In my Christmas blog, I mentioned that Chris (who will be 19 years old in 3 weeks) proposed to his girlfriend and she accepted. I'm a little unsteady with this, because they both have 6 months of high school left, she has college plans, and he belongs to the Army after graduation. Actually, he will go to AIT training for 4 months (June-October), come home for 2-3 months, then leave for Iraq in January 2009. So I know he is feeling insecure and figures that if he marries her, he'll be set and she won't leave him (which we all know is no guarantee of fidelity.)
He is also looking to replace the love he doesn't feel coming from his father. Somehow, he needs to know that he is worthy of being loved. However, he told me yesterday that he and his fiance are going to live together, starting now. Herein lies the problem. He lives in my basement apartment. If I let this happen, I will be condoning it (which morally I have a hard time doing.) If I do not allow it, they will move in at his father's house, which means that "party central" will be their digs. Who knows how out of control things will get over there. I know his father lets him drink when he is there, and I have good reason to believe that there are drugs there as well. Also, if I don't let him stay here, he will see this as one more rejection in a line of rejections in his life. (Might I say, his dad would allow him to move in over there, simply because he wouldn't have to pay me more child support for Chris, or so he thinks. He is totally motivated by money at this point.)
I guess I should also say that I like this girl- she is the kind of person I hoped he would end up with (and infinitely better than several of his previous girls) but I know they are moving way too fast. He does feel like his life is over after 6 months. (Honestly, sometimes I think he believes he won't come back from Iraq- which is a possibility, but not a guarantee!)
So please give me your honest opinion about what I should do. I feel like I don't have a good choice either way I go.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Friday, December 28, 2007
36 Things
I wanna know 36 things about you. I stole this from Karen, and it was pretty fun to fill out. I just posted this for my friends, so take a minute to answer!
1.)Q. Can you cook?
A.
2.)Q. What was your dream growing up?
A.
3.)Q. What talent do you wish you had?
A.
4.)Q. If I bought you a drink, what would it be?
A.
5.)Q. Favorite vegetable?
A.
6.)Q. What was the last book you read?
A.
7.)Q. What zodiac sign are you ?
A
8.)Q. Any Tattoos and/or Piercings?
A.
9.)Q. Worst Habit?
A.
10.)Q. If you saw me walking down the street, would you offer me a ride?
A.
11.)Q. What is your favorite sport?
A
12.)Q. Pessimistic or Optimistic outlook?
A.
13. )Q. What would you do if you were stuck in an elevator with me?
A.
14.)Q. Worst thing to ever happen to you?
A.
15.)Q. Tell me one weird fact about you.
A
16.)Q. Do you have any pets?
A.
17.)Q. What if i showed up at your house, unexpectedly?
A.
18.)Q. What was your first impression of me?
A.
19.)Q. Do you think clowns are cute... or scary?
A.
20.)Q. If you could change one thing about how you look, what would it be?
A.
21.)Q. Would you be my crime partner... or my conscience?
A
22.)Q. What color eyes do you have?
A.
23.)Q. Ever been arrested?
A.
24.)Q. Bottle or can soda?
A.
25.)Q. If you won $10,000 dollars today, what would you do with it?
A.
26.)Q. If you could write a book, what would it be?
A.
Q. What 's your favorite place to hang at?
A.
28.)Q. Do you believe in ghosts?
A.
29.)Q. Favorite thing to do in your spare time?
A.
30.)Q. Do you swear a lot?
A.
31.)Q. Biggest pet peeve?
A.
32.)Q. In one word, how would you describe yourself?
A.
33.)Q. Do you believe/appreciate romance?
A.
34.)Q. If you could spend 12 hours with me, and ask/do anything you like, what would it be?
A.
35)Q. Do you believe in God?
A.
36.)Q. Will you repost this, so I can fill it out and do the same for you?
A.
1.)Q. Can you cook?
A.
2.)Q. What was your dream growing up?
A.
3.)Q. What talent do you wish you had?
A.
4.)Q. If I bought you a drink, what would it be?
A.
5.)Q. Favorite vegetable?
A.
6.)Q. What was the last book you read?
A.
7.)Q. What zodiac sign are you ?
A
8.)Q. Any Tattoos and/or Piercings?
A.
9.)Q. Worst Habit?
A.
10.)Q. If you saw me walking down the street, would you offer me a ride?
A.
11.)Q. What is your favorite sport?
A
12.)Q. Pessimistic or Optimistic outlook?
A.
13. )Q. What would you do if you were stuck in an elevator with me?
A.
14.)Q. Worst thing to ever happen to you?
A.
15.)Q. Tell me one weird fact about you.
A
16.)Q. Do you have any pets?
A.
17.)Q. What if i showed up at your house, unexpectedly?
A.
18.)Q. What was your first impression of me?
A.
19.)Q. Do you think clowns are cute... or scary?
A.
20.)Q. If you could change one thing about how you look, what would it be?
A.
21.)Q. Would you be my crime partner... or my conscience?
A
22.)Q. What color eyes do you have?
A.
23.)Q. Ever been arrested?
A.
24.)Q. Bottle or can soda?
A.
25.)Q. If you won $10,000 dollars today, what would you do with it?
A.
26.)Q. If you could write a book, what would it be?
A.
Q. What 's your favorite place to hang at?
A.
28.)Q. Do you believe in ghosts?
A.
29.)Q. Favorite thing to do in your spare time?
A.
30.)Q. Do you swear a lot?
A.
31.)Q. Biggest pet peeve?
A.
32.)Q. In one word, how would you describe yourself?
A.
33.)Q. Do you believe/appreciate romance?
A.
34.)Q. If you could spend 12 hours with me, and ask/do anything you like, what would it be?
A.
35)Q. Do you believe in God?
A.
36.)Q. Will you repost this, so I can fill it out and do the same for you?
A.
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Christmas Wishes
I got everything I wished for this Christmas. Ok, not everything I wanted, but then I'd probably be spoiled a lot! The boys, Savannah, and I went to the midnight service last night (along with the fire department, since Chris was actually working.) It was a beautiful peaceful night to spend with my family, reflecting on the gift of the manger and the real meaning of Christmas. Just to sit in the pew with the boys is a great wish- they always seem to go different directions, and going to church as a whole family doesn't usually happen.
My second wish is a selfish one- I really didn't want James to spoil Christmas like he did Thanksgiving. Actually, he never even called the kids at all. They should have heard from their dad on Christmas, but I'm glad we were able to do all our usual traditionals. I still struggle with their needs/my wishes in this area- I would just prefer he fell off the face of the earth (which he seems to have done) but they need their dad. Or at least, they need the dad he used to be. This drunken, unemployed version, they can do without.
My biggest wish is that we got through this Christmas happy- even though this is the first Christmas without him here (and yes, we were split last year, but still included him in our celebrations) that his absence didn't cause too much sadness at this happy time of the year. Other than a few minor spells (like when Chris realized there were 4 stockings on the mantle instead of 5) everyone adapted pretty well to things. Most likely because the traditions stayed the same.
We had Christmas dinner at my mother's tonight with my brother and sister and their families, and my uncle and his wife. We do this every year, but this year my sister and BIL brought their guitars and we just sat around and sang Christmas carols and silly songs and laughed and had fun. I love my family and they are a ton of fun to joke and kid with.
Chris is off tonight proposing to his girlfriend. That is fodder for another blog, but as long as they stick to their plans and wait until he gets back from Iraq to get married, I'm good with it. I do like her a lot and hope they give themselves a chance to get their educations before they go it on their own.
I think I'll try to hit some sales tomorrow- see if I can stock up on things for next year! And the house is a shambles- I need to load up Brandon's truck and go to the dump a couple of times to get totally rid of some things! Hope you all had as great a Christmas as I did!
My second wish is a selfish one- I really didn't want James to spoil Christmas like he did Thanksgiving. Actually, he never even called the kids at all. They should have heard from their dad on Christmas, but I'm glad we were able to do all our usual traditionals. I still struggle with their needs/my wishes in this area- I would just prefer he fell off the face of the earth (which he seems to have done) but they need their dad. Or at least, they need the dad he used to be. This drunken, unemployed version, they can do without.
My biggest wish is that we got through this Christmas happy- even though this is the first Christmas without him here (and yes, we were split last year, but still included him in our celebrations) that his absence didn't cause too much sadness at this happy time of the year. Other than a few minor spells (like when Chris realized there were 4 stockings on the mantle instead of 5) everyone adapted pretty well to things. Most likely because the traditions stayed the same.
We had Christmas dinner at my mother's tonight with my brother and sister and their families, and my uncle and his wife. We do this every year, but this year my sister and BIL brought their guitars and we just sat around and sang Christmas carols and silly songs and laughed and had fun. I love my family and they are a ton of fun to joke and kid with.
Chris is off tonight proposing to his girlfriend. That is fodder for another blog, but as long as they stick to their plans and wait until he gets back from Iraq to get married, I'm good with it. I do like her a lot and hope they give themselves a chance to get their educations before they go it on their own.
I think I'll try to hit some sales tomorrow- see if I can stock up on things for next year! And the house is a shambles- I need to load up Brandon's truck and go to the dump a couple of times to get totally rid of some things! Hope you all had as great a Christmas as I did!
Monday, December 17, 2007
Christmas Ball
| Start: | Dec 28, '07 9:00p |
| Location: | zebaron.multiply.com and gilesy01.multiply.com |
Saturday, December 15, 2007
I learn something every day
You'd think, at the age of 41, that I would know myself pretty well by now. I guess I only thought I did, because I seem to learn something new every day. This latest lesson took me by surprise. I was invited to a friend's house for a dinner party on Thursday night. She does this every Christmas and it is a lot of fun- usually 25-30 people. Scott offered to take a table and chairs from the church so she would have enough seating available. I looked at him funny, because I wasn't sure how he was going to get a 6 foot table into a Nissan Maxima. His comment was, well can I put it in your 4-Runner? So that's what we did- laid my back seats down and loaded my car.
There was plenty of unloading/reloading help at the party, and as we were leaving, he asked me when I'd be around Friday so he could help me unload back at the church. I said that I didn't really have plans, and I'd actually thought about running by on my way home and leaving them that night. He convinced me to wait until Friday and he'd help.
Now, I'm not the helpless female. I can sure pull my own weight, and he knows that. So, although I was miffed for about 10 seconds that he didn't think I could carry one little table and 8 chairs, I soon realized that he was just concerned that I not do it by myself, especially in a dark church parking lot late at night. This is so new to me- if he could be concerned about me (and remember, we're nothing more than friends) then what should a husband have been doing all these years? I'm so used to doing things on my own that I'm just now realizing that is how it has always been- I've never had someone who was concerned about me, about whether I was safe, or working too hard, or pulling more than my share. I'm having to re-think how I think- as a friend who was standing there that night said- learn to let him help!
I'm still not helpless, but I'm beginning to understand how letting someone else help helps them in turn. They feel good about helping a friend, just like I would not hesitate to help if the situation was reversed.
There was plenty of unloading/reloading help at the party, and as we were leaving, he asked me when I'd be around Friday so he could help me unload back at the church. I said that I didn't really have plans, and I'd actually thought about running by on my way home and leaving them that night. He convinced me to wait until Friday and he'd help.
Now, I'm not the helpless female. I can sure pull my own weight, and he knows that. So, although I was miffed for about 10 seconds that he didn't think I could carry one little table and 8 chairs, I soon realized that he was just concerned that I not do it by myself, especially in a dark church parking lot late at night. This is so new to me- if he could be concerned about me (and remember, we're nothing more than friends) then what should a husband have been doing all these years? I'm so used to doing things on my own that I'm just now realizing that is how it has always been- I've never had someone who was concerned about me, about whether I was safe, or working too hard, or pulling more than my share. I'm having to re-think how I think- as a friend who was standing there that night said- learn to let him help!
I'm still not helpless, but I'm beginning to understand how letting someone else help helps them in turn. They feel good about helping a friend, just like I would not hesitate to help if the situation was reversed.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Straight No Chaser - 12 Days
You've never heard the "Twelve Days of Christmas" quite like this! Enjoy!
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Catching up
Wow- I haven't blogged in awhile! There either doesn't seem to be anything to say or there isn't time to say it! My community chorus concert was a big hit- we had over 800 people come out to hear us, and they all left smiling. That's what I call a success. I couldn't be more proud!
The boys are playing high school basketball and the games started last week. Chris is a senior and Brandon a junior, and for the first time they are both starting. It is so precious to watch them work together as loving brothers (believe me, I never thought I'd see the day they didn't want to kill each other on an hourly basis!) They lost by one point in double-overtime last night. Brandon hit a shot at the buzzer to tie the game the first time, then went on to score 11 more points. I think he ended up with 23 of the 56 points in the game. He is usually leading scorer on the team- he is a big power forward. Chris is a guard so he doesn't take as many inside shots, but I think he still had 8 points. He did miss two free throws that would have won the game at the end of the first overtime, and he beat himself up pretty badly over that. However, his team didn't, and did a great job of telling him it wasn't his fault. At that point, his arms and legs were so tired, he could barely get the ball to the rim!
Scott and I had a long talk yesterday and decided to just be friends for now. I'm relieved and happy about that. He is truly a great guy, but I don't think it is right to introduce anyone into this family until some of the wounds have healed. I heard Chris say that he wasn't excited about Christmas since his father left and won't be here. I also think that I need some time to decide who I am as a single person, and not a member of a nuclear family unit. Right now, I need to figure out how to be mom and dad, and not place anyone else in the mix. I also told him that I thought it was only fair to anyone I might date to have the divorce final and the legal stuff hammered out first. No one needs to get drug through that muck! (Although the dh didn't feel that way, but living with this girl just gives me more ammunition if I need it- I sure don't want to give him any!)
Scott is still going to do things with us, and will still be there for Savannah to give her guidance (she chose him, and since he is willing to be someone she can go to, I'm forever grateful to him.) Who knows, God has better timing than the rest of us, and we agreed that He has someone wonderful out there for both of us- when the time is right!
For now, I'm wrapping up Christmas shopping and have to find time for some wrapping! And I've got to remember Jamie's shower, too!
The boys are playing high school basketball and the games started last week. Chris is a senior and Brandon a junior, and for the first time they are both starting. It is so precious to watch them work together as loving brothers (believe me, I never thought I'd see the day they didn't want to kill each other on an hourly basis!) They lost by one point in double-overtime last night. Brandon hit a shot at the buzzer to tie the game the first time, then went on to score 11 more points. I think he ended up with 23 of the 56 points in the game. He is usually leading scorer on the team- he is a big power forward. Chris is a guard so he doesn't take as many inside shots, but I think he still had 8 points. He did miss two free throws that would have won the game at the end of the first overtime, and he beat himself up pretty badly over that. However, his team didn't, and did a great job of telling him it wasn't his fault. At that point, his arms and legs were so tired, he could barely get the ball to the rim!
Scott and I had a long talk yesterday and decided to just be friends for now. I'm relieved and happy about that. He is truly a great guy, but I don't think it is right to introduce anyone into this family until some of the wounds have healed. I heard Chris say that he wasn't excited about Christmas since his father left and won't be here. I also think that I need some time to decide who I am as a single person, and not a member of a nuclear family unit. Right now, I need to figure out how to be mom and dad, and not place anyone else in the mix. I also told him that I thought it was only fair to anyone I might date to have the divorce final and the legal stuff hammered out first. No one needs to get drug through that muck! (Although the dh didn't feel that way, but living with this girl just gives me more ammunition if I need it- I sure don't want to give him any!)
Scott is still going to do things with us, and will still be there for Savannah to give her guidance (she chose him, and since he is willing to be someone she can go to, I'm forever grateful to him.) Who knows, God has better timing than the rest of us, and we agreed that He has someone wonderful out there for both of us- when the time is right!
For now, I'm wrapping up Christmas shopping and have to find time for some wrapping! And I've got to remember Jamie's shower, too!
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
TWLForum.Com
http://www.twlforum.com
A great place for weight loss support- that is really support! We all hold each other up, pull each other along, and just generally goof off- all in the name of losing weight! I have lost 50 lbs and there are some there who have lost over 100! So we know what works and what doesn't! Come join this big set of losers!
A great place for weight loss support- that is really support! We all hold each other up, pull each other along, and just generally goof off- all in the name of losing weight! I have lost 50 lbs and there are some there who have lost over 100! So we know what works and what doesn't! Come join this big set of losers!
Jamie's Baby Shower
| Start: | Dec 15, '07 9:00p |
| Location: | ZB's page |
Saturday, December 1, 2007
My Prayer for You
I was going through old emails tonight and found this- I think I posted it in my blog a long time ago. This is my prayer for you.....
"I ask the Father in his great glory to give you the power to be strong inwardly through his Spirit. I pray that Christ will live in your hearts by faith and that your life will be strong in love and be built on love. And I pray that you and all God's holy people will have the power to understand the greatness of Christ's love—how wide and how long and how high and how deep that love is. Christ's love is greater than anyone can ever know, but I pray that you will be able to know that love. Then you can be filled with the fullness of God." — Ephesians 3:16-19
"I ask the Father in his great glory to give you the power to be strong inwardly through his Spirit. I pray that Christ will live in your hearts by faith and that your life will be strong in love and be built on love. And I pray that you and all God's holy people will have the power to understand the greatness of Christ's love—how wide and how long and how high and how deep that love is. Christ's love is greater than anyone can ever know, but I pray that you will be able to know that love. Then you can be filled with the fullness of God." — Ephesians 3:16-19
Friday, November 23, 2007
Things to be Thankful for...
It is nice to sit down and list the things that you have been blessed with- and see how many you can come up with- here is my list!
*A wonderful family- children, mother, stepfather, etc. I'd be a different person without them.
*My multiply friends- a wacky, serious, and caring group!
*My friends at twlforum.com - you all know me so well, and are always there for me- thanks!
*My feelings- sounds wierd but I missed them- glad you are back!
*My hometown friends- who always seem to know when I need a pick-up
*My new special friend- I am enjoying getting to know the person you are.
*My health, my car, my house- which all are good!
*My church- which is almost home away from home
*My job- that I dearly love- because I never wake up dreading to go there
*Laughter- which feels so good
*Sadness- which makes the happiness even better
*Intelligence and logic- which keep me one step ahead
*Goofiness- which probably goes along with laughter, but keeps me young
*Music- which has the power to move mountains
*Jesus- for never abandoning me no matter what I do
*A wonderful family- children, mother, stepfather, etc. I'd be a different person without them.
*My multiply friends- a wacky, serious, and caring group!
*My friends at twlforum.com - you all know me so well, and are always there for me- thanks!
*My feelings- sounds wierd but I missed them- glad you are back!
*My hometown friends- who always seem to know when I need a pick-up
*My new special friend- I am enjoying getting to know the person you are.
*My health, my car, my house- which all are good!
*My church- which is almost home away from home
*My job- that I dearly love- because I never wake up dreading to go there
*Laughter- which feels so good
*Sadness- which makes the happiness even better
*Intelligence and logic- which keep me one step ahead
*Goofiness- which probably goes along with laughter, but keeps me young
*Music- which has the power to move mountains
*Jesus- for never abandoning me no matter what I do
Monday, November 19, 2007
Gotta Get it out!
I just have to write this somewhere- help me get my head on straight and thinking clearly. Most of you who have known me any length of time know that I have been separated over a year- divorce pending (and a lot of child support, too!) I am clearly over all of that- I really wish it was totally all over, all the legal wrangling. I really have no feelings, other than irritation, left.
But dating sounds really scary. Until last week- and I met someone who I think could become very special. If nothing else, he is going to be a great friend. Loves Savannah to pieces (and she, him) so much that he came to her birthday party! And hung out with me just talking for two hours yesterday when neither of us had anything to do.
Just the timing seems wrong. Maybe it is just me, but I'd like to have the divorce final before I begin another relationship. I know my stbx didn't feel like that when he left with another woman, but somehow I think another man deserves a clean slate. Am I wrong? Oh, don't get me wrong, it feels good just to have someone to share things with- to feel like I am loved and wanted (even as a friend) is a special thing. He knows all about my marriage, and what was good and bad about it. He has been married before, too- no children. I don't know if anything will even develop from this, but it is a nice ride to be on! Am I crazy, at this point in my life, to begin again? Do I need more time to heal? Am I wrong to bring someone into a relationship where the legal things are still unresolved? Or am I wrong to pull away just because of them? I really wish I knew. I'm praying, and I know I will get my answer sooner or later (knowing God, later than I want! But His timing is always good!)
But dating sounds really scary. Until last week- and I met someone who I think could become very special. If nothing else, he is going to be a great friend. Loves Savannah to pieces (and she, him) so much that he came to her birthday party! And hung out with me just talking for two hours yesterday when neither of us had anything to do.
Just the timing seems wrong. Maybe it is just me, but I'd like to have the divorce final before I begin another relationship. I know my stbx didn't feel like that when he left with another woman, but somehow I think another man deserves a clean slate. Am I wrong? Oh, don't get me wrong, it feels good just to have someone to share things with- to feel like I am loved and wanted (even as a friend) is a special thing. He knows all about my marriage, and what was good and bad about it. He has been married before, too- no children. I don't know if anything will even develop from this, but it is a nice ride to be on! Am I crazy, at this point in my life, to begin again? Do I need more time to heal? Am I wrong to bring someone into a relationship where the legal things are still unresolved? Or am I wrong to pull away just because of them? I really wish I knew. I'm praying, and I know I will get my answer sooner or later (knowing God, later than I want! But His timing is always good!)
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Savannah's Birthday
I cannot believe that my baby is 11 years old today! Time is going by so fast that before I know it, she'll be 21! We had a great day today- went to WM and bought her $5 slippers, then went to CiCi's Pizza (her pick) so she could eat and play video games. Then she wanted to go to church. Sounds wierd, but our church is a collection center for Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes, so there are people hanging around. So she and Scott hung out in the youth room playing the Wii for an hour and a half.
THEN, we went home and had "spa" night- did facials, bubble baths, and manicures. But it has been a great day! I'm tired- and she isn't!!
THEN, we went home and had "spa" night- did facials, bubble baths, and manicures. But it has been a great day! I'm tired- and she isn't!!
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Still Smoking
All is safe here (of course, thanks to our wonderful fire department!) I feel safe in this town! This fire is still smoking, and they say that it could smolder for a month or more. There is just so much fuel and so little water. They pushed dirt over as much as they can, but it covers 10 acres and they just can't get big machines to the middle. At least it has a good break all around it.
The wind has been in our favor, too. I think it has blown smoke every which way but this one. How long that luck holds out is hard to tell. They put big signs up on the road that say "Use extreme caution- dense smoke ahead." Of course, right after that, the smoke started drifting the other way.
At least it has given this little town something to talk about!
The wind has been in our favor, too. I think it has blown smoke every which way but this one. How long that luck holds out is hard to tell. They put big signs up on the road that say "Use extreme caution- dense smoke ahead." Of course, right after that, the smoke started drifting the other way.
At least it has given this little town something to talk about!
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Excitement Today
So much for nothing ever happening in a small town. Well, there is your usual gossip, but today the major Charlotte news stations are flying overhead. You see, I live on 3 acres that backs up to a 100 acre tract of empty land. A couple of years ago, the guy who owns the land turned it in to a stump dump. This afternoon, it caught on fire. Of course, with the drought going on here, it caught fast. 3 hours later it is still sending flames high into the sky. We can see the glow from my kitchen window.
Thank goodness both of my boys are firemen- one is actually somewhere between our house and the fire, watching that it doesn't jump the fire break they have made. So far, they haven't talked about evacuating, and I hope they don't. Right now they have it contained and the wind is not blowing. We'll just watch from the windows and see what happens. (I took the picture above from out my kitchen window.)
Friday, November 2, 2007
Ode to Saturday
Why were you so long in coming?
All the work this week is done.
Proofs are done, copies made,
Folded, filed, completely won.
I've counted the days until you came
Rising over the week long hill,
I've waited and planned, forward looked,
And now you're here - and I am thrilled!
What dreams come true this day, this week
As long you stretch before me?
What goals to set, what aims achieve
With you, in all your glory?
Alas, I wile away the time
Looking longer, still ahead,
For 'tis only two sleeps before I find
Monday staring at me instead.
Kat's blog actually inspired this- I seem to spend so much time waiting for another day to get here that I forget to enjoy the day that I waited on!
All the work this week is done.
Proofs are done, copies made,
Folded, filed, completely won.
I've counted the days until you came
Rising over the week long hill,
I've waited and planned, forward looked,
And now you're here - and I am thrilled!
What dreams come true this day, this week
As long you stretch before me?
What goals to set, what aims achieve
With you, in all your glory?
Alas, I wile away the time
Looking longer, still ahead,
For 'tis only two sleeps before I find
Monday staring at me instead.
Kat's blog actually inspired this- I seem to spend so much time waiting for another day to get here that I forget to enjoy the day that I waited on!
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Parents...
Well wasn't tonight special? Savannah and I had a great time trick-or-treating with friends. She has about 15 pounds of candy (which I ended up carrying in a Target bag while she had her light plastic pumpkin!) We went to a really exclusive neighborhood where they give out name brand candy and large candy bars. The entire town goes there for Halloween. There were witches, mummies, vampires, football players, and of course, parents, all over the place.
Some parents are really good. They hold their kids' hands, ride them on golf carts and wagons, or walk down the streets with them. Some kids are old enough to not need their parents with them, but some were out there all by themselves armed with only a cell phone.
Why would you let your 8 year old daughter loose in a crowded neighborhood, on Halloween, with only a cell phone for protection? What are some parents thinking? Savannah is almost 11 and this is the first year I haven't held her hand when it got crowded! Maybe I am overprotective but my worst fear is losing her. And this seems like a really good place to lose someone!
Stay safe this Halloween and watch out for the kids in case other people aren't!
Some parents are really good. They hold their kids' hands, ride them on golf carts and wagons, or walk down the streets with them. Some kids are old enough to not need their parents with them, but some were out there all by themselves armed with only a cell phone.
Why would you let your 8 year old daughter loose in a crowded neighborhood, on Halloween, with only a cell phone for protection? What are some parents thinking? Savannah is almost 11 and this is the first year I haven't held her hand when it got crowded! Maybe I am overprotective but my worst fear is losing her. And this seems like a really good place to lose someone!
Stay safe this Halloween and watch out for the kids in case other people aren't!
Sunday, October 28, 2007
You are what you eat (or you write what you read)
I re-read my last blog and notice that my writing is very different from the usual way I write. I even thought "how formal" - and began to look around for the reason. I just started reading "Pride and Prejudice" which of course was written 200 years ago. The style is what I call "heavy English." So I suppose that gets in my head and comes back out in my writing.
This shouldn't surprise me- I see it in the teenagers and the spoken language they use. Of course a 4 letter word leaks out every now and then, even though they don't hear it here. They also use the expressions of their friends (things that are cool are "fat," another word for "shoot" is "snap") and so the fact that I write what I read shouldn't surprise me.
It does remind me that we need to surround ourselves with people who we want to be like, we need to read books with the vocabulary that we want to have, we need to live in the environment that makes us the best we can be.
This shouldn't surprise me- I see it in the teenagers and the spoken language they use. Of course a 4 letter word leaks out every now and then, even though they don't hear it here. They also use the expressions of their friends (things that are cool are "fat," another word for "shoot" is "snap") and so the fact that I write what I read shouldn't surprise me.
It does remind me that we need to surround ourselves with people who we want to be like, we need to read books with the vocabulary that we want to have, we need to live in the environment that makes us the best we can be.
Friday, October 26, 2007
What do you Buy
Usually grocery shopping does not elicit much fodder for the blog. I dare say it is a routine experience that brings me little joy or inspiration. However, I am seeing it a little differently today.
Heading to the checkout, I was perturbed to see that there were only two lines open, with each having at least three people in them. Doing what I assume most of us would, I began analyzing the contents of each buggy to try and determine which line would move faster. (Now I must say, I am usually not very skilled at this, having chosen lines that move about as fast as cold molasses in the past.)
Having made my choice, I stepped in line beside a 20 something man holding a basket over his wrist. (It is a known fact that these plastic baskets hold fewer items than grocery carts, right?) Well, as he began to unload the basket onto the conveyor belt, I was shocked at the contents. It contained no less than 4 cans of chili starter, a box of crackers, and 20 cans of baby food!
At least I amused myself as I waited by picturing the supper this man was going to have... I sure hope he has a baby at home!
Heading to the checkout, I was perturbed to see that there were only two lines open, with each having at least three people in them. Doing what I assume most of us would, I began analyzing the contents of each buggy to try and determine which line would move faster. (Now I must say, I am usually not very skilled at this, having chosen lines that move about as fast as cold molasses in the past.)
Having made my choice, I stepped in line beside a 20 something man holding a basket over his wrist. (It is a known fact that these plastic baskets hold fewer items than grocery carts, right?) Well, as he began to unload the basket onto the conveyor belt, I was shocked at the contents. It contained no less than 4 cans of chili starter, a box of crackers, and 20 cans of baby food!
At least I amused myself as I waited by picturing the supper this man was going to have... I sure hope he has a baby at home!
Top Ten Reasons to stay at (the other place)
When I first saw the "Top Ten Reasons to Stay at Yahoo" blog I was expecting a Letterman-style list of reasons. I can't believe someone thought of 10 reasons to actually go down with the ship! So, here is my list, for those who really can't seem to lower themselves into a lifeboat...
10. They're going to replace 360 with another product. It will have as many bugs as the last one, but you should remain faithful to Yahoo and ignore that pesky fact.
9. Its a scary world out there... stick with what you know.
8. Yahoo has so many products that they're proud of. Who cares if they don't work together?
7. Yahoo is checking out its competitors so it can borrow interfaces from others that are really good.
6. Yahoo will preserve your list of friends. They might even preserve your friends' comments to show for one minute every hour. It is up to you to figure out which minute that is, though.
5. Yahoo has been around a long time. They aren't going anywhere! (Yeah, no kidding- they are stagnant- this one was actually on the other list!)
4. Yahoo has brought in new help and fresh faces to totally redo everything. It will all be totally different than ever!
3. They will upgrade customer service modules to include a automated email response that reads "don't bother me with you're problems I just work here."
2. Mash is easier to use than Multiply. Why, even a child could figure it out!
1. Matt Warburton will give you his office number so that you may personally call him with any problems. He promises to get back to you within the next 5 years.
10. They're going to replace 360 with another product. It will have as many bugs as the last one, but you should remain faithful to Yahoo and ignore that pesky fact.
9. Its a scary world out there... stick with what you know.
8. Yahoo has so many products that they're proud of. Who cares if they don't work together?
7. Yahoo is checking out its competitors so it can borrow interfaces from others that are really good.
6. Yahoo will preserve your list of friends. They might even preserve your friends' comments to show for one minute every hour. It is up to you to figure out which minute that is, though.
5. Yahoo has been around a long time. They aren't going anywhere! (Yeah, no kidding- they are stagnant- this one was actually on the other list!)
4. Yahoo has brought in new help and fresh faces to totally redo everything. It will all be totally different than ever!
3. They will upgrade customer service modules to include a automated email response that reads "don't bother me with you're problems I just work here."
2. Mash is easier to use than Multiply. Why, even a child could figure it out!
1. Matt Warburton will give you his office number so that you may personally call him with any problems. He promises to get back to you within the next 5 years.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Weakness? or Strength? or Just a Rant?
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 "But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Ok, so if you know me, you know I'm going through all this legal stuff trying to get my divorce finalized and get this bum out of my life (or at least off my insurance!) He gets papers today that have just about everything he wanted in them, and he calls to complain that he didn't want me to have full custody of our daughter. WHAT?? He hasn't seen her since June 10- by HIS choice! I keep saying he needs to come get her but he doesn't make a move to. He even wanted the clause in the agreement that he could see her anytime that he wanted (which of course got written as "any time agreeable to both parties" - I am not stupid, you know.) Anyway, I really have had about enough. He hasn't paid child support since June, either.
So I need strength here. I need to fight for her and for me, but I don't want this to affect her or his boys (who still live with me too- and he doesn't pay for them either.) So how do I get what we need without looking like the bad guy to them? They don't understand all the legalities of things and to be honest, neither does he. (This would be a little easier if he got a lawyer!) Grrrrr!
Bless you if you read this far... and send prayers this way! Thanks!
Ok, so if you know me, you know I'm going through all this legal stuff trying to get my divorce finalized and get this bum out of my life (or at least off my insurance!) He gets papers today that have just about everything he wanted in them, and he calls to complain that he didn't want me to have full custody of our daughter. WHAT?? He hasn't seen her since June 10- by HIS choice! I keep saying he needs to come get her but he doesn't make a move to. He even wanted the clause in the agreement that he could see her anytime that he wanted (which of course got written as "any time agreeable to both parties" - I am not stupid, you know.) Anyway, I really have had about enough. He hasn't paid child support since June, either.
So I need strength here. I need to fight for her and for me, but I don't want this to affect her or his boys (who still live with me too- and he doesn't pay for them either.) So how do I get what we need without looking like the bad guy to them? They don't understand all the legalities of things and to be honest, neither does he. (This would be a little easier if he got a lawyer!) Grrrrr!
Bless you if you read this far... and send prayers this way! Thanks!
Friday, October 19, 2007
It's Friday!
- Welcome to Friday night! The thoughts of two entire days with nothing in them used to be a veritable playground of fun. Hours could be filled with friends, music, alcohol, a frisbee, and a guitar. Every hour was planned, nights were long, and one event led straight to another. Life was fun and full of good times.
Welcome to Friday night in your 40's. A cup of soup, a good book, and nothing to do for two days REALLY sounds good! Don't get me wrong, I love my family and friends. Wouldn't mind a glass of wine every now and then. But the party girl is definitely the party pooper girl tonight. The best thing I can think of to do is nothing!
I thought about going shopping. I do need a few things, but for some reason that would require more movement than I seem capable of right now. This is one of those nights that if I could go to the spa I would. I just want to relax and be pampered, even if I have to pamper myself.
I am reading a wonderful book- "Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert. If you're looking for God, or your place in the universe, she takes you on a real adventure of her own quest. I can't wait to finish the book (but somehow it is also sad when you finish a book, even though you couldn't wait to read it all!) So 'ole Liz and I will be hanging out tonight- over homemade latte and chicken soup.
What is everyone else doing on Friday night?
Thursday, October 18, 2007
It's Friday Night
Welcome to Friday night! The thoughts of two entire days with nothing in them used to be a veritable playground of fun. Hours could be filled with friends, music, alcohol, a frisbee, and a guitar. Every hour was planned, nights were long, and one event led straight to another. Life was fun and full of good times.
Welcome to Friday night in your 40's. A cup of soup, a good book, and nothing to do for two days REALLY sounds good! Don't get me wrong, I love my family and friends. Wouldn't mind a glass of wine every now and then. But the party girl is definitely the party pooper girl tonight. The best thing I can think of to do is nothing!
I thought about going shopping. I do need a few things, but for some reason that would require more movement than I seem capable of right now. This is one of those nights that if I could go to the spa I would. I just want to relax and be pampered, even if I have to pamper myself.
I am reading a wonderful book- "Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert. If you're looking for God, or your place in the universe, she takes you on a real adventure of her own quest. I can't wait to finish the book (but somehow it is also sad when you finish a book, even though you couldn't wait to read it all!) So 'ole Liz and I will be hanging out tonight- over homemade latte and chicken soup.
What is everyone else doing on Friday night?
Welcome to Friday night in your 40's. A cup of soup, a good book, and nothing to do for two days REALLY sounds good! Don't get me wrong, I love my family and friends. Wouldn't mind a glass of wine every now and then. But the party girl is definitely the party pooper girl tonight. The best thing I can think of to do is nothing!
I thought about going shopping. I do need a few things, but for some reason that would require more movement than I seem capable of right now. This is one of those nights that if I could go to the spa I would. I just want to relax and be pampered, even if I have to pamper myself.
I am reading a wonderful book- "Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert. If you're looking for God, or your place in the universe, she takes you on a real adventure of her own quest. I can't wait to finish the book (but somehow it is also sad when you finish a book, even though you couldn't wait to read it all!) So 'ole Liz and I will be hanging out tonight- over homemade latte and chicken soup.
What is everyone else doing on Friday night?
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
So I'm Here
Ok, so I'm here. So far I've deleted half of the things that can go on this page. I'll start slow, you know, like in kindergarten when you only got 8 colors of crayons to begin with. It took a couple of years to graduate to the 64 box with the sharpener on the back!
Welcome to everyone else here- I'm not giving up on 360 yet, but I'll get my feet wet over here just in case!
Welcome to everyone else here- I'm not giving up on 360 yet, but I'll get my feet wet over here just in case!
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Multiply
Thanks to Anne for doing all the work on this and then letting us reap the benefits. If you want to know all she did read her blog here. Suffice it to say that she saved us all a lot of time trying new social sites with blogs. Her answer to the possibility (or near probability) that 360 will shut down is Multiply. This site seems to have a lot of the things we all like about 360 without all the childish things of Mash and MySpace. What it doesn't have is a lot of our friends yet! Check it out and consider an account- even if it is just a place to go when this one dies without warning. I'd sure hate to lose a lot of you whom I have grown rather fond of- or at least fond of your writing and antics!
Thanks for doing all the work and letting us have the knowledge, Anne!
Thanks for doing all the work and letting us have the knowledge, Anne!
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Moving Out- For the Wench
This is my blog entry in The Wench's writing challenge. You're supposed to choose a song and write a story around it- expand on what is going on in the song. Yes I'm a day late getting it written so I know I won't get as high a grade as I could but it seemed like too much fun to pass up... so, here it goes!
<http://youtube.com/watch?v=8Vrd8KCtylU>
Anthony is 18 years old, just graduated from high school, and can't figure out what to do with the rest of his life. Should he go to college like Mama Leone wants, or become a cop like his dad was? Oh, if only his father hadn't been killed, maybe he could give him some advice. But the only advice he seems to get is from his over-worked mother and Mama Leone, who at the moment is obsessed with moving to Hackensack, NJ. (Why anyone would move TO New Jersey is a wonder to him, but Mama Leone has always been a bit wacky.)
So Anthony is bagging groceries in the mornings and hanging out with his friends in the afternoons. You know working too hard can give you a heart attack, so he likes this part time gig. His mother wishes he could get a better job, partly so he would not have time to hang out with his friends so much and part so he could help her out more with the rent. But Anthony is trying to save up money to get out of this place before he stays here forever. He doesn't care much about moving up, just moving out.
He dreams of his life as he sweeps the sidewalk in front of the store. Who will he be? Will he become that cop, or some corporate schmuck in a suit and tie? Or will he still be here sweeping sidewalks forever? He spots Seargent O'Leary as he makes his morning rounds. The well pressed uniform fits well on his frame- the belt with his assorted tools of the trade makes him look more important, as does the badge on his chest. He walks tall and seems proud of his stature in the community. And he just bought a new Cadillac, too so life must be pretty good for the man.
What Anthony doesn't realize is that the good Seargent moonlights as a bartender at Mr. Cacciatori's down on Sullivan Street so that he can make enough money to buy that new car because a guy should have something nice once in his life, right? And that his highest hopes are to one day make Lieutenent so that he can finally get off the beat and out of the way of flying bullets so that one day, his wife doesn't have to support the family alone and get rid of the new Cadillac and take the bus.
He spots Anthony across the street and thinks of the life of a cop. How you never know what each call will bring. Will his oldest son have to sweep storefronts to support the family one day, or will he be free to go to college and hang out with is friends? Will Anthony ever have a new cadillac? Hopefully he'll grow up to be a corporate big wig and not follow in his old man's footsteps.
Anthony dreams of the day that he has more answers than questions...
Sgt. O'Leary dreams of the day that he has more answers than questions...
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Entry for October 07, 2007
For those of you who know that she possibly broke her ankle on Thursday, fear not. This child rode 17 miles on the bicycle, played in the creek, and had a wonderful time. I am going to be really surprised if it really was broken, because she hasn't complained about it the entire weekend!
The trees are already starting to change colors up there and it was so beautiful! Jim and Annette Goode, who run the B&B, were darling people- and she was such a good cook it is going to take a month to lose the pounds I gained there. She made the best french toast that I have ever had! She also served fruit and lean meat so maybe it wont be so bad- there was the ice cream at the end of the trail that called my name! I figured since I didn't have a birthday cake that I could have some ice cream- surely 17 miles worked that off! It was really easy riding, though, so you wouldn't have to be in great shape to make it. If you think you'd like to go and want to know more let me know. I'll be glad to tell you about bike rentals and places to stay!
Thanks for all the good birthday wishes! I love you all!
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Saving 360?
If you're like me (and you must be- you're reading this!) you like Yahoo 360. I come here way more often than myspace and I like the people here so much better, too! With the introduction of Mash, there is a rumor- true or not- that Yahoo 360 will shut down. Well thanks to this guy, maybe not. Check this out and follow the rules. A few clicks could save this place!
Friday, September 28, 2007
Entry for September 29, 2007
Ack- Leah is right, I haven't updated this thing! No excuses other than having fun feeding and snorgling pets on Mash. That and I don't really know what I have to say right now. My STBX (that is soon-to-be-ex, not something else that Kat thought up- although that fits, too!) got the papers from my lawyer this week and hit the roof. *gasp* He might actually have to pay child support! Of course I was expecting this because why should he volunteer to pay? He's been having fun with his money this summer- but that is coming to an end.
I couldn't be happier! My birthday is next weekend (actually Friday) and Savannah and I are going to Virginia to ride bikes and shop and stay in this little B&B and just have a lazy, fun weekend far away from home! She is the coolest kid and is really my best friend, and I'm going to enjoy that while it lasts! And she wants to have a real picnic- so hope the weather is nice and we can make PB&J sandwiches and eat on the ground! Sounds like heaven to me!
Hope you are all doing well- some others of you need to update, too, so I'll be looking for more places to leave comments soon!!
I couldn't be happier! My birthday is next weekend (actually Friday) and Savannah and I are going to Virginia to ride bikes and shop and stay in this little B&B and just have a lazy, fun weekend far away from home! She is the coolest kid and is really my best friend, and I'm going to enjoy that while it lasts! And she wants to have a real picnic- so hope the weather is nice and we can make PB&J sandwiches and eat on the ground! Sounds like heaven to me!
Hope you are all doing well- some others of you need to update, too, so I'll be looking for more places to leave comments soon!!
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Can I Mash You?
OK, I know all the hubub is about the new Yahoo Mash, which rumor has it will eventually replace Yahoo 360. Why I don't know- I thought this was still in Beta! And of course since I like it and mostly know how to use it (thanks to ZB's tutoring) of course it will be time to use something new. Apparently Mash has a lot of bugs and 360 is not shutting down anytime real soon, so maybe the panic shouldn't start yet.
From what I understand someone on Mash has to set you up a profile so you can join there. So, if you need to be "Mashed" - that's my own word for it- let me know and I'll invite you. Also, since I hate the thoughts of yahoo closing 360 in the dead of night with no advanced warning, my email is mommadish@bellsouth.net. Write it down so you don't lose it!
From what I understand someone on Mash has to set you up a profile so you can join there. So, if you need to be "Mashed" - that's my own word for it- let me know and I'll invite you. Also, since I hate the thoughts of yahoo closing 360 in the dead of night with no advanced warning, my email is mommadish@bellsouth.net. Write it down so you don't lose it!
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Kids shouldn't use cameras
This is our dog Hobie. He is a 12 year old lhasa apso who just got a good haircut. He is so itchy that he is keeping us awake at night with all the scratching and licking. Leave it to Savannah to capture this event for posterity.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Remembering 9/11
Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day
Out in the yard with your wife and children
Working on some stage in LA
Did you stand there in shock at the site of
That black smoke rising against that blue sky
Did you shout out in anger
In fear for your neighbor
Or did you just sit down and cry
Did you weep for the children
Who lost their dear loved ones
And pray for the ones who don't know
Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble
And sob for the ones left below
Did you burst out in pride
For the red white and blue
And the heroes who died just doing what they do
Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer
And look at yourself for what really matters
I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love
Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day
Teaching a class full of innocent children
Driving down some cold interstate
Did you feel guilty cause you're a survivor
In a crowded room did you feel alone
Did you call up your mother and tell her you love her
Did you dust off that Bible at home
Did you open your eyes like it never happened
Close your eyes and not go to sleep
Did you notice the sunset the first time in ages
Speak with some stranger on the street
Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow
Go out and buy you a gun
Did you turn off that violent old movie you're watching
And turn on "I Love Lucy" reruns
Did you go to a church and hold hands with some stranger
Stand in line and give your own blood
Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family
Thank God you had somebody to love
I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love
Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day?
Out in the yard with your wife and children
Working on some stage in LA
Did you stand there in shock at the site of
That black smoke rising against that blue sky
Did you shout out in anger
In fear for your neighbor
Or did you just sit down and cry
Did you weep for the children
Who lost their dear loved ones
And pray for the ones who don't know
Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble
And sob for the ones left below
Did you burst out in pride
For the red white and blue
And the heroes who died just doing what they do
Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer
And look at yourself for what really matters
I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love
Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day
Teaching a class full of innocent children
Driving down some cold interstate
Did you feel guilty cause you're a survivor
In a crowded room did you feel alone
Did you call up your mother and tell her you love her
Did you dust off that Bible at home
Did you open your eyes like it never happened
Close your eyes and not go to sleep
Did you notice the sunset the first time in ages
Speak with some stranger on the street
Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow
Go out and buy you a gun
Did you turn off that violent old movie you're watching
And turn on "I Love Lucy" reruns
Did you go to a church and hold hands with some stranger
Stand in line and give your own blood
Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family
Thank God you had somebody to love
I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love
Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day?
Saturday, September 8, 2007
What I Want
I am learning a lot about me. The single me. The 40 year old single me, as opposed to the 20 year old single me from 20 years ago. I am much more mature now, but I'm learning I still have some of that kid in me. There's a part of me that remembers that instant-gratification time of life, where you just rolled with the punches and if you ended up at the beach on a whim, oh well, you enjoyed it!
If you haven't followed the Leah/Ryan one-up-this-prank this week, you have missed a treat! I haven't laughed so hard at anyone's antics since college, and it reminded me that there is a lot of life left to live. I want that- friends who are good enough friends to prank and play and laugh and still be friends in the end. I am happy to call these two my friends, although they are far enough away that I'm hopefully out of the line of fire! LOL! What I want is to get on with life! Go to book club and have too many glasses of wine! Direct the Community Chorus and leave with a smile on my face! Come home from work and have the desire and energy to work out every day. And then if I'm lucky, meet the person that I know God has waiting somewhere for me. The right one this time! But until then I want to be the best me I can be- and have some fun doing it!
If you haven't followed the Leah/Ryan one-up-this-prank this week, you have missed a treat! I haven't laughed so hard at anyone's antics since college, and it reminded me that there is a lot of life left to live. I want that- friends who are good enough friends to prank and play and laugh and still be friends in the end. I am happy to call these two my friends, although they are far enough away that I'm hopefully out of the line of fire! LOL! What I want is to get on with life! Go to book club and have too many glasses of wine! Direct the Community Chorus and leave with a smile on my face! Come home from work and have the desire and energy to work out every day. And then if I'm lucky, meet the person that I know God has waiting somewhere for me. The right one this time! But until then I want to be the best me I can be- and have some fun doing it!
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Having a Party!
Well, ok, so it is a dinner party tomorrow night, but it has been so long since I have had people over it feels like Christmas! I am the director for our community chorus' Christmas concert this year, and there are 5 of us meeting to choose the music. So I took the chance to cook dinner and have these friends over!
The stbx (which by the way Kat, means soon-to-be-ex, but I think I like your translation better!) never liked other people in his house. Not even the kids' friends were entirely welcomed, only tolerated. This will be so fun and so new- and it might just become a habit!
If you want to get on the guest list, come on over!!
The stbx (which by the way Kat, means soon-to-be-ex, but I think I like your translation better!) never liked other people in his house. Not even the kids' friends were entirely welcomed, only tolerated. This will be so fun and so new- and it might just become a habit!
If you want to get on the guest list, come on over!!
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Its a rant!
Ok, I warned you, so if you keep reading I'll know you care! More than someone else I know! So I go to see the lawyer to get this divorce moving toward final (we can finalize October 15) and what does the stbx do? Calls and says "I didn't think you wanted a divorce!" Duh! He hasn't even seen the kids in 3 months, hasn't seen me since March, and he hasn't sent any child support in 3 months, and I'm supposed to sit quietly at home and hope he decides to come back? Never! I'd kick him out if he tried. I am to the point I can't imagine why I ever liked him as a person. Part was because he was such a great dad. Part was because he listened to me, to my dreams and fears. But with those two things gone I'm looking at what is left and thinking "I sure don't want that!" I think part of my trouble sleeping at night is from worrying about this. I'm so ready to have it all over and move on with my life! There are much better fish in the sea, and if there isn't one for me, I'm better off without the dead weight!!
Friday, August 31, 2007
Faith vs. Science
Shamelessly stolen from a friend, fellow mom, and Christian...
"Let me explain the problem science has with religion." The atheist professor of philosophy pauses before his class and then asks one of his new students to stand.
"You're a Christian, aren't you, son?"
"Yes sir," the student says.
"So you believe in God?"
"Absolutely."
"Is God good?"
"Sure! God's good."
"Is God all-powerful? Can God do anything?"
"Yes."
"Are you good or evil?"
"The Bible says I'm evil."
The professor grins knowingly. "Aha! The Bible!" He considers for a moment. "Here's one for you. Let's say there's a sick person over here and you can cure him. You can do it. Would you help him? Would you try?"
"Yes sir, I would."
"So you're good...!"
"I wouldn't say that."
"But why not say that? You'd help a sick and maimed person if you could. Most of us would if we could. But God doesn't."
The student does not answer, so the professor continues. "He doesn't, does he? My brother was a Christian who died of cancer, even though he prayed to Jesus to heal him. How is this Jesus good? Hmmm? Can you answer that one?"
The student remains silent.
"No, you can't, can you?" the professor says. He takes a sip of water from a glass on his desk to give the student time to relax.
"Let's start again, young fella. Is God good?"
"Er...yes," the student says.
"Is Satan good?"
The student doesn't hesitate on this one. "No."
"Then where does Satan come from?"
The student falters. "From God"
"That's right. God made Satan, didn't he? Tell me, son. Is there evil in this world?"
"Yes, sir."
"Evil's everywhere, isn't it? And God did make everything, correct?"
"Yes."
"So who created evil?" The professor continued, "If God created everything, then God created evil, since evil exists, and according to the principle that our works define who we are, then God is evil."
Again, the student has no answer. "Is there sickness? Immorality? Hatred? Ugliness? All these terrible things, do they exist in this world?"
The student squirms on his feet. "Yes."
"So who created them?"
The student does not answer again, so the professor repeats his question. "Who created them?" There is still no answer. Suddenly the lecturer breaks away to pace in front of the classroom. The class is mesmerized. "Tell me," he continues onto another student. "Do you believe in Jesus Christ, son?"
The student's voice betrays him and cracks. "Yes, professor, I do."
The old man stops pacing. "Science says you have five senses you use to identify and observe the world around you. Have you ever seen Jesus?"
"No sir. I've never seen Him."
"Then tell us if you've ever heard your Jesus?"
"No, sir, I have not."
"Have you ever felt your Jesus, tasted your Jesus or smelt your Jesus? Have you ever had any sensory perception of Jesus Christ, or God for that matter?"
"No, sir, I'm afraid I haven't."
"Yet you still believe in him?"
"Yes."
"According to the rules of empirical, testable, demonstrable protocol, science says your God doesn't exist. What do you say to that, son?"
"Nothing," the student replies. "I only have my faith."
"Yes, faith," the professor repeats. "And that is the problem science has with God. There is no evidence, only faith."
The student stands quietly for a moment, before asking a question of His own. "Professor, is there such thing as heat?"
"Yes," the professor replies. "There's heat."
"And is there such a thing as cold?"
"Yes, son, there's cold too."
"No sir, there isn't."
The professor turns to face the student, obviously interested. The room suddenly becomes very quiet. The student begins to explain. "You can have lots of heat, even more heat, super-heat, mega-heat, unlimited heat, white heat, a little heat or no heat, but we don't have anything called 'cold'. We can hit up to 458 degrees below zero, which is no heat, but we can't go any further after that. There is no such thing as cold; otherwise we would be able to go colder than the lowest -458 degrees."
"Every body or object is susceptible to study when it has or transmits energy, and heat is what makes a body or matter have or transmit energy. Absolute zero (-458 F) is the total absence of heat. You see, sir, cold is only a word we use to describe the absence of heat. We cannot measure cold. Heat we can measure in thermal units because heat is energy. Cold is not the opposite of heat, sir, just the absence of it."
Silence across the room. A pen drops somewhere in the classroom, sounding like a hammer.
"What about darkness, professor. Is there such a thing as darkness?"
"Yes," the professor replies without hesitation. "What is night if it isn't darkness?"
"You're wrong again, sir. Darkness is not something; it is the absence of something. You can have low light, normal light, bright light, flashing light, but if you have no light constantly you have nothing and it's called darkness, isn't it? That's the meaning we use to define the word."
"In reality, darkness isn't. If it were, you would be able to make darkness darker, wouldn't you?"
The professor begins to smile at the student in front of him. This will be a good semester. "So what point are you making, young man?"
"Yes, professor. My point is, your philosophical premise is flawed to start with, and so your conclusion must also be flawed."
The professor's face cannot hide his surprise this time. "Flawed? Can you explain how?"
"You are working on the premise of duality," the student explains. "You argue that there is life and then there's death; a good God and a bad God. You are viewing the concept of God as something finite, something we can measure. Sir, science can't even explain a thought."
"It uses electricity and magnetism, but has never seen, much less fully understood either one. To view death as the opposite of life is to be ignorant of the fact that death cannot exist as a substantive thing. Death is not the opposite of life, just the absence of it."
"Now tell me, professor. Do you teach your students that they evolved from a monkey?"
"If you are referring to the natural evolutionary process, young man, yes, of course I do."
"Have you ever observed evolution with your own eyes, sir?"
The professor begins to shake his head, still smiling, as he realizes where the argument is going. A very good semester, indeed.
"Since no one has ever observed the process of evolution at work and cannot even prove that this process is an on-going endeavor, are you not teaching your opinion, sir? Are you now not a scientist, but a preacher?"
The class is in uproar. The student remains silent until the commotion has subsided.
"To continue the point you were making earlier to the other student, let me give you an example of what I mean."
The student looks around the room. "Is there anyone in the class who has ever seen the professor's brain?" The class breaks out into laughter.
"Is there anyone here who has ever heard the professor's brain, felt the professor's brain, touched or smelt the professor's brain? No one appears to have done so. So, according to the established rules of empirical, stable, demonstrable protocol, science says that you have no brain, with all due respect, sir."
"So if science says you have no brain, how can we trust your lectures, sir?"
Now the room is silent. The professor just stares at the student, his face unreadable.
Finally, after what seems an eternity, the old man answers. "I guess you'll have to take them on faith."
"Now, you accept that there is faith, and, in fact, faith exists with life," the student continues. "Now, sir, is there such a thing as evil?"
Now uncertain, the professor responds, "Of course, there is. We see it everyday. It is in the daily example of man's inhumanity to man. It is in the multitude of crime and violence everywhere in the world. These manifestations are nothing else but evil."
To this the student replied, "Evil does not exist sir, or at least it does not exist unto itself. Evil is simply the absence of God. It is just like darkness and cold, a word that man has created to describe the absence of God. God did not create evil. Evil is the result of what happens when man does not have God's love present in his heart. It's like the cold that comes when there is no heat or the darkness that comes when there is no light."
The professor sat down.
"Let me explain the problem science has with religion." The atheist professor of philosophy pauses before his class and then asks one of his new students to stand.
"You're a Christian, aren't you, son?"
"Yes sir," the student says.
"So you believe in God?"
"Absolutely."
"Is God good?"
"Sure! God's good."
"Is God all-powerful? Can God do anything?"
"Yes."
"Are you good or evil?"
"The Bible says I'm evil."
The professor grins knowingly. "Aha! The Bible!" He considers for a moment. "Here's one for you. Let's say there's a sick person over here and you can cure him. You can do it. Would you help him? Would you try?"
"Yes sir, I would."
"So you're good...!"
"I wouldn't say that."
"But why not say that? You'd help a sick and maimed person if you could. Most of us would if we could. But God doesn't."
The student does not answer, so the professor continues. "He doesn't, does he? My brother was a Christian who died of cancer, even though he prayed to Jesus to heal him. How is this Jesus good? Hmmm? Can you answer that one?"
The student remains silent.
"No, you can't, can you?" the professor says. He takes a sip of water from a glass on his desk to give the student time to relax.
"Let's start again, young fella. Is God good?"
"Er...yes," the student says.
"Is Satan good?"
The student doesn't hesitate on this one. "No."
"Then where does Satan come from?"
The student falters. "From God"
"That's right. God made Satan, didn't he? Tell me, son. Is there evil in this world?"
"Yes, sir."
"Evil's everywhere, isn't it? And God did make everything, correct?"
"Yes."
"So who created evil?" The professor continued, "If God created everything, then God created evil, since evil exists, and according to the principle that our works define who we are, then God is evil."
Again, the student has no answer. "Is there sickness? Immorality? Hatred? Ugliness? All these terrible things, do they exist in this world?"
The student squirms on his feet. "Yes."
"So who created them?"
The student does not answer again, so the professor repeats his question. "Who created them?" There is still no answer. Suddenly the lecturer breaks away to pace in front of the classroom. The class is mesmerized. "Tell me," he continues onto another student. "Do you believe in Jesus Christ, son?"
The student's voice betrays him and cracks. "Yes, professor, I do."
The old man stops pacing. "Science says you have five senses you use to identify and observe the world around you. Have you ever seen Jesus?"
"No sir. I've never seen Him."
"Then tell us if you've ever heard your Jesus?"
"No, sir, I have not."
"Have you ever felt your Jesus, tasted your Jesus or smelt your Jesus? Have you ever had any sensory perception of Jesus Christ, or God for that matter?"
"No, sir, I'm afraid I haven't."
"Yet you still believe in him?"
"Yes."
"According to the rules of empirical, testable, demonstrable protocol, science says your God doesn't exist. What do you say to that, son?"
"Nothing," the student replies. "I only have my faith."
"Yes, faith," the professor repeats. "And that is the problem science has with God. There is no evidence, only faith."
The student stands quietly for a moment, before asking a question of His own. "Professor, is there such thing as heat?"
"Yes," the professor replies. "There's heat."
"And is there such a thing as cold?"
"Yes, son, there's cold too."
"No sir, there isn't."
The professor turns to face the student, obviously interested. The room suddenly becomes very quiet. The student begins to explain. "You can have lots of heat, even more heat, super-heat, mega-heat, unlimited heat, white heat, a little heat or no heat, but we don't have anything called 'cold'. We can hit up to 458 degrees below zero, which is no heat, but we can't go any further after that. There is no such thing as cold; otherwise we would be able to go colder than the lowest -458 degrees."
"Every body or object is susceptible to study when it has or transmits energy, and heat is what makes a body or matter have or transmit energy. Absolute zero (-458 F) is the total absence of heat. You see, sir, cold is only a word we use to describe the absence of heat. We cannot measure cold. Heat we can measure in thermal units because heat is energy. Cold is not the opposite of heat, sir, just the absence of it."
Silence across the room. A pen drops somewhere in the classroom, sounding like a hammer.
"What about darkness, professor. Is there such a thing as darkness?"
"Yes," the professor replies without hesitation. "What is night if it isn't darkness?"
"You're wrong again, sir. Darkness is not something; it is the absence of something. You can have low light, normal light, bright light, flashing light, but if you have no light constantly you have nothing and it's called darkness, isn't it? That's the meaning we use to define the word."
"In reality, darkness isn't. If it were, you would be able to make darkness darker, wouldn't you?"
The professor begins to smile at the student in front of him. This will be a good semester. "So what point are you making, young man?"
"Yes, professor. My point is, your philosophical premise is flawed to start with, and so your conclusion must also be flawed."
The professor's face cannot hide his surprise this time. "Flawed? Can you explain how?"
"You are working on the premise of duality," the student explains. "You argue that there is life and then there's death; a good God and a bad God. You are viewing the concept of God as something finite, something we can measure. Sir, science can't even explain a thought."
"It uses electricity and magnetism, but has never seen, much less fully understood either one. To view death as the opposite of life is to be ignorant of the fact that death cannot exist as a substantive thing. Death is not the opposite of life, just the absence of it."
"Now tell me, professor. Do you teach your students that they evolved from a monkey?"
"If you are referring to the natural evolutionary process, young man, yes, of course I do."
"Have you ever observed evolution with your own eyes, sir?"
The professor begins to shake his head, still smiling, as he realizes where the argument is going. A very good semester, indeed.
"Since no one has ever observed the process of evolution at work and cannot even prove that this process is an on-going endeavor, are you not teaching your opinion, sir? Are you now not a scientist, but a preacher?"
The class is in uproar. The student remains silent until the commotion has subsided.
"To continue the point you were making earlier to the other student, let me give you an example of what I mean."
The student looks around the room. "Is there anyone in the class who has ever seen the professor's brain?" The class breaks out into laughter.
"Is there anyone here who has ever heard the professor's brain, felt the professor's brain, touched or smelt the professor's brain? No one appears to have done so. So, according to the established rules of empirical, stable, demonstrable protocol, science says that you have no brain, with all due respect, sir."
"So if science says you have no brain, how can we trust your lectures, sir?"
Now the room is silent. The professor just stares at the student, his face unreadable.
Finally, after what seems an eternity, the old man answers. "I guess you'll have to take them on faith."
"Now, you accept that there is faith, and, in fact, faith exists with life," the student continues. "Now, sir, is there such a thing as evil?"
Now uncertain, the professor responds, "Of course, there is. We see it everyday. It is in the daily example of man's inhumanity to man. It is in the multitude of crime and violence everywhere in the world. These manifestations are nothing else but evil."
To this the student replied, "Evil does not exist sir, or at least it does not exist unto itself. Evil is simply the absence of God. It is just like darkness and cold, a word that man has created to describe the absence of God. God did not create evil. Evil is the result of what happens when man does not have God's love present in his heart. It's like the cold that comes when there is no heat or the darkness that comes when there is no light."
The professor sat down.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Yippee for Holidays
Labor Day.... where did that name come from? A salute to working stiffs everywhere? A day to knock out that "honey-do" list? I have no idea! I hope it is a day of un-labor, a day of rest, a true Sabbath.
I seem to have so much to do all the time that this weekend feels funny. There isn't one thing on the calendar! That feels so nice, but already tonight I'm restless. I feel like I should be doing something! I even started priming the sheetrock at 8:30 tonight because I was bored! Oh well, I'm ahead on tomorrow's chores.
I will be happy to have the laundry room finished. We're so close that some paint and shelves is all that is left- well, and the guy has to come and hang my ceiling fan. It is going to be so luxurious to have the laundry out of the basement! I might actually do some every now and then instead of letting it pile up!
This is definitely the post of a 40 year old woman. It even sounds pathetic to me- happy about a new laundry room, and happy to be home alone on a Friday night. Just pitiful!
I seem to have so much to do all the time that this weekend feels funny. There isn't one thing on the calendar! That feels so nice, but already tonight I'm restless. I feel like I should be doing something! I even started priming the sheetrock at 8:30 tonight because I was bored! Oh well, I'm ahead on tomorrow's chores.
I will be happy to have the laundry room finished. We're so close that some paint and shelves is all that is left- well, and the guy has to come and hang my ceiling fan. It is going to be so luxurious to have the laundry out of the basement! I might actually do some every now and then instead of letting it pile up!
This is definitely the post of a 40 year old woman. It even sounds pathetic to me- happy about a new laundry room, and happy to be home alone on a Friday night. Just pitiful!
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
A Fun Tag this Time!
The point of this is to get to know each other a little better. If you want to play along, after reading my blog, leave a random comment in the comments section; something like "But I've already got a penguin..." or "I can't wait until St. Alphonso's Day", etc. Then I will message you 5 questions which you should answer in your next blog.
1. If you could go back in time, what one thing would you change in your childhood, to make your life different than it is now?
---Hmm... I'd change the fact that my dad died when I was 17. (Don't know how I'd change that but I guess if I figured out how to travel back in time, I could figure that one out, too!) I think I would have made some different decisions along the way with his guidance!
2. You are in a room of celebrities past and present, and your favorite has just come up to you and asked you something. Who is it? and what did he/she ask you?
----It was Vin Diesel, and he said "why are you drooling?" LOL!
3. You are about to be born. Which can you live without? Sight or hearing?
---Hearing, definitely. At least with sight you can still drive, read things, learn sign language... with blindness you are more dependent on others.
4. I am coming to dinner! What are we having? (sorry, that one from ZB was good) and what would you like me to bring?
---You bring the beer and I'll put the burgers on the grill!
5. You've won the lottery! After the shock, what will you do now?
---Pay off the house, buy a new car, and put money back for the kids' college. I'm sure after taxes that is all I'd have the money for!!
This was fun Kat- thanks!
Jamie sent me some questions, too- one was the same as Kat's, but here are the others....
2. Whom is the one person that has influenced your life the most?
---My mother. She made me the person I am today- and most of what I do, I measure what she would think of it before I do it.
3. What was your dream job growing up?
---Lifeguarding, until I did it. BORING!!
4. If you were given ten thousand dollars and could not spend it on yourself or your family. How would you choose to spend it.
---I would send people from my church on a mission trip. And I'd help a friend who lives in a wheelchair on disability. (if she would let me!)
5. What one accomplishment are you proud of?
---My kids- definitely my kids!!
1. If you could go back in time, what one thing would you change in your childhood, to make your life different than it is now?
---Hmm... I'd change the fact that my dad died when I was 17. (Don't know how I'd change that but I guess if I figured out how to travel back in time, I could figure that one out, too!) I think I would have made some different decisions along the way with his guidance!
2. You are in a room of celebrities past and present, and your favorite has just come up to you and asked you something. Who is it? and what did he/she ask you?
----It was Vin Diesel, and he said "why are you drooling?" LOL!
3. You are about to be born. Which can you live without? Sight or hearing?
---Hearing, definitely. At least with sight you can still drive, read things, learn sign language... with blindness you are more dependent on others.
4. I am coming to dinner! What are we having? (sorry, that one from ZB was good) and what would you like me to bring?
---You bring the beer and I'll put the burgers on the grill!
5. You've won the lottery! After the shock, what will you do now?
---Pay off the house, buy a new car, and put money back for the kids' college. I'm sure after taxes that is all I'd have the money for!!
This was fun Kat- thanks!
Jamie sent me some questions, too- one was the same as Kat's, but here are the others....
2. Whom is the one person that has influenced your life the most?
---My mother. She made me the person I am today- and most of what I do, I measure what she would think of it before I do it.
3. What was your dream job growing up?
---Lifeguarding, until I did it. BORING!!
4. If you were given ten thousand dollars and could not spend it on yourself or your family. How would you choose to spend it.
---I would send people from my church on a mission trip. And I'd help a friend who lives in a wheelchair on disability. (if she would let me!)
5. What one accomplishment are you proud of?
---My kids- definitely my kids!!
Friday, August 24, 2007
Super Saturday
Well today was wonderful! Our Community Chorus concert was tonight and went so well! I am the concert master (they tell me that is a fancy name for "slave driver" I'm the one doing sectional rehearsals and warm-ups. ) And I had a solo! This is a Broadway show and the audience was laughing and clapping and very relaxed. It was super fun! If I can get a recording of it I'll post it here (someone may have to tell me how to do that- I've seen some of you do it so I know it can be done!)
And the best part- we had it at the church I work at- and the internet is back up! Which means all the AV stuff worked (and hopefully will work on Monday at work, too!) So next week should be much calmer, well, except for school starting and the kids needing more money than I make in a month for all that first-week-of-school stuff. Oh well, you can't take it with you!
And the best part- we had it at the church I work at- and the internet is back up! Which means all the AV stuff worked (and hopefully will work on Monday at work, too!) So next week should be much calmer, well, except for school starting and the kids needing more money than I make in a month for all that first-week-of-school stuff. Oh well, you can't take it with you!
Thursday, August 23, 2007
TGIF!!
I haven't been this happy to see Friday in a long time! Nothing got straightened out at work- plus I got a date wrong in a mass email and misspelled a word on our big sign. Not my best week all around! Thank goodness it is over!!!
Now, please pray with me that things are up and running on Monday.....
Now, please pray with me that things are up and running on Monday.....
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Since you asked....
No, today was not better. You know when the IT guy goes outside and throws and kicks things that it isn't going to be good. He got one end up and running but can't seem to isolate the switch (0r the port on one switch) that is making the rest not work. We did get the info I needed spooled off of one hard drive, so that was good.
It was a day of... do something, save it to a jump drive, find a computer that has a printer, print it off, go to the copier, copy... just too many added steps. He promises it will be better tomorrow, but I'm already planning to take everything to Kinkos. It has just been one of those weeks!!
It was a day of... do something, save it to a jump drive, find a computer that has a printer, print it off, go to the copier, copy... just too many added steps. He promises it will be better tomorrow, but I'm already planning to take everything to Kinkos. It has just been one of those weeks!!
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
One of THOSE days
Ok so you know that we need rain in NC really bad- this is the driest summer on record. Everything is brown. So I'm excited that we finally got a thunderstorm last night. A good 20 minutes of rain, that made puddles and ran down the street and we're all screaming "thank you, Lord!"
Then I go to work this morning. Yes, lightning toasted the DSL modem, the router, and two computers. Hopefully it just got the power supply but they wouldn't come on at all. So here I am- at least my computer works, but I can't print, network, email, surf, nothing. I didn't realize how dependent I have become on having that work- one program even took forever to open because it wanted me to connect so it could update first!! Everything I did, I couldn't finish because it had to either be printed, emailed to someone, or it needed more info I didn't have available. That was a real wakeup call as to how much I rely on this to work now.
Hopefully the tech guy has it all fixed tomorrow- or I'm gonna go crazy!!
Then I go to work this morning. Yes, lightning toasted the DSL modem, the router, and two computers. Hopefully it just got the power supply but they wouldn't come on at all. So here I am- at least my computer works, but I can't print, network, email, surf, nothing. I didn't realize how dependent I have become on having that work- one program even took forever to open because it wanted me to connect so it could update first!! Everything I did, I couldn't finish because it had to either be printed, emailed to someone, or it needed more info I didn't have available. That was a real wakeup call as to how much I rely on this to work now.
Hopefully the tech guy has it all fixed tomorrow- or I'm gonna go crazy!!
Monday, August 20, 2007
Left out?
OK so I need some help- are any of you the middle child? You all know that Chris demands a lot of attention, and Savannah is the youngest, and the only girl, and so she gets things the others don't anymore, but Brandon seems to get lost in the middle. He is an easy kid- laid back, doesn't want much, just content wherever you put him. He has a truck, gets an allowance, I do feed him, and buy him things, but he just doesn't demand much. So my question is, is this normal? What do you middle children want? Do you like hanging back and watching and staying out of the fray? Or is there a part of you that screams silently for something?
Sunday, August 19, 2007
The Boy is Back!
1- I actually had a phone conversation where we both spoke- not just me asking questions and him replying in monosylables.
2- I volunteered to wash some of his laundry and he said "don't do that, I can get it."
3- He offered to give his little brother money (that is huge- usually they fight over money!)
4- He volunteered to babysit his little sister and two little cousins for an hour today without having his arm twisted.
5- He has hugged us all goodnight for two nights in a row!
But, he did leave his clothes on the bathroom floor this morning! There is still a little of the kid left in him!!
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Congratulations Chris!!
We left on Wednesday, flew to Dallas and made the three hour drive to OK. No one could sleep that night knowing that we would see him for the first time in months the next morning. The first glimpse we got was during their demonstrations. I know it sounds sappy, but I cried! We couldn't talk to him or hug him until they dismissed the entire batallion. Then, Savannah launched herself at him and cried and held on for dear life. We weren't too far behind!
He spent the rest of the day with us, telling stories of what he'd done the past few months and, I have to tell you, I am so proud of him. He really seems different and grown up. We told him what his graduation present was (it was going to be a surprise but since it isn't ready, and he was going to get home ahead of us, we went ahead and let him know.) We had the basement renovated into an apartment for him. He is so tickled- says he may never move out. That is ok with me after being without him for so long! (Well, and hopefully his stuff will stay down there!)
The graduation itself was impressive. 245 soldiers chanting, moving in rhythm, and sitting stock still, even when their little sisters are taking their picture (see the one above!) When it was over, he had an hour before he had to be on a plane home. We were 12 hours behind him! So once again we were traveling with "we gotta get home and see Chris" on our minds. Thankfully the flight was uneventful, and even 10 minutes early (thanks, American Airlines!)
Monday, August 13, 2007
What makes us blog?
Have you thought about it?
Is it so you can educate your fellow bloggers ?
Is it so you can unload all the anger and frustration?
Is it because you want to let your online friends get to know you better?
What makes us blog ?
This is shamelessly stolen from another blog, but it made me think. Why do I do this? I love to write, for one, and read for another, so I am having a really fun time making friends and getting to know some really fun people!
I think the other reason has to be to unload things- sometimes seeing it in print is cathartic. Some times it makes the answer to the problem seem simple (even if I never did find that check!) and sometimes it makes the problem not seem as big.
I know I have met some wonderful people- and even got to go to a ball! Without having to get my nails done! What could be better?Friday, August 10, 2007
Getting Nervous
I am so anxious to see Chris! We leave on Wednesday for Ft. Sill, OK, and to see the boy who we sent off 10 weeks ago as a new man. I'm a little nervous because from the tone of his letters, he has become a new person. He has also done a lot of thinking about his life, his dad, and his self-worth. One letter actually said that no one, including himself, thought he'd make it through basic training. Funny, I always knew he would. It was just his psyche that always tells him he is going to fail.
Anyway, I hope that he is ready to come home and be a student again. I can't imagine how hard of an adjustment that will be for him. We have the basement fixed up like a little apartment for him so he won't have to hear "mom" tell him what to do all the time. I'm worried that he'll think we don't want him in the house, although his younger brother wants to live down there! He thinks it is really neat! My worries go to Chris' psyche again- he always thinks that no one loves him and he isn't worthy. Comes from his biological mother leaving when he was 3. He has worked through a lot in those 15 years but that underlying belief is still there.
I'll take the camera and take lots of pictures to let you know how much fun we had. I know it will be a great reunion for our family, even if his dad doesn't go (which it doesn't look like he will.) Oh well, he will have his bio mom, me, both little sisters, and his little brother and his grandma. Sounds like that is way more than some of the guys have. Pray for us that the trip goes smoothly.
Anyway, I hope that he is ready to come home and be a student again. I can't imagine how hard of an adjustment that will be for him. We have the basement fixed up like a little apartment for him so he won't have to hear "mom" tell him what to do all the time. I'm worried that he'll think we don't want him in the house, although his younger brother wants to live down there! He thinks it is really neat! My worries go to Chris' psyche again- he always thinks that no one loves him and he isn't worthy. Comes from his biological mother leaving when he was 3. He has worked through a lot in those 15 years but that underlying belief is still there.
I'll take the camera and take lots of pictures to let you know how much fun we had. I know it will be a great reunion for our family, even if his dad doesn't go (which it doesn't look like he will.) Oh well, he will have his bio mom, me, both little sisters, and his little brother and his grandma. Sounds like that is way more than some of the guys have. Pray for us that the trip goes smoothly.
Going to the Ball
Hey thanks Kat- I was looking for somewhere to go all dressed up! And I have to go as Abigail Adams! She is probably the strongest woman in history, left alone while her husband served our country as congressman, ambassador, and president. She ran the farm, finished raising the kids, and stood by him through it all. She was well spoken and well educated and her letters to him survive to this day. So here's to the strong women of the world, who can run the house without the man around, who are really the ones who make the world turn.
If you would like to join the Baron's ball, click here and follow the instructions.
If you would like to join the Baron's ball, click here and follow the instructions.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Can you get dementia at age 40?
OK, if you know me you know that I usually have things together. Not always neat and orderly, but usually organized. So where did I put this check?
It isn't in my purse. It isn't over my sun visor. And it isn't on the kitchen counter. I would have bet you that it was in my checkbook in my purse. Did I miss a day of my life? An hour? Where in the world could it be?
I hope I'm not the only one who misplaces things. It just makes me a basket case when I do it. On the plus side, I have two clean junk drawers, a clean glove box, and a clean refrigerator. (OK, I knew it wouldn't be in there, but while I was in a mood to clean...)
Plus, I keep looking in the same places. Over and over again. Although it wasn't there 30 minutes ago, elves could have magically made it reappear since I checked there last time, right?
Doing lame-brained things drives me crazy- my poor kids, they're going to have one nutty mom when it comes time for the nursing home!
It isn't in my purse. It isn't over my sun visor. And it isn't on the kitchen counter. I would have bet you that it was in my checkbook in my purse. Did I miss a day of my life? An hour? Where in the world could it be?
I hope I'm not the only one who misplaces things. It just makes me a basket case when I do it. On the plus side, I have two clean junk drawers, a clean glove box, and a clean refrigerator. (OK, I knew it wouldn't be in there, but while I was in a mood to clean...)
Plus, I keep looking in the same places. Over and over again. Although it wasn't there 30 minutes ago, elves could have magically made it reappear since I checked there last time, right?
Doing lame-brained things drives me crazy- my poor kids, they're going to have one nutty mom when it comes time for the nursing home!
Sunday, July 22, 2007
The Color of Your Soul
Blue
Your soul is painted the color blue, which embodies the characteristics of peace, patience, understanding, health, tranquility, protection, spiritual awareness, unity, harmony, calmness, coolness, confidence, dependability, loyalty, idealism, tackiness, and wisdom. Blue is the color of the element Water, and is symbolic of the ocean, sleep, twilight, and the sky.
Thanks to Chicky for this one... really is neat to try! Click here to take the test yourself!
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Entry for July 20, 2007
OK I guess if I am going to harass other people to update their blogs then I'd better, too!
I am really having a great day! Savannah came home from camp and seems way more grown up! She has always been my girl and has never been away from me for this long, but it seems to have helped her be more independent. I'm glad (ok, and a little sad) to see her grow. I know she has 8 years left before she goes to college and those 8 years are going to pass so quickly.
What is the first thing she wanted to do? Go to McDonalds! They were fed so good at camp that I thought she wouldn't want to eat for a week, but not her! Skinny thing had to have ice cream! Then she and her friend sang camp songs in the back seat all the way home. An hour and a half of songs! I forgot how fun camp songs were! They sang some I didn't know- the cutest was:
There are no bananas in the sky, in the sky.
There are no bananas in the sky, in the sky,
There's a sun and a moon and a coconut cream pie,
But there are no bananas in the sky, in the sky.
I'm sure I'll hear more of them through the week. I'm just glad that she had fun and made friends and hiked and camped and built bonfires and did all sorts of fun things. She is crashed out now and it isn't even 9pm yet! I love that girl!
I am really having a great day! Savannah came home from camp and seems way more grown up! She has always been my girl and has never been away from me for this long, but it seems to have helped her be more independent. I'm glad (ok, and a little sad) to see her grow. I know she has 8 years left before she goes to college and those 8 years are going to pass so quickly.
What is the first thing she wanted to do? Go to McDonalds! They were fed so good at camp that I thought she wouldn't want to eat for a week, but not her! Skinny thing had to have ice cream! Then she and her friend sang camp songs in the back seat all the way home. An hour and a half of songs! I forgot how fun camp songs were! They sang some I didn't know- the cutest was:
There are no bananas in the sky, in the sky.
There are no bananas in the sky, in the sky,
There's a sun and a moon and a coconut cream pie,
But there are no bananas in the sky, in the sky.
I'm sure I'll hear more of them through the week. I'm just glad that she had fun and made friends and hiked and camped and built bonfires and did all sorts of fun things. She is crashed out now and it isn't even 9pm yet! I love that girl!
Saturday, July 7, 2007
Entry for July 08, 2007
I made notes in church this morning for the testimony they asked me to give- thought I'd organize them here so I wouldn't lose them.
(Oh, and I don't want to forget- Preacher Jeff was talking about putting up a tipi today- he got to help erect one on the reservation. However, they were all calling it a too-poo: a cross between a tipi and a lean-to! Apparently the wind was giving them several problems! I forgot that, so you might be hearing way more in the weeks to come as I remember things I don't want to forget about this trip.)
Let me talk to you for a minute this morning about stereotypes- those pre-conceived notions we have of people before we get to know them. Well, if you would have asked me this time last year if I had any prejudices like that, I'd have said no- I like to think that I am pretty open to everyone regardless of stereotypes that 'others' might have.
Well I think God took the last few months to say ... mmmm.... Janeen, wake up. You do judge people before you get to know them. How many of you have this kids-eye-view of indians- feathers, leather, war paint, bows and arrows... ok, you're smarter than that- you know you're not going to find anyone dressed today like they were 100 years ago. But what about red skin? Dark brown eyes? Long straight black hair? The wide, flat face that we associate with natives? Bet you would expect that. But the tribes are so intermixed now that you find curly hair, light skin, blue eyes... so that stereotype I had of the indian on the hill with the red skin and feather in his hair has to go.
I am in a minority in this town- a Denver native- born and raised here. We're outnumbered here by people moving in from other places. Suddenly I'm wondering if people have stereotypes against me. Oh, I know that my northern friends (and there's another stereotype- shock- I have NORTHERN friends) but ok lets not go there- my northern friends think we're (meaning me and people who grew up here) are too sweet- like our iced tea! We're complacent- content to sit back and let others have their way. I remember a boy who moved into town when I was in high school who looked down his nose and said "do all these COUNTRY kids drive their tractors to school?" Bet he didn't know I could drive a tractor when I was 12, did he?
Well I think you have to live with a people for a little bit to begin to shake those hidden stereotypes (those ones you didn't even know you had!) And I want to show you some ways that I see the Blackfeet as not being any different from us. Even in very dissimilar situations, I see the ways we are very alike.
Growing up in Denver, we didn't take too many vacations. Maybe a week at the beach, a weekend in the mountains, but we didn't go too many places far away. And we usually stayed with our family and didn't meet many people in the places we did go. Being in marching band, I did venture out in the world a little more, going places like California, New York, New Orleans, and Chicago. Still, I was with my group and we were doing "our" thing. I've never experienced anything like this trip to Montana, where we got to know the people, their traditions, their likes and dislikes, and a little insight into the lives they live.
We got a pretty good look at their life- driving 30 minutes to the nearest gas station and grocery store, paying $10 a truck to go to the dump, Beautiful summer weather but harsh winters with only 6 hours of daylight, beautiful pastures but soil so rocky there is no way to garden or grow much, and trying to keep alive the heritage and traditions that once made them a proud people. We found a people stricken with poverty, alcoholism, illiteracy, and hopelessness. But we also found a people who were accepting, willing and eager to teach us what they could of their heritage, and proud of their history and desperate to keep it alive.
I see some similarities between Denver and Heart Butte.
We had three community pools in Denver when I was little. You could pretty much count on finding your friends at one or the other of them just about any day of the week. The Blackfeet have a swimming hole (pond- but they wanted you to call it a lake) where the natives gathered to swim and socialize.
Anyone who grew up here will remember going to Mr. Punk's Texaco- it is a tire store now right before you get to Food Lion at the corner of 16 and 150. But you could go in there any day of the week and get a Sun Drop and hear the gossip of the town. Going into the trading post in Heart Butte game me that same feel- get an ice cream or a drink and catch up on what was going on in town.
I have been taught to be proud of my Denver roots. My grandmother was a Beatty, and she was proud to be able to trace her roots to John Beatty, who came here from Scotland in the mid-1700s. She was also very proud to have married a Killian, who could trace his roots back to Andreas Killian who came to America from Germany in the mid 1700s. My uncle still ran the family farm when I was little, and I thought every teenager earned their spending money by bailing hay in the summer! (We didn't have fast food restaurants around here then- or Blockbuster). Just as I was raised to be proud of my heritage, the Blackfeet are raising their children to be proud of theirs. We had Eli Padgett with us a lot of the places we went- he is 16 years old and very knowledgable of his traditions. He was able to give us a lot of insight into his history, and you could tell that he was proud to know so much about his people. (Probably way more than my own 16 year old knows or cares about his family heritage.
I do know one big stereotype that people moving to Denver seem to look at "us" and wonder about- that is campmeeting. Surely those run down eyesores of shacks (which we lovingly call tents) and surely must have either housed slaves or been used to dry tobacco- surely we must tear them down. Well, I hope you will come out and see what campmeeting is all about. It is a continuation of a tradition that dates back to 1794 and the circuit rider ministers who brought the word of God to this new land. The crops were in, the fields were resting, and the people around this area came together for two weeks to praise and worship God and to fellowship with each other. We still use campmeeting each year as a time to catch up with old friends, make new ones, and worship under the arbor. I can remember outhouses as being the only bathrooms we had at the campground when I was a little girl (I think they took them out when I was about 16 years old) and what did we do in Montana? We built an outhouse at one of their ceremonial grounds. They still come together each summer for the Sun Dance the way we still come together each year for campmeeting. If you were living here in Denver 200 years ago, you might have a circuit rider minister who came through once every 6 - 8 weeks or so to preach. (You know they were paid $100 a year?) Sounds a little like Jodie and Sue Ellen (the preacher and his wife) who spend their entire Sunday driving between three churches to being the word of God to the people.
I wonder where the Blackfeet will be 200 years from now? Will they still have an idea of their heritage or will it be lost to time? I don't know the answer for sure, but I do know that you can look at campmeeting and see that this tradition has survived for over 200 years thanks to those early faithful people who came here to preach the word of God. Hopefully if we continue to travel to Montana to be ambassadors then the people there will build on the traditions, much as we have here, and will be a thriving Christian people.
So drop your stereotypes of campmeeting and set on out to enjoy these next two weeks. I'm in tent 202 if you need a place to rest. And drop your stereotypes of the indian nation and get to know them- come with us next year and meet these wonderful people for yourself.
(Oh, and I don't want to forget- Preacher Jeff was talking about putting up a tipi today- he got to help erect one on the reservation. However, they were all calling it a too-poo: a cross between a tipi and a lean-to! Apparently the wind was giving them several problems! I forgot that, so you might be hearing way more in the weeks to come as I remember things I don't want to forget about this trip.)
Let me talk to you for a minute this morning about stereotypes- those pre-conceived notions we have of people before we get to know them. Well, if you would have asked me this time last year if I had any prejudices like that, I'd have said no- I like to think that I am pretty open to everyone regardless of stereotypes that 'others' might have.
Well I think God took the last few months to say ... mmmm.... Janeen, wake up. You do judge people before you get to know them. How many of you have this kids-eye-view of indians- feathers, leather, war paint, bows and arrows... ok, you're smarter than that- you know you're not going to find anyone dressed today like they were 100 years ago. But what about red skin? Dark brown eyes? Long straight black hair? The wide, flat face that we associate with natives? Bet you would expect that. But the tribes are so intermixed now that you find curly hair, light skin, blue eyes... so that stereotype I had of the indian on the hill with the red skin and feather in his hair has to go.
I am in a minority in this town- a Denver native- born and raised here. We're outnumbered here by people moving in from other places. Suddenly I'm wondering if people have stereotypes against me. Oh, I know that my northern friends (and there's another stereotype- shock- I have NORTHERN friends) but ok lets not go there- my northern friends think we're (meaning me and people who grew up here) are too sweet- like our iced tea! We're complacent- content to sit back and let others have their way. I remember a boy who moved into town when I was in high school who looked down his nose and said "do all these COUNTRY kids drive their tractors to school?" Bet he didn't know I could drive a tractor when I was 12, did he?
Well I think you have to live with a people for a little bit to begin to shake those hidden stereotypes (those ones you didn't even know you had!) And I want to show you some ways that I see the Blackfeet as not being any different from us. Even in very dissimilar situations, I see the ways we are very alike.
Growing up in Denver, we didn't take too many vacations. Maybe a week at the beach, a weekend in the mountains, but we didn't go too many places far away. And we usually stayed with our family and didn't meet many people in the places we did go. Being in marching band, I did venture out in the world a little more, going places like California, New York, New Orleans, and Chicago. Still, I was with my group and we were doing "our" thing. I've never experienced anything like this trip to Montana, where we got to know the people, their traditions, their likes and dislikes, and a little insight into the lives they live.
We got a pretty good look at their life- driving 30 minutes to the nearest gas station and grocery store, paying $10 a truck to go to the dump, Beautiful summer weather but harsh winters with only 6 hours of daylight, beautiful pastures but soil so rocky there is no way to garden or grow much, and trying to keep alive the heritage and traditions that once made them a proud people. We found a people stricken with poverty, alcoholism, illiteracy, and hopelessness. But we also found a people who were accepting, willing and eager to teach us what they could of their heritage, and proud of their history and desperate to keep it alive.
I see some similarities between Denver and Heart Butte.
We had three community pools in Denver when I was little. You could pretty much count on finding your friends at one or the other of them just about any day of the week. The Blackfeet have a swimming hole (pond- but they wanted you to call it a lake) where the natives gathered to swim and socialize.
Anyone who grew up here will remember going to Mr. Punk's Texaco- it is a tire store now right before you get to Food Lion at the corner of 16 and 150. But you could go in there any day of the week and get a Sun Drop and hear the gossip of the town. Going into the trading post in Heart Butte game me that same feel- get an ice cream or a drink and catch up on what was going on in town.
I have been taught to be proud of my Denver roots. My grandmother was a Beatty, and she was proud to be able to trace her roots to John Beatty, who came here from Scotland in the mid-1700s. She was also very proud to have married a Killian, who could trace his roots back to Andreas Killian who came to America from Germany in the mid 1700s. My uncle still ran the family farm when I was little, and I thought every teenager earned their spending money by bailing hay in the summer! (We didn't have fast food restaurants around here then- or Blockbuster). Just as I was raised to be proud of my heritage, the Blackfeet are raising their children to be proud of theirs. We had Eli Padgett with us a lot of the places we went- he is 16 years old and very knowledgable of his traditions. He was able to give us a lot of insight into his history, and you could tell that he was proud to know so much about his people. (Probably way more than my own 16 year old knows or cares about his family heritage.
I do know one big stereotype that people moving to Denver seem to look at "us" and wonder about- that is campmeeting. Surely those run down eyesores of shacks (which we lovingly call tents) and surely must have either housed slaves or been used to dry tobacco- surely we must tear them down. Well, I hope you will come out and see what campmeeting is all about. It is a continuation of a tradition that dates back to 1794 and the circuit rider ministers who brought the word of God to this new land. The crops were in, the fields were resting, and the people around this area came together for two weeks to praise and worship God and to fellowship with each other. We still use campmeeting each year as a time to catch up with old friends, make new ones, and worship under the arbor. I can remember outhouses as being the only bathrooms we had at the campground when I was a little girl (I think they took them out when I was about 16 years old) and what did we do in Montana? We built an outhouse at one of their ceremonial grounds. They still come together each summer for the Sun Dance the way we still come together each year for campmeeting. If you were living here in Denver 200 years ago, you might have a circuit rider minister who came through once every 6 - 8 weeks or so to preach. (You know they were paid $100 a year?) Sounds a little like Jodie and Sue Ellen (the preacher and his wife) who spend their entire Sunday driving between three churches to being the word of God to the people.
I wonder where the Blackfeet will be 200 years from now? Will they still have an idea of their heritage or will it be lost to time? I don't know the answer for sure, but I do know that you can look at campmeeting and see that this tradition has survived for over 200 years thanks to those early faithful people who came here to preach the word of God. Hopefully if we continue to travel to Montana to be ambassadors then the people there will build on the traditions, much as we have here, and will be a thriving Christian people.
So drop your stereotypes of campmeeting and set on out to enjoy these next two weeks. I'm in tent 202 if you need a place to rest. And drop your stereotypes of the indian nation and get to know them- come with us next year and meet these wonderful people for yourself.
Friday, June 29, 2007
Entry for June 30, 2007
I got this from Jamie- it is actually pretty fun! Fill it out, will ya?
1. Can you cook?
2. What would you do if you were stuck in an elevator?
3. What talent do you wish you had?
4. Favorite place?
5. Favorite vegetable?
6. What was the last book you read?
7. Are you Dirty or Clean?
8. Any Tattoos and/or Piercings?
9. Worst Habit?
HERE COMES THE FUN ...
1. Do we know each other outside of Yahoo 360?
2. What's your philosophy on life?
3. Voyeur or exibitionist ?
4. What was your dream growing up?
5. Worst thing to ever happen to you? best ?
6. Would you give me money or a slap in the face?
7. Tell me one weird fact about you:
8. Would you have my back or kick me when I'm down?
9. Do you Trust me?
10. Have you ever kept anything from me?
11. What do you think of me as a Person?
12. Do you think I'm sane or insane?
13. Would you cry for me if I died?
14. Would you be my crime partner or my conscience?
15. If you could change anything about me, would you?
16. How do you fall asleep?
17. Would you come over to yell at me or just call?
18. Would you go on a blind date if I set you up and you were single?
19. If I only had one day to live what would you do?
20. A million bucks…
22. Favorite thing to do in your spare time?
23. How many times did you curse at me while filling out this thing?
24. Can you sing or dance?
25. In one word, how would you describe me?
26. Will you repost this so I can fill it out?Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Entry for June 25, 2007
Then it was back to the hotel for the kids to enjoy the pool. We're really tired, and setting our sights for home, it will be nice to be back.
Addition to Entry for June 24, 2007
Entry for June 19, 2007
We made it to Heart Butte, MT! It took lots of driving through beautiful country (that all starts to look the same after awhile!) I know why they call Montana "Big Sky" country- you can see for miles and miles! It is curious how anyone ever gets to know one another- you'd have to drive 5 miles to see your next door neighbor!
We did make it to the reservation on time and how great it is to be here! One of the college interns took us to the top of the "heart"- a peak (butte) with a heart shape on the side. The view was breathtaking! We met a few local people tonight- one lady told us a lot about the tribe, although she is a member of the Flathead tribe on the other side of the mountains. Her husband is Blackfeet. She registered her children as Flatheads because each tribe member gets $1200 a year from the Casino profits. Blackfeet get about $75. And most have no other source of income other than government welfare. No wonder alcoholism and depression are rampant.
The sun started to set about 9:30 tonight and it was light until almost 10:30pm. They say the sun rises here at 4:30am! We'll see soon!
Entry for June 24, 2007
Then we drove up into Canada to see Waterton Park. There is a lake there that is more fabulous than anything I have ever seen. We hiked around and picked up rocks and enjoyed the wildlife. Deer come so close up here- not like at home where they'd run as soon as they saw you. I hate to have to leave this truly special place- we're both hoping that we can come back some day.
We stopped for Chinese food (in Canada) on the way back to the US. Spending the night in Heart Butte and we'll leave for Great Falls tomorrow.
Entry for June 18, 2007
Today was so busy that I know I won't remember half of what we did. Checking out of our Custer SD hotel was easy- loading the van with our things and the Wesson's was even more challenging. But we got it all in and were soon on the road.
Devil's Tower was amazing- that this tower rises from the earth, when nothing else around it looks like it, shows me that God can do anything! We spent 2 hours hiking around it and it is the same amazing sight from all angles. We even watched 3 climbers descend from the summit.
Then it was a long car ride! We stopped for lunch and then drove some more. We got to the Little Bighorn Battlefield about 5pm. The rangers really gave us a good account of the reasons the battle happened and the reasons it had the outcome it did. White man was not kind to the Indians and gave them no recourse but to defend their home. A marker shows the spot where General Custer fell, although he is interred at West Point. The view over the area allows you to almost imagine the Indians camped along the river and the Calvary charging up the hill.
More driving brings us to Billings MT- the Springmaid Marriott. Savannah would live here, I think! There is a mini-bar (unstocked), a seating area, recessed lights, granite countertops, a desk with a swivel chair, and closets! Thank goodness a guy in our church works for Marriott and got us these rooms- we probably couldn't have afforded them any other way! We're going to test how comfy the beds are now- it has been a long day!
Entry for June 23, 2007
Entry for June 22, 2007
We can't do what we had planned tomorrow since something went wrong in planning on the Browning end. So we get an extra day of sight-seeing. We're taking the Padgett teenagers- Eli, Katie, and Cece, to Glacier Park.
We did get a chance to meet Travis, a local guy who makes beautiful jewelry. Savannah and I are both coming home with necklaces! When he showed up here the first day he was drunk (as are most of the people around the reservation at any given time) but the next day was sober. By today he was clean shaven and even stayed for evening devotion. So maybe we are making a little difference. Also something that Kevin Kickingwoman told us the other night sticks with me- his life was changed by something a counselor said- he doesn't remember their name but what they told him stuck with him and helped him break free of the despair that seems to surround this area. So maybe something one of us said this week will make a difference to someone at some point in their life. We may never know but it is nice to think!
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