tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15567568450963529982024-03-13T10:59:11.214-07:00Introducing...UNIQUE. COMPLICATED. SIMPLE.
The mystery to me is no mystery at all.ShaBANGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435939559462982820noreply@blogger.comBlogger129125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1556756845096352998.post-29507896368293882102013-09-11T17:13:00.002-07:002013-09-11T19:46:39.577-07:00 Not Just Remembering 9/11 Remembering our Nation As A Whole<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">September 11, 2001, my daughter comes running into my bedroom,
“MOM! The news said a plane hit one of the big sky scrapers in New York!” I sort of just rolled over and said…”oh,
that’s messed up. I kind of just
rolled over and went back into a slight Doze.
I’m not sure how long it was but she came back into my room “Mom another
plain just crashed into the other sky scraper.
The news things it’s an attack on America!” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> I jumped up and went to the T.V watching the
towers burn. </span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">"Hmm…” </span><br />
<br />
<img src="http://michaelbrowntoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/93814-september-11-2001.jpg" height="300" width="400" /><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> I didn’t really say too much after that. What was there to say?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">This should have been a frightening experience. Was I in shock? Was I numb?
Was I de sensitized? I don’t know what I was. But I know what I </span></span><span style="line-height: 18.18181800842285px;">wasn't</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">I </span></span><span style="line-height: 18.18181800842285px;">wasn't</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> too shocked. I was a little worried at how shocked
and surprised I </span><span style="line-height: 18.18181800842285px;">wasn't</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> I got dressed
and went to work but there was very little work goin on. I can remember with each phone call it was so
little about business but more bout how we, as Americans need to pull together
and unify. That whole work week was more
of a reassurance that hey, I may be across the country from you, but I’m here I
share the same pain and sorrow and let’s love and respect our country and support our countrymen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">For week, we as Americans, begin to see things differently.
Tolerated violence less in hour homes, hour neighborhoods’ and even in our
entertainment. Do you remember there
were certain scenes cut out of Movies and T.V shows because it was too close to
the situation of 9/11? I can remember saying to some of my friends…
“I think it’s funny that we as Americans were ok with TV. And Movies that
showed war and terrorism in other countries, but since it’s happened on this
soil we’re suddenly cautious and sensitive to it? </span></span></span><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_w6-dV3lBg1Y/TOXEGcdXHHI/AAAAAAAAABU/ZJbtY5XC2gY/s1600/Title.sex.jpg" /><br />
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">It’s the same Production but different stage.
In reality it </span></span><span style="line-height: 18.18181800842285px;">shouldn't</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> be the stage that matters it should be the production
itself. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">One of the first things that came to my mind during 9/11 and
the weeks after was… WHY IS EVERYONE SO SHOCKED AND SURPRISED? As I watched the T.V as the events unfolded
I remember a time years ago where my mother gathered me and my sister together each
week and we read the book of Revelations. I’m not sure why she felt compelled
to do it. I thought it was odd at the time.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> Being the artistic
child in the family when I read things they would play out in my mind very
animated and full of color and drama! So for me, it was like a page out
Revelations being scene on TV. And then
I thought… THE WORLD </span></span><span style="line-height: 18.18181800842285px;">AIN'T</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> SEEN NOTHING YET! This is going to be tame compared
to what else is to come in our lifetime.
I don’t recall being fearful. I
grew up in Michigan. The state of Michigan has the highest concentration of
Muslims out side of Muslim countries. Detroit has the country's largest concentration
of Arabs (mostly Lebanese, Iraqis, Palestinians, and Yemenis), a legacy of the
days when Henry Ford employed Lebanese laborers. They were my co-workers,
school mates and friends. I remember in
the days after on the new they showed where 3 business men were asked to leave
a flight because the other passengers </span><span style="line-height: 18.18181800842285px;">weren't</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> comfortable with them being on
it.</span></span></span><br />
<img height="295" src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQdtYKjVX9SpvE0Y0n9LeNM1JVKSo33IvjyRnsaPpvB5HeyaQqYpw" width="400" /><br />
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> How sad it was to have such
“justified” paranoia toward the stereotype. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> I experience PTSD Post
Traumatic Stress Disorder. Now those in
the Military will recognize it and most people will recognize is as the term “SHELL
SHOCK.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It comes from traumas that we encounter. When we don’t deal
with the trauma properly, any situation that shows up in our lives resembling
that trauma will cause the mind and body to think the trauma is happening all
over again causing you to go into an irrational Fight or Flight mode. The
tricky thing is that anything can trigger this reaction: A smell, a phrase, a
song on the radio, a T.V Show or movie,
the way someone looks or acts, an article of clothing…. If you don’t know the proper steps to take
when the triggers happen then your reactions can be more damaging to you and
those around you. I haven't even mentioned the PHYSICAL effects it has, headache, nausea, blurred vision... </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span><img src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/cc/2e/34/cc2e346bf959bf16f27c5d0d60d4a280.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.center4mh.org/sites/default/files/resize/8/images/PTSD%20knight%20armor-574x729.png" height="320" width="252" /><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I have come to determine that our Nation suffers from PTSD
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and we suffer on all levels: Religiously,
Politically, Financially, Racially Civilly and Socially. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We Are A Wounded Nation.</span><br />
<img src="http://blog.americanhistory.si.edu/.a/6a00e553a80e1088340134873754c5970c-250wi" height="208" width="320" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We are a wounded nation and it effects us all on a personal
level. How do you heal a nation? It begins on a personal level. It begins with
our own issues. It begins with us recognizing our own truth and owning it. It begins when we decide to live in our truth
or change it because we don’t like it and then doing the work to create a
better truth. We will never begin to truly live our lives as long as we expect
others to do the work to repair it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> My generation will
either be the generation that makes it better or makes it worse and begins with
something as simple as teaching our children and grandchildren within the home.
We are a nation who </span></span><span style="line-height: 18.18181800842285px;">doesn't</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> mind lying down and doing what it takes to bring
children into the world. But somewhere along the way </span><span style="line-height: 18.18181800842285px;">we've</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> stopped parenting
and teaching them. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; line-height: 18.18181800842285px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; line-height: 18.18181800842285px;">We've</span><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; line-height: 115%;"> put them in front of TVs, Computers and iPads and
allowed for those things to take our place in their education.</span><br />
<img src="http://hothardware.com/newsimages/Item15043/kids-tv.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> I can remember being in
Kindergarten, knowing my ABC’s and how to count to 50 and knowing how to spell
my name and yes…. Reading. Small simple books. I address my teachers and my
parent’s friends as Mrs., Miss or Mister, not by their first name, because we
were not contemporaries. We were taught to look people in the face when we
spoke to them and speak loudly and clearly and with confidence. These were some
of the things that would make us successful in life. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<img src="http://www.cvcny.org/images/uploads/images/1252366715_ABC's.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> The home is our first
school of learning: table manners, common courtesies how to get along. If two
or more of us wanted to watch different shows at the same time there was no 2<sup>nd</sup>
or 3rd TV we had to learn how to compromise and negotiate with each other.
Sometimes the negotiation was to digress and give in. Other times it was to strike a deal and go
after what was worth it to you. All skills you need to learn to have a
successful life. We had to pick our battles. If I get mad and hit my brother,
how will he retaliate, will I be strong enough to deal with it? Will whatever
happens after be worth the shot I took?
We had to think things through and live with consequences and be
accountable for our actions. If we stole something we were marched right back
into the store and had to confess what we did to the people we did it to. There’s very little accountability for
choices these days. Bad behavior and
disrespect is excused because it’s funny or because it’s done in truth or
because it’s none of our business. As a
child even if we were brutally honest as children are we were schooled on the
appropriateness, attitude and disrespect we presented that truth. We learned when truth should be brutally honest,
when it should set you free, and when it came with gentle correction and strong
love. </span><br />
<img src="http://reliableadoptioninfo.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/4-disciplining-children-450a032108.jpg" /><br />
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Lack of these things add to the
PTSD of our Nation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Failing to take advantage of our education and knowing the
importance of it adds to the PTSD of Nation. For some of it, it was our only
way out of breaking a cycle of poverty and negative environment. School is
where we learned to be part of a team, cheering and encouraging other and being
a part of a group (instead of a gang) that set goals and accomplished
them. Almost most every kid was in cub
scouts, boy scouts, Brownies or Campfire girls.
Boy and girls clubs flourished with positive activities for community
and person growth. Weekends were spent at the</span></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> YMCA or the Rec Centers with
friends and we played basket ball, Volleyball, Softball, Baseball, hockey and
learned to swim. And when it was nice outside we rode bikes and skate boards,
made jumps and forts and go-carts or played baseball in the vacant fields. Our Asses were healthier and smaller because
we moved them and </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; line-height: 18.18181800842285px;">didn't</span><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> need them for a cushion all night and day.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Things were rarely just given to us frivolously. We had to
earn money through cutting grass, raking leaves, shoveling snow, helping the
neighbor do chores if we wanted a new bike, roller blades, skateboards, action
figures, radios or walkie talkies. Feel free to replace that with Scooters,
cars, clothes, cell phones, ipods/pad or xbox’s.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<img src="http://www.freeprintablebehaviorcharts.com/images/washcar.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">We </span></span><span style="line-height: 18.18181800842285px;">weren't</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> afraid to Say Grace or reference scriptures or any
other book that might lay some kind of moral foundation. It was cool to hang
out with parents and grandparents and they knew our friends and their family
members for a couple of Generations.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> People </span></span><span style="line-height: 18.18181800842285px;">weren't</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">
offended when you corrected their children for doing the wrong thing. As a
matter of fact they called you and thanked you for setting them straight and
looking out for them in the absence of their parent. And the parents had the
courage to be embarrassed by the actions of the offending child and reinforced
that correction. We lived in the
village and tolerate the village fool and the village idiot because even they
have a value, even if it was to be an example of what not to do and how to be
better. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It was ok for our sons to play with girls and our daughters to
play with boys because they were appropriate, we taught them how to be.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> We
didn’t separated them until the age of 16 and then expect them to automatically
know how to deal with each other. We grew them up together, watched them fight
as kids and learn how to settle it without parents getting too involved to the
rescue. We sent them on activities together with our families and their
families so if they could date at the right age they had a foundation of
friendship and familiarity. They curiosity of each other didn’t get the best of
them and carry them away to unknown and pent up curiosity. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<img src="http://recreationxleisure.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Fun-Summer-Holiday-Activities-for-Teenagers.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We are in a day and age of exceptions. Everyone man woman and
child I know and their situation is the exception to some kind of rule making
us all JUST AS SPECIAL AND IMPORTANT as everyone else. The agenda of some is to
push the exception to be the rule.
Putting the needs of the one above the needs of the most or not
accepting that which is “just as good as” the rule.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We’ve turned into a nation of selfish untrusting control
freaks. We want power and control over people and thing but aren’t willing to
do the work to accomplish those things. We tell folks what we want and expect everyone
else to do the work to accomplish it.
And become upset when they don’t do it right or how we want it done. Not
recognizing it just may not be what they want. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"><span style="line-height: 18.18181800842285px;">We've</span></span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> come from a nation of loving Shirley Temple to Loving
Honey Boo Boo. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?sa=X&biw=962&bih=541&tbm=isch&tbnid=JryXXDBd-gZ6uM:&imgrefurl=http://www.fanpop.com/clubs/here-comes-honey-boo-boo/images/33664107/title/alana-photo&docid=QR-bAMxtLb46zM&imgurl=http://images6.fanpop.com/image/photos/33600000/Alana-here-comes-honey-boo-boo-33664107-252-200.jpg&w=252&h=200&ei=dO4wUqb2BYGQiQKq_YGYCw&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=360&page=4&tbnh=144&tbnw=181&start=52&ndsp=20&ved=1t:429,r:70,s:0,i:304&tx=83&ty=69"><span style="background: #CCCCCC; color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_1" o:spid="_x0000_i1025"
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--></span></a><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> From loving the Mickey
Mouse Club to Loving the Bad Girl’s Club and from watching the Honey Moon game
to watching the Bachelor and Bachelorette. In a diverse nation it takes all kinds to strengthen and weaken it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Our country is wounded,
our pride is wounded and we are becoming weaker each year, not recognizing that
the strength of the Nation is dependent on the strength of the home and family.
It thrives off the working man doing the
manual labor to make things happen, more than the man up in the office on the
phone. It thrives on the teachers who educate our kids, the police and
firefighter who put the lives on the line each time they go into work, not the
pro athlete, the actress or </span><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">the rap artists making a million and using it for
multiple cars, houses and jewelry.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> It thrives on the
Mothers and Fathers who support each other and their children, not the playa’s
and the baby mama’s who can’t afford to
live by themselves, let alone take care of someone they’ve brought into the
world. In the Animal world, A baby penguin will die if both parents don't work together.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<img src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/11/23/article-0-162CF704000005DC-733_634x705.jpg" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> We’ve jump to become offended first instead of allowing common
sense, or even the Holy Spirit of God to discern if offense was intended. We fight and disagree trying to see eye to eye
instead of understanding that it’s more important to see heart to heart. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> The state of the Nation
is in some way no better or worse off then the state of our homes and
family. We’ve lost focus. It is us who heals and strengthens the
Nations. The Nation doesn’t heal and strengthen us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1556756845096352998" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1556756845096352998" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1556756845096352998" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><img src="http://wholles.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Statue-of-Liberty-and-American-Flag.jpg" height="225" width="400" /><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Let us take this
opportunity to look back at 9/11 and remember and in that remembrance let us
remember how we used to be as a country and Let us also take this opportunity
to begin to heal our Nation on a more personal level. We can’t control our
Government or our neighbors. But we can go back into our homes as parents and
families and begin to heal within the safety of it’s walls, How knows maybe the
generation behind us will become the generations that brings it all back
together. God Bless you. God Bless the
USA.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
ShaBANGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435939559462982820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1556756845096352998.post-69984538521001104872013-06-29T19:21:00.000-07:002013-06-29T19:21:12.368-07:00NOW I Know Why The World is Round.... We Keep Going In Circles<br />
<img src="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/735067_156613007823516_44579155_n.jpg" /><br />
<br />
<br />
I've come to the conclusion that the world goes round and figuratively, because we push it round and round. I'm probably going to say a buncha stuff that people don't wanna here. Feel free to exit stage right at any moment, it truly won't hurt my feelings.<br />
<br />
This week in our nation has truly made me recognize, we haven't come as far as we thought regarding how to be good countrymen, citizens and neighbors. This week has been an incredibly eye opening and it feels, to me, as if we are taking steps backwards instead of forward while going in circles at the same time.<br />
<br />
I tell you one thing... I WANT OFF THIS CRAZY RIDE!!!<br />
<br />
Just like in school, if we don't learn the needed things to move on with life, we keep repeating the same mistakes and it turns into a vicious cycle and eventually you learn and progress or get dizzy and quit trying learning to be blissful in the ignorance. Is our nation to the point of being blissful in the ignorance?<br />
<img alt="3d people- human character going in circles 3d render illustration Stock Photo - 14767501" src="http://us.123rf.com/400wm/400/400/coramax/coramax1208/coramax120800319/14767501-3d-people-human-character-going-in-circles-3d-render-illustration.jpg" /><br />
<br />
3 items of note have come to the forefront of the news.<br />
<br />
Texas abortion Laws<br />
Trayvon Martin Murder Case<br />
Paula Deen, fallen from grace.<br />
<br />
<br />
Sen. Wendy Davis of Texas attempted to stage a filibuster to block the vote on new Texas abortion law. The new law would<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 21.99652862548828px;"> ban abortions after 20 weeks and effectively close most abortion clinics in Texas by requiring tighter medical standards for the facilities. I see at least two things minimally wrong with this. First let me state the I am wholeheartedly 100% PRO LIFE. I usually don't refer to my political preferences here but feel the need today. I fully understand a women's right to want to abort a child because it's her body and her business. And I understand the desire to abort in cases medical necessity or rape or torture. However it's our bodies not minding it's own business that gets us pregnant.</span></span></span><br />
<img src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQpSQJcz-KuK19DEgMgxvyv0715lXYX9B7VaNip8e0Y83HdcrjZnA" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 21.99652862548828px;"> Anytime we women make the decision to have sex we know the risk of getting pregnant, even if we use birth control. Carelessness is not a justification for selfishness and selfishness is not a justification of carelessness. Neither are grounds to kill the potential of human life. Yeah I said kill. If it's living regardless if it's inside or outside of your body (which in my mind is a technicality) it's murder. Consider this freaky imagination I have.... if children could be conceived and incubated outside of the body would it not be murder to terminate it's life, regardless of the life's origins? In my eyes, yup, it sure is. So many families want and can't have children, why is adoption not a stronger option? Is it ego? Shame? Embarrassment</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 21.99652862548828px;"> of whats done in the dark coming to light? some say it's not wanting to mess up their body. You'd think that there would be that kind of care taken in the beginning to protect the body if you didn't want to mess it up. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 21.99652862548828px;"> Again I fully Understand the desire when tragedy such as rape, incest or any other trauma may be concerned . There are medical measures to insure one doesn't get pregnant, give those a try. In the mean time expect it can happen when ever you lie down for sex. This is a Fetus at 20 weeks old. It breaths. It moves. Being inside a sac of fluid inside another body doesn't make it less alive or less human. </span><br />
<img src="http://www.embarazopasoapaso.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/20_semanas-embarazo.jpg" /><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 21.99652862548828px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 21.99652862548828px;"> The next thing i see wrong is....If you're the type to get an abortion... wouldn't you want to have it done in a facility with tighter medical standards? Seriously who wants to go to a substandard medical facility to have a procedure done? The tighter the better and healthier. I'm not sure what the problem is of raising health facilities to a tighter medical standards. It would scare me more that most places offering abortions would have to "step it up" to meet that standard and they should. Hopefully with that higher standard their would be less chance of complications in the procedure and treatment. It's almost as if those seeking to get abortions would rather go through some back door in an ally and have it taken care of as if it were a dirty little secret. Oh wait.... I guess in reality for some, it is like that. Perhaps we should fight to have better education on how to not get pregnant. Or at least take responsibility for our actions for those who behave so selfishly..and then take it out on an innocent life by discarding that life.</span></span></span><br />
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<br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 21.99652862548828px;">I've been watching some of the Trayvon Martin hearing. </span></span><br />
<img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/d/df/TrayvonMartinHooded.jpg/220px-TrayvonMartinHooded.jpg" /><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 21.99652862548828px;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 21.99652862548828px;">Its been painful to watch the start witness take the stand. It's been painful to hear her speak and see her attitude knowing that it has confirmed what parts of the country believe about all black people: uneducated, mad as hell and justified in racial speech.</span></span><br />
<img src="http://images.latintimes.com/data/images/full/8066/george-zimmerman-trial.jpg?w=650" /><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 21.99652862548828px;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px; line-height: 21.97916603088379px;">What some people aren't putting into perspective: She is a young adult that's put under so much pressure right now. While this defense </span><span style="font-size: 14.399999618530273px; line-height: 21.975000381469727px;">attorney</span><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px; line-height: 21.97916603088379px;"> is smirking and displaying her lack of </span><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.96875px;">articulation</span><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px; line-height: 21.97916603088379px;"> experience and attitude about the situation, all while she is face to face with the man who killed her childhood/boyfriend. It doesn't appear she was properly prepped for court or her case and almost as if they picked her up from the local hang out spot and took her to court unprepared. </span></span><br />
<img src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/7168_629263740418947_1843471119_n.jpg" /><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px; line-height: 21.97916603088379px;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px; line-height: 21.97916603088379px;">I couldn't do it. However the most painful thing, to me is the lack of support and overwhelming criticism of her by the black community, the very community who should be surrounding her lifting her up and carrying this </span><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.96875px;">burden</span><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px; line-height: 21.97916603088379px;"> with her. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px; line-height: 21.97916603088379px;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px; line-height: 21.97916603088379px;">But we did the same thing with Olympic Gold Medalist Gabby Douglas didn't we:</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px; line-height: 21.97916603088379px;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px; line-height: 21.97916603088379px;"> The child was out of the country winning gold medals under enormous pressure and competition...and all black folks did was talk about how badly her hair was did. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px; line-height: 21.97916603088379px;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px; line-height: 21.97916603088379px;">This girl!.... Yeah... THIS GIRL RIGHT HERE... Who can do this move..</span></span><br />
<img src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m86llmf1UZ1qebvqa.jpg" /><br />
<br />
And and the move below:<br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px; line-height: 21.97916603088379px;">can wear her hair however she want. Yeeuuh.. Im pretty sure she was working all day...and all year while we sat on our butts hoping she would do her best no matter what she looked like.</span></span><br />
<img src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/s720x720/488289_401250416606196_1298324924_n.jpg" /><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px; line-height: 21.97916603088379px;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px; line-height: 21.97916603088379px;"> Only to pull this kind of Crap:.</span></span><br />
<img src="http://jmuwomensstudentcaucus.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/hair-1.png" /><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px; line-height: 21.97916603088379px;">WHO THE HELL DOES THAT?</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px; line-height: 21.97916603088379px;"> To which Little Sister Gabby Said: "I AM NOT MY HAIR!!" Amen to that. But what you truly are is a Two time Gold medal Olympian. And I hope one day you get the chance to slap all the haters with that gold!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px; line-height: 21.97916603088379px;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px; line-height: 21.97916603088379px;">BLACK FOLKS, HEAR ME</span></span><br />
<img height="303" src="http://images5.fanpop.com/image/photos/25200000/Say-one-more-thing-Smart-to-Me-madea-25222414-1000-760.png" width="400" /><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px; line-height: 21.97916603088379px;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px; line-height: 21.97916603088379px;">...and hear me good:</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px; line-height: 21.97916603088379px;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px; line-height: 21.97916603088379px;"> WE CAN'T EXPECT WHITE PEOPLE TO RESPECT US IF WE DON'T EVEN RESPECT OURSELVES!. We can't expect them to live to a higher standard of respect when we aren't even willing to step up to that higher standard either. It will NEVER happen if we don't get there ourselves. When we show the world we don't like each other, why should they have a reason to like us? All things begin within. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 21.99652862548828px;"> Non black people already see us as having a double standard racially assuming "we can say what we want about other races but nobody better not EVUH, EVUH say anything about a black person. Don't even Say the word black when mentioning my name."</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 21.99652862548828px;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 21.99652862548828px;"> We cant even discuss racial matters without someone assuming the race card is being played in a victimizing way. If I hear ONE MORE TIME..."Why is it ok for Rappers to Say Nigga in their songs but white people cant say it...AT ALL?"</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 21.99652862548828px;"> The Lead witness in the trial didn't feel the word "Creepy Ass Cracker" was a racially motivated phrase or slur. I feel she's brought up in a place </span><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.984375px;">t where this kind of speech is so common and tolerated that the ignorance of it all is lost on her. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 21.99652862548828px;"> Point number 1: America, not all black people Appreciate Rappers singing it or other black folks saying it. When i hear young people say it I let them know HEY... if you say it then white folks thinks it's ok to day it. And it's not ok for them OR you to be throwing it around. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 21.99652862548828px;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 21.99652862548828px;">Point Number 2; If my mama calls me chubbs cuz I was a chubby baby... I know it comes from a place of endearment. She's cared for me, she know my struggle, she loves me on conditionally and I hear it from the place it was intended. Same with the rest of the family. Outside of the family, if you call me chubby, it's going to be a problem. I don't know you, you don't know me. you don't know my struggle and I don't know your intention or the place from which if comes. There's a difference in "the family" using an endearment and a stranger just Seeing a difference and throwing it out there. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 21.99652862548828px;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 21.99652862548828px;">Point Number 3.Although some words are the same they have distinct meanings. I know it's an oxymoron and probably didn't make sense.so let me try to explain with a few examples</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 21.99652862548828px;"> Naked:: you don't have clothes on. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 21.99652862548828px;"> Nekkid: you don't have clothes on and you're up to something. </span></span><br />
Gay: Happy<br />
Gay: Same sex orientation.<br />
Gay: Lame or stale.<br />
Bitch: Hey girlfriend!<br />
Bitch: Female Dog<br />
Bitch: Evil woman i just cant stand.<br />
Negro: Uh oh, black man in trouble with a family member usually wife, mama or grandmama<br />
Nigga: My Brotha!<br />
Nigger: Ignorant under class/privileged black person needing to put in their under classed place or hung like back in the day.. (racial slur. themz fightin words)<br />
Fag: Cigarette butt<br />
Fag: a Drudge, someone less privileged in british culture *but we ain't in Great Britain, are we?*<br />
Fag: Freak who has sex with the same gender. (homophobic slur, themz fighting words too)<br />
White trash: Good ole' down to earth white folks living the simple easy life<br />
White trash: Same definition as Nigger except with white folks.(for me these would be fighting words)<br />
Personally Im good eliminating all of the above from my vocabulary. I'd like to think Im intelligent enough to express how I feel without the passive aggressive invitation to figure out what I mean by saying any one of those phrases. Yet, on the other hand, people say they're just words, which is true. However we used words to bring across particular meaning. So they aren't just words. Words have meaning and evoke intention and action. If someone can't read your meaning or intention, THAT'S A PROBLEM!<br />
The U.S.A has a history of races struggling when discovered or brought to this country Starting with the colonial times. We hear all the time about "well American had white indentured servants who acted as slaves for time." There is a HUGE difference in putting yourself into a life of servitude knowing that in a few years you'd be free and being captured and born in captivity with a nothing but a life ahead of you of servitude and you having no say or other options, except to try and escape and likely be injured for life or killed doing so. The word Nigger serves a a reminder of actual family members who endured that life. When white people use it, It makes us think you'd put us back to lifestyle in a hot second if you had the chance.<br />
<br />
Is that so hard to understand?<br />
<br />
<br />
Last but not least... need I say it?<br />
<img src="http://home.lifegoesstrong.com/sites/default/files/gallery/photos/pauladeen.jpg" /><br />
<br />
The Queen of Butter is having a melt down. You know this whole Paula Deen issues didn't even really start out about Race. The media grabbed that part of her deposition and ran with it. Paula Deen is an old southern white woman who has used the word Nigger in the passed. What old southern white woman hasn't? Not excusing it. Not condoning it. And sure don't feel like it's Justified. I'm not surprised by it either.<br />
Hell, at least she's honest and you know where you stand with her. But this is where Paula got herself into trouble:<br />
Here is a summation of her <a href="http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/06/19/paula-deen-uses-the-n-word-7-shocking-details-from-her-deposition.html">court deposition.</a> The link gives you the source. Below are the "low"lights of the summation.<br />
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<b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">1. She refused to have her empire destroyed by “a piece of pussy.” (Also, she uses that word!)</b><br />
Former employee Lisa Jackson said that she was hired to replace a general manager at the restaurant Uncle Bubba’s who was fired for having sexual relationships with underage servers. While demanding the manager be fired, Jackson says that Deen told her brother, “If you think I have worked this hard to lose everything because of a piece of pussy, you better think again.” Asked in her deposition whether she actually said it, Deen responded with an abso-friggin-lutely: “I said that day and I would say it again today if it applied.” She then repeated the sentence, making not being in that room a regret we’ll all have to live with for the rest of our lives.</div>
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<b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">2. She really wanted to stage that Southern plantation-style wedding. But she didn’t because the media wouldn’t understand.</b><br />
Jackson said she was put in charge of arrangements for Bubba’s wedding, which Deen apparently said she wanted to have a “true Southern plantation-style theme.” What, <nobr><a class="FAtxtL" href="http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/06/19/paula-deen-uses-the-n-word-7-shocking-details-from-her-deposition.html#" id="FALINK_3_0_2" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(243, 91, 0) !important; border-bottom-style: solid !important; border-bottom-width: 1px !important; color: rgb(243, 91, 0) !important; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; padding-bottom: 1px !important;">pray</a></nobr> tell, does that mean? “Well what I would really like is a bunch of little n----rs to wear long-sleeve white shirts, black shorts, and black bow-ties, you know in the Shirley Temple days, they used to tap dance around,” Deen reportedly elaborated. Alas, the wedding Deen envisioned never came to be. “We can’t do that because the media would be on me about that,” she reportedly told Jackson. In her testimony, Deen said that she actually was referencing the “beautiful white jackets with a black bow-tie” she saw the wait staff of “middle-aged black men” wearing at a restaurant she visited “in Tennessee or North Carolina or somewhere.”</div>
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<b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">3. She did not use the N-word to describe the waiters.</b><br />
Deen objected to the accusation that she used the N-word to describe the waiters. Asked whether there was any possibility that she may have slipped and use the word, she said, “No, because that’s not what these men were. They were professional black men doing a fabulous job.” Still, when asked why nicely dressed black men would be a part of a “Southern plantation wedding,” she said it reminded her of southern America “before the Civil War.” After being reminded that black men serving people in the South before the Civil War were slaves, she agreed, but said she “did not mean anything derogatory” by her comments.</div>
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<b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">4. She doesn't think that watching porn or being racist at work makes you a bad boss.</b><br />
In her deposition, Deen was asked whether the fact that her brother admitted to watching pornography and using the N-word at their restaurant caused her to have concerns about him running their business. She responded, “just because he’s got a sense of humor does not make him a bad person or incapable of running a business.” Questioned as to whether jokes of a sexual or racist nature are in poor taste at a place of work, she responded, “We have all told off-color jokes … Every man I’ve ever come in contact with has one.”</div>
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<b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">5. But she does use the N-word!</b><br />
Deen admitted to using the N-word in her life, after a “black man” put a gun to her head at a bank where she was working. She said she used it because she “didn’t feel real favorable towards him.” She also said she’s sure she’s used the word since, “but it’s been a very long time” and guessed that she probably used it when quoting “a conversation between blacks.”</div>
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<b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">6. She doesn’t think the N-word is bad, as long as it’s used in a joke. </b><br />
Deen said that she and her husband taught her children not to use the N-word in a mean way. Asked when exactly that word be used in a not-mean way, she said either when repeating what you may hear “black people” say in the kitchen or when used in a joke.</div>
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<b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">7. She sees nothing wrong with watching a little porn at work. </b>A major point in the suit is that Deen’s brother, Bubba, was accused of looking at pornography at work and showing it to employees. Asked whether she has any problem with such practices, Deen said, “If somebody sent him something and he pulled it up and looked at it, no, I would not persecute him for that.”</div>
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Paula Deen is mostly guilty of Bad People Management in her business. Knowing these things went on in her place of business and omitting to do anything about she has put herself in a position of concern. She has put her self in a position to be sued for sexual, racial, religious and gender harrassment. She is therefore a liability to those who have invested in her, her brand and her business practices. Were I a business partner, I would drop her on her butter too. So, to some extent, it's about race and her desire to play out some twisted good ole boys pre civil war plantation wedding. But for the most part. Her business practices in regards to her working staff cannot be trusted. And her sponsors are saying 'Aint nobody got time for that." Now the "Deenies" are coming out of the woodwork to those who are dropping her and protesting. But I ask you.would you want an impressionable young adult child of yours, say age 20-21 work in that kind of environment? And do you want to be subject to that in your place of employment? Some of you actually would, but I bet the majority of her sponsor would not. </div>
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I was reading an article in<a href="http://entertainment.time.com/2013/06/20/less-than-accidental-racist-why-paula-deens-comments-insult-her-fans-too/" style="font-size: 14.399999618530273px;">Time Entertainment Online Magazine</a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;"> that put race portion of the it so well....</span></div>
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"<strong style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15.555556297302246px;">Deen made a pile of money off a certain idea of old-school southern culture.</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15.555556297302246px;"> In return, she had an obligation to that culture–an obligation not to embody its worst, most shameful history and attitudes. Instead, in one swoop, fairly or not, she single-handedly affirmed people’s worst suspicions of people who talk and eat like her–along with glibly insulting minorities, she slurred many of the very fans who made her successful.</span></div>
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Paula, Much Like the star witness in the Trayvon Martin trial are both Products of their Environment and surroundings. Are they racist, the old white woman from the south and the young black woman from the hood? Possibly. Is there a difference in Using the word Nigger as long as it's in a joke, or not recognizing that Creepy ass Cracker is just as much of a slur? Quite possibly. While being a product of your environment is typically not your own doing, but how you hold yourself and serve in that community is the difference. The affect you have on others and the example you become when you're a Popular Star or on a platform where the world can see you. How you uphold or betray the trusts and efforts of those who put you in the place and path of success, makes a world of difference in how the world will see you when you make mistakes. I feel for Ms Deen, I really do. I've never been a real fan. Never made one of her recipes, used her cookware (which I understand you can get a great deal on while supplies last) and never read a book of hers.) I know she's been paid millions for it all. And now, unfortunately she's paying the price of her actions (or lack of them.)<br />
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These are not new experiences and situations we're having where we don't know how to act toward's our brothers, sisters, neighbors, community and countrymen. I feel like we took steps backwards this week and truly haven't come as far as I thought we have. Why are we not learning from these situations so we have to keep on peddling in circles like some crazy carnival ride that just wont stop. I don't know about y'all but.. I'm tired and tired of it. It's time to stop the madness and get out of the circle that is doing nothing but making us Sick...and dizzy.<br />
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<img height="263" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSdJFVzgkfOVamN8jzUhF3LgFdpRswKbD_5VOFz2KSt4GfJiE6r" width="400" /><br />
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Peace out...ShaBANGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435939559462982820noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1556756845096352998.post-84398920535854209062013-05-01T23:42:00.002-07:002013-05-01T23:42:54.649-07:00Look Out World,....HERE SHE COMES!!!<br />
<img height="420" src="http://www.collegeshade.com/images_products/utah_state_aggies_big_blue_logo_flag_69306sma.jpg" width="640" /><br />
In 3 Days on May 4, 2013 My daughter will Graduate from Utah State University. GO AGGIES! I could not foresee this day 23 years ago when she was exactly the age of age of 3 months and four days (and 9 minutes) old. I was barely used to the idea of being a mom and in charge of another life be sides my own. It feels like a hundred years and another life time ago.<br />
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Random memories come flashing through my mind at different stages of her growing up. She was just as brilliant and genius as every other kid on the planet. At the age of 2 when she was playing reverse peek a-boo by herself by putting a blanket on her head, pulling it off and saying…<br />
“boooooooooooo!”<br />
Or running into the living room and say…<br />
”mommy? What time is it? Eight Firty!!”<br />
and run out of the room laughing out loud. <br />
We used to pass a gas station with a sculpture of a dinosaur next to it. One day, when she was the age of three, while I was pumping the gas she said…<br />
“Mommy… look at that tremendous dinosaur! Have you even seen a tremendous dinosaur like that before? I like tremendous dinosaurs!”<br />
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Which prompted me to take her to the local museum to look at more dinosaur stuff. That was the beginning of our discovering the world together. If she had an interest in some thing I would find way she could explore it and learn about it. Sometimes she was just ok learning a little more and other times she would delve into it with curiosity until the hunger for knowledge was explored and then we were on to the next thing. In elementary school she liked to do cartwheels so I put her in Gymnastics class. One time she was in the yard until dark trying to get that stupid cartwheel down correctly. When she sent her mind to something. She did it. We determined she was just too tall for her age and too young to coordinate her body to do gymnastics. So it was on to the next things<br />
She had an interest in music and liked to play around with piano and key boards and sing. So I put her in music lessons.. Since her Aunt had a key board she liked to play with. In Jr high school she fell in love with the violin and began lessons and learned to read music. This was the birth of her being as she calls herself and “orch dork” (orchestra dork) She may not remember but with her learning to play music we got her a keyboard and a self teach piano program so she wouldn’t be so board in the summer. She could go at her own pace. She finished the piano program in less than a week. so she began put some of her poetry to music. When she got bored with that, it was on to the next thing. She became a crafty sort of person. I taught her how to make bath salts and she had beads and string and elastic and started making wooden bead bracelets. She sold them to the ladies at my sister’s office. I thought “hey, this kid can make money…” <br />
When her 1000 colored wooden beads were all gone… she was on to the next thing. I kept her off of computer games and video games, which meant a lot of her entertainment, would come from good ol’<br />
mom. It was a love hate thing. When her friends were grounded or playing their video games, good ol’ mom would grab the tennis rackets or the roller blades and off we’d go. One day is was raining and we were bored so for 2 hours we just walked the neighborhood with the purpose of jumping into every mud puddle we could find. Who ever was dirtiest was the winner.<br />
<img height="201" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HSuOIHuHd7Q/Ty_rZsgMcJI/AAAAAAAAAh0/n7-19WLZqOw/s320/Mud-Puddle-Jumper2.jpg" width="320" /> (I won )<br />
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I made sure that anytime she committed to something that involved other peoples time and money, she would commit to one year. If she was grounded it wouldn't be from a rehearsal or a practice where she was part of a team because the team would then suffer at her expense which is unacceptable. I hope this is what helped her to be a team player and hold her end of responsibilities where other people were involved. The sad thing is… while I was teaching my child these things, many of her friends were not learning the same things: being responsible, accountable, team players, following through with commitments and obligations. She doesn’t deal well with people who don’t have these same principles and ethics. She has learned to tolerant them while keeping them at arms length.<br />
I taught her to drive at age 11. Shoot! She was tall enough and pretty mature for her age. So I would let her drive 2 blocks to where my sister worked, or 1 mile to church and back on Sundays. Teaching her things and watching her figure things out was fun.<br />
Since the age of six she always said she wanted to be a “premature baby Dr.” By Sixth Grade I was informed the correct verbiage was a Neonatalogist. (exxcuuuuze me!)<br />
<img src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTzvGaW3GxqZZHtfyaUMdCZVkvqbu34QusknuW-TOk3fVJJkr_T" /><br />
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When she entered JR High I only had 3 class requirements of her: She had to choose 1 instrument, 1 language and 1 sport and maintain it through High School. She chose the violin, Spanish and basket ball. When she didn’t make the basket ball team she started throwing the discus for track. Either way those things along with her various church activities kept her busy, out of trouble and entertained enough for her various interest. I made deals with her that if her GPA didn’t drop below a certain point, she could skip school 2 days a semester, Which she never did because she hated missing school unless she was sick. (who does that? “hates missing school mess…”) On her birthdays I would send flowers and balloons. A couple of times I showed up on her lunch break with a few pizza’s, balloons and cupcakes. Yeah, I would just “show up” and not tell her. I’ve done it since she was in elementary school. To make sure she wasn’t screwing around in class and to make sure she wasn’t being screwed with in class. And my parents did the same thing to me and my siblings. I remember feeling horrified one day in 3rd grade looking up and seeing my father talking to the teacher. I remember thinking…<br />
“uh ohh was I just asking a fool or was I in behavior mode..?” It’s a good strategy. Every parent should do it. <br />
My daughter was set on going into the medical industry so she took a field trip to the medical lab at the University when she was 16. It was cool, but the reality of having someone else’s life in your hands was a bit more than she felt she could take. So after all these years of wanting to be a “premature baby dr” she needed to find another career path. So she chose engineering. As long as I can remember anytime something broke, she wanted to tear it apart, look inside and see how it worked. This kid has asked me for old TV sets, phones, radios, VCR’s, walkmans, etc. “Mom, can I tear it apart and look inside??” Even now every once in a while she’ll ask to destroy something. The fun thing is…<br />
she figures out how to fix a bunch of things too, like her car radio. Her next thing is to figure out how to change her own breaks. Excellent, because then she can change mine too! <br />
She was accepted to USU her senior year of H.S as an engineering major. She also rec’ a four year tuition scholarship for Academics. She took the ACT’s twice. USU wanted her BYU and U of U didn’t want her until after she took it the second time and increased her score. She chose USU saying…<br />
“IF USU wants to take credit for educating me to be the amazing person I'm going to be, who am I to stop them?” (Go ahead on baby girl!).<br />
The more she was getting her General Education done and working toward the Engineering major the more she recognized how difficult it would be for her to have a family and be an engineer. She also had a desire to help children and thought. She had many friends who were caught up in the foster care system. Eventually she changed her major to Something I can never remember, but it had to do with being a family home therapist and dealing with families before they get to the point of sending children to foster care. I have a few friends who work with Child welfare here in Utah so I sent her to work with one for the day. She said it broke her heart but she hoped she could be of some help to these families.<br />
My daughter has been fortunate to find scholarships, grants, internships and work study that pays for her other expenses. She entered a work study program called “read America” where she helped tutor 3rd graders how to read. This is where she fell in love . Soon after she was wanting to change her major again. She was reluctant because she felt she let the family down by not being a Doctor or Engineer. I told her we don’t care what she graduates in as long as she graduates and can make a living. She changed her major for what would be the last time. She is good at what she does no matter what it is, but teaching children, she is excellent. So much so that as a student, her professors have asked her to speak at Teacher conferences. The dean of her college tracked her down at her job to tell her if she goes to graduate school is has to be a USU and they offered her a paid apprentice position and internship to help with expenses. She put a pause on that situation just tying to get through getting her bachelor’s degree. To which she will be getting in 3 days. 3 days! <br />
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<img src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT_ukwvbDf2na68k_1ICaqublIroeLxyCDW35VW98bmnTi4u20L" /><br />
I have received conformation that before my daughter was born, she was on the other side of Heaven hanging out with my Grandmother.<br />
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My grandmother went to Lane College ( Same Time as Alex Haley I believe) and got a Degree in Nursing and Nutrition. But since folks weren't hiring black Nurses or dietitians she ended up being a kindergarten teacher. As a matter of fact many of my friends from JR High and High School were taught by my Grandmother . So my family is well known in the area for her, and my grandfather. What’s even more amazing is my daughter is a Grandtwin. She looks like my grand<img height="320" src="http://thumbnail.myheritageimages.com/483/842/67483842/500/500023_963468f41g125e89122cty_C_128x128C.jpg" style="text-align: center;" width="320" /><span style="text-align: center;"> Alieshia: daughter @ H.S Graduation</span><br />
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Pearl Dryden (Flowers) Dudley: Grandmother <br />
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(try punishing your 12 year old grandmother when she does something you want to smack her for…Not so easy!)<br />
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I believe the 2 of them were thick as thieves before my daughter was born because there's soo much of my Grandmother in her. She was born 4 years after my Grandmother passed away. There was a lot of education going on up there. Primed and ready for the world.<br />
I don't think it's just coincidence that my child is following the footsteps of my Grandmother. I believe she listened to the whisperings of her ancestors and followed the path they created for her. So many doors opened when she was placed before them as if waiting for her to walk in. For some of us it just happens that way. Her whole life has been that way and I had to make her brave, strong and independent enough to walk through them with or without me.<br />
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When I think of my daughter and her education, 2 images come to mind.<br />
One you will know of:<br />
Ruby Bridges. Every time I think of her story the first black child to integrate public schools. I cry. She was six years old. SIX YEARS OLD. What a heavy, heavy load for such a little girl.<br />
Six years old!!! To be threatened and told her food was poisoned. How scary it must have been to face vicious hostile, white crowd just to get an education. Escorted by state Marshall's to keep her life intact. I can't Imagine. I'm so grateful for her strength and for her pioneer spirit that allowed her to march forward in paving the way. Even her name, Ruby Bridges... a visible symbol in bridging racial gaps and standing out like the jewel she is. So strong in faith of her God in asking the father to "Forgive them, for they know not what they do.." What an honor. I weep for the six year old who was brave and scared and did it anyway. I stand in awe of her courage.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_CRWzTHbup0/UYHIYGu-J1I/AAAAAAAABzA/Xq6tcjDVW_I/s1600/Ruby+Bridges.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="521" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_CRWzTHbup0/UYHIYGu-J1I/AAAAAAAABzA/Xq6tcjDVW_I/s640/Ruby+Bridges.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"> I weep for the six year old who was brave and scared and did it anyway. I stand in awe of her courage. </span></div>
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This other image I'll be almost no one recognizes. I went to the Civil Rights exhibit and the Leonardo last February. It was UH-MAY-ZING! I saw this photo. I don't recall who the photographer is so if anyone out there knows, please tell me so I can give credit. </div>
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The story behind this photo was about the first "HEAD START" and the sadness of how the black schools and student didn't have even the proper materials to learn with. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dv5GBtA8zd0/UYHXcTkb9II/AAAAAAAABzQ/W7ZIEqc8UqI/s1600/Black+PreSchools.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dv5GBtA8zd0/UYHXcTkb9II/AAAAAAAABzQ/W7ZIEqc8UqI/s640/Black+PreSchools.jpg" width="382" /></a></div>
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<span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"type":45}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; outline: none; width: auto;" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">The black preschools didn't have materials so butcher paper was hung on the brick walls since tables and desks were non existent for them. I saw this photo and immediately wanted a picture of it for my Daughter to one day hang in her classroom. I wanted her to continue to be inspired to teach. I also want to get this picture of Ruby Bridges...</span></span><br />
<img alt="The problem we all live with - Norman Rockwell" src="http://uploads1.wikipaintings.org/images/norman-rockwell/the-problem-we-all-live-with-1935.jpg!Blog.jpg" /><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.199999809265137px; line-height: 20px;"> So she won't forget the road that was paved for her to have these graduating moments and so she will instill in her student this legacy (which actually belongs to us all, Black, White, Latin, Asian and </span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">everything</span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.199999809265137px; line-height: 20px;"> in between) and desire to grain knowledge, and to fight the good right to pave the way for those who will come behind us.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.199999809265137px; line-height: 20px;"> So my family has come for the graduation. And when I say family I mean those who walk the Earth and those who dwell on the other side. I can see and hear them. ' My parents flew in today, my mother from Michigan and my Father from Arizona. Their parents have already been here for a week. My daughter was wondering why the dog has been flipping out. I didn't really tell her because these things tend to freak her out sometimes. But she has been surrounded by Dudley's and Gambles and Jordans and Flowers and Warfield's for the last week. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.199999809265137px; line-height: 20px;"> She is their legacy and they are here to support and cheer her on to victory. I hope somehow she gets a small glimpse of who is here in her behalf. And I hope she knows they pleased with choices she made, the hurdles she's crossed and the accomplishment's she's achieved. She is their success and the example of her family members who follow behind her. The Lord has paved her way with blessings all her life and will continue to do so. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.199999809265137px; line-height: 20px;"> Many of my friends have looked at me with a saddened face and said... "She's all grown up now and startling life on her own don't you want to just hold her back for a little while, it's all moving so quickly?" </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.199999809265137px; line-height: 20px;"> I say to them as a proud mother. Hold her back? NO WAY! I didn't do all this to hold her back. How will I ever know what kind of mother I truly am unless I give her to the world and see what she can add to it? I"m excited to see her go. I'm excited to watch her fly. I'm excited for the world to be blessed with all she has to add to it! i can't wait to see her in action!" I thank All who encountered my child through education whether it be in the class room or outside of it. As a Single mother I was NEVER a single mother. So this is an accomplishment we share with many! I thank USU for taking her, guiding her, nurturing her, calling her and letting her know there were scholarships and grants she qualified for and having her come in and apply for them. I thank USU for including health care cost into tuition so that was one less thing as a student she had to worry about. I thank USU for having a Black Student Union to give minority kids like mine a place to come together and socialize in a safe environment focusing on academics and community. I thank My Daughter, Alieshia for putting in the work to reach those accomplishments that many who come from single parent homes don't end up reaching.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.199999809265137px; line-height: 20px;"> As she puts on her cap and gown and walks with her Tassel and her Cum Laud cords.... I'll be saying Watch out World... There's an Aggie in the house about to change the world in her own little way. </span></span></div>
ShaBANGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435939559462982820noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1556756845096352998.post-2868043181024875462013-03-16T21:14:00.001-07:002013-03-16T23:37:52.435-07:00 Kickin Ass and Just Don't CareWhen I hear stories of kids being bulled, It makes me wanna find the bully, and start kickin ass...<img src="http://tlcinstitute.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/bullying-research-image.jpg" /><br />
And YES I KNOW by doing that it make me hypocritical and also makes me then become a bully but I totally wouldn't care because I think all bullies should get a taste of their own actions. <br />
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Quite often we hear from those parents who have concerns for their kids who are being targeted and picked on and we offer ideas to try and help the solution. We go to the schools and start these ANTI- BULLYING and NO TOLERANCE -NO BULLYING or STOP HURTING Campaigns.<br />
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<a href="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQRR_ofHjj9g0hNT59AGgHoANyVYlVc0RW51HlwDvKF0ecfd-cQ" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQRR_ofHjj9g0hNT59AGgHoANyVYlVc0RW51HlwDvKF0ecfd-cQ" /></a></div>
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSlc_2mp1skxxcDS0eRQFjqp7U8rLJ4aXKKC9bg2TktM83iuY3T4g" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSlc_2mp1skxxcDS0eRQFjqp7U8rLJ4aXKKC9bg2TktM83iuY3T4g" /></a><img src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRkAB_F7uIKRjWNgicsS_rGxdS4VoXCIY6gc3F7WuydOoNuLcx7" /><br />
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Are they working? Do they mean anything to the kids? And what happens outside of school when there are no teachers or principles in charge? What happens on the buses or at the bus stops? What about the neighborhood parks and play grounds or even at Church? It's not secret that kids to day are more Audacious, less respectful and to some degree clueless about social graces. They'd rather text a friend then actually pick up a phone or walk next door to speak with them. In leaving them to their electronic devises have they become hard hearted toward the feeling of others and the impact of what their actions cause? Life is not a "restart" when life levels of age 11, 12 and 13 get difficult. There is no google apt for "life cheats" they can download into their brains and just allow it to take over until life gets easier.<br />
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The average age of cyber bullying starts about 9 years old that's around 3rd and 4th grade. That's pretty young. I have seen it start in real life in kindergarten with 5 and 6 year olds. That's horrific.<br />
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Children are killing themselves because of it.<span style="background-color: white; color: #7a7a7a; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">.[ <b>Children every year commit </b></span><b><a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suicide" rel="wikipedia" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #f3686d; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" title="Suicide">suicide</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #7a7a7a; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> because of extreme bullying. An estimated 160,000 students stay home from school every day because of bullying incidents Says an article in </span><a href="http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1978773,00.html" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #f3686d; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">TIME</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #7a7a7a; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> magazine: </span></b><span style="color: #7a7a7a; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 20.99431800842285px;"><b>http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1978773,00.html</b></span></span><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #7a7a7a; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">] </span></b><br />
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That's heart breaking.<br />
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My daughter, now age 23 and about to graduate from Utah State University with a Bachelors in early childhood education, is student teaching at a local school. She is working with children how are being bullied in school and at church. She knows it's happening, however in the schools if you don't see it happening, there if very little you can do to confront the bully or their parents, which is where I believe the problem is. This should not be a situation the schools should be dealing with. This is a HOME TRAINING situation. Bullying starts and stops within the home. Too many of us live under the umbrella of "NOT MY CHILD..." When indeed it can be ANY of our child on either side of the bullying. We barely take the time to sit with our children and go over home work and school assignments let alone talk to them about bullying. We leave too much up to the schools these days When indeed the schools and homes should be in partnership to consistently train and educate a child in the ways they should be. My hell we had the time to lay up with someone and make the child. We out to make the time to educated them every step of the way in every aspect of life. Maybe all too late we've come to realize that 30 minutes of "love" can birth 18+ years of heartache if we are not careful in dealing with our children. I am under the impression that every parent should carry on as if their child is the bully and the one being bullied. <br />
<img height="266" src="http://thumbnails.visually.netdna-cdn.com/student-bullying_50290b45da459.png" width="400" /><br />
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One thing I carried from my childhood school days is looking up at random times while in class and seeing my father talking to the teacher. I wouldn't know how long he was in there. what I was doing when he walked in and if I was going to get a show down when I came home from school. All of my siblings have had this experience. I can remember speaking with him about one time when I was away to college. I said..."well I know I was sometimes the child from hell and you needed to check and make sure I wasn't causing any trouble in school.." He said that was exactly right. but then he said... "I also needed to make sure that you were being treated properly in school by teachers and schoolmates." I never thought of it that way. When my daughter started school I carried on that tradition. I would show up to her school and in her class at random times from Kindergarten until she graduated high school. In elementary school it was a special treat. I remember walking into her third grade class and speaking with her teacher and hearing one of her friends say.. " Hey, your mom is here!" To which my daughter said... "I know, she like to come and check up on me sometimes." Her class mate said.."Oh wow, that's cool I wish my mom would come and visit and check on me!" I remember turning and winking at her when I left the class that day.<br />
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There were a couple of times when I got reports that my daughter was causing disruptions and so on.They were usually at parent teacher conferences and it was usually she has a group of friends that sit together in class and kind of disrupt it by always visiting and laughing with one another.<br />
I remedied that rather quickly with requesting her seat be up front and way from her friends to making her write and read an apology letter to the class for being disruptive and taking away from education time. This didn't make her a target, it made her a class leader. When I learned there was a problem (and that's been all of twice in her school days) I Jumped on it. I handled the situation by letting her know expeditiously what would and would not be tolerated. I knew my child, what she was capable of good and bad. Her teachers knew her, what she was capable of good and bad. When crap went down as school they recognized the my child sticks up for the underdog, took time to learn why people act the way they do and could disrupt the class with a joke or comical story to stall the teaching process. I do recall one incident when I got a call from her...she was in tears and all she could say to me on the phone was... "I WANT TO COME HOME." I bolted from work, rushed to the school, found her in the principles office in tears saying " I want to come home." I asked the principle what was going on. He didn't know. We went into his office and closed the door. The first thing he said to me was.."I know your daughter very well, she is one of the only students who fits into every clique or genre in this school so if there is a problem with her, she's been acted upon. I asked her if she was hurt or felt her safety was in danger and she said no. That's all I could get out of her so we let her call you."<br />
Turns out there's one kid in class that likes to target people and for whatever reason today she chose my child. As it turns out my daughter stood up to her face to face and handled the situation. But after class she was so angry that her own friends in the same class didn't have her back that she felt betrayed and hurt. She said she didn't "give a damn" about the chick in class because she's got her own issues to live with. I was relieved that she was not in any harm and most of all that she stood up to this class jerk. However I told her that I couldn't let her go home, because then those who upset her would win. I told her she had to stay and finish out the school day. The principle however asked if she wanted to have her friends called down to the office to talk about what happened and how it made her feel to have "friends" like that. We all agreed that's what she should do. It turned out to be a good thing.<br />
I believe in making children accountable for their actions and choices. Right or wrong, I would have been in favor of this picture had it come to it:<br />
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<img src="http://ccskidz.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/bullywithsign-jpeg3.jpg?w=490" /><br />
I hope this young lady receive something other than a sign to hold and a vacation from school for a few days. IF adults can go to jail for harassment and assault, perhaps children should also do some time<br />
Bullying. I don't know if that's the answer, but I sure would make me thing twice about putting my hands on or threatening someone just for sport doesn't only happen to the kids that are different. We need to teach our kids they are not alone in the struggles they're having as kids. We also need to teach them how to have self esteem so they can make it through those tough times because once you come out of it, life can be pretty amazing!!!!<br />
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PS:<br />
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Here's a look at some other kids who were bullied :<br />
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Tom Cruise</div>
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Tom has said he was a victim of bulling at the hands of his father. He has "vowed" to be a great father so he will never make his children feel how he was felt by someone who was supposed to love him</div>
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Charlize Theron</div>
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Charlize has shared that she was never popular at school. When chatting with People, she revealed that she cried one day at school because the popular girl at school wouldn't let her sit next to her. When someone as gorgeous as Charlize speaks about being bullied, it really highlights how it can happen to anyone.</div>
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<img alt="bullies" height="320" src="http://cdn3.blogs.babble.com/famecrawler/files/bullies/iha-000468.jpg" width="213" /></div>
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Jessica Alba</div>
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In an interview with Mirror, Jessica shared that she was bullied so badly as a young child that she had to be walked to school and eat her lunch in the nurses office. She also shared that she never wanted to "lower to their standards" so she wouldn't say anything mean back.</div>
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<img alt="bullies" height="320" src="http://cdn4.blogs.babble.com/famecrawler/files/bullies/cno-005772.jpg" width="222" /></div>
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Sandra Bullock</div>
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Sandra shared that she was the victim of bullying while in school because of her clothes. She went on to say that she can even remember the first and last name of every mean kid -- which shows just how much of an impact it has.</div>
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Chris Rock</div>
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<span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.3em;">Chris was bullied from a very early age because of his race. He has been quite outspoken about how he feel bullying is what makes the world go round -- and America wouldn't be what it is with out it (good and by</span><img alt="bullies" height="320" src="http://cdn2.blogs.babble.com/famecrawler/files/bullies/alo-121190.jpg" width="217" /></div>
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Christina Aguilera</div>
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Christina was bullied for different reasons than some of the others. She feels it was her talent that was making people try to tear her down. Around the time she was starting to make a name for herself with her singing, the bullying got worse. There really is no 'one sized fits all' victim when it comes to bullying</div>
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<img alt="bullies" height="320" src="http://cdn2.blogs.babble.com/famecrawler/files/bullies/aes-033430.jpg" width="211" /></div>
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ShaBANGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435939559462982820noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1556756845096352998.post-50569392197666611862012-11-29T10:27:00.001-08:002012-12-02T14:22:43.536-08:00Happy Celebration of Life, Year 45.<div>
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<img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-klerSyqu46M/ULepJcLL5RI/AAAAAAAABsY/ppsJO3c51X0/IMAG0727.png" /><br />
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!<br />
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It's been a long looong. Year. Last year my birthday started off with a death. It was devastating. I put off celebrating my birthday until I felt better about it. I put it off for a year. Each time I thought about celebrating my life I could only thing about death. My 44th year went uncelebrated. The whole year felt as if there was little to celebrate. It seemed like one negative thing right after another right up until this 45th year.<br />
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So this year I'll be doing the opposite. I believe that once you declare something to your life... the opposite shows up to test you and your resolve. Meaning once I've declared this year of 45 to be one of positive things.... all that is negative will show up to test how serious and ready I am to be on a positive track. If you don't have a test, you can't have a testimony. I'm ready to have many testimonies. And I'm ready to create more positive things in the world. I believe that the things we do are born from our thoughts, words and actions. The things we do begin with the things we think. Where the mind goes, the behind follows. As a man/woman thinks, so they are. I will create more positive thoughts. I will create more positive words. I will create more positive actions and things in this world. From December 1, 2012- November 30,2013 I'm going to create 45 positive things. Who will Celebrate my 45th year with me by doing 45 positive things?<br />
*Happy Birthday To MEE!!!* :)</div>
ShaBANGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435939559462982820noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1556756845096352998.post-44675864783722465302012-11-11T18:20:00.001-08:002012-11-11T18:43:32.689-08:00Keeping Family Alive Through All Generations of Time<div>
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<img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7zuUjwEIxRc/UKBcz22TbkI/AAAAAAAABrY/66-NAsFn108/IMAG0697.png" /><br />
Johnnie Melba (Warfield) Flowers-Worrell's Cookie Jar. Always full of homemade rolled out sugar cookies.<br />
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<h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent">22
Days of Thanksgiving: Day November 11. Today is my Great Grand Mother's Bday:
Johnnie Melba Warfield. She was 1 amazing woman. The Oldest of 13. She
had 1 child, Pearl Dryden Flowers. That would be 2 amazing women. And
from those two amazing women I have learned an eternity of wisdom to
base my life on. "How it takes a village to raise a child" and "If you
don't ever start smoking or drinking you'll never have to worry about
knowing how to stop" I also learned how to cheer people on who need
encouragement, praise even in the smallest acts of accomplishments,
learning is a choice, but teach so the option to learn is available. I
also learned there's nothing like a good old fashioned cookie jar full
of good old fashioned sugar cookies to raid when people come to visit,
and if everyone gives up a small portion of what they have to those who
have nothing then we all benefit from the goodness that comes from it.
They were educated by schools, common sense, the streets, the bible and
life. I often look to their example while being a woman, mother, mentor.
I am Thankful for the lives they lived and the wisdom they shared that
is still being shared down through the generations. Happy Birthday
Great-Grandmother.</span></span></h5>
</div>
ShaBANGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435939559462982820noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1556756845096352998.post-10147806602301449442012-02-27T11:21:00.002-08:002012-02-27T11:43:28.446-08:00Make Me The Poster Child For SUCCESSWhen you see me you will see a statistic: A black women who grew up in a broken home and a child out of wed lock at the age of 22 and didn't graduate college. I'm a menace to society and strain on the Government. I declare to you and to the world that I am a poster child. A poster child for success. February 2012 has been emotional for me. I do what I do each year during black history month: I think of my ancestors and what they've gone through, I watch the programs they put on TV about famous activist and citizens who left their mark in history: Rosa Park, Martin Luther King, The Delany Sisters. This year I watched the Lena Baker story which devastated me into a PTSD relapse I'm still fighting my way out of. For those don't know the story, Google will provide a history. <br /> <br />It is true I did have a child out of wedlock. I never graduated college and I was on the welfare system for 2 years. Also at one time I held 3 jobs and went to night school all at the same time while maintaining service callings in church. Each time I started to climb the "ladder to success" according to traditional means I got knocked down a rung or two. My plan was not God's plan so I submitted to his. <br /><br /> I went to work. I focused on my daughter's education. I focused on being an available parent and not brushing her education off to JUST the public school systems alone.. I required she pick a sport, and insturment and a language. She excelled. I took the time to be at performances and make sure she was at practices and participate. SHE made sure she was committed and when she wasn't she did it anyway. She couldn't drop out or quit in the middle she had to see it through to the end, not letting down teammates and learning to be true to her commitments.<br /> I focused on her cultivating good friendships,good work ethic and self esteem. I spent time with her. We argued, we yelled, we screamed. I even apologized when I was wrong or when I hurt her. I was tough, I was fun, I WAS MOM. Today at age 44 none of the passed has changed. I am still that statistic you see. I am also that poster child you do not see. <br /><br /> My Daughter is in college at a state university on a scholarship. She did all she was asked in regards to schoolShe had a part time job that has propelled her into a training position. She is doing so well her professors are asking her to present at conferences for others already in the profession she has chosen to go into. They are pleading with her to go to Graduate School. The dean of College tracked her down at her job and offered her a paid internship and a paid apprenticeship to help with Graduate school. She has been offered an internship during the summer for credit towards her senior year of College. Remarkably everything has fallen in place for her from the time I brought her home from the hospital when she was 24 hours old. Because she is successful I, too am successful. I am not alone in my success. <br /><br /> I claim it for my family who took my daughter in during the summers and cared for her while I relished in time for myself. For family members who spend time, money and talent to help me raise a function member of society who can function on her own talents and abilities. I claim it for my church community who placed their hands upon our heads when we were sick, depressed and needed special care. I claim it for The Ballard and Smith Families in Provo, Utah whose home she spent so much time at growing up they truly could have claimed her on their taxes. <br /> I claim it for my Mother and Father who, me being the odd man out, I KNOW were scared for my success in this world. I claim it for my Grandmother who great-granddaughter bares a remarkable striking resemblance of her and what she stands for, who happens to be going into the same profession. I claim it for my Grandma who I bear a remarkable striking resemblance to. <br /> I purchased my own home in October of 2011. <br /> Never in my life did I imagine being a property owner. This month, especially, as I get my new house in order I am overcome with emotion in recognition of the conditions my native American and slave ancestors survived in: Dirt floors, unclean water, no windows, sun up and sundown in the fields, living under the fear of being snatched and sold to another. I am in recognition for those who lost jobs, homes, dignity and were abused because of their participation in marches and boycotts and any behavior to find equality. I claim my success for them. This weekend I painted the last wall in my new home. I burst into tears. I am grateful for those who lost their lives in the hope that this day would come for me and others like me. That I would be successful in anything that crossed my path that I chose to act upon. I feel like my how is all of their homes to and I MUST honor the space I choose to live. Compared to their homes I am in a mansion. And in God's home are many mansions of all size, shapes and accomodations. <br /><br /> I am successful. Not by what I have but by what I do with what I have and I share that success. I share it with all family and friends, I claim it for anyone who I took from and gave to out of need because I want you to know I passed on your kindness to others in hopes to add links to chains of compassion, love and kindness. I claim it for passed, present and future people who have embraced me and mine and who will embrace me and mine. I claim it for me because of you AND I claim it for all of you and YOU DARE NOT DENY ME.ShaBANGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435939559462982820noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1556756845096352998.post-69103826237629775982012-01-13T17:17:00.000-08:002012-01-14T12:45:33.746-08:00FRIED CHICKEN JUST TEND TO MAKE YOU FEEL BETTER ABOUT LIFE!!!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L0N-xjWOFU4/TxDYh9Ce8MI/AAAAAAAABlw/Qa0lZhbN5so/s1600/Fried%2Bchicken.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L0N-xjWOFU4/TxDYh9Ce8MI/AAAAAAAABlw/Qa0lZhbN5so/s320/Fried%2Bchicken.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697291606455939266" /></a><br /><br /><br />True story about fried chicken. It's my most favorite food. Ever. Crispy, golden, succulent, juicy, delicious. I love it. Fried chicken is one of those comfort food that make you feel secure, happy and loved. <br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sc0RyXgOr1A/TxDaJ9Yp8MI/AAAAAAAABl8/ba0pfQ-nAp8/s1600/KFC%2BVintage.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 309px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sc0RyXgOr1A/TxDaJ9Yp8MI/AAAAAAAABl8/ba0pfQ-nAp8/s320/KFC%2BVintage.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697293393255329986" /></a><br /><br />Remember this guy? Nothing like taking him on a picnic to the park with the family for Memorial Day, July 4th, After t-ball games and softball practice. A bucket of the colonial best was always the main for a picnic.<br /><br />There is something special about Sundays and holidays. People stereotype African Americans with the dish but it was roaming around Europe way back in Midieval times. The English preferred it boiled or back but it was the Scottish who introduced fried chicken to the United states when they immigrated to the southern states.<br /> As slaves were brought to America work on southern plantations, those who worked as cooks added spices and seasonings that weren't used in Scottish cooking. Most slaves were only given or allowed to keep cheap meat sources such as the boney parts of animals such as the ribs, tongue, hocks, tails, and entrails (chitlins) of Pigs and Cows. And they were usually allowed to keep and breed chickens. African communities in the southern states friend chicken on special occasions.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-scFWyIbI2kw/TxDhZQMn0UI/AAAAAAAABmI/DFmc5ZwfgSE/s1600/fried-chicken%2BII.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 241px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-scFWyIbI2kw/TxDhZQMn0UI/AAAAAAAABmI/DFmc5ZwfgSE/s320/fried-chicken%2BII.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697301352584565058" /></a><br /> Back in the day people realized fried chicken too longer to spoil and was great for traveling. The recipe is easy and timeless and hasn't really changed much at all. Fried chicken is still popular for Sunday dinner and it is also served on holidays such as Independence Day.<br /> In actuality Minny was right: Fried chicken really does make you tend to feel better about life. <br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LtbpBwIoHf8/TxDkSDxFrUI/AAAAAAAABmU/bH5Npo3GJPw/s1600/mmm%2Bgood.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 271px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LtbpBwIoHf8/TxDkSDxFrUI/AAAAAAAABmU/bH5Npo3GJPw/s320/mmm%2Bgood.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697304527523654978" /></a><br /><br /> I watched the help for the first time 2 days before Christmas. My daughter watched it with me. When it came to the part of where Minny was teaching how to fry chicken my daughter looked at me and said.."That's so you! You and your friend Chicken! HEY we should have it for Christmas dinner!" We had been trying to come up with our Christmas Dinner Menu. Minny made that chicken look so good we did, indeed, have fried chicken for Christmas dinner. And it did make us feel better about life.<br /> <br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t3DP-3Fb6wg/TxDkj36Zu1I/AAAAAAAABmg/720vbaxhgTc/s1600/southern-style-fried-chicken.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t3DP-3Fb6wg/TxDkj36Zu1I/AAAAAAAABmg/720vbaxhgTc/s320/southern-style-fried-chicken.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697304833579137874" /></a><br /> So in honor of this succulent bird that is so well loved, anytime I need to feel better about life, I'm all about the fried chicken!ShaBANGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435939559462982820noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1556756845096352998.post-12256152572677686442011-12-21T22:26:00.000-08:002011-12-22T00:18:29.928-08:00STINK! STANK! STUNK!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qM7o0evJquA/TvLnaSXMRGI/AAAAAAAABlA/t3b_GMSVVVQ/s1600/Grinch.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 306px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qM7o0evJquA/TvLnaSXMRGI/AAAAAAAABlA/t3b_GMSVVVQ/s320/Grinch.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688863718114083938" /></a><br /> A friend posed this question today: "Who is the Grinch in your life this year?" So I got to thinking... "YEAH!Who IS the Grinch in my life this year?" I got to thinking of the people around me and the complaining and bitching and drama I get to observe every day. For the most part I'm used to it but then a nagging little voice in my head broke through and chimed in: I'm the Grinch in my life this year. I've been told I've been a little bitchy since about Thanksgiving. I can't even deny it. I've been edgy irritable and a little sad. The Season started off with a broken foot and a death. And the frustration of not being able to get my mail key after, Oh let's see we're goin on 2 months now. I truck up the post office about twice a week to get all of my "time sensitive" mail. I couldn't get to the post office very often the 3 weeks my foot was in the boot. So I missed a few deadlines when it came to some home warranty extensions and those kinds of things. My old appartment complex is pimping me for $500 because they decided it was time to change the carpet in the apt I moved out of and claims there were stains they couldn't get out. Both stains were powder. yeah, that's right POWDER. Powder I was able to vacuum and get out myself a couple other times I spilled while living there. Then 2 Saturday's ago I had 2 flat times. TWO. So I'm feeling a little picked on lately. I know it's just my turn and we all go through stuff.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-42Pf38ZgPYI/TvLmqyvPJlI/AAAAAAAABk0/5E4QioyYqv0/s1600/Gentiles%2Bsolstice.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 192px; height: 263px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-42Pf38ZgPYI/TvLmqyvPJlI/AAAAAAAABk0/5E4QioyYqv0/s320/Gentiles%2Bsolstice.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688862902171149906" /></a><br /><br /> And there really is no one to blame. With buying a new house, and my car going on the fritz every other month and now the latest events I'm emotionally and mentally spent. I've used my reserves and just felt like I haven't had time to renew. This is an excellent recipe for Grinch Casserole. I've been trying to do little things here and there and they do help but only just a little. My mind is telling me if I want little results to make little attempts. So I think I need to make greater attempts to get greater results.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e8lmPNg4los/TvLmYoVjxHI/AAAAAAAABko/VXb3X4ncKsA/s1600/Santa%2Bgrinch.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e8lmPNg4los/TvLmYoVjxHI/AAAAAAAABko/VXb3X4ncKsA/s320/Santa%2Bgrinch.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688862590141449330" /></a><br /><br /> Today is December 22. I've got 3 days to ungrinch myself. And I know what I have to do to get rid of this Stink, Stank, Stunk feeling. Take a quick look around yourself for that Grinchy person in your life this year. If you can't find them, check out the mirror. If you're grabbing for the razor to shave off that green 5'o clock shadow... have a <br />MERRY <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4jnURJtoU3k/TvLl6yal7nI/AAAAAAAABkc/ch3ymJjd9Oc/s1600/Grinchmas.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4jnURJtoU3k/TvLl6yal7nI/AAAAAAAABkc/ch3ymJjd9Oc/s320/Grinchmas.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688862077450841714" /></a>ShaBANGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435939559462982820noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1556756845096352998.post-34344504422620577642011-09-20T22:42:00.000-07:002011-09-20T23:00:44.765-07:00September 21st My Favorite Day!Favorite Day, You say? Why would anyone pick September 21st as a favorite day? I'll tell you why someone would pick today as a favorite day. I'll tell you in 4 words: EARTH WIND AND FIRE! Yeah I'm serious. My favorite band: EARTH WIND AND FIRE. They happen to sing my favorite song: SEPTEMBER! Ok well that might explain why I like the Month of September. But why the DAY September 21? Anyone familiar with song will know this! The very first verse of the song! Let's say it ALL TOGETHER:<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Do you remember the<br />21st night of September?<br />Love was changing the minds of pretenders<br />While chasing the clouds away!</span><br /><br />Awesome, right? That also happens to be my future wedding date if Marriage ever happens! The beauty of that day? I'll of course open up my wedding reception with my favorite song! PERFECT right? RIGHT?! I have decided Each Year on this Day to throw a party. And Earth Wind and Fire Party! And just laugh and dance the night away. This is the one song that puts me in a great mood no matter what! I just can't sit still when I hear it. Can you? Try it! I DARE YOU! I invite everyone to Borrow my favorite day and my favorite song and laugh and dance the night away. Even if you're just sitting at home, put on some Earth Wind and Fire and DANCE! BOOGIE WONDERLAND! I promise you will not be able to wipe the smile off your face and stop your feet from tapping! Try it! I DARE YA!<br /><br /><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/5AcI7egi-5U" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>ShaBANGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435939559462982820noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1556756845096352998.post-37140029182756081822011-08-22T20:15:00.000-07:002011-08-24T05:34:50.579-07:00Bruisin' On A Sunday Afternoon...(.Cruisin Part II)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DpJoE1l7kpQ/TlTvtQfI3ZI/AAAAAAAABgM/OqVFvqs0v8Q/s1600/July%2BAugust%2B238.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DpJoE1l7kpQ/TlTvtQfI3ZI/AAAAAAAABgM/OqVFvqs0v8Q/s320/July%2BAugust%2B238.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644399793800797586" /></a>
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<br /> As I was leaving Causey Dam and heading back home from a fabulous day I was moving to pull onto HWY 39 to head back to Ogden. I saw a group of motor cyclist and waited for them to pass before getting on the hwy behind them.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ywb4s878Hng/TlMfp7JdwcI/AAAAAAAABfs/ABdFaPJPjTs/s1600/July%2BAugust%2B243.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ywb4s878Hng/TlMfp7JdwcI/AAAAAAAABfs/ABdFaPJPjTs/s320/July%2BAugust%2B243.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643889563137851842" /></a>
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<br />It just so happens this year I've been conscious of sharing the road with bikers and cyclist because if the recent deaths of regarding cyclist and bikers in the Salt Lake Valley. I remembered the signs saying something like "SHARE THE ROAD."
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<br />As I was driving I found myself catching up the them pretty quickly. I kind of thought that if I were on a motorcycle I would be a little nervous if a car or truck rolled up on me to the point where it felt like tailgating. So I kept a pretty good distance back, at lest a car length.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x6iJ2Y248CY/TlMoEGtSM9I/AAAAAAAABf0/rcu4LXkJRac/s1600/July%2BAugust%2B244.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x6iJ2Y248CY/TlMoEGtSM9I/AAAAAAAABf0/rcu4LXkJRac/s320/July%2BAugust%2B244.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643898809010500562" /></a>
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<br />(Yes I took a picture because I thought it was cool watching the formations of the bikers going up hill and around corners.)
<br /> You couldn't help feeling a little jealousy watching them ride synchronized like a well orchestra ballet. It was such a great day for a roadtrip, couldn't ask for better weather or scenery.
<br />I'm in my car with the air conditioning blowing away and singing at the top of my lungs to the radio.
<br /> Out of the corner of my left eye I saw a truck passing me. My heart caught in my throat as I looked in from of me because there was no room for him to go especially at the rate of speed he was traveling. This truck passed me as if I was standing still so I slowed down allowing room for him between me and the cyclist.
<br /> This JERKHOLE was going so fast that he didn't immediately slow down. He had to run of the shoulder and slam on his breaks 2 or 3 times so as not to run into the bikers. And even after doing that he was still tailgating them. From behind it looked as if he wss inches away from the 2 bikes directly in front of me. You would think with narrow roads, blind curves Mr Jerkhole would have caught a clue and slowed his row. But nooo, not mr Jerkhole. As soon as an oncoming car passed he ,not even fully in the oncoming lane passed the two bikers he was tailgating and jumped in front of the next group of bikers. When he passed he was very close to the bikes he was passing. I couldn't believe how dangerous this guy was driving. I kind of kept a distance waiting for him to make another dumb-ass move.
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<br />We drove without further incident until we got to the main intersection that would direct us back into the Ogden Canyon.
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<br />What happened next was like scene from a movie: One of the motorcyclist slowly road up to the side of the truck and said something to the truck driver. Next thing I know the a fist comes flying out of the truck. The biker backed up so as not to get hit. Then dude started backing his truck and then turns towards the one biker who scrambles out of the way. Then the truck turns and starts reversing towards the other group of bikers in front of my car. They have to scramble and reverse out of the way which means the truck is now backing up towards me.
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<br /> IT JUST GOT PERSONAL! I was minding my own business trying to stay out of other people's business but this Dumb-ass just put me in their business.The truck suddenly stops and dude jumps out and charges the bikers and starts swinging on them.
<br /> I guess I got my other dumb-ass move. One of the bikers took one swing and then blood all over. By this time the intersection is blocked: Because dumb-ass' truck blocked most of the road, and cars were stopping to call the police and stop the fighting. Dumb-ass truck driver suddenly jumps back in his truck and drives away. I pull my car as much as I can to the shoulder and flip my hazards on. Another spectator called 911. We gathered on the side of the road waiting for authorities to show up. I decided if police were getting involved I wanted to be a witness.
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<br /> Someone from the parks and forest services showed up first. He got the details of the situation and radio'd the Sheriff's department. He asked everyone who had stopped what the situation was. Most stopped because of the fighting in the middle of the intersection. Since I saw everything from the time jerkhole passed me until the time he pulled away hw asked if I would stay to give my statement to the police. I didn't have one problem getting someone like that off the roads, before he kills someone. I was able to get some of what happened on my camera.
<br />Within a few minutes a police showed up and everyone began to relay the experience to him. He let us know they were able to find Dumb-ass and he was in police custody down the street at the Chevron and asked if we all wouldn't mind driving down there to speak to the over officers.
<br /> We drove to the Chevron and there was a paramedic, firetruck, police car and a man in hand cuff's around the side of the building.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YNNdIIdOqtw/TlTj-VOop3I/AAAAAAAABf8/bPAy2OJy8mo/s1600/July%2BAugust%2B247.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YNNdIIdOqtw/TlTj-VOop3I/AAAAAAAABf8/bPAy2OJy8mo/s320/July%2BAugust%2B247.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644386892991997810" /></a>
<br /> (Dumb-ass is being blocked by the officer giving him a drink of water)
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<br />The officer who was with us at the intersection went and spoke to the officers who had dumb-ass in cuff's around the other side of the building. After a few moments he asked to speak to me and wanted to know what I witnessed. I relayed to him what happened. After asking the group if they wanted to press charges he asked if I could give an official statement. I agreed. It appears Dumb-ass said the reason he jumped out of his truck was because the biker who rolled up to his window threw a punch at him.
<br /> Does this make sense to you: A man sitting on a motorcycle sitting at least 2 feet lower and 3ft away throwing a punch at someone in 1/4 ton pick up truck? I DON'T THINK SO!
<br /> The officer agreed. In time 2 other officers would come and ask me again to relay to them what happened. Each time they asked me if I was sure Dumb-ass threw the first punch. Dumb-ass jumped out of his truck swinging. There was really no question who the aggressor was. The motorcyclists were pretty much on their bikes the whole time until he started swinging on the 2 women. I believe the Biker who connected to his fist to dumb-ass' nose was on his bike when he did it. (but I'm willing to be wrong)
<br /> Finally 2.5 hours later the police had the evidence and statements they needed make their reports. They asked me to be prepared to be summons back to Huntsville if dumb-ass keeps being a dumb-ass. I'm prepared to do that. Because we also find out during this whole process Dumb-ass had an "opened container." While driving. WOW, REALLY! BONUS! That's just icing in the Dumb-ass cake if you ask me.
<br /> I think most people would have just went along their merry way with a story to tell. I believe if more people stopped minding their own business when things like this happened the country wouldn't be going to hell. We have an obligation to stand up to those dumb-asses in the world and let them know we're not going to just stand down and let them get away with stuff like this. All the devil needs to get ahead in this world is for good people to stand around... and do nothing.
<br /> The good thing about this whole incident?
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<br /> I met some really cool people, who, just like me, were Cruisin, on a Sunday afternoon!
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7FS8FCYj96c/TlTvKrFGBgI/AAAAAAAABgE/MHA_W09cRzw/s1600/bikers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 191px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7FS8FCYj96c/TlTvKrFGBgI/AAAAAAAABgE/MHA_W09cRzw/s320/bikers.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644399199643895298" /></a>
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<br />ShaBANGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435939559462982820noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1556756845096352998.post-6011098921943217242011-08-22T16:54:00.000-07:002011-08-24T05:48:04.943-07:00Cruizin... On A Sunday Afternoon...! Part I
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<br /> Woke up to a beautiful Sabbath on 8/21/2011. Got my praise one in the morning and decided to take a little road trip. What better way to remember the Lord than to be out in his country enjoying his creations. I jumped on I-15 and headed north. No particular place in mind. Just the desire to soak up the last bit of the weekend before the Monday grind. I found myself headed toward Ogden. I’d heard of a camping location up that way and wanted to check it out. Before hand I kind of just drove around the city and the neighborhood where at family home sits. After my quick tour of the city I headed East toward Ogden Canyon. If you’ve never taken this drive you gotta do it. Not only is it a gorgeous view it has elements of danger: Sharp curves, falling rocks…not just rocks… boulders from the eroding mountain ranges from above that have landed in the road and moved to the side.
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<br /> I hoped this particular road trip was going to be an adventure. The plan was to just go where I have never been before and see where I end up. There’s road construction going into the canyon which is always a delightful joy. Once you get passed it the drive is quite refreshing. This will not be a boring drive and will keep you on your toes.
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<br /> I came upon a place called Pine View Reservoir and a camping ground Called Anderson Cover. This will become a spot on my list of places to go camping. Its beautiful with the lakes in the background. I had seen the Reservoir and the dam before, but never went passed it. Little did I know I was selling myself short. I have sense learned there is great adventure in the phrase…” let’s just keep going and see what’s up ahead!” That’s exactly what I did. I continued passed Anderson Cove and decided to take the next left turn that came around. The left turn had me then headed north. I traveled North for a small while and decided North looked boring and decided to turn at the next intersection. I took a left and was immediately fascinated by the building and the signs I saw.
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<br /> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F0DqyPIAAzA/TlL8PzgYhoI/AAAAAAAABdk/Psxd3jD5z10/s1600/July%2BAugust%2B248.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F0DqyPIAAzA/TlL8PzgYhoI/AAAAAAAABdk/Psxd3jD5z10/s320/July%2BAugust%2B248.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643850631502923394" /></a>
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<br /> I had hit the little town of Huntsville, Ut. I parked my care at Huntsville Square, grabbed my camera and started talking. The air was hot but there was a cool breeze dancing around the sleeves of my blouse causing them to tickle my arm.
<br /> I passed a dentist office that looked as if it was façade from “Little House On The Prairie” and right next to it was a bbq house.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RX0sLZpGlFc/TlL-vgCS8sI/AAAAAAAABds/rkgeXo561Sk/s1600/July%2BAugust%2B159.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RX0sLZpGlFc/TlL-vgCS8sI/AAAAAAAABds/rkgeXo561Sk/s320/July%2BAugust%2B159.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643853375055524546" /></a>
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<br /> I turned the corner and across the street was a small building: Ogden Valley Community Church. I was small and cozy. Visions of a 1 room chapel danced across my mind .
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<br /> I continued down the block and across the street and before me was the Shooting Star Saloon lined with Motorcycles with laughter and music floating outside from the windows.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M7UnxXpZH-Y/TlL_Mj1QW9I/AAAAAAAABd0/kid06GIYC2Q/s1600/July%2BAugust%2B166.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M7UnxXpZH-Y/TlL_Mj1QW9I/AAAAAAAABd0/kid06GIYC2Q/s320/July%2BAugust%2B166.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643853874290777042" /></a>
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tAkNlf0Cigo/TlL_pe1yN0I/AAAAAAAABd8/aYtmCF1-AAQ/s1600/July%2BAugust%2B165.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tAkNlf0Cigo/TlL_pe1yN0I/AAAAAAAABd8/aYtmCF1-AAQ/s320/July%2BAugust%2B165.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643854371167024962" /></a>
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<br />Then I turned the corner I saw more of the “Walnut Grove” houses with rustic relics on the houses and in the well manicured lawns. It was truly a step into Norman Rockwell-ville and Old school Americana. I was content and a peace with myself and the world.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uM6kqz7kgS0/TlMAyjnlipI/AAAAAAAABeM/_gECtakyod8/s1600/July%2BAugust%2B170.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uM6kqz7kgS0/TlMAyjnlipI/AAAAAAAABeM/_gECtakyod8/s320/July%2BAugust%2B170.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643855626580101778" /></a>
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JhEWLNiahrY/TlMBCl4rf_I/AAAAAAAABeU/PJJhmprefHw/s1600/July%2BAugust%2B171.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JhEWLNiahrY/TlMBCl4rf_I/AAAAAAAABeU/PJJhmprefHw/s320/July%2BAugust%2B171.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643855902066573298" /></a>
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<br /> I walked the streets and drove the neighborhood and encountered horses,
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_hcxIHvun6Q/TlMBdcblHPI/AAAAAAAABec/Yhd-m4HBpIs/s1600/July%2BAugust%2B189.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_hcxIHvun6Q/TlMBdcblHPI/AAAAAAAABec/Yhd-m4HBpIs/s320/July%2BAugust%2B189.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643856363385068786" /></a>
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<br />beautiful lake front homes,
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3uhQEYJVbOI/TlMB35FAo4I/AAAAAAAABek/yxoCUhBhzb0/s1600/July%2BAugust%2B193.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3uhQEYJVbOI/TlMB35FAo4I/AAAAAAAABek/yxoCUhBhzb0/s320/July%2BAugust%2B193.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643856817751630722" /></a>
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<br /> an elderly woman in Pajama’s walking down the street with empty water containers
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<br /> and a tiny vegetable stand with summer and zucchini squash on it next to a sign with the word “FREE” next to it!
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--Ih_vtrHwVI/TlMCWR6j33I/AAAAAAAABes/JtlnZ-IDM_E/s1600/July%2BAugust%2B191.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--Ih_vtrHwVI/TlMCWR6j33I/AAAAAAAABes/JtlnZ-IDM_E/s320/July%2BAugust%2B191.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643857339814764402" /></a>
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<br />For a moment I wished it was my neighborhood. After about an hour of peaceful roaming I headed back to the intersection that led me to this place and decided to see what the East side has in store for me. The roads were windy and reminded me of the snake river. Along the way there were several turn outs for Camping sites. Cache National Forest: Magpie, Monte Cristo, South fork, perception park, Meadows, Willow.... some of the places were very dense with trees and brush. Once again getting restless with the winding of the road, I decided to turn off at the next main intersection.
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<br /> But instead I got off on a turn out and headed up a steep incline. The road is immediately narrow with very little visibility in front of me because of the winding around the side of the mountain. A little bit nervous, I press the gas. I'm in intrigued as to where this road will take me. There's a turn out to the right that levels off to less dangerously entry way and I can see several cars parked on what seems to be ledge. Of course I continue up the narrow steep incline. On the passenger side of me, a rail and a steep drop off. On the driver's side the oncoming traffic lane and a mountain. For the most part very little shoulder on each side.
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<br />One Thing you learn when traveling narrow mountain roads: You gotta commit! There is no u turning in situations like this and backing up it out of the question. When faced with this kind of thing, you must be sure you are willing to go the distance because the only way out is whatever way you find at the end of the road, sometimes you get a place to turn around on the other end, sometimes the road takes you a scenic byway that ends across the state line. Personally I recommend exploring every wrong turn because it may actually a correct turn. In my case, it was.
<br /> I crested a hill and spotted a place with a small shoulder to the side and decided to pull of and see what was over the side of the cliff I was driving on. What I found was absolutely breath taking.
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<br /> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fVocWTEa94g/TlL6265VueI/AAAAAAAABdM/onUlK4Rq_bU/s1600/July%2BAugust%2B207.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fVocWTEa94g/TlL6265VueI/AAAAAAAABdM/onUlK4Rq_bU/s320/July%2BAugust%2B207.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643849104478288354" /></a>
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uEZUtqSqfQ0/TlL7Vgj-aHI/AAAAAAAABdU/opzCDLPiQTI/s1600/July%2BAugust%2B213.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uEZUtqSqfQ0/TlL7Vgj-aHI/AAAAAAAABdU/opzCDLPiQTI/s320/July%2BAugust%2B213.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643849629985302642" /></a>
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SA5P_BS1bRk/TlL7zA0DIzI/AAAAAAAABdc/VqNtmvXCcyQ/s1600/July%2BAugust%2B217.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SA5P_BS1bRk/TlL7zA0DIzI/AAAAAAAABdc/VqNtmvXCcyQ/s320/July%2BAugust%2B217.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643850136858862386" /></a>
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<br />I couldn't stop taking pictures of this place.
<br />I jumped in the car and continued on anxious to see more
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l7hckQnkxds/TlMMdnqWevI/AAAAAAAABfE/_HR8ykl0BKQ/s1600/July%2BAugust%2B229.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l7hckQnkxds/TlMMdnqWevI/AAAAAAAABfE/_HR8ykl0BKQ/s320/July%2BAugust%2B229.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643868461027719922" /></a>
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WFgMUP6jy7Y/TlMMddK5HuI/AAAAAAAABe8/KS8dAm0D7gQ/s1600/July%2BAugust%2B224.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WFgMUP6jy7Y/TlMMddK5HuI/AAAAAAAABe8/KS8dAm0D7gQ/s320/July%2BAugust%2B224.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643868458211417826" /></a>
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dg-5hBU3K8w/TlMMdKH_dvI/AAAAAAAABe0/3mL2BX0Ylfs/s1600/July%2BAugust%2B220.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dg-5hBU3K8w/TlMMdKH_dvI/AAAAAAAABe0/3mL2BX0Ylfs/s320/July%2BAugust%2B220.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643868453098977010" /></a>
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vDUPaaWUkC8/TlMMd-MZGSI/AAAAAAAABfM/AMCZKBRFY7Q/s1600/July%2BAugust%2B234.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vDUPaaWUkC8/TlMMd-MZGSI/AAAAAAAABfM/AMCZKBRFY7Q/s320/July%2BAugust%2B234.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643868467076077858" /></a><
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<br />I looked around and finally got some inkling of where I was:
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--tqIgQcm8rk/TlMPflpPbmI/AAAAAAAABfc/vXlnM9NSml0/s1600/July%2BAugust%2B232.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--tqIgQcm8rk/TlMPflpPbmI/AAAAAAAABfc/vXlnM9NSml0/s320/July%2BAugust%2B232.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643871793380814434" /></a>
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<br />Still No idea where I was at this point. That Sign meant nothing to me! I lingered at this location for a while and walked down a dirt path to the bridge where the water fall was. I stood on the bridge enjoying the breeze and the mist of the water.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HVaMdx1RFGI/TlTx5aOdLsI/AAAAAAAABgc/ll0JhXBYrlg/s1600/July%2BAugust%2B236.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HVaMdx1RFGI/TlTx5aOdLsI/AAAAAAAABgc/ll0JhXBYrlg/s320/July%2BAugust%2B236.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644402201596866242" /></a>
<br />(crystal clear water)
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E8-ugY38Yno/TlTx4B0sCgI/AAAAAAAABgU/FgSp27e5mS0/s1600/July%2BAugust%2B235.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E8-ugY38Yno/TlTx4B0sCgI/AAAAAAAABgU/FgSp27e5mS0/s320/July%2BAugust%2B235.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644402177866467842" /></a>
<br /> (Off the bridge over the waterfall)
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<br />After walking around soaking up the Sun and taking in the Scenery, I recognized it was getting late and I probably needed to head back down to Salt Lake. Much to my reluctance I jumped back into my car and began to head home. It was a perfect day of solitude and peace... UNTIL...(to be continued)
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<br /> ShaBANGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435939559462982820noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1556756845096352998.post-87349636009344120502011-05-31T18:45:00.000-07:002011-05-31T21:17:40.358-07:00Reinstating Shoe Polish 2<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wQAD3Lynf_M/TeW8kfKLa8I/AAAAAAAABcI/6MmJLsTdZ7o/s1600/Utah%2BState%2BTerritorial%2BCapital%2Band%2BCove%2BFort%2B126.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wQAD3Lynf_M/TeW8kfKLa8I/AAAAAAAABcI/6MmJLsTdZ7o/s320/Utah%2BState%2BTerritorial%2BCapital%2Band%2BCove%2BFort%2B126.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613099845612694466" /></a><br /> <br />I DID IT! I REINSTATED SHOE POLISH! And it Planted a seed inside of me!<br /><br /> It sounds a little silly I know but I have felt a HUGE sense excitement and accomplishment. For some reason it was empowering! I feel like I can put on my newly polished shoes, go out into the community and give it a new coat of polish as well.<br /><br /> It's amazing what we can do if we just start. It doesn't have to be something HUGE either. Remember when I mentioned in Shoe Polish 1 how simple things can create more economy? Let me tell you about a little 5 year old girl in an apartment complex I lived in about 15 years ago. One early spring day she was eating watermelon and decided to keep and plant the seeds. <br /> She told her mommmy:<br /> "I'm going outside to plant my seeds!" <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PSKa4ozqx8U/TeW4TuDRkSI/AAAAAAAABbg/3A9mIWMATEA/s1600/Black-Watermelon-Seeds%2B%25281%2529.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PSKa4ozqx8U/TeW4TuDRkSI/AAAAAAAABbg/3A9mIWMATEA/s320/Black-Watermelon-Seeds%2B%25281%2529.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613095159505981730" /></a> And her mommy who was doing the dishes and not really paying attention didn't really think anything of it.Until she heard the door close. She watched her daughter go to the side of the apartment where they lived and dig a small shallow hole with a plastic spoon. Her daughter then dumped a pile of seeds into the shallow hole and then scooped a cup of dirt on top and then a small cup of water. And she ran back in and told her Mommy what she did!<br /><br />"that's nice baby girl" said her mommmy and went back to doing house work.<br /><br />Every couple days the little girl would announce she's going to water her seeds. The Mom didn't pay too much attention to it and eventually forgot about it.<br /> About 3 months later the mother and all the other tenants of the apartment complex noticed a vine sort of growing around the staircase and getting caught around their legs when going and coming up the stairs. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WoiisO0U_pY/TeW5s7obRpI/AAAAAAAABbo/bjjI3lEBAZc/s1600/vines.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 265px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WoiisO0U_pY/TeW5s7obRpI/AAAAAAAABbo/bjjI3lEBAZc/s320/vines.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613096692159825554" /></a> There was talk amongst the tenants of yanking it out and where had it come from. Then one day while the tenants were sitting out in the lawn enjoying a hot summer day the little girl came out of the house with a little cup of water. The mommy remembered...and explained;<br /> "OH NOO! I think that vine we've all been tripping under is a watermelon plant!"<br /> No longer annoyed, excitement started to ripple through the apartment complex. The mommy would come home from work and find some of tenants weeding and care for the plant. It began to bloom and excitement grew as everyone waited patiently for the sweet fruit of the summer to ripen and grown. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YNR6pmEOcxE/TeW6KRYHtXI/AAAAAAAABbw/u2_ScDkZESA/s1600/blossom.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 259px; height: 194px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YNR6pmEOcxE/TeW6KRYHtXI/AAAAAAAABbw/u2_ScDkZESA/s320/blossom.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613097196213220722" /></a> Finally when the time was right the apartment complex for the later part of the summer watermelon.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bP9FxNMj5Lk/TeW6q0ZC_-I/AAAAAAAABb4/biB1zIrHpYY/s1600/melon.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 225px; height: 220px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bP9FxNMj5Lk/TeW6q0ZC_-I/AAAAAAAABb4/biB1zIrHpYY/s320/melon.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613097755368161250" /></a> It was such a great amazing treat! When the apartment manager learned what happened he was tickled to death. The next spring he pulled out the bushes in front of the complex and planted zucchini, the state vegetable of Utah. There were many types of families living in this complex: single parents, Older couples, Children caring for elderly parents, Newly weds and New parents all in various financial circumstances. Many were able to have extra meals on their tables from this simple act of kindness.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LNo55XrYQsM/TeW7jRPkAiI/AAAAAAAABcA/B8dHnFvP52c/s1600/Watermelon.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 246px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LNo55XrYQsM/TeW7jRPkAiI/AAAAAAAABcA/B8dHnFvP52c/s320/Watermelon.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613098725185684002" /></a><br /><br />When the little girl and her mommy moved away the apartment complex was still enjoying that little tradition. All because a little girl planted water melon seeds one day.<br /> It doesn't take much, Whether it be Watermelon seeds, Shoe polish or even a little kool-aid stand on the corner with little kids trying to earn enough money to buy their Mommy or Daddy a birthday present. We have it in use to create great community spirit that can cause a ripple effect within this great nation.<br /> I hope everyone will begin to exercise your right to reinstate shoe polish.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Scy_LOOZIQg/TeW84GT9rKI/AAAAAAAABcQ/HRHXjKqLFQ0/s1600/Utah%2BState%2BTerritorial%2BCapital%2Band%2BCove%2BFort%2B130.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Scy_LOOZIQg/TeW84GT9rKI/AAAAAAAABcQ/HRHXjKqLFQ0/s320/Utah%2BState%2BTerritorial%2BCapital%2Band%2BCove%2BFort%2B130.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613100182540233890" /></a><br /><br /> And if you do, I would LOVE for you to share your comments and stories.ShaBANGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435939559462982820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1556756845096352998.post-49557600554542914722011-05-19T16:52:00.000-07:002011-05-20T00:00:46.558-07:00Shoe Polish! I'm Reinstating Shoe Polish!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-waqqJ_KGvt0/TdWyvqxgG4I/AAAAAAAABYA/05_JnOLkdyA/s1600/shoe%2Bpolish.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 226px; height: 223px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-waqqJ_KGvt0/TdWyvqxgG4I/AAAAAAAABYA/05_JnOLkdyA/s320/shoe%2Bpolish.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608585442965330818" /></a><br /><br /><br />I'm not kidding either. Today I got excited about shoe polish and then has this whole new epiphany on why the economy is horrible. I could sit here and blame the government on over sending but I'm convinced that ain't it. I think it's more personal than that. It begins with our homes and our communities. <br /> I looked down at my shoes this morning and they were pretty badly scuffed. I think I need a new pair.<br /> My mind went back in the days of my father getting ready for church Sunday morning. It almost always involved his shoe polish kit. He would get out the black shoe polish, his shoe rag and his brush. Carefully put the polish in the spots that need it and brush the scuffs away and shine them babies up nice and smart!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vfV3ZdzUvwM/TdWzhlaGEFI/AAAAAAAABYI/mXU23PqS8sA/s1600/shoe%2Bshine.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 249px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vfV3ZdzUvwM/TdWzhlaGEFI/AAAAAAAABYI/mXU23PqS8sA/s320/shoe%2Bshine.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608586300518436946" /></a><br /><br /> Then my thoughts went back to the days where you would see the shoe shine boys/ men with their gear waiting and ready to do a quick shoe shine while others waited to catch a bus, cab, train or plain. Back in the day, this was a business man earning his living or supplementing his income by shining shoes and possibly another businessman proud to hire him for his services. It was a service that fulfilled a small need. It was citizens creating and fulfilling jobs and feeding the economy, simply by shining shoes.<br /> Thoughts of the shoe shine boy carried my thoughts over to shoe repair shops. Remember when Grandpa would take his shoes around the corner to the shoe repair shop to have them resoled or or have the heels put back on Grandma's pumps. Instead of spending the money on new shoes they repaired the old one's good as new for pennies on the dollar. And used them another 5 years. <br /> After my mind marinated a while at the shoe repair shop is wandered over to the "MR FIXIT SHOP." Do some of you remember those small repair shops just in the back porch of old Mr Johnson's house? It would be full of vacuum cleaners, blenders, toasters,coffee makers and other small appliances needing repair? If he couldn't fix it, it wasn't really broke! Instead of spending the money on buying a new one Mr Johnson would work his magic and have it back to you in week!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OhLZkH8mcws/TdW57aAlJaI/AAAAAAAABYQ/rV83ycu2QzI/s1600/Mr%2Bfix%2Bit.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 187px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OhLZkH8mcws/TdW57aAlJaI/AAAAAAAABYQ/rV83ycu2QzI/s320/Mr%2Bfix%2Bit.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608593341204997538" /></a><br /> Mr Fixit shops were business men who serviced the community while saving us a few dollars on our everyday can't live without favorite appliances. Where have they gone? I'm going to try and find one in my neighborhood and make sure I throw some business their way.<br /><br />After my mind visited Mr Fixit's shop it went back to the neighborhood and I ran into.. of all people 50 cent! That's right the Singer/Actor Fitty Cent! You, "Hey shawty, it's ya birthday, We gonna party like it's ya birthday..." That Fitty Cent!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--M9rdZNA3-Y/TdXCwPCn6zI/AAAAAAAABYY/GQKlCWyrirk/s1600/curtis-jackson_195x195.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 195px; height: 195px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--M9rdZNA3-Y/TdXCwPCn6zI/AAAAAAAABYY/GQKlCWyrirk/s320/curtis-jackson_195x195.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608603044886866738" /></a>WHY HIM, you ask? I'ma tell you why him. This was a Tweet he had back in December when a blizzard hit his city: <br /><span style="font-style:italic;">"I'm going out to shovel snow and see if I can make me a few extra dollars today. I'm charging more if they want to take pictures."<br />- "I want a hundred dollars per house. I bet anybody ill make a grand moving snow today. Lol"<br />- "I got 4 people on one street to agree to my fee after they saw the first job I did. Now I'm looking for employees."<br />- "I'm paying 30 dollars and hour I only want 3 workers that 90 dollars and hour but I think we can do all 4 in a hour in a half. Lol"<br />- "One is a cute kid he has on a snow suit. So I'm sending him to ring the door bell to ask if we can shovel there snow. Lol" </span><br /><br />He may have done about this a little funny, but he created jobs for a couple of kids in his neighborhood. For those who might miss the point of what Im trying to say, let me bring it to you this way. I'm going back to one of my father's examples:<br /> My dad has lemon trees. He pays a little kid in his neighborhood a few dollars a week to come and pick up the lemons that fall out of his tree. Somewhere in Gilbert, AZ there'a a six year old with a puffed up chest because he has a job and makes money!! And as my Dad mentioned "he's protective of my yard and makes sure his buddies don't mess it up or destroy it." <br />I'm sure this comes in handy around trick or treat time.<br /> Remember when we were kids and we cut grass, raked leaves, shoveled sidewalks, trimmed hedges, washed cars and walked dogs and did paper routes to make our pocket cash? We, the people of the neighborhoods were hired by the neighborhood to maintain the neighborhood. And it was good money for children and pre-teenagers. It created a good work ethic. I allowed us to learn how to budget and manage money at an early age. It made us not afraid to do dirty work, hard work, sweaty work. WE WERE NOT ABOVE THIS KIND OF WORK. These jobs supplied us with soda pop money,bubble gum money, baseball card money, movie money, hot dog at the ball game money. Money for the fair, we saved this money to buy our first bikes, or pair of high heel shoes or baseball mitts. These jobs rarely exist anymore. <br /> I'm in a position right now where I'm looking at purchasing a home. I'm pretty much sold on a condo or townhouse. But lately a part of me is wanting to look into a Single family home with a yard. It would be fun hire some little dude in the neighborhood to rake my leaves, cut the lawn and shovel the driveway or even some little dudette who wants to come in once a week and dust or vacuum, sweep the driveway or weed a garden.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bQUibf3RCmU/TdXHfX3eziI/AAAAAAAABYg/EcxEfDSv8ds/s1600/young%2Bworkers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bQUibf3RCmU/TdXHfX3eziI/AAAAAAAABYg/EcxEfDSv8ds/s320/young%2Bworkers.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608608252756413986" /></a> <br /> We could blame the non existence of these kinds of job weak work ethic of spoiled children today being given everything by their parents who aren't teaching them the value of earning their own money and just giving them everything. But what are we doing in our own communities to create the kinds of opportunities to give the economy the a boost as well as teaching the young folks the value of hard work and a dollar or two? It would be kind of fun to help provide this kind of community service to a neighborhood. It helped keep young folks out of trouble, bridged the generation gap and kept the economy flowing freely in our neighborhoods. <br /> IM going to do my part to see what I can come up with in my neighborhood to get it flowing again. And I'm going to start by reinstating shoe polish into my life!ShaBANGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435939559462982820noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1556756845096352998.post-74196273971397828952011-05-09T19:50:00.000-07:002011-05-09T20:09:14.717-07:00Sister Wives VS Baby Mamas.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YARYW5igs1Q/TciqU-Lbi1I/AAAAAAAABXI/y8UTs1VXw5o/s1600/sister%2Bwives.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YARYW5igs1Q/TciqU-Lbi1I/AAAAAAAABXI/y8UTs1VXw5o/s320/sister%2Bwives.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604917013527628626" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />I was fascinated by the show Sister Wives. Being a non-fundamentalist Member of the Church of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints I wanted to take a peek into the real lives of those who held onto the tradition or commandment of Plural Marriage. I had a couple of teachers who would tease us all the time when they found out I was LDS as to how many wives did my father have. I would always respond “well , how many mama’s do YOU have?” *check mate* And leave it a that.<br /> <br /> Just to differentiate between the Mainstream LDS Church and those that practice polygamy. Mainstream LDS used to practice Polygamy. However we also believe in obeying the law of the land, so the practice was disbanded years ago.<br /> <br />The Polygamist Mormons still practice in hiding. For fear of their families being Separated.<br /> When I look at stories Like Warren Jeff’s which appears by me to be a misguided use of unrighteous dominion I’m sickened. <br />Strangely enough, when I watch the Sister wives on TV, I am impressed by their love of family and the measures they go through to communicate effectively and cooperate for the greater family good. What they have seems to work as a family unit. The bills get paid, they aren’t on welfare they work hard and budget their expenses and finances, the children are educated, clean, and enjoy the typical sibling relationships. They are indeed family in every since of the word. None of their kids are dropping out of school, pregnant or running the streets.<br /> <br />If someone were to ask me today… “how many wives does your father have, I would ask them… How many Baby Daddies does your Mother have?<br /> <br />LET’S TO THERE FOR A MINUTE:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5qKlYToF6pY/TcioiubgcDI/AAAAAAAABWw/WA9Bd0lb_Xg/s1600/baby_mama_tshirt-p235671395317324713q08p_400.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5qKlYToF6pY/TcioiubgcDI/AAAAAAAABWw/WA9Bd0lb_Xg/s320/baby_mama_tshirt-p235671395317324713q08p_400.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604915050795003954" /></a><br /><br /><br /> <br />It’s coming to the point where same family members share 2 and 3 different last names due to divorces, remarriages and baby mamas.<br /> <br /> From what I can figure 1 man working, with 4 wives, 2 of them (usually) working, and 2 at home with the 16 children, are better on the economy than 1 mama with 4 kids trying to work and collect child support from 4 baby Daddies.<br /> Sister wives are losing jobs because of their marital status? What part of that is not discrimination? Utah is an AT WILL state meaning you can get fired for no real reason. I don’t know the situation to which wifey 1 was let go but really? People who want to work can’t work.<br /> I had a friend who, when she had her first baby her mother moved in for the first 2 months. She loved it. Her mother cooked, cleaned did the laundry and all the traditional things a wife should do. Within a week of her mother leaving she recognized the value of having another woman to share the caring. She told me “that’s what I needed for all this time… A wife!” <br /> I have no interest in being a sister wife. But I am quite envious of the support they have within one another. It’s their own little community within the family. As a matter of fact it is an example of how a family and community should work.<br /> If all the baby daddy’s out there gathered all the baby mama’s together in one house hold and shared in the raising ,financing, emotional caring of the children they created, I think as whole it would be less of Burdon. Then again If Couples in a Monogamous marriage are able to do the same thing and stay together and work toward that same end, the effect would hopefully be the same as well. <br /> No child has a choice in how they're being brought up and the belief system of the household in which they live. The Brown House hold is obviously not the Jeff House hold. I mean they have minds of their own, they're not subservient of submissive and they have a choice in how they continue their lives after leaving the house hold. <br /> Mama Baby's are products and subject to whatever is being taught in their house hold... sometimes good, sometimes bad who knows? I don't see no authorities going after them families for whatever moral ideals are floating around in those homes.<br /><br /> MAYBE The state of Utah should worry less about Kody Brown, his 4 wives and their 16 (+1, they are expecting again) children. They appear to be decent contributing people in society. Maybe they should start investigating what's going on in some of these Baby Mamas households. <br /> *just sayin*<br /> <br />*Just A thought*ShaBANGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435939559462982820noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1556756845096352998.post-10905870483792733732011-04-28T17:14:00.000-07:002011-04-28T18:06:26.563-07:00"Dear America..." Part One<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WeseiRjIgHc/TboLHBSg7LI/AAAAAAAABVY/X5FczmRaH44/s1600/Dear%2BAmerica.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 256px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WeseiRjIgHc/TboLHBSg7LI/AAAAAAAABVY/X5FczmRaH44/s320/Dear%2BAmerica.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600801301821713586" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Dear America,<br /> The World has a way of disciplining your Children if you don't.<br /> sincerely,<br /> The Warden <br /><br /><br />Dear America,<br /> If you think Education is Expensive, try Ignorance<br /> Sincerely,<br /> Pell Grant.<br /><br />Dear America,<br /> Some Pets should Spay and Neuter their Owners<br />Sincerely,<br /> ASPCA<br /><br />Dear America,<br /> I am more than happy to provide your children with love, attention, friendship, and companionship if you don't.<br /> Sincerely,<br /> Drug Dealers, Gang Members and Pimps.<br /><br />Dear America,<br /> Maybe you should give away Free Vasectomies and Tubal Ligations instead of condoms<br />Sincerely,<br /> Abortion Clinics<br /><br /><br />Dear America,<br /> I"m still Here!<br /> Love,<br /> GOD<br /><br /><br />Dear America,<br /> Hope you're having as much fun with your Family, friends and loved ones as I am!<br /> Sincerely,<br /> Xbox, iPad, Cell phones, PC's and Lap Tops<br /><br /><br />Dear America,<br /> I don't mind if you walk all over me, I promise!<br /> Sincerely,<br /> Side walks, Trails, roads and treadmills<br /><br /><br />Dear America,<br /> Obesity is UP! Heart Disease is UP and your butts are getting bigger<br />and yet you STILL ignore us?<br /> Sincerely,<br />Bikes, Scooters, and Skateboards<br /><br /><br />Dear America,<br /> What are you waiting for? It's time to start!<br />Sincerely,<br /> Your Savings Account & 401k<br /><br /><br /><br />Dear America,<br /> I'm really sick of babysitting<br />Sincerely,<br /> Your Television<br /><br /><br />Dear America,<br /> I wish I would have learned how to problem solve, keep a budget, maintain a job and pay bills while living at home,<br /> Sincerely,<br /> Twenty-Something<br /><br /><br />Dear America,<br /> Can you call next time, I'm really getting tired and over worked,<br />Sincerely,<br /> Texting thumbs & fingers<br /><br /> Dear America, Try hanging out with me once in a while.<br />I'm a really fun and cheap date!<br /> Sincerely,<br /> Your Community<br /><br />Dear America,<br />You should really be nice to Customer Service Agents<br />who have access to your Name, Address, Phone Number, <br />Social Security, Date of Birth, and Credit Card info.<br />Sincerely,<br />Corporate America<br /><br />Dear America,<br /> Teach your kids how to cook, clean and do laundry.<br /> Sincerely,<br /> Their Future Roommates and Spouses.<br /><br /><br />Dear America,<br /> Thank you for the fuel!<br />Sincerely,<br /> The Fire<br /><br />Dear America<br />Thank you for all the potatoes!<br />Sincerely<br /> The Couch!<br /><br /><br />Dear America,<br /> It's Cheaper To keep her,<br /> Sincerely,<br /> Divorced Man<br /><br />Dear America,<br />You are Mistaken:<br />Handicapped and Obese are NOT the same thing<br />Sincerely,<br /> Bathroom and Parking Stalls<br /><br /><br />TO BE CONTINUEDShaBANGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435939559462982820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1556756845096352998.post-75485868566352792742011-03-03T19:09:00.001-08:002011-03-03T22:35:03.666-08:00I want to have an Interesting Summer!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KXkskhn_W0/TXCGTvOGLfI/AAAAAAAABT4/rD23m3_2JkA/s1600/Utah%2Brock%2Bformation.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_KXkskhn_W0/TXCGTvOGLfI/AAAAAAAABT4/rD23m3_2JkA/s320/Utah%2Brock%2Bformation.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580107611963272690" /></a>
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<br /> I know it's only the beginning of March. But I'm already planning on having an interesting summer. I want it to be fun, laid back and unique. I want it to be full of simple joys, tearful laughters, and different experiences.
<br /> I'm going to build my dining room table instead of buy it:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RSzJhMwwpZg/TXBs2ngA-7I/AAAAAAAABRw/90B7dWoG6uU/s1600/Dining%2Broom%2Btable.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RSzJhMwwpZg/TXBs2ngA-7I/AAAAAAAABRw/90B7dWoG6uU/s320/Dining%2Broom%2Btable.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580079623884045234" /
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<br /> http://ana-white.com/?p=57&upm_export=print
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<br /> I'm going to take a weekend scenic Amtrak trip someplace
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HLJ1Zvhm3NY/TXBwGnobouI/AAAAAAAABSA/yr7yNygIUFs/s1600/window%2Bseat%2Bon%2Bthe%2Btrain.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 307px; height: 230px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HLJ1Zvhm3NY/TXBwGnobouI/AAAAAAAABSA/yr7yNygIUFs/s320/window%2Bseat%2Bon%2Bthe%2Btrain.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580083197332136674" /></a>
<br />have a sleeping car and mingle and socialize with train folk.
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<br />I want to work through the pain of osteo arthritis and run a 2k before the end of the year.
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<br />I Want to walk barefoot along a portion of the Oregon Trail and feel the history of it beneath my feet, between my toes and in my soul.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vqIkBl5uDr0/TXBvjy2VgbI/AAAAAAAABR4/yh5gDA4S4No/s1600/Oregon%2BMarker.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 250px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vqIkBl5uDr0/TXBvjy2VgbI/AAAAAAAABR4/yh5gDA4S4No/s320/Oregon%2BMarker.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580082599047823794" /></a>
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<br /> I want to get a Library card like when I was kid and make trips to the library.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nsrcY6fS9gA/TXBxT7JJGTI/AAAAAAAABSI/eyx8D9O8VJg/s1600/library_cardSmall.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 140px; height: 89px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nsrcY6fS9gA/TXBxT7JJGTI/AAAAAAAABSI/eyx8D9O8VJg/s320/library_cardSmall.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580084525419534642" /></a>
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<br /> I want to spend some time under the water relaxing and floating like an angel fish donned in my new purple snorkeling gear
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wCgE-7s8HwM/TXB0RX8FSQI/AAAAAAAABSQ/VoFLiufhCwc/s1600/morning-molokini-snorkel-adventure.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 235px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wCgE-7s8HwM/TXB0RX8FSQI/AAAAAAAABSQ/VoFLiufhCwc/s320/morning-molokini-snorkel-adventure.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580087780144662786" /></a>
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<br />(This really is my new gear!)
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmOZ1P7L_KI/TXB1FEZRo_I/AAAAAAAABSY/dLOEt-zA8vU/s1600/my%2Bnew%2Bsnorkeling%2Bgear.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmOZ1P7L_KI/TXB1FEZRo_I/AAAAAAAABSY/dLOEt-zA8vU/s320/my%2Bnew%2Bsnorkeling%2Bgear.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580088668251595762" /></a>
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<br />I want to go to the salt flats where they filmed "Independence Day" and "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" and have a bonfire under the summer stars.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JxL2wCJA0ak/TXB3w-vWaYI/AAAAAAAABSg/ZA3qpBVJW2c/s1600/Bonneville%2BSalt%2BFlats.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 210px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JxL2wCJA0ak/TXB3w-vWaYI/AAAAAAAABSg/ZA3qpBVJW2c/s320/Bonneville%2BSalt%2BFlats.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580091621671070082" /></a>
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<br />and take pictures of the sunsets in West Desert before camping out and witnessing the meteor showers.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fUFeArLxIDo/TXB4Ul62T6I/AAAAAAAABSo/iP-JVtmGnys/s1600/west%2Bdesert%2Bsunset.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fUFeArLxIDo/TXB4Ul62T6I/AAAAAAAABSo/iP-JVtmGnys/s320/west%2Bdesert%2Bsunset.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580092233483702178" /></a>
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<br /> I want to create a piece of fabulous funky art or craft and display it somewhere in my home
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KEl1wK-iK50/TXB6rw6VcFI/AAAAAAAABSw/3z7kK2tstYI/s1600/cheetah%2Bfeets.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 276px; height: 183px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KEl1wK-iK50/TXB6rw6VcFI/AAAAAAAABSw/3z7kK2tstYI/s320/cheetah%2Bfeets.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580094830594584658" /></a>
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<br />I want to make Hobo Dinners
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uQpcZOAxuFA/TXB-Nn5oayI/AAAAAAAABS4/zHYvxELr5to/s1600/grilled%2Bpackets%2Bhobo%2Bdinners.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uQpcZOAxuFA/TXB-Nn5oayI/AAAAAAAABS4/zHYvxELr5to/s320/grilled%2Bpackets%2Bhobo%2Bdinners.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580098710826150690" /></a>
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<br />and dutch Oven breakfast
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A1fiDBDsW0Y/TXB-N8b-qaI/AAAAAAAABTA/mudw9Zb9OX4/s1600/dutch%2Boven%2Bcooking.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 124px; height: 93px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A1fiDBDsW0Y/TXB-N8b-qaI/AAAAAAAABTA/mudw9Zb9OX4/s320/dutch%2Boven%2Bcooking.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580098716338923938" /></a>
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<br /> while camping in Bryce Canyon again.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AIXUx70BJow/TXB-N5RBRTI/AAAAAAAABTI/THyc2Op5L9E/s1600/bryce%2Bcanyon.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 194px; height: 259px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AIXUx70BJow/TXB-N5RBRTI/AAAAAAAABTI/THyc2Op5L9E/s320/bryce%2Bcanyon.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580098715487651122" /></a>
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<br /> I want to do volunteer work and really be a part of the community.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i_REkkeCCOM/TXCAMiK9H9I/AAAAAAAABTQ/WJNBo5cKjrc/s1600/Community%2BService"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 265px; height: 190px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i_REkkeCCOM/TXCAMiK9H9I/AAAAAAAABTQ/WJNBo5cKjrc/s320/Community%2BService" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580100891131584466" /></a>
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<br /> I want to fall into a peaceful sleep in a hammock while reading a book
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<br /> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VkAyzguDi4o/TXCBu3xypVI/AAAAAAAABTY/4YjPq9q47K4/s1600/hammock.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 218px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VkAyzguDi4o/TXCBu3xypVI/AAAAAAAABTY/4YjPq9q47K4/s320/hammock.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580102580558800210" /></a>
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bNHSmXMHI2U/TXCDZDZL5DI/AAAAAAAABTg/tBRJT48MqJk/s1600/Summer%2BConcert"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 275px; height: 183px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bNHSmXMHI2U/TXCDZDZL5DI/AAAAAAAABTg/tBRJT48MqJk/s320/Summer%2BConcert" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580104404742956082" /></a>
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<br />and Rage at a summer concert.
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<br /> I want to watch a thunderstorm and dance in the rain.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hTg8cey1e50/TXCFEBC31KI/AAAAAAAABTw/hPCSaRlwS5c/s1600/dance-in-the-rain1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hTg8cey1e50/TXCFEBC31KI/AAAAAAAABTw/hPCSaRlwS5c/s320/dance-in-the-rain1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580106242358498466" /></a>
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<br /> And I plan on having MY SUMMER!!ShaBANGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435939559462982820noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1556756845096352998.post-48032424335545583072010-02-20T00:19:00.000-08:002010-02-20T19:05:38.659-08:00OLYMPICS: WEEK 1What an AMAZING first week at the olympics. I must admit I'm Missing Jim McKay right now. I may be showing my age but he will ALWAYS be the voice of the Olympics to me. He Reported for 12 Olympics. This was when they would have the winter olympics, then 4 years later the Summer. They were held 4 years apart and not 2 years apart.<br /><br />I have thoroughly enjoyed watching the 0lympics this last week and am looking forward to the rest of them next week. What a great historical time for not only the U.S.A but for many other countries winning first medals ever in many events, breaking winning records in single disciplines and country records. It's great to be a part of this even from a spectator point of view. <br /><br />I think some of my favorite moments were watching Bode Miller's return. I'm embarrassed to say I didn't even know he was on the team. After his showing in Torin I just figured he's fade away but I am proud to see him doing so well ESPECIALLY after 2006. He's come back with a lot of grace and grit and still as Sexxy as ever. It just FEELS good to watch Bode in action.<br /><br />There's a large amount of Olympians from the 2 states I call home. Michigan has 16 and Utah has 51. That's a pretty Great showing. <br /> After 2002 many Olympians around the world now call Utah Home we do boast the "GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH" It's nothing to run into Apolo Ohno, or Torah Bright while out and about. It's really pretty cool, like an Olympic Hollywood! Having the Olympics here in 2002 wans UH MAY ZING! And every 2 years that OLYMPIC FEELING returns, even for the summer Olympics. It truly is UH MAY ZING!<br /><br />I watched a few events I had no interest in prior to this year: Ice Skating. It really is more technical then you would think. Curling. I'm sold. I watched the U.S.A womens vs Germany Session. It's pretty tough and strategic. Im sold! I think Speed skating short track is my new favorite. Never really heard or paid attention to it before 2002. Did anyone? It really is like Ice Derby: anything can happen and it does. It's kinda spooky watching JR Celzic and Apolo Ohno... I wonder if Ohno feels like he's looking at a shadow of his younger days?<br /><br />What is UP with with that Luge, Skeleton, Bobsleigh Track at Whistler? They call it 50/50. Ain't NO WAY I'm bout to go down a track where you have a 50% chance of crashing. It would seriously mess with my head and Confidence, Especially after death of Nodar Kumaritashvili from Georgia. I Feel so deeply for his family. I cant Imagine raising an Olympian, sending him off to play and them passing away. So SO sad. I feel for his teammates as well. Emotionally I would be so messed up I don't know how they do it.<br /><br /> I'm excited to see Shani Davis perform this year. I think he got a bum wrap last year and his mama didn't help. SORRY CHERIE DAVIS! I know you trying to protect him, and sorry Shani I know you love yo mama. Sometimes Stage moms should be off the stage and seen but not heard. But I get it Ms Davis. I'm a single black Mama my self and although I didn't raise and Olympian, however I DID raise a Champion!<br /><br /> Shani looks so much more relaxed and as if he's enjoying himself this year. I hope he is! The olympics are hard hard work but man wouldn't be sad to look back at your medals and think... I wish I would have enjoyed myself and the experience more as well? Have yourself a ball Shani and good luck!<br /><br /> Don't you Love Julia Mancuso's Tiara? LOVE IT! I would be rocking the Tiara if I were there for sure.<br /> <br /><br />And congratulations to China's gold medal, HISTORIC GOLD MEDAL, for figure skating pairs? I love the Love story as well behind that gold.<br /><br />OH, So I watched the Cross country and Biathlons this year for the first time. WOW. <br />USA we are just NOT great cross country folks at all are we? No wonder we're all shocked at the Silver won by Johnny Spillane.<br /><br />Anyway I am absolutely LOVING These Olympics!U.S.A is having a Historical time and hopefully so is the rest of the countries.<br /> GO USA GO WORLDShaBANGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435939559462982820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1556756845096352998.post-39154545632342903192010-02-18T10:40:00.000-08:002010-02-18T21:08:48.911-08:00THE OLYMPICS:GO USA~ GO WORLD!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/S34b0MzZn-I/AAAAAAAABIM/RBjUhAXAn_Y/s1600-h/2010+Medals.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 258px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/S34b0MzZn-I/AAAAAAAABIM/RBjUhAXAn_Y/s320/2010+Medals.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439815983514099682" /></a><br /><br /><iframe src ="http://www.vancouver2010.com/widgets/medals-widget/" width="306" height="340" frameborder=0 scrolling="no"><br /> <p><a href="http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-medals/" title="Vancouver 2010 Medals">View the vancouver2010.com medals' table</a></p><br /></iframe><br /><br />I don't know about y'all but I LOVE THE OLYMPICS! I love the competition, I love the Unification of not just the country but the world. It's one of the only times it feels like the world is for the most part On the same page. <br />It feels like all the kids of the world said...<br /><br /> "HEY let's get together in two years and play on the same play ground! We'll play some games, have some food, Dance, Laugh, share our stories, celebrate our differences and win some awards! Before we leave, lets agree on another place to meet up and play again!" <br /><br />Doesn't it kind of remind you of the Saturday mornings at the ball field when you were a kid?<br /> Everyone would show up with their gear, we'd pick teams and then spend all day playing, talking trash, disagreeing, redeeming ourselves of our mistakes. By the end of the day everyone went home tired, happy, with stories to tell. Ready to come back next weekend to do it all over again. There could be someone who was an absolute geek or that you didn't get along with during the week, but on the weekend, when it was time to hit that playground and play, they might have been picked last for a team but they were still picked. Eventually they would come into their own and find they possessed a talent they didn't know they had.<br /> <br /> I must admit I do not always route for the USA to win. *GASP!* I hope this confession doesn't interfere with me getting a passport this year. Or a "special" interview with the FBI or Secret Service.<br /> I'm always stocked when the U.S does win and it's BONUS. I'm a sucker for the underdog medal, the historical medal, the deserved medal, the lucky medal, THE AWESOME MEDAL!<br /> Some Examples:<br /><br /><br /> Underdog Medal: <br /><br />Simon Ammann of Switzerland aka Harry Potter, The Wizard:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/S33wNiNzrlI/AAAAAAAABF0/2mtlQREQtYg/s1600-h/Swiss+Wizard.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/S33wNiNzrlI/AAAAAAAABF0/2mtlQREQtYg/s320/Swiss+Wizard.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439768040247111250" /></a><br />Remember this kid at the 2002 Olympics? He come virtually out of no where a no name except to maybe friends, family and teammates. Places 35th in the Nagano Olympics at the age of 16. This kid has never one any kind of big championship competition and out of Nowhere, like Harry Potter on a broomstick wins 2 gold medals for Long Hill AND Normal Hill Ski jumping. So much JOY and disbelief in his reaction, I still get choked up when I see it and that was 8 years ago. Does nothing in the 2006 Olympics and then comes back in 2010 to win Gold (the first gold of the 2010) again in the Normal Hill Jump. He became the first man in Olympic history to win gold medals in the Individual Normal Hill event in two Olympics.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/S33wybYQPLI/AAAAAAAABF8/IToxvX6uchA/s1600-h/Simon_Ammann__1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 233px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/S33wybYQPLI/AAAAAAAABF8/IToxvX6uchA/s320/Simon_Ammann__1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439768674067037362" /></a><br /><br /> PS: Don't call him Harry Potter, it's a bit tiresome for the now 28 year old.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> Historical Medal:<br /><br /> I have to give it up to China's Shen Xue and Zhao Hongbo. They started skating together in 1992.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/S33xT_ML89I/AAAAAAAABGE/Pvt_9WGKgNg/s1600-h/love+birds.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 276px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/S33xT_ML89I/AAAAAAAABGE/Pvt_9WGKgNg/s320/love+birds.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439769250615784402" /></a><br /><br /> Won a few championships, became the first Chinese pair to ever medal for Figure skating by placing 3rd at the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics. They Suffered injury after injury after that time for both of them. Despite injuries they won several World Championships. March 21, 2007 they won their third World Championship title. On March 21, 2007 on the ice at the end of their performance at the 2007 World Championship in tokyo, Japan where they won the World Pairs Skating title,Zhao Hongbo kneeled before Shen Xue to propose to her. <br /> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/S33x37s4j7I/AAAAAAAABGM/kjCZ6LjIFnM/s1600-h/love+on+ice.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 226px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/S33x37s4j7I/AAAAAAAABGM/kjCZ6LjIFnM/s320/love+on+ice.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439769868154474418" /></a><br /><br /> They announce their retirement and got married. Later decided the only thing that eludes them, is an Olympic Gold Medal. They came out of retirement went back to living in separate Olympic dorms and eating cafeteria food. 2010 to watch their Skating performance was truly Poetic Love in Motion. Stunning.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/S33yu5amlTI/AAAAAAAABGc/8dhzz0hCqsU/s1600-h/Love+is+golden.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 221px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/S33yu5amlTI/AAAAAAAABGc/8dhzz0hCqsU/s320/Love+is+golden.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439770812433732914" /></a><br /> For China, love is golden, they scored the highest score in pairs history, they won the first Gold for China in Olympics Figure Skating pairs History knocking out Russia's 12 year reign.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/S34DMHkvXqI/AAAAAAAABGs/0KubEDReCpU/s1600-h/canadian+gold.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/S34DMHkvXqI/AAAAAAAABGs/0KubEDReCpU/s320/canadian+gold.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439788906636598946" /></a><br />*** And how about Alex Bildeau Winning Canada's firt told medal on Home Soil. I could hear the Canadian Roar here in Utah! <br /><br />The Deserved Medal<br /> Petra Majdic of Slovenia. This chick is TOUGH AS NAILS! She falls off course during a practice run falls down steep bank onto some rocks.<br />She says: " "The accident happened on an icy corner, the area was not secured, I slipped and the momentum carried me over the edge," she said.<br /><br /><br />"There was a big drop -- about three meters -- and I landed in a small stream with rocks. I was falling towards a big rock and I managed to turn on my side, but I still broke both poles and a ski.<br /><br />"I was in pain and some volunteers helped me out. They wanted to take me to the medical center, but I yelled, 'take me to the start."<br /> She did undergo a quick examination and the ultrasound revealed no breaks just deep bruising.<br /><br /> She turns down pain killers that would restrict her movement during her race, which is four laps of 1.4m. <br />Kudos to the First American who can tell me what that is in miles!<br /><br />She' goes on to win the Bronze Medal, which would be the first medal of the games for her country, Slovenia and the countries first ever cross country medal .<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/S34GRSNm0dI/AAAAAAAABG0/leQdG1zbTCI/s1600-h/petra+at+the+finish+line.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/S34GRSNm0dI/AAAAAAAABG0/leQdG1zbTCI/s320/petra+at+the+finish+line.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439792293926588882" /></a> She basically collapsed on the other side of the finish and is carried off. After further examination: four fractured ribs and a tear of the membrane of the lung. Again in her own words "This is not a bronze medal, this is a gold medal with little diamonds on it." NOOO KIDDING! And just to prove that Olympians have a hormone laced with crazy in them, she was hoping to compete again by the end of next week! <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/S34ODTcVncI/AAAAAAAABHM/w-U3TAifo_o/s1600-h/Petra+held+up+for+bronz.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 248px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/S34ODTcVncI/AAAAAAAABHM/w-U3TAifo_o/s320/Petra+held+up+for+bronz.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439800849831665090" /></a><br />Lady, you have an injured lung!!! The Dr's ,however, say she's done in Vancouver. That Lady Deserved that Medal... and more!<br /><br />The Lucky Medal:<br /> <br /><br /><br />OH NO! IF there is anyone anymore more Highly Favored by the Olympic God's than Apolo Anton Ohno I would like to know who it is? Maybe it's because he bears the Name and looks of a Greek God. Unlike the Greek God his name is only Spelled with one "L." It is because the other L is for "Luck?" The Man is Gorgeous, Sexy, Charming, has winning dance moves and is a brilliant short track athlete. He first Appeared on the Scene at the 2002 Olympics, a cute kid with a Soul Patch on his chin and baby doe eyes that lure you in. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/S34RrYJYQyI/AAAAAAAABHc/JEV9RNacW0Q/s1600-h/ohno2002win.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 303px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/S34RrYJYQyI/AAAAAAAABHc/JEV9RNacW0Q/s320/ohno2002win.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439804836823974690" /></a><br /><br /> SLC 2002 Disqualified in the 500m race. Doesn't sound very Lucky does it? In the 1000 m he was winning. During a turn around the final corner, a skater from another country tries to pass him and another skater from the inside knocking 4 skater, including OHNO against the padded walls and out of the race. OR SO YOU THINK! So Some kid from Australia in 4th place not only sails into 1st place but it is the THE FIRST WINTER OLYMPIC GOLD MEDAL ever for a country in the southern hemisphere. *Luck* Apolo being the highly favored things to starts scrambling on the ice toward the finish line he slips but manages to reach his blade of his now INJURED LEG over the finish line for 2nd place(He needed six stitches in his inner thigh.) Another of the fallen came in third for the bronze medal. *Luck*<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/S34Q6oRyh0I/AAAAAAAABHU/9-6XusaOYCY/s1600-h/apollo+in+action.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/S34Q6oRyh0I/AAAAAAAABHU/9-6XusaOYCY/s320/apollo+in+action.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439803999340627778" /></a><br /><br />Same Olympics: 1500 meters Ohno won the gold medal. During the 1500 m final race, another skater was first across the finish line, but was disqualified for blocking Ohno, in a rule-violation called cross tracking. With three laps remaining and currently in second position, Ohno attempted to make a pass on the leader, who then drifted to the inside and as a result, Ohno raised his arms to signal he was blocked. The tapes were reviewed, the athlete that crossed the ice first was disqualified. OH NO FOR THE GOLD! *Luck*<br /><br />2006 in Torino Apolo doesn't even qualify for 1500m. Won bronze in the 1000m behind the two who caused him grief in 2002 and then wins gold in the 500 m when he took the lead right off and kept it til the end. No fuss, no muss right? Wrong! There was criticism that he appeared to move before the start, a violation of the rules. That accusation was overruled *Luck*<br /><br />Jump to 2010 Vancouver:<br /> Let's just jump right to the 1500m. Apolo hangs out behind as always waiting for the right time to make his move. When he makes that move he's in first, then 3rd, then 2nd then 4th, then tried to make a move for 2nd and is block back into 4th. The 1st, 2nd and 3rd place skaters from the same country, it look like a sweep! When suddenly 3rd place tries to pass 2nd place country men at the last corner... and knocks them both out. Apolo sail into 2nd place for the silver with another USA country man right behind for the Bronze. *Luck* <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/S34LYufNz3I/AAAAAAAABHE/HU-1Nol7IUg/s1600-h/apolo+6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 244px; height: 183px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/S34LYufNz3I/AAAAAAAABHE/HU-1Nol7IUg/s320/apolo+6.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439797919333863282" /></a><br /><br />This medal makes Apolo Anton Ohno Tied with Bonnie Blair for the most medals won by 1 person at a winter Olympics. The beauty of it... Apolo has 4 more events before the end of these Olympics. 1 more medals makes him the the Athlete with the most medals ever won for THE Winter Olympics.<br /> APOLO, GOOD "L!"<br /><br />THE AWESOME MEDAL!<br />Two Words: Shaun White!<br /> Seriously this kid has AWESOME in his blood. It's one thing to dominate in your sport. It's HISTORICAL to bring your craft to new levels of innovation and expand the boundaries. The man has to be Helicopters into his own SECRET HALFPIPE LABORATORIES ON HIS PRIVATE MOUNTAINS in Colorado where he literally concocts new maneuvers to push the boundaries for his sport. <br /> He showed up in 2006 off the Skateboarding circuit. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/S34WNya-i0I/AAAAAAAABHs/XQp2L-vvgZw/s1600-h/shaun+2006.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 230px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/S34WNya-i0I/AAAAAAAABHs/XQp2L-vvgZw/s320/shaun+2006.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439809826039171906" /></a><br /><br /> Shaun DOMINATES the Winter X Games, where he has won a medal every year since 2002. Including all winter X Games competitions through 2009, his medal count stands at 14 (9 gold, 3 silver, 2 bronze), including the first four-peat winner by a male athlete in one the snowboard slopestyle event.<br />2006 He Hit the scene and helped the Americans Sweep the Snowboarding winning the gold lookin like a little kid playing dress up in over sized Olympic gear.<br /><br />He sustained minor injuries when he hit his face on the pipe just a few weeks before the 2010 Olympics. When Asked what went through his mind after his crash he basically said: Man I gotta get back up there and lay it down. He did, and won Winter X Gold.<br /><br />2010 Was there any doubt Shaun White would get his gold? Nope, not even. The way you qualify for Halfpipe cold: You have 2 Quarter final Qualification runs. If you Score high enough you automatically advance to the finals. Top 6 automatically advance. Everyone else gets two semi final runs and try to advance from their. You get 2 finals run. The highest of each run is the one that advances your or wins. Shaun White won with 2 runs. 1 run automatically advances him to the finals, 2nd run, just a practice run where he slightly stumbles. Who cares, he's already in the finals.<br /> <br /> Shaun White won gold before he even began his second run on what was considered a "conservative first run. His first run scored at 48.4 out of 50. He doesn't need to do his 2nd run. However there's a new trick he's concocted: "The Double McTwist 1260." No It's not a new item on the McDonald's Menu yet... but Give it time, I'm sure our Red headed Olympian will be scooped up by <br />Mc Donalds in no time!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/S34cP9ydUDI/AAAAAAAABIU/BozTL01QN-o/s1600-h/svSHAUN-gold.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 182px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/S34cP9ydUDI/AAAAAAAABIU/BozTL01QN-o/s320/svSHAUN-gold.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439816460519952434" /></a><br /><br /> The Double Mc twist 1260 is the newest Snowboarding Trick and right now only one man can do it, the man how created it. The man who doesn't even need to introduce it cuz he already won the Gold. His Family is going crazy! His even brought his dog, Rambo to the Olympics!<br /><br /><br /><br /> Why should he risk himself danger by doing it if he doesn't need to? Because the fans want him to.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/S34aNXnth2I/AAAAAAAABIE/XD7X7iOLdxI/s1600-h/McShaun.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 206px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/S34aNXnth2I/AAAAAAAABIE/XD7X7iOLdxI/s320/McShaun.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439814216891336546" /></a><br /><br /> He Displays his AWESOMENESS on his 2nd run which is dubbed his Victory lap.<br /><br />I believe these are the Medal that the Olympics are made of. These and the stories of the countries who have 1 athlete Like Algeria, Morocco, and Columbia or 5 Athletes like Brazil and Iceland. Athletes who we may never hear or know their name. Athletes who work just as hard to get to Olympics as the gold medal winners, and in most cases even harder because they don't have the funding, opportunity as the countries with world wide sponsors like Nike, Coke, or Wheaties. I am proud to be and American. Proud of our Athletes and their hard work and achievements. I am more proud of those Olympians who defy the odds of everyday living to become and Olympian. Their Stories are what I enjoy most and Those are the champions, no matter what country I cheer most for. I am HUMAN first and fore most, then American.ShaBANGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435939559462982820noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1556756845096352998.post-15311252672017484772010-01-26T20:50:00.000-08:002010-01-26T21:55:03.955-08:00"Last, This and Next" This conversation is LONG OVERDUE!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/S1_VDJ2yahI/AAAAAAAABE8/oXV0rW7Kr2Y/s1600-h/1202080011%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/S1_VDJ2yahI/AAAAAAAABE8/oXV0rW7Kr2Y/s320/1202080011%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431293925794146834" /></a><br /> <br />This is a LONG overdue conversation. Some people just down right confuse me. And "I can do bad all by myself!" I get confused on a couple little items. I know it may seem like I'm talking about "this, that and the other" but what I'm really referring to is Last, This and Next.<br /> <br /><br /> Now I'm not taking in general, I'm talking in reference of time. More specifically when <br />we speak in terms of days and weeks. I guess "LAST" shouldn't be a problem because it truly is it's own definition. But this and next confuse the devil outta me.<br /> <br />For example: If I were to say "I have a date next Saturday." In the minds of some people that should be the next Saturday coming up, right? It makes perfect since. Next should be next, right? But in my mind THIS Saturday would actually be the next Saturday, as in This Saturday coming up, right? Because the Next Saturday would be the next Saturday coming up after THIS Saturday. So This Saturday would literally be Next Saturday. It certainly can't be Last Saturday because I can't have date coming up last Saturday unless I'm specifying The Last Saturday of a Month or Year, right?<br /> Ya with me on this?<br /> Now there are some that are insistent that Next always means the VERY next. I disagree completely, if that were the case, then we could totally do away with THIS and just stick with Last a Next. THIS WILL NEVER DO. I'm just to fond of THIS. I used to think it was just a matter of how one was brought up. But it's not true. My sister and I have had this discussion many many times.<br /> She is one who believes that next means NEXT! So When I say THIS, Saturday she actually thinks I mean this LAST Saturday instead of this Next Saturday because THIS can't possibly be Next. Do ya see my dilemma, do you SEE IT? Do ya see how it all makes perfect sense and yet NO sense at all?<br /> So Basically am going to make it easier on myself... and on you if you're communicating with me.<br /> Last refers to last week, This refers to this week and next refers to next week. Got it? So no more of this confusion. When I say this confusion I don't mean as in this next confusions or this last confusion. THIS means Current to me. Get it? Got it? Good!ShaBANGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435939559462982820noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1556756845096352998.post-35862014973141989042009-07-17T21:54:00.000-07:002009-07-17T21:55:25.794-07:00Summer Fun.... LET'S CATCH UP!Hey Friends, Fans, Brothers & Sisters!
<br /> It's been a while I know! Much has happened since my last post. To be quite honest I don't even remember writing that last post and that's been over a month ago.
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<br /> Sooo Let's see we have some catching up to do, and best of all I have some pics!
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<br />I heard that one of my favorite Comedians were coming to town and tickets were only $20! What a rip off for him but such a great deal for those of us who went. We were fortunate because he did 4 shows and all shows sold out. We scored tickets to the last show!
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/SlFz1QRVx4I/AAAAAAAABAU/_rwQW187NXw/s1600-h/003.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/SlFz1QRVx4I/AAAAAAAABAU/_rwQW187NXw/s320/003.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355188790658189186" /></
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<br />Here's the line to get into the comedy club Wise Guys. It was actually out in the street. Which didn't surprise me. I would stand in the street for the guy. I didn't, but I would.
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<br />Of course I took my picture with SINBAD! It was a fun night from what I can remember, it was an awesome time. And don't we make an awesome looking pair? It was fun to kind of talk to him afterwards. He mentioned something about Michigan and I shouted out "BATTLE CREEK!" and he called back "BEARCATS!" Which is my high school...Battle Creek Central Bearcats! And he then proceeded to tell the audience how his team Benton Harbor whipped our butts on the football field in 1972. Someone from Niles Michigan proceeded to then mention how They kicked Benton Harbor's butt. It was a fun little interchange.
<br /> Afterwards I took the opportunity to spar with him about our rivalry. We used to have police escort going in and out of Benton Harbor, they would throw rocks at the bus and try to get to rioting. Especially when we kicked their butts in Softball! Again a nice little interchange with such a fantastic entertainer. He is easily one of my Favorites!
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/SlF25q900lI/AAAAAAAABAk/5Bu67fWfr94/s1600-h/046.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/SlF25q900lI/AAAAAAAABAk/5Bu67fWfr94/s320/046.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355192165078454866" /></a>
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<br />It was an AWESOME NIGHT... what I can remember of it.
<br />Unfortunately this was also the night I came down with Swine Flu. I remember taking a breath to laugh and a dry burning series of coughs popped out. By the end of the show and the ride home I was out of it. I would learn later I not only had Swine flu but it left behind it's sister pneumonia and baby cousin sinusitis. Apparently I was in denial and went to the Dr WAY later than I should have. My voice was so deep my own mother didn't know who I was on the phone. My daughter was calling me "Sir", "Father" and "dad", telling folks to come over and get Barry White's autograph.
<br /> This ailment was NO JOKE! Every time I woke up I was in a different room, not remembering how I got there. A few times I woke up with a thermometer in my mouth. I remember just burning from the inside. I drank a lot of ice water and cough drops. I remember it hurting so badly to cough that I would start to cry when I felt one coming on. I'm a tough cookie, I went through childbirth all natural... that's right NO PAIN KILLERS!So for me to cry at coughing meant there was some pain!2 ladies at work also came down with swine right after I did. One was good to go after a week. The other is still not back to work and it's been about a month. Because I have Pneumonia as well I've been taking it easy. The weather has been rainy and cold for the most part so I've been inside and resting in bed for the most part. I was thinking I was over the worst with just a little pneumonia. Then my sister reminded me of those who have passed way with it. So I'm being careful. I still tire easily and my lungs still aren't clear. I'm about 75% but I think I need to go back to the Dr because i still get burning in my chest and have a difficulty breathing when walking upstairs and hills and even doing regular house work.
<br /> I told my friends I was going to make a T-shirt. A week later I got this in this in the mail a few days later.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/SlGJ2k8Dy6I/AAAAAAAABAs/sNN4V0dQ9a4/s1600-h/Swine+2009.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/SlGJ2k8Dy6I/AAAAAAAABAs/sNN4V0dQ9a4/s320/Swine+2009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355213002641755042" /></a>
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<br />Awesome right? I think so too!
<br /> I missed seeing Smokey Robinson in concert :( bummer.
<br />But I was able to be an usher at the Oquirrh Hills Temple open house. It's only a half mile away and our stake was asked to help. That was pretty cool.
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<br />At the same time I celebrated 1 year of living with PTSD: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. It's been a really really tough road. I now know it's not something that ever really goes away, you just learn to handle it better. I am 365+ days stronger and better. And I will continue to be.
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<br />June 26th we Finished up the American Cancer Society Relay For Life event. Team W.A.C-USA had it's largest team ever. I had 16 people register. This event takes ALOT out of everyone. So Much appreciation and love to all who participated. There were very bad storms for about an hour during the relay. The winds and rains actually snapped my metal tent poles in half. The lightening was striking so close the Army was rushing to get everyone inside the gymnasium. It only lasted about an hour but it looked like a tornado came through. But we didn't stop the relay. We were determined to relay no matter what. Cancer doesn't stop because of the weather and neither did we. After the storm we were rewarded with a double rainbow. This was also the night after Michael Jackson Died. *sadness* He's another blog for another day.
<br /> Team W.A.C-USA raised over $1400 for the American Cancer Society. Yaye US!
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<br />We got a call the other day e and they're selling the house my sister and I are renting. So we're not in the process of Trying to find places to live. We've decided not to move in together this time which is not such a bad idea.
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<br /> My daughter is getting ready to go back to her 2nd year of college. She's been upset this summer, not being able to find a job. I was not sure how we were going to pay our portion of her college fees. Esp since this new job I have is making quite a bit less than the old one. I'm struggling with rent payment as it is. The other day my daughter walked into the room and said... "Mom, the school money will come, don't worry about it, I will be taken care of. And I don't plan on moving back home after college next year I'll stay there until I graduate so you can just find some thing for yourself and not worry about getting something for the both of us."
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<br /> Broke my heart. It would be nice for her to have a bedroom of her own when she comes down on weekend and holidays to visit. But on the other hand she is a 19 year old woman with a head on her shoulders that exceeds my own. I guess this would be cutting some apron strings. I'm torn. I would much rather find a 2 bedroom so she can always come home with ease and comfort when she wants. I would much rather scrape and go without to afford that for her so she can come visit whenever. I may just get a little something for a year or two, try and save and then purchase a condo that we can call come.That way we'll never have to move again and she will have a real home even after I'm gone. The joys of single parenting. We don't do what we want to do but we do what we have to do, right? RIGHT! Last week her financial aide came in. It paid for all her tuition and fees and there is some left over. All we have to worry about is her books and living expenses. GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME!
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<br />We're preparing to go back to Michigan for a family reunions. Im SO EXCITED! The last time we went to a reunion for this side of the family was about 6 weeks before September 11th. Much of the family is from Manhattan, Rochester & the Bronx. I'm also glad to get back to the home town of Battle Creek! I spent some time there last summer but was unable to really get around who I wanted to. I've got some places to see, business to take care of, and favorite places to dine :) Bring on the Volcanoes Pizza and the Chicken Coop! My grandma's been very ill also so it will be good to spend time with her and get some pictures of her. We'll be there for a week!
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<br />*** I think I'll stop for now and do a part 2 a little later. I haven't even begun to catch up on the last couple months!***
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<br />Until then....BE FABULOUS!ShaBANGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435939559462982820noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1556756845096352998.post-52210900268339587192009-05-05T21:47:00.000-07:002009-05-05T23:00:37.279-07:00There is Always A Better, Brighter Way to Live<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/SgEmmTtkJgI/AAAAAAAAA_0/TA6UaRPHUNo/s1600-h/a+toast.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 221px; height: 166px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/SgEmmTtkJgI/AAAAAAAAA_0/TA6UaRPHUNo/s320/a+toast.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332585873351648770" /></a><br /><br /> I talked to a man at work today. "How are you today Miss Karyn?" He said. <br />"I AM WONDERFUL, How 'bout yourself Mr Lilly?" <br />"Wonderful?? WOW< really? It is so nice to hear such a lovely positive voice on the phone. I Don't even want my money back I just like hearing the kindness of your voice!"<br /><br /><br /> I.WAS.BEAMING! I love the reaction I get when folks ask me how I'm doing. I've pretty much taken "FINE" and "ALRIGHT" out of my vocabulary. I'm no longer living a generic life so my answer will no longer be Generic. I also notice when I ask "How are you today?" I really mean it, it's no longer just another "greeting" like "Hi" or " What's up?" or "HEY!" <br /><br />There is much to be said about looking for the bright and positive things in life and in other people. <br /><br />There's even more to be said about FINDING IT!.. Some people look all their lives for the good and positive things AND NEVER FIND IT! Is there something wrong with the look, or is the world in such a state that there is nothing good left anymore?<br /> <br />Quite frankly I'm enjoying being that finder of light in others. Finding it add to being positive. It really is a great feeling and makes the world a who new place to be in. A better place to be in.<br /> <br />Im realizing how much our perception of the world around us has to do with what we draw to us.<br /><br /> Let's take Drama for instance. Some people have a no Drama Clause. They avoid it, don't create it don't participate in it. SO THEY THINK.<br /> What is more dramatic than turning away from a situation that needs to be discussed, sorted out and solved? You think just by glossing something over and then ignoring it will make it go away and cause you to escape drama free? WRONG. It come back with a vengeance. It interrupts current and future issues when not handled. It really does create... "Same Production, Different Cast" with YOU as the director AND usually the starring or co-starring role. Been there done that.<br /><br /><br />I call the Bullcrap card on NO Drama! The minute you declare it, it gang jumps on you. It invades your subconscious and your mind. Just because you don't admit it, doesn't make it not so. The truth isn't any less true because folks don't believe it.<br /><br />I've learned the joy in Taking responsibility for what does and more importantly what doesn't work in my life. There is no shame in saying.... I messed up, I can do better. Or I apologize for being thoughtless. No But... or excuses or justifications. Simply... I messed up, I know it, I'm sorry, I'll do better. I have a much higher respect for THAT person than the one who finds fault and blame on everyone around him for HIS/HER short comings. We all have them. It's what makes us human. And it's soo disheartening AND TACKY to hear someone put off their responsibilities and issues on being someone elses fault instead of just owning up.<br /><br />I enjoy a good honest day's work. I was once told.."I know just exactly what to do and say to impress the right people... and then I just sit back until I make my next move." Seriously.... NOT IMPRESSIVE to me. That's got " I'm a butt kisser and a suck up and do my job when I need to, but for the most part I'm a slacker when no one else is around" Someone who has this habit or attitude doesn't realize it carries over into all aspect of their lives. Can you imagine having a relationship with that person? They'll put in some effort when there is only shakey ground. I like working hard, earning my keep. I like being a team leader and a team player. If you can't be both there will be problems in your personal life and relationships as well. No one can or should or was meant to be the boss at all times.<br /><br /><br />Someone at work called me the Department Cheerleader. AUGH! Yeah, Im not the one. This same person asked me if I "ever had a bad day." <br />I laughed at her and said "I'm actually having one now!"<br />She said she just couldn't tell and would never have guessed it. <br />"well, Complaining about it would only make me more miserable and the people around me miserable...so I DECIDED to change it and make it a good day." Then I gave her a lollipop and walked away.<br />It's all about perspective. At work I decided no matter how bad or awful the person on the other end of the phone was, it was NOT going to effect how well I served them as a customer. I will always do my job the best of my ability with a cheerful attitude. No way I'm gonna let them get to me. So far, so good!<br /><br /> The next goal is to bring that attitude out of the work place. What if we all went home to our families and decided that no matter how upset, tired, frustrated or "whatever" the people in our house were We were going to be the best Father, Mother, Sister, Brother, Son or Daughter we could possibly be anyway? <br /> And why is it we save our best selves for Customers, bosses, coworkers and strangers? If we treated our families like we treat our bosses and customers, I wonder how few divorces, separations and foster kids there would be in the world? <br />OUR FAMILIES SHOULD BE OUR BEST CUSTOMERS! These are the people who clean up after you, feed you, let you move in, give you a few dollars, and in some cases a kidney or something. Why do we not save our best selves for those we are supposed to love most?<br />Well let me tell ya, I've started doing this at home. I live with my daughter and my sister. And it's working. I feel myself wanting to add more and more the comfort and peace of the home atmosphere. And that doesn't just mean avoiding issues. We work them out. Not with blame. We know when we've done something and are doing something that's not conducive to the house hold or fair to the people living in it. We take ownership and try to improve on it.<br /><br /> And let me say this: When you have a true desire to improve and make changes... you don't wait because you learn there is no point in it. Laziness will have you take babysteps. The time for positive improvements is and always will be NOW!<br /><br /> I say this because we are loyal to our habits. Good, Bad and UGLY we are loyal to our habits, because they are familiar and we know how to deal with them. There is fear in change. Fear that we may fail or someone will find a weakness and see us less attractive or less perfect. One of the sexiest traits in the world is Confidence and true confidence comes from recognizing your weaknesses, improving upon them and KNOWING that those you love will continue to love you through it all. THAT's SEXY! That's attractive, not fake arrogance.<br /><br /><br /> I tell you, LIFE IS GOOD. There are miracles surrounding use everyday. I notice them even more than ever before. There is ALWAYS ALWAYS something brighter and more divine to see and it surrounds us each and every day. I am grateful to have gone through whatever was needed to be able to experience this "new world" I've been living in. We are meant to have joy. Not guilty pleasure. Not temporary Satisfaction. Not Substitution but Real live, touch me, feel me, hear me, smell me, taste me human interaction joy.<br /> If you can't find it, then you aren't doing something right because people all over the world are enjoying life and it's out there.<br /><br /><br />When must understand we are every day sowing and everyday reaping what we've already sown. If the harvest is stale and rotten, you can't blame the farmer next door for your tainted crop. Well you can, but it will never fix YOUR crop.<br /><br /> Part of the joy of life is taking responsibility for our failures because those things we suffer at the hand of others may make us dizzy for a little while, but if we stay dizzy and fall and wallow on the ground, it then becomes our own doing.<br /><br /><br />LIFE IS GOOD, believe that. And times are hard. The wiser we get the more we'll understand that our wants and needs coincide. How wonderful would it be live life in such a way that the only thing you really want and need is Shelter, food, clothing and money enough to live on? How wonderful would it be if we didn't need the cable tv or the xbox or laptop or latest cell phone? What if we're happy with a car that functions well and gets us to where we need to go? It is difficult pining and waiting to have enough money for the latest doo-dad. Why not take the money and send Mom or grandma flowers "JUST BECAUSE?" or take Grandpa or Pops out for lunch and an afternoon movie? Gather the neices and nephews together for an 99 cent ice cream and swinging at the park? These are truly the things that make life good and worth while.<br /><br />Life.IS.GOOD. I Promise. And I hope you are put through whatever trial, trauma,hardship, blessing or refiner's fire you need to go through to live it well.<br /><br /><br /><br /> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/SgEnG32sgaI/AAAAAAAAA_8/J_SlYrlpPSw/s1600-h/queen+-+Copy.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 96px; height: 72px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/SgEnG32sgaI/AAAAAAAAA_8/J_SlYrlpPSw/s320/queen+-+Copy.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332586432809435554" /></a>ShaBANGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435939559462982820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1556756845096352998.post-46480048597913832542009-04-26T00:24:00.000-07:002009-04-26T07:16:47.643-07:00I've Got Problems...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/SfRr-gLHsvI/AAAAAAAAA_k/NZAeHgOUdsQ/s1600-h/Mics+Photos+287+-+Copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/SfRr-gLHsvI/AAAAAAAAA_k/NZAeHgOUdsQ/s320/Mics+Photos+287+-+Copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329002980618777330" /></a><br /> I know it. And knowing it is such a blessing. I was having some discussions with some folks and for some reason the new Kelly Clarkson song "My Life Would Suck Without You" came into play. One in the discussion mentioned they didn't care for the song and then quoted the following verse:<br /> <br /> "I know that I have issues... but you're pretty messed up too" And how dysfunctional it was to be in that kind of relationship with that kind of thinking. I had to disagree. In my perspective.... When everyone stops trying to hide the fake persona of being perfect and always right and start acknowledging and taking responsibility for their own "mestupness" (messed-up-ness) Relationships would get better.<br /><br />Seriously, I know that I have issues. I feel that knowing I have shortcomings helps me realize I have things I can improve on. If I don't acknowledge them, the chances of them becoming bigger problems increase. Knowing that everyone else around me is messed up some how.. (And don't EVEN FRONT folks, we all have issues and there are things about us all that are messed up. If you are ALIVE you have issues) allows me to see them through real human eyes. There is no perfection in people and how they are.<br /><br /> I guess for some this could seem pretty depressing. For others they have just left the page all offended. Whatever! See ya, buhbye. Those folks have greater issues then they're probably even aware of.<br /><br /><br />I think when we try to hide our flaws and issues from those we love and care about, it creates greater problems. Does that mean come to the table and confess everything? Not at all. What it does mean is ....We, those folks who love you... we see your flaws and short comings, just as you see ours. And for those of us who really love and care about you, it does not diminish your self worth or value in our eyes. It is when you hide them, justify them, manipulate and lie to us to protect your ego and shattered sense of esteem that there becomes REAL issues.<br /><br />It's been a tough year in the self worth department on this end. My world was absolutely shattered. There was no hiding it. And for the first time I can remember I had no desire to hide it. I didn't go around advertising it, whose who know me know I'm not the same Woman I was last year at this time. I have displayed to those around me my weakest darkest moments. To tell the truth I was too weak to hide the truth and at the same time strong enough to not care what others think. <br />How grateful I am for that realization. I learned that in all my "mestupness" I was surrounded by a stellar support group who gathered around me and lifted me up when I was too weak to stand on my own. I learned who can deal with a certain illnesses and situations that need extreme care and who just can't hang in those situations. I learned who has the knowledge, patience, desire to realize what they had to offer, bring it forward without reservation and care for a friend in need.<br /><br /> On the flip side: I also learned who is selfish, impatient and not understanding of anyone else needs but their own. I learned that in a crisis situation or a situation where I or someone else may need extreme care, some folks just don't have the mental or emotional tools to deal with such situations. Those folks you hope you aren't alone with when something goes down cuz if you need the help, you're out of luck... they will make sure to take care of themselves even when they are the one's not needing care.<br /><br /> There is something to be said about being "messed up" and having a desire to improve on that. If you pretend it doesn't exist, you will never seek to make improvements.<br /><br />I feel sad for the man or woman who is always seeking and advertising to be right. These are those who will question all their "crew" for validation when there is an issue. Usually one considers the "crew" to be impartial. When really the only "impartials" who can be impartial know nothing about you to make an impartial suggestion. The "crew" is simply a bunch of friends who we go to who make US feel better after we've been called on the carpet about something. First we get defensive about it, then instead of taking that self inventory we get defensive and make justifications and then call the "crew" for validation. Because to admit we messed up would make us feel less in our own eyes. And we assume it makes us less in the eyes of others.<br /><br /> I have much more respect and am more willing to walk the fire with someone who can say: "I have a problem I know it has the potential to be damaging to the relationship. But I am willing to work on it and need your love and support while I try to improve"<br /> I would and have walked the fire with THAT person. Than the one who has that pride routed so deep they can't see their own mess, or makes excuses their mess is the result of someone else always messing on them. Failure to take responsibility is another HUGE issue. Blaming others for your own laziness, lack of desire or ambition.<br /><br /> Thee are time when we all are put in a position of victimization. Someone who has practiced their agency in such a way that it invades or upsets your own. There are indeed times when we will suffer at the cause of others. And there are indeed times when others will suffer at the hand of us, so don't get it twisted. If you in any way shape or form justify revenge, abuse, manipulation etc... you have bigger problem.<br /><br />There come a time and place for resolve.I remember those immature days of "revenge" and trying to get someone back for something. There was such temporary satisfaction for me. My conscience would get to me and eventually there would be more agony and guilt over it that I would find myself more miserable than the misery I was wanting to place on someone else. Some folks would call that a weakness. My Grandmother would call it Strength. She would call that a God-like quality. "When you begin to lose those feelings of guilt and misery, then you have stepped too far of the path"<br /><br /> In closing I say I know that I've got problems... and you're pretty messed up too. Embrace it. I'm not saying admit it and be OK with having the problem. I"m saying we all have them. And the sooner we start to acknowledge, take responsibility for and work to improve our own, the sooner we're have better relationships.<br /><br />That's all I'm sayin.ShaBANGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435939559462982820noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1556756845096352998.post-62458592520695748722009-03-29T13:19:00.000-07:002009-03-29T16:23:41.347-07:00Earth Hour: Power Down 2009!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/Sc_-AXbFDRI/AAAAAAAAA-U/gezEj_WwlB0/s1600-h/EHsunset.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/Sc_-AXbFDRI/AAAAAAAAA-U/gezEj_WwlB0/s320/EHsunset.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318748967188892946" /></a><br /><br />About 5 days ago I heard about Earth Hour. A world wide effort to show respect for the Earth we are FRYING and cut/not use any electricity for 1 hours: 8:30-9:30 local time.<br /> I got to thinking what a good experience to cut back on the electricity bill if just an hour and see how much of it we really use.<br />This was all to go down Yesterday March 28th, 2009. <br /> I woke up rather excited to do this thing. I made a last minute decision to see if i could use as little electricity as possible all day. And then I told my sister about Earth hour and she was down for it. I think it was her who said... "we should have a party." I concurred! Always down for a unique gathering, especially one with a cause. We contacted friends and explained what Earth hour is.<br /> Told them our doors opened at 7. Bring flashlights, candles, games,snacks and anything you want to throw on the grill. All electricity goes out a 8:25 pm!<br /><br /> It was interesting how conscious I became of electricity and how wasteful we've become. I got up and instead of turning on lights I opened the blinds. The Sunlight was actually brighter than the electric lights AND adjustable according to how much I opened the blinds. And the sunlight also brightened the mood. It's a fact that sunlight plays a great role in mood disorders such as depression and even on lonliness. <br /> I began to do the normal Saturday chores: Cleaning the bathroom, my bedroom dusting, mopping laundry and so on. I actually decided to hold off on the Laundry because it take electricity to run the washer and dryer. And it could wait, I have plenty of clothes to wear so I didn't have to do laundry on Earth hour day. I actually got all my work done faster than usual. Partially because I wanted to get ready for the party, but Mostly because I wanted to use the sunlight while there was sunlight to use. <br />Thoughts of "Little House on the Prairie" Came to mind. They worked from sunup to sundown because there was not much they could do after the sunset. That also explains why they got much done, they couldn't procrastinate or put it off until later because there was very little could be done by candle/lantern light. AND putting it off would add the the pile of next days responsibilities.<br /><br /> It all makes sense, their hard work, their work ethic. I liked this new realization.<br /> I didn't turn on the TV and or radio all day. I wanted to see what I could hear when not distracted by the typical things. I liked hearing the birds chirping and the kids at the park. One of my neigbors was outside laughing about something. I'm not sure what but it made me smile.<br /> In my sweeping and scrubbing I created a little musical rhythem to one of my favorite songs, so that was kind of cool. I used that rhythem all day while cleaning.<br /><br />When the cleaning was done my sister and I went into the basement and started to did out our candles and candle holders. We ended up lighting about 72 candles using the tealights she and I bought for my wedding reception last year that didn't happen (they smelled of vanilla and pears)and several other candles we had accumulate. It was fun to see the assortment of candle holders we had. We also used several battery operated Asian lanterns I had purchased for reception. They added an exotic element to the house and yard. <br /><br /> We placed the candles and lanterns around the house and yard. The deal was to use no electricity and very little battery operated things as possible. Make it a night using as much of God's natural resources and human interaction as possible. We used battery operated lighting for the stairs in the house for safety reasons. We have an obnoxious about of steps in the oddest places. <br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/SdAAWJq-G9I/AAAAAAAAA-k/7x5R2UrG3Z8/s1600-h/Earth+Hour.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/SdAAWJq-G9I/AAAAAAAAA-k/7x5R2UrG3Z8/s320/Earth+Hour.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318751540477828050" /></a><br /><br /> I got excited as the sun went down. Not sure why but I think there is a fulfillment when you are doing something you know can help a cause. And it was a world wide effort. Knowing places like Vegas, Singapor, Paris, LA, Ottawa, Russia etc were taking part and choosing to be part of it made the world a smaller more congenial place.<br />Folks started to arrive about 7:15 and help with the setting up of candles and food prep and games before the last of the sunlight dipped low into the sky and disappeared. About 8:15 we lit the outside lanterns that lined the sidewalk to the door and began to light all the candles in the house. <br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/Sc_-cmRIVbI/AAAAAAAAA-c/L70svMSzAh4/s1600-h/EHdaylanterns.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/Sc_-cmRIVbI/AAAAAAAAA-c/L70svMSzAh4/s320/EHdaylanterns.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318749452210034098" /></a><br /> 8:28 the electricty in my home(except for the refridgerator & freezer) was turned off. The first thing we noticed was that we got quieter. Something about the darkness makes one think they have to whisper and speak more silently. We got over that rather quickly when there was a knock on the door. My neigbors had read my online invitation and came on over to join us. Their teenagers didn't come over at first but she told them they no matter what they were doing they were not to use any electricity from 8:30pm -9:30 pm. Very nice. I went towards the back of the house and looked at the bording neigborhoods. It looked like maybe only 1 or 2 other homes could have been participating, but for the most part it was business as usual for everyone else. I was a little disappointed. But more than that, I was excited about my company and already thrilled about the conversations at hand.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/SdAAuN1r3-I/AAAAAAAAA-s/UiuK1iIrB1Y/s1600-h/Eh+living+room.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/SdAAuN1r3-I/AAAAAAAAA-s/UiuK1iIrB1Y/s320/Eh+living+room.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318751953913372642" /></a><br /> We talked about books, relationships and how to better them, shared cooking and marinating tips. I was loving the interaction.<br /> We grilled pepperoni and cheese stuffed chicken breast, london broil, cheese burgers, sausages and because the grill has a little side burner we made taco meat.<br /><br />We put a couple of logs inthe fire pit but it was rather windy so we basically let them smolder and thought they wouldn't catch fire. Eventually a flame or two grew and the logs caught.<br /> The biggest festivity of the evening was the playing of charades by candle light.<br /> We had everyone write out things/object on peices of paper. 1 person drew a paper from the bowl and that started the game. What followed was 2 hours of rolling on the floor in laughter as each person tried to act out words such as "furball, hot pants, bacon, pantomime, flashlight..." and so on.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/SdABEpUYLdI/AAAAAAAAA-0/D3Ynq8EMM5A/s1600-h/EH+lantern.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 236px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/SdABEpUYLdI/AAAAAAAAA-0/D3Ynq8EMM5A/s320/EH+lantern.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318752339246984658" /></a><br /> The night was awesome. It was relaxing, peaceful, cozy. There is something peaceful and exotic about candlelight. A few year ago I used candle lanterns instead of night lights and it made a romantic reverence about the house. I do belive we'll be reinstating that element into the household. <br /> Also there was a huge realization at how much electricity is wasted. I've got computers, stereos, and other things plugged in and in the on position for things I haven't used in months. I rarely use my Radio alarm clock anymore. I'm looking into just getting an old school battery operated alarm clock. I no longer listen to music all the time when I go to bed. Sometimes I might pop on a DVD in my portable player. But it also has a battery. with a life of 4 or 6 hours I forget. But this means it will shut itself off and not run on electricy all day because I never really pay attention to it until the evening comes around.<br /><br /> I think we'll be grilling a lot more. And spending more time outside. Our patio furnature has solar lighting on it. I do recall sitting on the patio under the umbrella reading at night last summer. I remember how much more content and relaxing it was.<br /><br />What i really recognized most was the level of stress and peace, for some reason was non existant.<br /> I don't think we realize how added noise puts and keeps us on alert. There was no confusion trying to hear or understand someone over the TV or radio. We were very attentive and aware of certain needs someone may have had because there were no other focus or other things pulling our attention in different directions.<br /> I guess I was able to be in the moments and enjoy them.<br /><br />When the lights did finally come back, on about 30 minutes after midnight it was like some vile invader yanking us back in to some unpeaceful premature existance.<br /><br />Don't get me wrong. I enjoy the comforts electricity brings into my life. The entertainment and ease it gives the world.<br /> But I think what yesterday taught me was this. God created all things. He brought forth many ideas to be invented for certain purposes. And from that man created many things to which we all should be thankful for. But the core of our thanks, appreciation and utilization should still be those God Made gifts.<br /> My mother often said the Lord has a way of destroying and taking away those things we love more than him, or those things we don't use.<br /> Is it any wonder our earth is rotting/frying/dying away? We have poisoned our water sources and our land. We have we given back any of the things we've taken? Plants? Minerals? Animals? Have we tried to nourish the earth so she can replenish her gifts and bounty?<br /><br /> In depending too much on things of comfort we, too are wasting away. Our minds are less sharp. Our bodies are succumbing more to disease & falling apart and not functioning as well as in the passed. We're getting lazier, fatter, sicker and dying at younger and younger ages. <br /> We rely on processed foods with hormones and other additive and excipients. We've gotten too lazy to provide for ourselves and EXPECTANT on others to help feed us, clothe us, pay our bills, clean up after ourselves and fullfill our lives. <br /> I don't think this was how the Good Lord intended things to be. We are not to expect others to do more for us and our families than we are willing to do for ourselves.<br /><br />I woke up this morning and the first things I did was open my blinds to let the sunlight in. Then I opened all the blinds in the house. The only things I've turn on today was this laptop. Im enjoying the sound of the birds. They're probably cussing to one another because it's sprinkling snow outside. There's smoke rising from the fire pit as the flakes touch down and dance on the glowing embers from the logs.<br /> Today I'm hearing what Mama Nature and Mama Earth are saying.<br /> It sounded like they said "Thank you for last night!"<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/SdACfEqtNFI/AAAAAAAAA-8/vrJ5rER31L8/s1600-h/002.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/SdACfEqtNFI/AAAAAAAAA-8/vrJ5rER31L8/s320/002.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318753892776621138" /></a>ShaBANGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435939559462982820noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1556756845096352998.post-43585177338740204852009-03-08T11:09:00.000-07:002009-03-08T20:13:18.031-07:007 Women + 3 Boyz = Men!One fine evening 7 Women from Utah went out to Play.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/SbQK7GUv8WI/AAAAAAAAA50/fKz4a6bisLA/s1600-h/017.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/SbQK7GUv8WI/AAAAAAAAA50/fKz4a6bisLA/s320/017.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310881871002857826" /></a><br /><br /><br />Then ended up in Nevada in a place called Wendover<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/SbQW8h9G1MI/AAAAAAAAA58/7QXP6V0Elm0/s1600-h/083.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/SbQW8h9G1MI/AAAAAAAAA58/7QXP6V0Elm0/s320/083.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310895089739289794" /></a><br /><br />There was a Concert...<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/SbRFWZ4myjI/AAAAAAAAA6E/IcG9uaWE-SA/s1600-h/113.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/SbRFWZ4myjI/AAAAAAAAA6E/IcG9uaWE-SA/s320/113.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310946111784405554" /></a><br /><br />But the concert was all sold out. "Hmmmm!" Thought 7 women in Wendover! "How do we get to see this concert? It is sold out and we do not have tickets"<br /><br /><br />7 Women in Wendover met a Lady from South Jordan Utah<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/SbRIoIbn_6I/AAAAAAAAA6U/nqdQwHNj2g4/s1600-h/063.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/SbRIoIbn_6I/AAAAAAAAA6U/nqdQwHNj2g4/s320/063.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310949714871975842" /></a><br /><br />She had 3 extra tickets so we bought them.<br /><br />7 Women in Wendover found another lady who had 4 extra tickets. So we bought them too.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/SbRJlIDzbrI/AAAAAAAAA6c/z3MCcK6zPCY/s1600-h/116.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/SbRJlIDzbrI/AAAAAAAAA6c/z3MCcK6zPCY/s320/116.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310950762744082098" /></a><br /><br />2 seats were together on the floor. 1 seat was in the middle of strangers on the floor<br /><br />4 seats were all together on the next level up. None of the seats were bad. All of the women were happy.<br /><br /><br />7 Women in Wendover went into a Concert<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/SbRKnVGEyPI/AAAAAAAAA6k/4FReBLkI8gM/s1600-h/056.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/SbRKnVGEyPI/AAAAAAAAA6k/4FReBLkI8gM/s320/056.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310951900114634994" /></a><br /><br />And this is what happened:<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/SbRMznQXbFI/AAAAAAAAA7M/_H_eEMFJrx8/s1600-h/057.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/SbRMznQXbFI/AAAAAAAAA7M/_H_eEMFJrx8/s320/057.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310954310171323474" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/SbRMzexka3I/AAAAAAAAA7E/KSKooVFxGwA/s1600-h/048.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/SbRMzexka3I/AAAAAAAAA7E/KSKooVFxGwA/s320/048.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310954307894668146" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/SbRMy0PkeyI/AAAAAAAAA68/EL9UJO95gRs/s1600-h/043.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/SbRMy0PkeyI/AAAAAAAAA68/EL9UJO95gRs/s320/043.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310954296477776674" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/SbRMysKkp3I/AAAAAAAAA60/ECu9mp-jDKY/s1600-h/020.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/SbRMysKkp3I/AAAAAAAAA60/ECu9mp-jDKY/s320/020.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310954294309332850" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/SbRMyThpC3I/AAAAAAAAA6s/Gcdl0uwBXmY/s1600-h/018.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/SbRMyThpC3I/AAAAAAAAA6s/Gcdl0uwBXmY/s320/018.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310954287695203186" /></a><br /><br />AND...<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/SbRWS4yB9pI/AAAAAAAAA7s/tzdWk90IxGU/s1600-h/052.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/SbRWS4yB9pI/AAAAAAAAA7s/tzdWk90IxGU/s320/052.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310964743056520850" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/SbRWSP_78ZI/AAAAAAAAA7c/zYZcRNlxLHk/s1600-h/045.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/SbRWSP_78ZI/AAAAAAAAA7c/zYZcRNlxLHk/s320/045.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310964732108992914" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/SbRWR9IYxaI/AAAAAAAAA7U/lwwmAWcRKUQ/s1600-h/038.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/SbRWR9IYxaI/AAAAAAAAA7U/lwwmAWcRKUQ/s320/038.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310964727044162978" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/SbRnB6q1S6I/AAAAAAAAA8c/VHzr7Ysj44s/s1600-h/024.THM"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 120px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/SbRnB6q1S6I/AAAAAAAAA8c/VHzr7Ysj44s/s320/024.THM" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310983143203097506" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/SbRnBhGs-OI/AAAAAAAAA8U/e48WGXbQ1PQ/s1600-h/041.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/SbRnBhGs-OI/AAAAAAAAA8U/e48WGXbQ1PQ/s320/041.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310983136340670690" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/SbRnBO-AepI/AAAAAAAAA8M/jGiC0cyIsTw/s1600-h/035.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/SbRnBO-AepI/AAAAAAAAA8M/jGiC0cyIsTw/s320/035.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310983131472362130" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/SbRnA3a7oqI/AAAAAAAAA8E/VWcC06P0SpA/s1600-h/039.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/SbRnA3a7oqI/AAAAAAAAA8E/VWcC06P0SpA/s320/039.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310983125151228578" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/SbRa6DNoVuI/AAAAAAAAA78/2f1ho3KBKro/s1600-h/059.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/SbRa6DNoVuI/AAAAAAAAA78/2f1ho3KBKro/s320/059.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310969813918045922" /></a><br /><br /> They kissed and held my hand (yes... all 3 of them)<br />They gave me a rose<br />AND they told me to call my mama and put her on the phone. Then they took<strong> my </strong>blackberry told my mama who they were, that I was at a concert having a good time and that a song was dedicated to her ... then and sang to my Mama in Michigan while onstage in the middle of the concert<em>.<strong>"Mama...Mama You Know I love you! You know I love you Mama!"</strong></em><br /><br /><br />AND THEN after the show... this happened:<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/SbSB2OKmfmI/AAAAAAAAA9U/zYVfTYGi7kE/s1600-h/132.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/SbSB2OKmfmI/AAAAAAAAA9U/zYVfTYGi7kE/s320/132.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311012629092138594" /></a><br /><br />V.I.P Passes(Autographed)to the V.I.P Lounge<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/SbSCqONwP9I/AAAAAAAAA9c/zUlf3qROB90/s1600-h/074.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/SbSCqONwP9I/AAAAAAAAA9c/zUlf3qROB90/s320/074.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311013522458558418" /></a><br /> My Daughter with the Menz<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/SbSHg3gn2PI/AAAAAAAAA-E/qGrZ7vzQ_7o/s1600-h/075.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/SbSHg3gn2PI/AAAAAAAAA-E/qGrZ7vzQ_7o/s320/075.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311018859303000306" /></a><br />Myself with the Menz<br /><br /><br /><br />My Womenz with the Menz<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/SbSEU0ZRlaI/AAAAAAAAA9s/KIzSvG4tlI8/s1600-h/080.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/SbSEU0ZRlaI/AAAAAAAAA9s/KIzSvG4tlI8/s320/080.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311015353773561250" /></a><br /><br /><br />This is our story and we're sticking to it!<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/SbSE_inbIYI/AAAAAAAAA90/AZesFu1wZZk/s1600-h/134.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/SbSE_inbIYI/AAAAAAAAA90/AZesFu1wZZk/s320/134.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311016087735443842" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/SbSGM3ib7HI/AAAAAAAAA98/uwDqcjRtN38/s1600-h/088.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bp99QliL1ys/SbSGM3ib7HI/AAAAAAAAA98/uwDqcjRtN38/s320/088.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311017416201596018" /></a><br /><br />THE END!~<br /><br /><br />PS: Anything can happen with 7 women from Utah in a Friday or Saturday night!ShaBANGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435939559462982820noreply@blogger.com5