn't care, I packed my clothes and was ready to rock and roll.
My plane left out of Minneapolis on a Thursday. I arrived in California and my sister picked me up at the airport. We spent the day together and then she took me over to my mom's house. My mom had said that the cab was going to be at her place around 6 am so we had to get to bed, it was going to be a long day the next day.
The next day you can bet your boots that I was ready at 6, I was outside on the balcony smoking a cigarette (that is when I smoked) waiting for the cab to come. My mom was inside just watching me. When all of a sudden this limo pulled up in front of the house. I could not believe it. Sooo....we go to the airport and on to Hawaii.
We land in Waikiki on a beautiful day. We spent 5 days there just spending time together without interuption. We did all the tourist things but the best part was just spending time with my mom. She would not let me spend a dime the entire time I was there. I think I left home with 100.00 in my wallet and came back with 80.00 and did not spend a dime on the credit cards.
I will always remember just sitting out on the balcony in Waikiki with my mom, reading a book and just spending time with her. What a wonderful gift from God that was.

I have been sitting here at work thinking about what in the world I could blog about today. I have to say that I cannot come up with one thing. I can tell you that my boss still has not shown up for work yet, as of the end of August he is off the payroll but he does not know that and will not know that until the 20th of this month when we get paid again unless someone has sent him a letter but I don't think they have. I watched one of the guys go through his office last week. He was told to clean it out so that someone else could move in. I should tell you here that this was going to happen before Darryl left and he was aware that he would be moving offices but it was still hard to watch AJ going through Darryl's things. I can understand him cleaning out the office but I think he should have just taken a box and put everything in that box, taped it up and when Darryl came back he could have just given the box to him if Darryl did not come back then really, if it had been sitting there for a few months and we did not need anything out of that box then we need to send to to Darryl or throw it away. But Nooooooo, he had to look at every single piece of paper that was in the desk, I just do not agree with that at all. And on top of that, he comes into my office and sits down, says to me "I just hated doing that, I feel like I was invading Darryl's privacy". I turned and looked him straight in the eye and told him that as a matter of fact that is exactly what he was doing. I told him that he did not have to go through every single piece of paper. He said that he was glad it was done....me too. The next day he goes back into that office and steals the clock on the wall. Man! he drives me crazy (yes, this is the whistler). Wow, for someone that did not have a lot to say, I guess my mouth runs away from me. I think tomorrow I will tell you about my trip to Hawaii. Have a great night everyone!!!