I'm 63 and I'm Tired...

Robert A. Hall is the actor who plays the coroner on CSI if you watch that show. He also is a Marine Vietnam War veteran.


This should be required reading for every man, woman and child in the United States of America ...

by Robert A. Hall

I'm 63 . Except for one semester in college when jobs were scarce and a six-month period when I was between jobs, but job-hunting every day, I've worked hard since I was 18. Despite some health challenges, I still put in 50-hour weeks, and haven't called in sick in seven or eight years. I make a good salary, but I didn't inherit my job or my income, and I worked to get where I am. Given the economy, there's no retirement in sight, and I'm tired. Very tired.

I'm tired of being told that I have to "spread the wealth" to people who don't have my work ethic. I'm tired of being told the government will take the money I earned, by force if necessary, and give it to people too lazy to earn it.

I'm tired of being told that I have to pay more taxes to "keep people in their homes." Sure, if they lost their jobs or got sick, I'm willing to help. But if they bought McMansions at three times the price of our paid-off, $250,000 condo, on one-third of my salary, then let the left-wing Congress-critters who passed Fannie and Freddie and the Community Reinvestment Act that created the bubble help them with their own money.

I'm tired of being told how bad America is by left-wing millionaires like Michael Moore, George Soros and Hollywood Entertainers who live in luxury because of the opportunities America offers. In thirty years, if they get their way, the United States will have the economy of Zimbabwe, the freedom of the press of China, the crime and violence of Mexico, the tolerance for Christian people of Iran, and the freedom of speech of Venezuela.

I'm tired of being told that Islam is a "Religion of Peace," when every day I can read dozens of stories of Muslim men killing their sisters, wives and daughters for their family "honor"; of Muslims rioting over some slight offense; of Muslims murdering Christian and Jews because they aren't "believers"; of Muslims burning schools for girls; of Muslims stoning teenage rape victims to death for "adultery"; of Muslims mutilating the genitals of little girls; all in the name of Allah, because the Qur'an and Shari'a law tells them to.

I'm tired of being told that "race doesn't matter" in the post-racial world of Obama, when it's all that matters in affirmative action jobs, lower college admission and graduation standards for minorities (harming them the most), government contract set-asides, tolerance for the ghetto culture of violence and fatherless children that hurts minorities more than anyone, and in the appointment of U . S . Senators from Illinois.

I think it's very cool that we have a black president and that a black child is doing her homework at the desk where Lincoln wrote the Emancipation Proclamation. I just wish the black president was Condi Rice, or someone who believes more in freedom and the individual and less arrogantly of an all-knowing government. Herb Cain a Black Businesman would be a great person to elect for president.

I'm tired of being told that out of "tolerance for other cultures" we must let Saudi Arabia use our oil money to fund mosques and mandrassa Islamic schools to preach hate in America , while no American group is allowed to fund a church, synagogue or religious school in Saudi Arabia to teach love and tolerance.

I'm tired of being told I must lower my living standard to fight global warming, which no one is allowed to debate. My wife and I live in a two-bedroom apartment and carpool together five miles to our jobs. We also own a three-bedroom condo where our daughter and granddaughter live. Our carbon footprint is about 5% of Al Gore's, and if you're greener than Gore, you're green enough.

I'm tired of being told that drug addicts have a disease, and I must help support and treat them, and pay for the damage they do. Did a giant germ rush out of a dark alley, grab them, and stuff white powder up their noses while they tried to fight it off? I don't think Gay people choose to be Gay, but I #@*# sure think druggies chose to take drugs. And I'm tired of harassment from cool people treating me like a freak when I tell them I never tried marijuana.

I'm tired of illegal aliens being called "undocumented workers," especially the ones who aren't working, but are living on welfare or crime. What's next? Calling drug dealers, "Undocumented Pharmacists"? And, no, I'm not against Hispanics. Most of them are Catholic, and it's been a few hundred years since Catholics wanted to kill me for my religion. I'm willing to fast track for citizenship any Hispanic person, who can speak English, doesn't have a criminal record and who is self-supporting without family on welfare, or who serves honorably for three years in our military.... Those are the citizens we need.


I'm tired of latte liberals and journalists, who would never wear the uniform of the Republic themselves, or let their entitlement-handicapped kids near a recruiting station, trashing our military. They and their kids can sit at home, never having to make split-second decisions under life and death circumstances, and bad mouth better people than themselves. Do bad things happen in war? You bet. Do our troops sometimes misbehave? Sure. Does this compare with the atrocities that were the policy of our enemies for the last fifty years and still are? Not even close. So here's the deal. I'll let myself be subjected to all the humiliation and abuse that was heaped on terrorists at Abu Ghraib or Gitmo, and the critics can let themselves be subject to captivity by the Muslims, who tortured and beheaded Daniel Pearl in Pakistan, or the Muslims who tortured and murdered Marine Lt. Col. William Higgins in Lebanon, or the Muslims who ran the blood-spattered Al Qaeda torture rooms our troops found in Iraq, or the Muslims who cut off the heads of schoolgirls in Indonesia, because the girls were Christian. Then we'll compare notes. British and American soldiers are the only troops in history that civilians came to for help and handouts, instead of hiding from in fear.

I'm tired of people telling me that their party has a corner on virtue and the other party has a corner on corruption. Read the papers; bums are bipartisan. And I'm tired of people telling me we need bipartisanship. I live in Illinois, where the " Illinois Combine" of Democrats has worked to loot the public for years. Not to mention the tax cheats in Obama's cabinet.

I'm tired of hearing wealthy athletes, entertainers and politicians of both parties talking about innocent mistakes, stupid mistakes or youthful mistakes, when we all know they think their only mistake was getting caught. I'm tired of people with a sense of entitlement, rich or poor.

Speaking of poor, I'm tired of hearing people with air-conditioned homes, color TVs and two cars and expensive cell phones called poor. The majority of Americans didn't have that in 1970, but we didn't know we were "poor." The poverty pimps have to keep changing the definition of poor to keep the dollars flowing. When you donate things to the poor in the USA you now have to donate only new unopened gifts and toys.


I'm real tired of people who don't take responsibility for their lives and actions. I'm tired of hearing them blame the government, or discrimination or big-whatever for their problems.

Yes, I'm tired . But I'm also glad to be 63. Because, mostly, I'm not going to have to see the world these people are making. I'm just sorry for my granddaughter.

Robert A. Hall is a Marine Vietnam veteran who served five terms in the Massachusetts State Senate.

Life just isn't fair sometimes...

Infertility - primarily refers to the biological inability of a person to contribute to conception.

Even the definition is cruel.  But to be going through this is one of the cruelest things I've ever had to deal with.  Robbie and I have been trying on and off for 3 years to have a child.  We got really serious about it last year.  We've done Clomid, didn't work.  So, we were referred to an infertility specialist.  We've both had all our internal plumbing checked, and we're both fine.  We were put into a catergory called "unexplained infertility" which is basically saying, "Hey, everything is supposed to work, but it ain't working right."  Fun, huh?

We've done three IUI procedures, and none of them have worked.  They recommend 4, but we've decided that we're taking a break. This is ALL that I seem to have been focused on for the past year.  What does my body feel like today, did I take all the meds, does that look like one line or two?  And then, when I start, it's HORRIBLE!  At first I didn't think it'd hit me so hard, but on that day every month, after wishing, hoping, praying, wanting, the utter disappointment is almost too much to handle.  I cry at the drop of a hat, all day, every day.

And this stuff ain't cheap!  It's not covered by insurance AT ALL, and there is no "Bill me later" option.  You pay the minute you're done.  So, that's been taxing on us as well...

It almost at times feels like I'm a failure as a female and a wife.  I mean, all the anatomy that I have is designed for me to conceive and carry a child, that's down to the bare basics.  But I can't seem to.  It's not fair really.  I know SO many people who don't deserve the kids they have (some with several different baby daddies), and all I want is one.

And, selfishly I don't want to adopt.  I want to be able to have a child with my husband, and, if I can't, I don't want one.  That sounds horrible, but that's the way I feel.

So, we're stepping back.  Giving us a little "us" time and then we'll regroup.  I hope that's the right thing to do, but I honestly don't know how many more of "those" days every month I can stand...

Enough of my whining for one day.  Just had to get that all out...And, if you're reading, don't say anything to Robbie about it.  He hates when I put our personal stuff out there, but sometimes I just need to get it all out.

30-Day Photo Challenge, Day 8

 A picture that makes you laugh:

Me and the hubby on the waterslide at Zeke's birthday party last year.  Don't know how they talked me into going down it on his back, not once, but 3 times.  So much fun that I'm planning on having the waterslide for my birthday next month!

I've gained a new favorite song

I'm a huge Grey's Anaatomy fan, but was not at all a fan of the Glee-like style they tried on last week's episode.  I did gain a new favorite song off that episode however...

It's my new happy song. :)

Visit with an old friend

Several weekends ago, I took another trip to Shreveport to see my friend Margaret, and everyone was healthy and hospital-free this time!  We had a blast!  Everytime I visit I wish I lived closer, but that's just not gonna happen.  She has the sweetest, cutest kids EVER!  Little Lexi (who is 2) has grown quite attached to me the last few times I've visited, which is cool 'cause Lexi doesn't like anybody! 

This is Lexi :)

Don't let her looks fool ya - she's one tough little girl!

This is her older brother Will.  He's just precious and all boy!

After hanging out with the kids Friday night and Saturday afternoon, it was girl time Saturday night!  Margaret's husband John watched all three kids (though I didn't get any pics of baby Jackson this time, dangit!) and me, Margaret, her mom (aka Nay Nay), and her sister Lauren headed out to see Gary Allan at the Horseshoe Casino.  I love Gary Allan!  We had the best time I've had in a long time.  Lots of stories that night, but all I'll say is that it's always best to get security on your side so you're not the ones getting kicked out. :)

Nothing like true friends who stand the test of time and distance.  Nothing I wouldn't do for any of these 3 ladies.  Can't wait to get back soon!

30-Day Photo Challenge, Day 7

Ok, so I know I've been slacking.  It's been crazy busy in my world lately, I'll try to do better.  And yes, I know I still haven't done day 5, but I'll get to it eventually. :)

Day 7 - A picture of your most treasured material item

Without a doubt, it'd have to be this, my freakin' phone.  My whole life is in it.  It's sad really how addicted to it I am.  I love that my work calender syncs to it.  Sadly, if an event isn't in my phone, I'll forget.  And forget remembering phone numbers.  There are very few that I actually remember anymore.  Pictures, music, documents.  It's like a portable computer in my purse.

But it's also my fun game center, as well as my niece's.  At 6-years old, she has her own game folder in my phone and can probably operate it better than most adults.

A Laugh for Monday

Everybody could use a laugh on Monday.  A friend of mine sent me this email this weekend, and I just had to share.  Enjoy!

A Spanish teacher was explaining to her class that in Spanish, unlike English , nouns are designated as either masculine or feminine.

'House' for instance, is feminine: 'la casa.'
'Pencil,' however, is masculine: 'el lapiz.'
A student asked, 'What gender is 'computer'?'

Instead of giving the answer, the teacher split the class into two groups, male and female, and asked them to decide for themselves whether computer' should be a masculine or a feminine noun. Each group was asked to give four reasons for its recommendation.


The men's group decided that 'computer' should definitely be of the feminine gender ('la computadora'), because:
1. No one but their creator understands their internal logic;
2. The native language they use to communicate with other computers is incomprehensible to everyone else;
3. Even the smallest mistakes are stored in long term memory for possible later retrieval; and
4. As soon as you make a commitment to one, you find yourself spending half your paycheck on accessories for it.

The women's group, however, concluded that computers should be Masculine ('el computador'), because:
1. In order to do anything with them, you have to turn them on;
2 They have a lot of data but still can't think for themselves;
3. They are supposed to help you solve problems, but half the time they ARE the problem; and
4. As soon as you commit to one, you realize that if you had waited a little longer, you could have gotten a better model.

The women won.

Today is the day

‎"Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned." - Buddha


I subscribe to Quotes Daddy on Facebook, and there's a new, random quote in my newsfeed every morning.  This morning was the above quote, and I couldn't get it out of my head.  I reposted it as my status, and I've been thinking about it all day.  Because it's correct. 
 
Anger is defined as an emotion related to one's psychological interpretation of having been offended, wronged or denied and a tendency to undo that by retaliation.  What good does it do for people to remain angry and hold on to anger and hurt feelings?  The other person doesn't know exactly how you feel, and most of the time they don't even care.  So why let that anger eat at you?  I'm really bad about that.  I hold grudges entirely too long, years at at time.  And though I might eventually forgive, I never foget.  Ever.
 
So, I've decided that today is my day to begin to let things go.  No longer will I read her blog.  No longer will I listen to negativity from people who don't even know the situation & are just trying to stir up drama.  No longer will I take things I hear so personally.  No longer will I care.  No longer will I respond when I know people are just trying to push my buttons. 
 
Today is the day that I bury several relationships and let it all go.  And that feels simply awesome. :)

30-Day Photo Challenge, Day 6

Ok, so I've been slacking.  It's been pretty busy in my world.  And yes, I know I skipped Day 5.  I'll haveta come back to that one.  Those pics are on another computer, and I keep forgetting to get 'em.

Day 6 is a picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day.  This one was kinda hard because I love being me, and I love my life everyday, even on the bad days.  But...just for fun, I played along and this is who I came up with:

Camila Alves

She's gorgeous, and she gets to come home to Matthew McConaughey every day.  (I have a somewhat unhealthy obsession with him).  Who wouldn't want that???

30-Day Photo Challenge, Day 4

A habit you wish you didn't have...

This one is quite easy:

I'm addicted, seriously.  It's unhealthy.  I've tried to take a break, but I just can't seem to.  Though I will say that I didn't miss it much after the first day when we were on our cruise 2 years ago,  but I went right back to it.

What is it about Facebook that sucks people in so much?  I started my account when it first came out as a requirement from college professors.  That was before it blew up into what it is today, and professors would post assignments, etc. on their pages.  I don't remember how it quickly transitioned into the social networking black hole that it is today, but wow.

It is a great way to keep up with family and friends that live out of town, but I can't say I use it just for that purpose.  It's a sounding board, a feedback site, and a place to feel better about your life when you see how miserable other people really are (though if you stay negative all the time, I'll hide you or delete you).

It's also a great place to stir drama, as I've noticed lately.  I'd have never thought that anything I posted on Facebook would be deemed so interesting by people who supposedly don't like me, but I apparently am more interesting than I thought.

One day I hope to break this habit...maybe they should start having 12-step programs for Facebook addiction.

30 Day Photo Challenge, Day 3

A picture of the cast from your favorite show.

Well, this is a hard one because I now have 3 favorite shows!

So, I can't find a pic of the full cast, but here ya go.  If you haven't seen this show yet, you're missing out.  Timothy Olyphat is yumminess, and the cast & writing are awesome.  Wednesday nights at 9:00 on FX.

Grey's Anatomy.  Still a fave!  It's been kinda up and down on the writing, but I'm still addicted every Thursday night.

My  newest and most favorite show, Detroit 187.  I can't say enough about this show.  You MUST check it out.  Tuesday, 9:00 on ABC.  I've heard rumors that it might not be renewed, but I'm hoping they are false!

30-Day Photo Challenge, Day 2

A picture of you and the person you have been closest with the longest...

Meet Margaret. :)  She and I have been friends since 10th grade.  We lost touch for awhile (like all old friends do), but found each other again about 5 years ago on Myspace.  She lives in Shreveport, so I don't get to see her as often as I'd like, but we talk (aka "text") daily.  She's been my support in so many sitations lately, and I'm so glad we've grown close again. 

AND, I'm going to visit her this weekend.  So freakin' pumped!

The 30-Day Photo Challenge, Day 1

So, I've been seeing the 30-day photo challenge going around on Facebook, and I decided to do it myself, but on my blog instead.  Though, it'll probably take me longer than 30 days because I don't like to get on computers much on the weekends.  Too much going on!

Day 1 - a picture of yourself with 10 facts.

1.  I'm married to a photographer, and I hate having my picture taken, and I hate most photos of me.

2.  I have been struck by lightning. (One of most people's most entertaining things to learn about me, haha)

3.  I have an unhealthy obsession with Alabama football (Roll Tide!). I get chills every time the guys come out of the tunnel onto the field.  Seriously, do not plan an event on a game day or chances are pretty slim that I'll be there!

4.  The filter between my brain and my mouth is permanently out of order, though at times I wish it wasn't.

5.  I have worn makeup maybe 5 times since junior high school.  I hate it! 

6.  I love checking the mail! I'll check it several times a day even when I know there's nothing in there.

7.  I am a control freak and WAAAYYY OCD.  That's probably why my job as an Event Planner is perfect for me.

8.  I am extremely naive, though I've learned to put my guard up a little lately, and I don't trust people easily at all.

9.  I love dirt-track racing!  I'm currently jonesing because I haven't seen any since the season ended in October, and probably won't until April 'cause my weekends are jam-packed.  Robbie has 2 uncles with "boxes" at the local track, but I refuse to sit in them 'cause it just ain't the same without dirt in my hair. 

10. I am pertified of spiders. Not to the point where I won't kill them myself, but I'd still rather have someone else do it for me. They're too sneaky and can hide in your shoes.

Look, I can be passive-aggressive too!

So, this post is specifically for one person.  She knows who she is, and I know she'll read it (or have someone read it and report back to her).  I apologize to anyone else that is tired of hearing about all this.  I debated for several days on writing this, but it just keeps going, so I had to.

So, I'm the one stalking you, huh (according to this)?  That's quite funny.  I've admitted I read your blog.  Hell, you beg people to read it and be your follower, so I am quite surprised that you fuss about me reading it.  I find it amusing that little 'ole me still gets to you that way.  But let's be honest. You're still keeping up with me too.  At least I can admit it.  Oh, you're not?  That's funny.  Let's look at some of your previous posts, shall we?

1. From this post regarding a Facebook status of yours, you talk about "people" posting negative things as their Facebook status and that all it does is "create more drama, hurt feelings, and negative responses."  And you give examples, 2 of the 3 of which have been my Facebook statuses recently (I'm tired of all the whining - I posted Tuesday, March 1 at 3:14pm; and Truth Hurts - I posted Thursday, March 24 at 12:45pm).  The other one was "I hate stupid people" which I post quite frequently, though I can't find a specific date on that one.  My point is this. I find it quite funny and ironic that my profile page is completely private, yet you reference 2 of my recent statuses in this blog.  Coincidence?  I think not.  My response to you is, if you don't like what I post, stop having people read it and tell you what I'm posting.  And if "you're not asking them, they just try and offer information" stop them.  I have.  It's not hard to say you don't care.  It's MY Facebook page and MY blog, and I'm not always happy all the time.  If I choose those avenues to vent, so be it.                      

2. Now, regarding this post, maybe you shouldn't take every piece of gossip that you hear to heart.  I learned a long time ago (and have been reminded since our falling out) that Meridian is a small town with a lot of people trying to start mess.  Since our last spat about me taking Katie's picture down, I have not said one word about you.  Seriously.  I don't talk about you.  I haven't "talked crap" behind your back.                                                                                                                                    You apparently also took all of that wrong.  As much as I'd like to have our friendship mended, it can't happen.  Too many things have happened and we'd never be the same.  I don't trust you, you don't trust me.  All I was trying to accomplish was at least being civil with each other.  And I only said you were STALKING me when you kept on and on wondering if the picture had been taken down when you knew full well it hadn't yet. 
3. Lastly, regarding this post, again about one of MY Facebook statuses (but you're not stalking me) "‎"Christians" like that are one reason I have such a jaded view of religion. Great job of practicing what you preach..." posted this past Friday, March 11 at 9:21pm.  I'm glad that you're getting closer to God.  Good for you.  But don't post in this blog about how you don't "pot stir anymore" because I have evidence to the contrary.  My status was absolutely in reference to you.  How Christian of you to post "every time I see her pop up in the site meter it just chapps my ass....GET A LIFE."  I'm sure they teach you that in church.  See, it's hypocrites like you that give me a jaded view of religion.  You can fool all your new friends, but I know you better than you know you.  Yes, Christians slip.  I was saved when I was young, and I have strayed.  I'm studying different views of religion trying to make sense of it all, so I get it.  But don't go brag about how high and mighty you are.  I know better.                                                                                                             “Better to be known as a sinner than a hypocrite.” - Proverb

Now, all of that being said, I don't hate you.  I never have.  You can believe otherwise if you want, that's your business.  I do miss the way our friendship used to be.  All this passive-agressive posting is beyond childish which is why I waited so long to respond.  I kept thinking you'd stop, but I was wrong.  If you wanna know what's going on in my world so freaking bad, just send me a friend request.  That's much better than knowing there's someone on my friend's list that likes to run and tell everything I post.

My offer from December 1 (which you declined) will always stand - I'm still willing to have lunch, drinks whatever and talk about everything face to face, like adults.  No, it'll never mend our friendship, but it might offer us both some closure and answers that we need.  I wish you the best.  But please, ask me if you hear anything that I've supposedly said.  There's about a 99.9% chance that it isn't true, and you know me well enough to know that. 

My Thought for Today

"This life is what you make it. Not matter what, you're going to mess up sometimes, it's a universal truth. But the good part is you get to decide how you're going to mess it up. Girls will be your friends - they'll act like it anyway. But just remember, some come, some go. The ones that stay with you through everything - they're your true best friends. Don't let go of them. Also remember, sisters make the best friends in the world. As for lovers, well, they'll come and go too. And babe, I hate to say it, most of them - actually pretty much all of them are going to break your heart, but you can't give up becuase if you give up, you'll never find your soul mate. You'll never find that half who makes you whole and that goes for everything. Just because you fail once, doesn't mean you're gonn...a fail at everything. Keep trying, hold on, and always, always, always believe in yourself, because if you don't, then who will, sweetie? So keep your head high, keep your chin up, and most importantly, keep smiling, because life's a beautiful thing and there's so much to smile about."


— Marilyn Monroe

I am so thankful for the people in my life.  I love you all!

Blah

So, if you've been reading, you all know that I had a falling out (for lack of a better term) with my "best friend" six months ago, and it still bothers me.  I can't just let it go for some reason, and this is my place to vent.  I don't talk about it with others, I simply blog about it. 

I can't let it go because it still hurts.  I don't trust people really, I don't have that many friends - I have close acquaintances. She was only one of 2 people that truly know every single thing there is to know about me, good and bad.  I miss the all day texting, I miss the weird conversations we had.  I miss the way we both knew what the other was thinking with just a look.  I miss what we used to be.  And the hardest part to grasp is that it'll never be like it used to be.  We no longer trust each other.  We've had attempts to try and "talk" through text and email, but it ends up blowing up.  There were too many harmful things said to ever go back and undo, and simply put, I just can't trust her as bad as I want to.

I miss her being in my life.  I miss her kids.   I read her blog, though I probably shouldn't.  She thinks I read it to stalk her, but I really read it just to know what's going on in her world because I used to know everything.  Maybe I should stop...maybe that's pathetic.  I dunno...

And it's really hard right now because I'm going through so much these days, stuff that I would only talk to her about.  And I've wanted to pick up the phone several times to call, but I can't.  So I just deal with it by myself until I let myself trust another friend to get that close to me...

Done with my pity party for today. :)

Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras 2011 began on Friday, February 18, and me and the hubby went to Mobile with 6 friends to celebrate.  We had so much fun!  Thanks to some connections, I got us rooms at the Candlewood Suites downtown on Royal Street. 

Robbie and I parked the truck Friday afternoon and didn't move it til Sunday.  I fell in love with downtown Mobile!  So many neat shops and restaurants.  The weather was perfect, and we just walked everywhere.  There were plenty of police presence, so Robbie never felt like it wasn't safe (for those of you who know me, you know I'm naive and never think twice about things like that).  We found the best little locally-owned pizza place downtown Friday night (while the rest of the group left to eat Mexican food) and liked it so much that we took the whole gang there for lunch Saturday.  One of the couples usually goes down every year, and our hotel was about 2 blocks from where they normally stand to watch the parades.  Worked out perfect!

Sitting around, holding our spot and waiting on the next parade to start.

 Couldn't let this one pass without getting a pic!

With my stash for the afternoon.  I'm not one who likes all the beads and stuff that gets thrown, but I ended up with it anyway.  I love the bands and the floats.  Just love looking at all the time and effort put into those floats.  One MAJOR difference about Mardi Gras in Mobile was how clean and family friendly it was.  As soon as the last float cleared, there were about 200 workers walking and cleaning the streets, street-sweepers, garbage trucks, etc.  The streets were clean 10 minutes after the parades were over.

 Me and the hubby in one of the parks downtown.  I really wish Meridian's downtown area could develop like this.  I was in heaven!

Last night there, dinner at Wintzell's.  The best boiled shrimp I've had in a long time.

We've all decided to make this an annual trip.  Can't wait for next year!

My thought for the day

“I don't know if I continue, even today, always liking myself. But what I learned to do many years ago was to forgive myself. It is very important for every human being to forgive herself or himself because if you live, you will make mistakes- it is inevitable. But once you do and you see the mistake, then you forgive yourself and say, 'well, if I'd known better I'd have done better,' that's all. So you say to people who you think you may have injured, 'I'm sorry,' and then you say to yourself, 'I'm sorry.' If we all hold on to the mistake, we can't see our own glory in the mirror because we have the mistake between our faces and the mirror; we can't see what we're capable of being. You can ask forgiveness of others, but in the end the real forgiveness is in one's own self. I think that young men and women are so caught by the way they see themselves. Now mind you. When a larger society sees them as unattractive, as threats, as too black or too white or too poor or too fat or too thin or too sexual or too asexual, that's rough. But you can overcome that. The real difficulty is to overcome how you think about yourself. If we don't have that we never grow, we never learn, and sure as hell we should never teach.”




Maya Angelou

Valentine's Day

Here's a little history lesson on Valentine's Day for ya. 
http://www.theholidayspot.com/valentine/history_of_valentine.htm

"I don't understand why Cupid was chosen to represent Valentine's Day. When I think about romance, the last thing on my mind is a short, chubby toddler coming at me with a weapon." ~Author Unknown



I might be the only female on the planet who thinks Valentine's Day is overrated. Ok, a romantic at heart I'm not.  But it is, seriously.  I mean, why do you need one day to be forced to show people you love 'em?  I think you should show those you care about how much you love them every day.  I try to never miss an opportunity to let special people in my life know that I care. 

But I refuse to buy into the Hallmark holiday that is Valentine's Day. I don't celebrate it.  Robbie and I will buy cards ('cause he gets his feeling hurt if I don't let him do something), but that's it.  No overpriced Valentine's flowers, I don't eat chocolate, and I'm not a hearts kinda girl. ;-)  And forget going out to dinner on this day - you'll freakin' starve before you ever get seated!    To me, Valentine's Day almost makes you resent that special someone because you're pressured to get the absolute perfect gift.  It's no longer about the thought behind the gift.  And women compare gifts, no matter what they say, and judge their men accordingly.  Who needs the pressure?

But see, I'm lucky enough to have a man that celebrates Valentine's Day every day.  I'm always finding notes everywhere- on the bathroom mirror, on my purse, on my windshield.  If he's working in town, I always get breakfast delivered to me (like just now).  I get flowers "just because."  It's the little things like these that make me not need Valentine's Day. 

So see, I don't hate love.  I just hate the social pressure put on one day out of the year for you to prove to the world that you love someone.  It just doesn't make any sense at all to me...I do hope that all y'all that love this day have your best one ever!

My baby sissy

“Sister is probably the most competitive relationship within the family, but once the sisters are grown, it becomes the strongest relationship.” - Margaret Mead

I am blessed to have 2 younger sisters.  We fought like crazy growing up, but now I talk to them at least every other day. 

My youngest sister fixed my blog problems for me, so I promised her a blog post of how fabulous she is, so here you go Jenferder!

You are the bestest youngest sissy ever!  Thank you for being smarter than me in figuring out how to fix my blog.  I hate that you live 3 hours away now :(  I hate that I haven't seen you since before Thanksgiving (though I'll be there in 2 weeks, yay!)  You're so much like me in so many ways. You're strong, assertive, protective of those you love.  I do want you to know that I'm so proud of who you've become.  You're a wonderful sister, wife, and mother. :)  (Though bless Joe's heart 'cause no one else would put up with you like he does!)  AND, Thank you for blessing my life with Zeke and Karlee.

I'm glad we've grown closer over the years, and I miss you & love you bunches!

21 Life Lessons

So, I came across this today in an old email, and I decided to share.  (Don't you feel special?!?!?!)  And then, I decided to add my own comments and opinions just 'cause I felt like it. :)


ONE. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.  I usually always do this, whether I want to or not.  It seems to be in my nature.  I've noticed lately that I tend to give more to some people than I tend to receive, and I reckon that's ok too.

TWO. Marry a man/woman you love to talk to. As you get older, their conversational skills will be as important as any other.

THREE. Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want. I know a TON of people that should read this one.  This town is so full of people who like to create gossip when there isn't really a story to be told.  As for the second part, I have learned this one over time.  I'm not materialistic, but I do like "happies."  Robbie is the frugal one, and we just paid my car off.  I have friends asking, "So, when are you gonna get a new car?  Yours is a few years old now."  Yes, but it's paid for!  There's nothing at all wrong with it, so I think I'll keep it.  :)  And

FOUR. When you say, "I love you," mean it. When did people start throwing these 3 words around so much, or have I just recently began to notice this?  I tell my husband, my family, and my friends I love them a lot.  But I mean it.  If you're my friend, and I've told you I love you, we've been friends for a long time, I trust you, and I honestly love you.  I see people on Facebook telling people "Love you!" when they were JUST gossiping about them last week. 

FIVE. When you say, "I'm sorry," look the person in the eye. If you're truly sorry, text and email doesn't cut it.  You have to say it in person so the person can see it in your face.

SIX. Be engaged at least six months before you get married.

SEVEN. Believe in love at first sight.

EIGHT. Never laugh at anyone's dream. People who don't have dreams don't have much.

NINE. Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it's the only way to live life completely.

TEN.. In disagreements, fight fairly. No name calling. Big lesson learned lately.  You can't take back anything that's said, and words said in anger are the worst.

ELEVEN. Don't judge people by their relatives. Lord knows I've got plenty that I don't want people judging me by!

TWELVE. Talk slowly but think quickly.

THIRTEEN. When so me one asks you a question you don't want to answer, smile and ask, "Why do you want to know?" Or just say "Nonya business!"

FOURTEEN. Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.

FIFTEEN. Say "bless you" when you hear someone sneeze.

SIXTEEN. When you lose, don't lose the lesson

SEVENTEEN. Remember the three R's: Respect for self; Respect for others; and Responsibility for all your actions.

EIGHTEEN. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship. Though sometimes the disputes are so large that the friendships can't be salvaged, no matter how bad you want it to me.

NINETEEN. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.

TWENTY. Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice.

TWENTY-ONE. Spend some time alone. I believe this is a must for anyone, I know it definitely is for me.  I love people, but sometimes I just don't wanna be around anyone else.  My favorite alone time is my running time. 

Stepping Outside My Box

A few months back, someone opened a Painting with a Twist location here in Meridian.  (http://paintingwithatwist.com/meridian)  I've been thinking about checking it out for a while, but I can't even really draw straight stick-figures, much less paint.

But...an old friend I've recently begun to reconnect with invited me to a private party there Friday night.  I tossed around the idea for a few days, should I go, should I not go?  Art is not something I'm comfortable with, I won't really know anyone else there, blah blah blah.  So, I just went for it and signed up.  Once you pay for it, there's really no backing out I guess. 

I went, and guess what...I had a really great time!  They teach you every step of the way, and they'll even help you fix it it you're not crazy with one of the steps.  I think it turned out ok, but I'm always my toughest critic. 

Robbie either apparently liked it or just wanted to spare my feelings, but, either way, it ended up on the living room wall.  It's not too shabby for my first one, and a few friends are looking at which painting to do next month.

So I guess I learned that it's ok to step outside my comfort zone every now and then...

Eating Habits

Weird, random post from me today...

So, a coworker was making fun of me because I'm eating Wheat Thins dipped in ranch dressing.  (It's pretty freaking awesome.) I know I'm one of the pickiest eaters ever, so I decided to list my strange eating habits in black and white just so I can see how strange I might be.

• Apparently Wheat Thins and ranch dressing is a good place to start.  (Cheez Its and ranch dressing is pretty great too).
• I only eat the crust and sauce when I eat pizza - I ALWAYS pick the toppings off.  I've done this as long as I can remember.  (And I don't order breaksticks with sauce because they taste different). 
• Nor will I eat pizza (crust and sauce) with peppers and onions.  The taste seeps into the crust.  Yuck.
• I usually only eat salads when I make them at home.  This is because I don't like the "crunchy" part of the lettuce, I only like the leafy part.  Exception is at Subway because they have shredded lettuce.
• I only like biscuits for breakfast from McDonalds or Hardee's.  I always get bacon and cheese, no egg.  I open it, eat the bacon first, then the cheese.  Then put strawberry jelly on both halves of the biscuit and eat them separately.
• A1 on fried catfish and crinkle-cut fries in awesome!  My husband thought I was nuts until he tried it - seriously good stuff.
• I like deer meat as long as I don't know it's deer.  If you tell me, my throat will close and I will not be able to swallow.  All stems from learning I was eating deer steak as a child while watching Bambi.  Thanks Uncle John, scarred for life.
• I have to have a tomato product in my diet at least once a day, preferably salsa, tomato sauce, or diced tomatoes.  Though peeled home-grown tomatoes in the summer with salt is by far top of my list.
• I dip my cornbread in ketchup.  Can't eat cornbread without it.
• I also put ketchup in my butterbeans, and sometimes in my peas.
• I don't like cheese on my hamburgers except from McDonalds.
• I can only stomach cream cheese and sour cream if it's cooked in something, and I'd prefer not to know it's in there, though I cook with both a lot.
• I hate ricotta cheese and cottage cheese.  It's a texture thing...
• I don't like chocolate.  I'll eat it every now and then in the small form of a Hershey's kiss, but that's it.  (Except I love Rolo's - all that caramel, I don't mind the chocolate so much).  Don't like chocolate cake either.
• I don't like ice cream.
• I don't eat leftovers, except from Olive Garden, Nick and Al's (pasta only), DePalma's, and Pearl Garden.
• I only eat Chinese food from Pearl Garden in Tuscaloosa.  I ate there so often when I lived there that nothing else tastes the same.
• The only vegetables that I'll touch are the "Southern" ones, and I don't eat all of them.  Some of my faves are tomatoes (duh), butterbeans, black-eyed/purple-hull peas, stewed potatoes, whole kernel corn or corn on the cob (hate creamstyle corn!), and that's about it...though I have had a friend make me squash before, and I really liked it.

 Ok, maybe putting it in black and white wasn't a good idea.  I am kinda a strange, picky eater...Oh well.

Being Noticed

Ok, let me just go ahead and throw in this disclaimer.  This post is liable to sound really conceited and vain, but those who know me well know that's not me at all.

I received a compliment the other day by one of my close guy friends, and it's probably about the nicest compliment I've ever received.  I get hit on a lot, and I have no idea why.  I consider myself to be average.  I don't wear make-up, EVER (wore it for a brief stint when starting high school and hated it),  I've recently grown my hair longer because my husband asked me to, but I have no clue how to roll it, fix it anything.  It's straight, always.  I'm most comfortable in jeans and flip-flops, but I can get dressed up with the best of 'em (without makeup and with plain hair, of course.)  I'm a guy's girl, really.  I wanna watch Alabama football and dirt-track racing, and I don't have to be all fake for that.

I DO have a fear of being fat, so I do yoga 3 nights a week, I run, and I strength-train with light weights. 

Normally a woman's compliment is "nice ass,"  "nice breasts," blah blah blah.  Because all of THAT is flattering, ugh.  For instance, the other day on my way to work, passed a guy on the interstate in jacked-up Chevrolet, Georgia plates. He speeds back up to get next to me, rolls his window down, holds out a piece of paper with his number on it, and tells me to call him. What is wrong with people?!?! That's not flattering, that just makes me think you're psycho. Why would men think this is a compliment???

All of that being said, the compliment I received was:

You're beautiful and can carry on an intelligent conversation for hours on multiple levels with every genre of of personality. Some would say people instead of personality, but it's really the intellect that you can communicate with. Each of them responding to you in a positive way. That my dear, is not only great marketing skills, but in a real and honest sense; it shows your brilliance to care enough about someone else to learn enough about them to effectively communicate with them. All without asking anything in return.

That absolutely made my day, my week actually. Rarely as women do we get to hear stuff like this.  That's pretty sad...

I'm Not Getting Your Damn Tickets

So, for those of you who don't know, I work in a conference center with a performing arts theater.  http://www.msurileycenter.com/  Check it out sometime. 

What I really hate with a passion is when our new seasons are announced, because I start getting the "Hey, can you get me really good tickets to .....?"  NO!  First of all, if you know me well, you know that I don't get to buy my tickets early, nor do I get a discount.  If you don't know me well enough to know that, what makes you think that I know you well enough to care how close to the stage you are?????  I mean, really.  Don't you think it's a bit presumptious and rude to just ask me to help you when you don't know me that well anyway? 

So, no.  I will not be helping you get your tickets.  I'm sure you'll get lovely seats, as all our seats are great.  Good luck to you!

Ok, off my soapbox now...Just needed to vent.

Friendship

“A friendship that can end never really began” - Publilius Syrus

I came across this quote last night, and it really made me stop and think.  At the end of 2010, I lost the person who I trusted as my best friend.  Part of it was my fault really.  I kept something from her to try to spare her feelings, and that led to her believing she couldn't trust me.  There was MUCH more to the whole situation on both sides, but that's the one part of the whole deal that I truly regret.  There were a lot of things said over the course of a month or so that we'll never be able to take back.  But...I miss her.  I miss our conversations.  I miss knowing she was always there for me to go to.  I miss her kids.  But, do I miss her, or do I miss the friend I thought she was?  Is she still that same person I knew and all this clouded my judgement?  I guess I'll never know...

I've been dealing with the whole concept of friendship.  I always like to think I'm a good friend.  If I consider you a friend I would walk to the moon and back on hot coals for you, seriously.  I seem to come across as a hard ass to a lot of people, but I'm a huge pushover when it comes to my friends.  But, I can't shake the question of whether it would have been best for me to tell her which would have led her to a fight with someone she loves or whether I should have just kept it to myself like I did.

At 33 years old, do I really need to have a label of a "best friend?"  My guard is way up these days.  I have a friend who considers me her best friend, but I'm not at the same point in our friendship as she is. I have a few true friends whom I know I can call on at any time...I've heard people say that your spouse should be your best friend.   While I certainly love Robbie, I simply don't see things that way. 

Maybe it's all just me and everyone else is normal.  But, I like me.