Public Pondering

Change

2008-08-04T17:43:00.003-04:00

We have people around us clamoring for change. Some have there hands out for some government chump change, and some think that electing an inexperienced person who flip-flops will bring about change.

Only I can offer you real change. The change I offer will make your eyes widen, will make you smile, and will take you back to your youth (well, if you click on the RT Tube thingy).

While I'd love for physical and geographic change, like yesterday, I can offer you THIS.

See you on the flip-side!

How I roll

2008-08-03T22:34:00.004-04:00

Snigs has an example of how her mind works when she is thinking/talking to herself. When my mind is empty, I'm not as witty. I tend to over-think my life.

However, I will give you a peek into how my mind works. It can be a trip. I'm watching a show that is following a band through their first real recording and their official launch. I was watching a photo shoot. They were not "feeling it," as they said. It wasn't "them." My thoughts? "Well, dudes, you signed on that coveted dotted line...suck it up. When you are legend and have been in the business for 10-20 years, then you can make demands." Then that reminded me of the band I lived with, as they were equally full of themselves. (I did their hair and make-up, too....I've been to the photo shoot from hell.) Yeah, they had a record contract, as minor as it was, but that was no excuse to be prima donnas....eight people in a two-bedroom apartment and about to be living in the practice space does not afford you to behave like the world revolves around you. Well, in any case, hope their dreams come true. Unfortunately, the more I watch of their show, the more I see that the individual egos will not all fit in the room. All the little fits of each member wanting equal recognition = doom.

So, as I was remembering my life of 21 years ago and listening to this "new" band, I thought, "Do they realize that even with the show and the new deal, they still have a slim chance of getting whatever it is they are after?" I mean how many one-hit wonders have we liked that we never heard from ever again? Then, I started listening to them talk some more. They admitted they were whining, at least. The singer wondered why they didn't put them in a wrecking yard or something. (Their shoot was in a field somewhere.)

Yeah, that's when my mind switched gears. See, every time I have a thinking-spell (heh) it goes back to a song that I like. You, see, back when Mr. Mellencamp was John Cougar whatever, I loved this song (still do). It was shot a quarry. Quarry, big mechanical stuff....wrecking yard.....yeah...that's how I roll.

Headlines

2008-08-03T19:21:00.005-04:00

I'm sorry my posts have been pretty blah the past few days. My head is elsewhere. I appreciate your patience with my funk. Hopefully these headlines will give you a chuckle.

1. Don't streak, get drunk or sleep outside
Dangit! Where was that advice many moons ago?

2. World's oldest joke traced back to 1900 BC
Caveman Bob: "Caveman Larry!"
Caveman Larry: "Grrrnnntttt!"
Caveman Bob: "Pull my finger!"
Caveman Larry: "Grrrrnnnnttt, uh-ah, grrrnnnntttt!!!!"

3. Ancestor of T-Rex dinosaur unearthed in Poland
The discovery of the T-Rexski brought about a surprising discovery: The T-Rexski had a strict diet of perogies.

4. Women at party mistake police for male strippers
Wyatt loves playing that joke on unsuspecting perps when he interrogates them in that hot, tiny room with the really bright light.

5. Mafia godfather's daughter ties knot in Corleone
So, do you think a pre-nup was needed? That guy better never make her unhappy, eh?

6. South Africa's ambitious climate change strategy may include carbon tax
Hey guys in the homeland of my grandfather: How about you improve the lives of those in the "townships" via jobs and such and then work on that aids problem, first. I'm just sayin'.

7. Dunkin' Donuts Adds Healthier Options
Two words that do not belong in the same sentence: Donuts and healthier.

8. Drunk man tries to fill his car with jet fuel
Well, the little voices in his head were saying, "Sunday, Sunday, Sunday.....jet-fuel funny cars!" He wanted to drive one is all. (What an ass.)

9. The stripper and the steelworker
The cashier and the cowboy
The accountant and the apple farmer
The hairdresser and the Harrier pilot
Wow, I could do this all day. ;P''''

10. Monkey from Mars: A Ga. crime lab's museum oddity
Was it some brass monkey???? (Enjoy the bad breakdancing.)

Sunday Song

2008-08-03T00:00:00.001-04:00

Luke 17:1-10
And he said to his disciples, "Temptations to sin are sure to come, but woe to the one through whom they come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin. Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, 'I repent,' you must forgive him."

The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!" And the Lord said, "If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it would obey you.

"Will any one of you who has a servant plowing or keeping sheep say to him when he has come in from the field, 'Come at once and recline at table'? Will he not rather say to him, 'Prepare supper for me, and dress properly, and serve me while I eat and drink, and afterward you will eat and drink'? Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.'"

I Corinthians 13:11-13
When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Rita Springer
"I have to Believe"

I have posted this song in the past. I truly believe God sees everything that happens in our lives. He see our hurts and tears. He listens to our prayers with a heart that only a loving father can.

When Jesus was on Earth, He had to endure all the emotional and physical pain (and then some) that we experience from time to time. He wept, too.

What He has that we will never have are "the answers". He knows His plan and purpose for our lives. I believe He instills in us the desires of hearts, too--that He plans our steps, as well.

We especially see God's presence and work in our lives when we learn to let go and when we realize that not only should we seek forgiveness, but also provide it. That opens us up to submitting ourselves to Him. That is also when we learn how deeply God loves us and how we can then show His love to others.

Meh...

2008-08-02T06:21:00.005-04:00

Saw these comics...liked them...sharin' them.

Got any suggestions?

2008-08-01T22:40:00.005-04:00

I'm at a loss about what to cook for my Sunday dinner. Do you have any suggestions? If you do, keep in mind that I am cooking for just me, I am allergic to tomatoes, and I absolutely hate Brussel sprouts. I've also had fish about three times this week and I'd like to have something else.

Yeah, lame post, eh?

I've had a lot on my mind the past few days. I need a hug (or a bazillion).

Think I could get some hugs from this guy?

Sooooooooo......

2008-08-01T19:02:00.003-04:00

I'm kind of bored and not feeling like I want to go out, so I've been taking stupid blog quizzes. Judging by my birthday, I'd say I have four months from today before I turn another decade older. Dangit. Well, at least I don't look or feel 40.

Your Birthdate: December 1

You don't just believe in love at first site - you've experienced it.

You develop crushes pretty easily, but keeping your interest is another matter!

You are very prone to love - hate relationships.

Number of True Loves You'll Have: 2

Number of Times You'll Have Your Heart Broken: 4

You are most compatible with people born on the 1st, 10th, 19th, and 28th of the month.

What Does Your Birth Date Mean For Your Love Life?

Thank you for your prayers

2008-08-01T11:00:00.000-04:00

My dad called yesterday evening to tell me that my aunt decided to settle with him instead of continuing the lawsuit. She decided to do so after his deposition was completed yesterday morning. He was more than generous and fair with her, but in the long run it saves him from further stress and emotional pain. He'll be 70 in November and he doesn't need his wanker of a sister making his life miserable.

When he called, he was so happy that everything was over, and that was good news for me.

I just wanted to thank you all for thinking good thoughts and praying for my dad. This has been a stressful year for him, and I hope that now he can go on a nice long vacation without a care in the world.

Caption Contest

2008-08-01T00:00:00.006-04:00

Boy, the gas prices are hitting everyone, eh? Come up with a witty and fun caption. I'll post winners Monday evening. Have a great weekend! :) (Photoshop entries are always welcome, too.)

Other caption contests:

Blonde Sagacity
bRight & Early (I won 1st place last week!)
Cowboy Blob
Family Security Matters (I got 2nd place last week!)
Gone Rick Motel (I won 1st place last week!)
Is this life? (Be sure to scroll down.)
Right Pundits
Rodney Dill (I won 1st place last week!)
WILLisms
Wizbang
Wyatt (I got 4th place last week!)

Weighin-in

2008-07-31T16:11:00.000-04:00

While a bunch of us gear up for the next weight-loss challenge, I continue to do my almost best to lose weight. Since the last day of school, I've lost 20 pounds. Since the last official weigh-in, I've lost 7. Pretty sweet, I'd say. In total, I've lost 39 pounds since the beginning of January and 77 pounds since last winter.

I still have a lot of weight to lose, though. It is definitely a mental battle and I'm very grateful for the support I've received from my friends. It means a lot to me. I get judged enough by people, and having supportive friends that have kind of walked in my shoes really helps. God has not only blessed me with consistent weight loss, but also consistent support.

I'm still feeling pretty cruddy from yesterday. So, I'm just gonna lay low and maybe go out for a ride. The wash can wait one more day.

Have a good one, y'all.

Another night of music

2008-07-31T13:16:00.017-04:00

Tuesday was another nice night at the Grand Ole Opry. There is a reading convention in town and the place was packed with teachers. I was sitting with some teachers from Texas. They were very nice. It was hot as hades up in the not-so-cheap nosebleeds, though. (The pictures might be easier to see if you click on them.)

See the third row just right of center? That's where I sat when I saw Charlie Daniels. I went up and down a lot of steps Tuesday night. It felt good to be somewhat agile on them. It was encouraging to say the least. Now, for the rundown. Btw., be warned, the pictures are crappy, I couldn't get the settings to cooperate, and I was wayyyyy up high.

First, was a veteran of the Opry, Jeannie Seely. I've heard of her, but never heard her perform. Her songs were good, but her wit was just as spunky.

After Seely was Luke Bryan. I really liked this guy. He did a really good job of balancing a good performance with his engagement of the crowd. It didn't hurt that he had a killer smile. (There were video screens to aid in the audience's viewing pleasure.) He was the first of nice big/tall guys with tight jeans on. I kept thinking about Snigs and how jealous she'd be. Heh.

I like watching the older Opry members/performers. Jesse McReynolds is a bluegrass biggie. He's been in the business performing and playing the mandolin for over 61 years. He has some furiously mad skills on the mandolin. Some of his grandchildren performed with him, too.

I am getting all giddy thinking about the next big, tall guy to wear really tight jeans (and a really tight t-shirt): Keith Anderson. Really, though, his eyes....*whimper*. He has a new CD coming out on Tuesday and I believe I will buy it. He opened up with THE SONG that stabs me the heart every time I hear it. You know, one of those songs that no matter how happy you are, you hear it, and blammo....you dissolve into a tearful mess? Yep. He does have a fun song on the new CD titled, "Somebody needs a Hug". (Follow the directions on that website, wait for the hokey intro to end and listen to the acoustic version.) Come to think of it, I could've used a hug or two yesterday.

After Anderson, another gentleman of country music's past, Jim Ed Brown, came to the stage. He's a seriously funny guy. You will recognize him when you listen to THIS. I think he was one of my uncle's favorites. He told a joke that made my eyes pop out a little. He was saying how he loves applause (and who wouldn't). His comparison: "It's like making love to an old maid. Can't get enough of it."

The next group that performed was Restless Heart. Currently, the original five members are on a 25th anniversary tour. I saw them a lonnnnnng time ago (20 yrs?). They were excellent....top-notch musicianship. I wish they could have done a few more songs, though.

Ever hear THE SONG about the kid that cusses and dad realizing it is his own fault? Well, that is Rodney Atkins. (O.k. Snigs, this is for you: He was super-tall with super-tight jeans--bad audio, but nice viewing.) He sang a second "parenting" song (better audio) about advice to give a boy picking up your little girl for a date: telling the kid you'll be up waiting, cleaning your gun. It was funny to hear the lines of the song. I kind of wished I had a dad that said those things to prospective boys. Then again, the boys I hung around with I wouldn't let near my house. (Except for two of them....they were "safe".)

The night ended with Trace Adkins. Adkins is 6'6". I don't think a bull could run into him and survive (again, Snigs would have been mightily jealous--he even had his hair down). He sang his current HIT. He also sang a couple of songs from the new CD that will be released in the fall. They were really good songs. One song is about finding a sweet girl. /snark....part of a line? "Sweet like hidden tattoos." The other song provided a little glimpse into his past. I remember watching a show that talked about him getting shot by an ex-wife (in the chest, I believe). So, I knew he had a tough go in his younger adult years. Apparently before that, he sang in a gospel quartet. He said the song he was about to perform took him back to those years. I can't remember the title of the song, but it is a prodigal son type of song. It was beautiful. It reminds me that we are completely lost without forgiveness, whether we receive from God or someone we've hurt, or if we are the one providing the forgiveness. He seems so humble, too which makes watching him all the more enjoyable. I was truly impressed with him on The Apprentice, and Tuesday night confirmed it. He also had a wonderful "live" voice.

The really nice thing about watching the shows I've been to is that I think I've seen some pretty down-to-earth people. Back in the day, I used to always be around musicians. I've seen plenty who needed to get over themselves and some that were genuinely nice people. I know that is true for any walk of life, but to really connect with people in such an overtly putting-yourself-out-there business, you kind of have to be good with yourself. I haven't left one show thinking, "Wow, that guy/gal was a bit arrogant." They all just seem truly grateful to be where they are, enjoying the moment. I especially like watching the older performers. There is a grace about them. They have an appreciation for where they are and where they've been, and know it doesn't last all that long. Trace Adkins acknowledged that fact.

I wonder how many musicians depend on their fame or the appreciation of others to give them worth? What happens when that all goes away and they haven't found a way to give themselves worth in their own eyes?

Go figure

2008-07-31T08:09:00.006-04:00

I managed to sleep through what sounds to be the mother of all thunderstorms overnight, but I woke up after the power went out.

I've been up since 4:30 a.m. Apparently, where I am there is a brown-out. The power has been out since around 4:00, so I am thinking I might be replacing the food in the fridge.

Guess I really shouldn't have the computer up and going, either. There is enough juice for a radio, clock, and computer---but, nothing else.

I think I'll just go back to sleep. At least that will keep me from thinking too much. Well, I should be able to sleep as long as the upstairs neighbors stop having loud sex (it was an all-nighter on their part). Guess, power outages are good for something.

I'll be back later. Have a good morning.

Thought this percentage would be higher

2008-07-30T20:44:00.004-04:00

Found this at Jimbo's at Parkway Rest Stop. He's a funny, snarky Jersey guy. Go pay a visit.

I am 36% White Trash.

The white trash in my blood will not keep me from becoming a doctor or a lawyer, but it will keep me from a good haircut and any sort of fashion sense.

Take the
White Trash Test
@ FualiDotCom

What a (shopping) trip

2008-07-30T16:52:00.005-04:00

Last night, I talked myself out of doing wash and just chilling out in the condo, today. I wanted to keep the legs moving and go shopping for those pretty girlie shoes I've been wanting. So, I picked a mall that had a ton of stores, nice surroundings and no hint of thugs walking around it. I've read about some of the malls in the area having some issues, so I chose what I thought would be a good place. It was. I got a later start than expected, but I walked around the mall, got some ideas in my head, and then decided to get some lunch before I finished shopping. I hadn't eaten all day and was beginning to feel it.

Lunch was surprising. Well, not. I ended up with my "if-nothing-else-seems-good" choice of Chick-Fil-A.

Unfortunately, I felt a little upset and queasy for reasons I won't explain (wasn't the food), and left earlier than I'd expected. At least I got in some walking. Hopefully, I can find those pretty shoes in the near future.

I'm feeling a bit emotionally drained, today, folks. In fact, I'm pretty hurt and sad about something. I'll post the trip to the Opry house either later tonight or tomorrow. I'm not feeling "fun" right now. Kind of wish I had just stayed in and did my wash.

Whatever I want Wednesday

2008-07-30T02:29:00.007-04:00

I will post about last night's adventure a bit later. There was a joke that cracked me up and lots of music that made me smile and yes, fight back those darn tears. I tried to take pictures, but they are a little muffed. However, I will post what I can. I plan on going out today to a mall to walk, walk, walk, and walk.

If you think of it, my sadly mistaken aunt and my equally sadly mistaken cousin (read: both greedy and vindictive) will be doing some stuff under oath that could potentially harm my father. Pray that their lies and schemes are thwarted. My other cousin, speaking on behalf of my father, will also being taking part. I have not been asked to do so as of yet, because of my obvious bias toward my dad.

He has an awesome lawyer. Just pray about that whole situation. It has been going on for almost a year.

My dad will give his deposition, tomorrow.

This song came to mind when I was thinking about my dad just now.

"You don't mess around with Jim"
Jim Croce

YAYAYAYAYAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-07-29T16:07:00.002-04:00

The A/C is FIXED! A freakin' fuse was coming in between me and my Arctic-like comfort.

Off to get something to eat and then the Opry. Among others, I will see Trace Adkins and Restless Heart. There is a guy performing that has a hit right now....that makes me cry....a lot. Dangit. My mascara isn't waterproof, either. Grrr!

Yeah, my life is good boring right now, isn't it? Just think: This time next month, I'll be all anxious about starting school.

Over the next year, I think I might be doing the paperwork necessary to teach down here. Hopefully, I'll be in the position I wish I was in now, so that I can do it. Who knows? Maybe that financial miracle will happen and I won't have to go back to NJ, except to get my cats, my important papers and to throw out everything else...oh, and bring down my almost like new, hardly used desktop computer.

Now, I am off to do my hair (which will flop in ten minutes of being outside), powder my nose, and gets to steppin'.

I think the heat has scrambled my brain.

Well, when you have nothing to say....

2008-07-29T09:00:00.002-04:00

You cat-blog!

I have no air-conditioning. I'm waiting for a guy to come out and fix it. "They" said he'll arrive between two and four, which means I have to be ready to go out (going out tonight) by 2 pm, because I won't have time to do it if the guy is here. And, if I have to leave before he gets here, I'm going to be a wreck coming back here by myself. It would be a little much to ask my cousin to meet me to walk me in tonight. Hopefully, the a/c guy will be gone before I have to leave.

Now, for the cat-blogging. (I miss my kitties.)

An idle mind....

2008-07-28T21:54:00.004-04:00

It seems that I got Snigglefrits thinking. Two women with much maleness on the mind....never a good thing. Well, it is, but it is very distracting--in a good way.

Wanna see who won the caption contest this week? Click HERE!

And another headline getting on my nerves, today:

Less schools failing under 'No Child Left Behind', state says

FEWER!!!!!!

Finally!

2008-07-28T17:01:00.003-04:00

When I woke up this morning it was soooooo quiet (this will be important later). When I looked at the time, I was surprised to see that I slept through my alarm. However, I did wake up in time to go to the movies. But, first, I had some retail therapy to attend to. I bought a pair of jeans one size smaller--among other things.

Now, the movie: The Dark Knight is awesome! If you go to see it, be warned that the movie has no opening credits and just starts after the previews. There are some pretty intense scenes and some really good twists. I don't want to give anything away about it, so you'll have to see for yourselves. The end of the movie seems to be a great beginning to the next chapter of the Batman movies.

So, I got back to the condo. That silence? The air-conditioning is broken. Uh, tomorrow is supposed to be a scorcher. Guess I'll be spending the day at the mall. Good thing I'm going to the Opry, too. I'll be nice and busy, and hopefully, I'll be the proud owner of a pair of hot looking shoes. I miss wearing hot looking shoes.

Seriously, though....see the movie. You will not be disappointed.

Oh, just a few things

2008-07-28T12:00:00.001-04:00

1. Isn't it a given that McDonalds will do a profitable business at this stage in the company's existence? If so, then why do they insist on having stupid commercials that attempt rap? Rap is bad as it is when it is considered "good," but ad-campaign rap is just horrible. Actually, it makes me not want to go to Mickey D's....well, that and it makes me physically ill. However, I would visit if they were offering those glasses with the McDonalds mascots on them.

2. I saw this headline on a local news station's website:

Motorcycle learning classes take off as gas prices climb

"Well, dang. Ise gonna go take me some of them thar classes on learnin' motorcycling."

How about "Motorcycle skills courses take off as gas prices climb"????

3. There is a pretty big homeless problem here. In fact, I see a lot of them because of where I am staying. Now, when THIS happened, didn't anyone on the trolley have a stinkin' cell phone to dial up the cops for help?

I wonder what kind of tour they were expecting if they didn't immediately wonder why a homeless guy was jumping into the driver's seat?

A question or a few for the gentlemen

2008-07-28T08:00:00.003-04:00

I was watching a show last night. I'd give the title, but I don't want hits from people looking for it. In this show a guy and his wife went to go hang out at the Playboy mansion and then they spoke to Heff about the guy's wife doing test shots for a possible for-real photo shoot.

Working up to the big day, the guy expressed his angst of people seeing his wife naked and wondering what reaction friends and family might have. It wasn't anger-ridden angst and his wife had a pretty calm attitude, but seemed determined to do it. Well, they did have the proper blessing and care for feelings warning given by the highly-paid counselor/psychologist--whatever.

Now, I know some of you are saying: "R.T., nekkid women are good."

People do what they do. However, my moral compass couldn't wash on this one. How does a man's wife do something like that and how does a man give the so-called o.k.? How do you share what you have vowed to keep sacred with the rest of the world?

I'm not the kind of girl a guy would "show off" (yet), but I think I'd feel kind of gross if my husband was like, "Go show 'em your tatas!" I lived with guys like that, and had a prospective new member to that band, during his interview, jokingly "demand" to see mine--clASS.

I guess one of the many questions I'm asking here is how can you respect yourself and your wife if you are allowing that bond meant for you to be sold to the highest bidder? Isn't what is meant for private be just that? Private?

I turned the show off; not worth watching. But, those questions lingered.

I'll take one of him, to go, please.

2008-07-27T18:56:00.003-04:00

The Mentalist doesn't look all that original, but I might watch just to see Simon Baker. I'm not into blondes, but I can make an exception in his case. Well, his hair is wavy, he has light eyes, and he has some scruff--major points in my book.

Simple Stuff

2008-07-27T15:57:00.008-04:00

Tastes like chicken!

Hopefully, Ssssteve will approve of this week's Sunday dinner. I decided to just roast a couple of chicken breasts (garlic/chipotle chili powder/pepper/olive oil), baby carrots, red bell peppers, and green onions. I topped things off with some green beans and smashed red potatoes with olive oil, grated parmesan cheese, and a teensy bit of butter. I could go all week (and usually do) without using butter, but I must have it on my smashed or baked taters. To be honest, I was going to roast a whole chicken, but thought it would be a waste, since I don't really like dark meat. Boneless, skinless breasts are a little better in the fat area, too. I made enough for two, so tomorrow, I have leftovers for dinner and don't have to cook. Since I'll be engaging in female suburban warfare (shopping and a movie) tomorrow, I won't feel like messing around in the kitchen (well, unless it involves actually messing around) and would be very tempted to hit the fast food stops on the way home. That would decrease my chances of being very thin this time next year.

Mmmmm.....ready to eat!

Speaking of losing weight, don't forget about the CHALLENGE I posted the other day. I know Wyatt is on board, as is Joe Cool (Ssssteve's brother), and Big Bad Wolf. We'll begin the day after Labor Day. Whether you have 10 pounds or a bazillion pounds (like me) to lose, all are welcome. It really does help to have a little support.

**Btw, I know that's a huge piece of chicken, but I haven't eaten since yesterday. I did load up on the veggies, though.

Sunday Song

2008-07-27T00:00:00.006-04:00

Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

I have been having some struggles of faith, lately (nothing earth-shattering, but enough to make me itchy). At this point in my life, and in my relationship with God, I know not to give up, especially with how faithful He has been. I'd be an ingrate of enormous proportions. I know that there are times that I have to wait and be still. Honestly, though, I'm pretty weak at times when it comes to mental will (thus, the struggles). I know it isn't because I think I know better than God. I'm just highly human and impatient.

I've been praying about some things for almost two years, now (some things for as long as 16 years). It's not easy, and that is what I think I'm trying to say. One of the hardest things to do is to turn things over and to ask for God's will to be done. Even when you do and you mean it, waiting for God's answer is hard.

I hope you all have a restful and blessed Sunday.

"Prisoner of Hope"
Randy Stonehill

A job hazard for criminals?

2008-07-26T17:37:00.003-04:00

Have Dragon and Goldbloom been to Brooklyn?

(Be sure to watch the video.)

Sometimes I wonder....

2008-07-26T14:46:00.005-04:00

I finally woke up in time to get to the movie theater with time enough to find parking. Folks, this was my third attempt this week to go see Dark Knight. So, I get to the movies....I drive around looking for a spot....for a half an hour. I drove around and around and around, there were people leaving and other people getting their spots. As the "New Jersey" rose up in my blood pressure and I started mumbling about a conspiracy and a few f-bombs, I decided to walk a half mile to the theater (o.k. a 1/4 mile). I figured that I still had 25 minutes until the movie started and all should go well. You all should be used to my lack of luck by now...the lines were really long, not moving anywhere (as given there is really slow customer service down here--I'm used to it, just didn't figure on having to plan my trip around it). Realizing that I would not get through the line and get to the movie in time, I mumbled one more well-placed f-bomb to myself and walked over to the Opry to get tickets for Tuesday night. That's when I had my attitude adjusted a bit--okay, a lot.

On my way to the ticket office, I saw a woman with her husband. She had a bandana on her bald head. That's when I was reminded that what I've been through and have been tested for (off and on) over the past four years could have turned out much different and that I could be sitting at home going through some heinous stuff right now. That's when I realized just how blessed I am and that I can just go see the movie another day. Getting angry over parking is so not worth my energy. (I'm sure it would have been pretty entertaining to watch, though.)

With my attitude adjusted, I bought my way into Tuesday night's Opry. I'll be somewhat high in the rafters, but it is time I tested my ability to get up and down steps without a railing. I was able to go up steps without a railing today here at the condo. On my long walk back to the car, I prayed about my attitude a little. Evidently not enough, because I was still in a rotten mood. However, I do realize just how blessed I am and it is something I need to work on more.

Maybe I'll try to get to the movies Monday....and at a different theater. I don't have to see the IMAX version to be happy.

Ummm....

2008-07-26T00:24:00.003-04:00

Now, maybe if we had this kind of lawn mower when I was young. . .

My least favorite chore as a kid/teenager was to mow the lawn. We had a big lawn. I hated the smell of the mower and I hated when I had to stop to empty the bag that caught the clippings. The worst part was that because of mold allergies, I would cough and gag the whole time and the grass made me itch. Eventually, I just learned to make myself scarce. Hey, I was told the coughing, gagging and itching was in my head. (My grandmother's response for everything.)

So, I kind of sympathize with THIS guy. However, I think in the long run, calling a neighborhood kid or some landscapers would have been the route that saved the most money.

Caption Contest

2008-07-25T07:00:00.003-04:00

Provide your witty and entertaining captions. I will post winners Monday evening. Have a great weekend!

THE WINNERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

3. Insolublog: You're sure this is going to make me big bang with the American girls, right?

2. Noddy: Bluetooth technology has still to hit the streets of Pyongyang.

This week's winner is. . .

1. Wyatt: Unfortunately, Chang was hungry for more power an hour later.

Other caption contests:

V-day

2008-07-25T00:00:00.001-04:00

All kidding aside, keep Wyatt in your thoughts and prayers this morning.

A new challenge

2008-07-24T20:54:00.002-04:00

It has been just about a month since the last day of school. Since that time, I've lost 19 pounds (6 since our last official weigh-in).

While I know I can lose the weight, I feel kind of alone. I need the pressure of a weigh-in. It must be the stress-freak in me.

So, I would like to issue a "challenge" to whomever would like to join. I don't know that we need to have a prize at the end, because our improved health and appearance are reward enough in my book.

So, what do you all think? I can keep myself somewhat motivated over the next month, but going back into the stress of the school year scares me. It will be all too easy to stop for a hoagie on the way home from work than to suck it up and have some steamed fish and veggies.

I propose a September through June period of time and either weekly or every-other-week postings of our progress for accountability. (I prefer a Saturday weigh-in.)

What do you all think?

I'm trying to hit my goal weight by June or July. Some of you will just be trying to maintain your goal weights as I'm sure you will have hit them by then.

This is about leaning on each other a bit to keep the weight off and to be healthier people. I want us all to be around a good long time. :)

Just one of those songs

2008-07-24T19:29:00.002-04:00

I love Dwight Yoakam. Down here, I get to hear him on the radio quite a lot. Today, my favorite song by him came on, and it is just one of those songs you want to share with someone because bopping around in the car looks insanely dumb.

So, I'm sharing it with y'all.

Do-over

2008-07-24T18:29:00.003-04:00

I woke up early this morning to go to see The Dark Knight in an IMAX theater. I fell back to sleep, but when I woke up, I thought I had enough time to catch the next one. Well, that would have been peachy, except that I couldn't find a place to park close enough to the theater (and the movie was about to begin). Grrrrr! Then I went to another theater where I knew I would find parking, but I just missed the beginning of their next showing of the film.

After feeling like the world did not want to go to the movies, I went to the grocery store and bought some fruit.

YAY!

I'll try again tomorrow morning. I think I'll shoot for the 9:00 am show, so that I make it to the 12:20. Hey, I know myself well.

Now to go find something to post about because I don't have what I thought I would.

HA!

Bedtime stories

2008-07-24T03:07:00.000-04:00

When I was little, my mom always made sure she read to me. Sometimes she read from the Bible, Disney books, Golden Books, and some longer fiction as I got a little older. However, there was one book that got my attention more than Pecos Bill's adventures with his lasso: Robert Louis Stevenson's A Child's Garden of Verses. It is a book of poetry that I still have. Here is one of my favorite poems from it:

Foreign Lands
by Robert Louis Stevenson

Up into the cherry tree
Who should climb but little me?
I held the trunk with both my hands
And looked abroad in foreign lands.

I saw the next door garden lie,
Adorned with flowers, before my eye,
And many pleasant places more
That I had never seen before.

I saw the dimpling river pass
And be the sky's blue looking-glass;
The dusty roads go up and down
With people tramping in to town.

If I could find a higher tree
Farther and farther I should see,
To where the grown-up river slips
Into the sea among the ships,

To where the road on either hand
Lead onward into fairy land,
Where all the children dine at five,
And all the playthings come alive.

This is not good....

2008-07-23T22:57:00.002-04:00

A man involved in a robbery turned murder was found not guilty despite being on tape and the fact that witnesses place him inside of the store.

THIS is just awful.

Respecting my elders

2008-07-23T20:47:00.000-04:00

When I get older I want to be spirited like this:

And, I want to move like this:

I've been here a month?

2008-07-23T12:00:00.001-04:00

As of tomorrow, I will have been here a month. I've been noticing that I am not homesick. I don't even miss cheesesteaks. If it was hockey season, I'm sure I'd miss the Flyers, though.

Here are a couple of lists of things I miss and don't miss about being in NJ.

Things I don't miss about NJ/Philly:
1. Rudeness
2. Watching the local evening news and getting whiplash from shaking my head.
3. My job
4. Eagles drama
5. Traffic congestion (taking a half an hour to go five miles)
6. My past lurking at every corner
7. A large majority of people not speaking English
8. Smug attitudes
9. The stress
10. Paying $845 for a tiny one-bedroom apartment that is at least as old as I am, with a perpetually broken air-conditioner.

Things I do miss:
1. My parents being close enough to really check on
2. My kitties--they help with the lonesomeness
3. Wawa
4. The elderly neighbor we call "Pastor." He always waves hello and good-bye to me from his wheelchair. I dare say he probably prays for me, too.
5. Ummm....can't think of ten things. Is that bad?

Back home, I never feel like I "fit". I never have. My grandmom used to tell me that I wasn't an Easterner. She used to tell me that I was Midwestern. I don't know what she meant by that. But what I do notice is that I need to be in a calmer, less stressful environment where people are kind of chill. Living life seems to be more important here than rolling over people to get to the "latest" thing.

I wish I could stay.

Whatever I want Wednesday

2008-07-23T06:00:00.000-04:00

Allman Brothers
"Blue Sky"

Guilty of being stupid!

2008-07-22T21:02:00.002-04:00

Every now and then I feel the need to not feel like a loser. Dumb criminals help me feel better about myself. So, here are some people who make me feel not so daft.

You might want to check that gas gauge, idiots!

Let's say you and your buddies really want a recliner for the crack house. You think it will spruce up things a bit. It's just the right thing to detract from the flaking paint, baggies strewn on the floor, and crack pipes.

Lo and behold! While you are out purchasing your next fix, you see said recliner at the local Goodwill. You and your peeps pull in, get the recliner and take off like molasses out of a jar....why not like a bat out of hell? Because, you loser, you ran out of gas!

Duh!

(H/T: NBC 10)

Don't rob banks your check can't cash.

Feel like robbing a bank? Here's a list of "don'ts".

1. Don't rob a bank the same way two days in a row.
2. Don't give cops a reason to stop you and run your tags/registration.
3. Don't use your personal checks as scrap paper to write your monetary demands on, as that might just be used as evidence....oh, and a way to catch you!

Well, at least he didn't run out of gas.

(H/T: UPI)

Perhaps some coffee would have been a better choice.

When I used to drink heavily, I always made sure I had a safe place to crash (or had a designated driver make sure I got home to go nighty-nite).

Some guys in Washington didn't plan their partying appropriately. According to cops, the drunken fools stole some items ideal for a good night's sleep and passed out. Unfortunately for the drunken fools, they left a trail from the store to where they were, a distance of about 200 feet.

The officers were quoted as saying that alcohol is probably to blame, but I think weed, stupidity, and the desire to imitate Goldilocks should be added to the mix.

(H/T: UPI)

Speaking of stupid:

For even more stupid criminal behavior, go visit Wyatt's blog to read about a guy who didn't think through on-the-job hazards.

A real post? What's that?

2008-07-22T13:45:00.002-04:00

Anyway, I'm sure you won't mind some neat harpguitar. I was channel surfing just now and saw this guy playing the harpguitar. Pretty.

I'll try to think of something to post soon. I'm not feeling politics too much, as it just gives me a headache these days. I have reason to pray to not go back to NJ. It is because of someone who is moving back to NJ; however, don't want to post about it. I have someone that wants to come down and invade my condo, but I won't allow it. Don't worry. I purposely have no adventures planned this week, so nothing to report.

Enjoy the song.

Tom Shinness
"Fair Park"

HEY!

2008-07-22T03:37:00.001-04:00

GUESS WHAT!?!?!?!!?

Go ahead. . .guess.

Update on Deathlok

2008-07-22T01:17:00.003-04:00

I wanted to come up with a good-natured, snarky title for this post, but I just couldn't. Go read Deathlok's update on what he has been through the past week and you'll see why.

Seriously. Really. Just, wow. (Also, please continue to keep him in your prayers.)

Headlines and bloopers

2008-07-21T18:25:00.001-04:00

1. Loud bar music makes you drink more
Hmmm...usually rowdy people listen to loud bar music; therefore, wouldn't it be acceptable to say that rowdy people people probably drink a bit more? That used to be my experience. I wish I was as smart as these people doing stupid studies that have absolutely no purpose.

2. Study: Shrinking newsrooms hurt quality
Again, another stupid study. What is hurting the quality in the newsrooms is the overarching bias and refusal to be objective and present both sides of the story. Kind of like the New York Times publishing an opinion piece from Obama and refusing to publish McCain's rebuttal...in the editorial section...candidates for office....HELLO!!!!!!

3. Two-thirds of Egyptian men harass women
Yep. Guess who they blame....those evil women!

4. Scientists tap ocean motion
So...it is the motion of the ocean that matters.

5. Santa Claus congress starts in Copenhagen
Is it like a kangaroo court? A Mickey Mouse operation?
Are they comparing lists and talking about outsourcing?

And this folks, is why I should NEVER be allowed to have a job like this:

Reading the Word

2008-07-21T00:00:00.002-04:00

The past few days, I've been reading my Bible a lot. For some reason, I keep going back to the book of Exodus; precisely, Chapters 14 & 15. I've also spent some time in Psalm 18.

What stood out to me was God's provision, protection, guidance, power, and God's answers to those who sought Him.

He's still that same God, even when the ones He is trying to help and show His love to act like idiots (me included). He's there to show us all of those things I listed above.

So, why do all of those things? Why answer our prayers? Why heal us? Why provide above and beyond what we could ever need? Well, the answer is stated over and over via those passages: For His glory. Meaning, God does what He does so that He's seen as He is...the end all, be all, great I AM. It is about showing us His love, but it is also about us, in turn, praising Him for all that He's done so that those who don't "get it," understand and are (hopefully) moved closer to God and a relationship with Him.

In Exodus 14, God uses Moses to part the Red Sea. When the Israelites were scared about the uncertain future they faced and the Egyptians on their tails, Moses reminded them in verses 13 and 14, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still."

Wow! I imagine people giggle when I say that God keeps score and has my back. However, that God that provided a way out of Egypt is the same God that watches over my steps, today. And just like the Israelites and their angsty behavior, I get itchy and hyper. However, I need to be still and allow God to work things out in His timing, after all....His way is perfect. You wouldn't want to eat a half-baked cookie would you? Likewise, I don't want a half-baked blessing because I was impatient. That's not to say that waiting for what I pray for is easy. It is really hard. For example, I've wanted to come to Nashville for almost 16 years. In fact, I almost decided to finish college here. But, now is when God provided the way to spend an extended amount of time here. Why? I have no clue, but I am looking to see how He leads.

In Exodus 15, Moses spends about half of the chapter praising God for what He did in Chapter 14. Again, that goes back to why God does what He does. Would people put their trust in Him if He just kind of watched us through the eyes and heart of indifference? No. He also wouldn't receive the praise that causes people to reflect upon Him and His goodness.

The last half of Chapter 15 shows humans being humans: "Why are we here? Why did God lead us out of a comfort zone--no matter how bad--and give us less than what we had?" You know, the basic human propensity to whine and complain. However, they were reminded that if they stayed faithful to God and His laws, he would protect them and heal them (because that's what His laws were meant to do).

Psalm 18 was interesting to read. It was about God providing a battle victory. The writer of the psalm talks about being surrounded by all manner of evil and harm. As a result of his deliverance from that, he goes on to honor God and His presence in that situation. Verse 30 is worth noting: "As for God, His way is perfect: the word of the Lord is tried: He is a buckler to all those that trust Him."

Again, we have areas that require trust and waiting.

Lately, I've been praying about some very specific things. Because I am who I am, I tend to develop a little anxiousness. The things I pray for mean a lot to me and are truly the desires of my heart. It is hard as a person who doesn't trust many people, to hand over the ownership to those things to God. However, if I want the desires of my heart, I have to give them over, allow God to do things in His time, so that He gets the credit and I am not saying, "Look what I did."

God is the same, never changes, and has more love and patience for us than can ever be imagined. At the same time, He also has the means and power to do anything we ask and to go beyond anything that we ask.

Sunday Dinner

2008-07-20T22:32:00.005-04:00

When I was a kid, my mom, grandmom and I would go out to a steakhouse or pick up some fast food after church. I used to love the Sundays where we'd come home and my grandpop would be sacked out on the couch with his pipe hanging out of his mouth and his newspaper covering his belly like a blanket. After he died, I remember coming home and watching the Sunday afternoon movies and munching on my cheeseburger. Sometimes the movies were Hope & Crosby, Abbott & Costello, or Blondie & Dagwood. I loved them all.

The past couple of weeks that I've gone to church, I find myself thinking about the comfort of those days. Thus, the stew and this week's yummy dinner.

This week's Sunday dinner might not look all that special or even look very good, but the flavor....yummay!

This is a dish called mince and tatties (no neeps, sorry DBA). The mince (ground beef) is browned in sauteed onion, garlic, and olive oil. Once it begins to brown, some flour is added with a tiny bit of water (I mix it before it goes in) to thicken the juices. This part should be done over a medium heat because the juices need to cook down a little. The potatoes I used were a few small red potatoes with the skin on (my preference), smashed into submission with a little butter and some cream. The carrots are just my attempt to eat some veggies. I imagine I busted the fats and carbs I should eat for the day, but I needed it today.

About ten years ago or so, my Gradmother Helen (dad's mom) taught me to make this. Minus the garlic, it is her mother's recipe. It is Scottish and it is a source of comfort. Sometimes we need it, eh?

Lesson learned

2008-07-20T12:01:00.001-04:00

Be careful what you ask for. . .

Wrestlers Need A Chair And Fans Deliver - Watch more free videos

Sunday Song

2008-07-20T00:59:00.004-04:00

Isaiah 64:8
Yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.

This vacation has been very good for my brain and my spiritual life. I'm learning to understand that I need to not be so hard on myself, and that I'm a work in progress: physically and spiritually. All I need to do is trust God to take the clay of my life and do with it as He sees fit for what He is creating.

The neat thing about life is that we are never stuck being the same. We can change and grow. We can become better or worse, as that is our choice. I hope I'm becoming better. While it has been very hard at times, I am slowly learning to submit myself to God's formation of my life. (You know how clay is thrown onto the potter's wheel? It's kind of like a trial or a period of waiting and then everything begins to take shape...formed into something useful for God.)

I don't usually provide the lyrics, but I am this week. They are just awesome. You'll find them beneath the video.

Have a wonderful Sunday, y'all.

"Clay and Water"
Margaret Becker

These days are passing over me
At the speed of light
And sanding here in their shadows
I'm silenced at the sight
Like water on the wind I sense the change to come
All that I've held in like teardrops run

Chorus:
I am clay and I am water
Falling forward in this order
While the world spins 'round so fast
Slowly I'm becoming who I am

Nothing ever stays the same
The wheel will always turn
I feel the fire in the change
But somehow it doesn't burn
Like a beggar blessed I stumble in the Grace
Reaching out my hand for what awaits

I will live
From my heart
And I will catch the lines of love as they come
Back to You
I know they'll lead
And into You
I know I'll lean

Twenty-one years ago....

2008-07-19T20:57:00.004-04:00

If you had told me that this is how I'd be spending a Saturday night this many years later, I would have laughed. The best part about spending my evening studying is that I'm happy to do it and want to do it. I'm glad I'm not the person I was a year ago, let alone the person I was 21 years ago.

Just like Chinese water torture, but dry

2008-07-19T18:36:00.004-04:00

A couple of weeks ago we lost our power for a few hours during a thunderstorm. When the power went out, the smoke detectors reverted to their batteries (or bat-trees as my grandmom would say). During those few hours, I kept hearing the one in the bedroom chirp and chirp and chirp. All was well when the power went back on, but I thought to myself, "Gee, that'll suck when the batteries go low, because it'll chirp."

So, I go out to the store today and when I came back: "Chirp....chirp....chirp....chirp..." Could this have happened before I went out? I could have bought batteries and a step stool. Yeah, I forgot to mention that the ceilings are kind of high and there is nothing for me to safely step up on to change the batteries. Peachy.

Well, at least I won't be alone tonight, I'll be visited by the smoke detector's chirp every freakin' few mintues. Guess I'll have to go to the store again tomorrow.

I'd get my cousin to do this, but he's about five inches shorter than me. I'd stand on a chair, but they have bar stool type chairs (not safe). I don't even know what kind of batteries to buy, either.

A little annoyance, but a sucky one. I could call the fire department down the street....hmmm...

Never a man around when you need one. Geesh.

Ummmmm....nuttin'

2008-07-19T09:00:00.002-04:00

I don't have much for y'all, today.

Well, a couple of things...

I was in excruciating pain last night. I lugged around five loads of wash up and down steps and by the early evening, I was walking like an old woman and the nerves in the small of my back and legs were just kickin' my butt. By midnight or shortly thereafter, all of the pain was gone. I took Tylenol around 6:00 p.m., so that didn't do the trick. Someone must have prayed for me. Now, that heating pad I was going to buy this morning can sit on the shelf and wait for someone else.

I will be buying some chocolate and some Chinese food, though. I just gotta!

Be sure to enter the caption contests this week. We all have a bunch of good pictures just begging for your humor!

Catch y'all later. I need to go walk and shop and walk and shop and walk....you get the idea.

The comic above? Yep, nothing to do with anything--just thought it was funny.

Goodness gracious

2008-07-19T00:25:00.001-04:00

Attention Europe!

Please, do not get sucked into the whirlwind created by the scores of people who work for Obama. Please, do not get caught up in the mindlessness our media has developed that leads to drooling and yelping Obama's name endlessly while gushing like a school girl pining for her first crush. They felt this way about Clinton, and well...

Obama is full of empty words, and has done absolutely nothing to show that he'd be a good leader. Sure, he reads speeches from text really well, but when he has to think on his feet....not so much, because he does not have a clearly set belief on anything. Truly. I listen to candidates objectively. Trust me, I don't like McCain much, either.

Flava flav sums it best in the "chorus" to THIS song.

Just spoutin' my beliefs as per the 1st Amendment, Blogger peeps.

Man down (but not out)

2008-07-18T22:34:00.003-04:00

As many of you that have visited Wyatt's blog know, Deathlok is need of our prayers. I got a text last Sunday evening telling me to pray for him because he had been airlifted to a hospital in Philadelphia (one of the best, btw) for a blood clot in his brain. After I shook off the initial punch to the stomach, I prayed.

If you have read Deathlok's posts, you know about his belief in God. His faith is important to him, so your prayers will gladly be accepted and appreciated.

Be sure to stop by and wish him well. Positive thoughts go a long way.

Get well, Buddy! We'll be praying for you, your family, and your friends. :)

Fruit of the vine

2008-07-18T17:00:00.001-04:00

I was watching a program today that was discussing the benefits of red grapes; precisely, the grape skins and grape seeds. You can take the supplements and extracts or you can consume a seeded grape in its entirety. (Seedless grapes have a little grape extract in them, though.)

I eat red grapes just about every day, especially since the weight loss challenge began, but I didn't know about all of the benefits. I thought, perhaps, I was just helping to satisfy my post-lunch sweet-tooth. I think I'll be eating them with more intent, now.

It seems that resveratrol is the secret weapon (along with the seed). It promotes good blood vessel health, cell health, helps with obesity, and apparently a slew of other things. I'm not an expert by any means.

Here are some links for you all to read for more information. Some discuss wine and some discuss the resveratrol itself. You could always do your own research, too. I'm sure I haven't found all of the information there is to read.

I care about my bloggy friends and their health. :) Eat your seeded red grapes!

Just a warning, y'all

2008-07-18T12:00:00.001-04:00

Oh, and totally random and off topic....

I have been experiencing a serious craving for Chinese food. I have no clue where to go down here for good Chinese food. (I've been warned by my friend in Texas about her experiences of trying to find it where she lives, and I'm skeerd.)

I'd ask my cousin, but he's away. You just know if I end up with icky Chinese food I will be craving the good stuff even more.

Grrrrrr! (Yeah, that's my worst problem right now. It's nice, to be honest.)

To me, this is some sick irony

2008-07-18T09:00:00.001-04:00

Let's say there were these two guys. These two guys decided to sell "lucky charms" as accessories for cellphones.

Let's say these "charms" ended up being made of tritium (radioactive material) that would "shine for more than 10 years."

So, you have the scenario. Now, think of the worst place on the face of the earth that someone could take advantage of trend and pop-culture obsessed people with radioactive cellphone accessores.

Did you come up with a guess yet?

The answer: Hiroshima

1. Do these two Japanese men have no shame or sensitivity to what generations before them experienced? (Yes, we had to bomb them. There was no way around it, but at the same time, I feel these men are stomping on the memory of those killed.)

2. This stuff was bought from Britain. What the heck are they doing selling radioactive material that is "27 times more tritium than is allowed under the law"? (Even if it is not seen as a certain threat to health.)

I don't know. This just disturbs me.

(H/T: Yahoo)

Caption Contest

2008-07-17T15:00:00.005-04:00

No words needed for this one. Well, except for your witty and entertaining captions. I will post winners sometime Monday evening. Have a great weekend, everyone! (As always, your Photoshop entries are more than welcome.)

The winners!!!!!!

3. Wyatt: "Carpet Fresh take me away!"

2. Rodney Dill: "Do you have Prince Albert in a can?"

This week's winner is. . .

1. Insolublog: The Empire writes back.

Other caption contests:

Blonde Sagacity
bRight & Early (I WON here last week!!!!)
Cowboy Blob
Family Security Matters
Gone Rick Motel (I WON here last week!!!!)
Right Pundits
Rodney Dill
WILLisms
Wizbang
Wyatt

Playing in the stream...of consciousness

2008-07-17T10:20:00.004-04:00

I'm a little bored today, cleaning will do that to a person. I have to do at least two things at once or I go a little wonky. So, focusing on one thing for an extended period of time (like a cleaning project, grading--you should see how much I get distracted, or even just watching a movie--must be why I like action movies...lots to keep me occupied) makes me really itchy, ants-in-the-pants kind of thing.

That's why I'm on my computer a lot. I can't just sit and watch television.

However, the one thing I can do for a focused amount of time is sit and listen to live music. If there is a band, my eyes have a lot to go to. If I'm watching one person perform, I can focus on the singing and strumming...if the person is only using a soundtrack, I'm lost.

I wonder if that is why I like music so much. Even when I'm in my car, I'm trying to pick out the different instruments and how they are contributing to the songs.

Have you ever heard a song in its bits and pieces? Aside from seeing examples in various documentaries/rockumentaries, I have been inside a recording studio. A friend was recording some final backing vocals while I was in L.A., and he invited the band I lived with to come in and do it...required a group a people, of which I was one. It was interesting how the producer and engineer mixed things in and out of the songs.

Anyway, back to the pieces. Songs are not songs without the pieces that contribute. Often it is an effort of a few elements to get it to sound complete. Yeah, there are the acoustic, solo elements. However, there are still two things present: voice and instrument.

That alone gives this hyper, needing to keep boredom from creeping in person plenty of focus.

I'm trying to work up the courage to go see some smaller-venue music, but I don't go into bars alone. I'll have to work on that. Maybe when my cousin returns from his vacation, he'll hang out with me.

I'm really enjoying my time here. Last night, I was thinking about having to go back, and how I have to start planning in a week or two. Besides instantly tensing up, I felt kind of sad. I don't want to go back to NJ.

Yes, I'm still praying for that financial miracle. God knows the amount. It is in His hands.

Hope you all are having a great day. :)

Isn't whipped cream a condiment?

2008-07-17T06:00:00.001-04:00

I'm feeling uninspired right now. Here's another fun quiz. Wish I was spicier.

You Are Mayonnaise

You tend to be a very quiet, introverted person.

You're happy to sit back and let stronger personalities shine.

You value loyalty and harmony. You try to bring people together.

Your taste in food leans toward simple comfort foods.

You love holiday meals as well as old school favorites like mac and cheese.

You get along with mustard and ketchup personalities. You have an unlikely alliance with hot sauce personalities.

What Condiment Are You?

Whatever I want Wednesday

2008-07-16T23:30:00.004-04:00

Been hearing commercials for Def Leppard playing here in a couple of weeks. The commercials made me think of my favorite song by them.

When I was in 7th or 8th grade, a classmate I had known since 4th grade was sitting next to me in reading class (yes, I have that kind of memory for things that happened before the accident) drawing the Def Leppard name and such on his notebook. I asked him about it and he told me about this song and that I just had to listen to it. Wonder whatever happened to Johnny M. He was in a terrible accident when we were in high school and had a bit of a recovery process. I don't recall seeing him after the accident, but heard that he did eventually recover.

"Bringin' on the Heartbreak"
Def Leppard

Alternative fuel is bad for the environment, part bazillion

2008-07-16T14:10:00.001-04:00

I BLAME SOCIALIST PIGS! Wait, did I just insult pigs?

Another adventure! YAY!

2008-07-16T01:17:00.024-04:00

My adventure stuff will pick up, as I am beginning to come out of my funk. Ending a school year is like driving 100 mph and then slamming on the brakes. You're out of sorts for a bit and then begin to feel like a human being. Unfortunately, a few weeks later, it is back to school. Meh.

Last night, I went out to dinner and then to the Grand Ole Opry. I had a really good time. Click on the pictures to enlarge your viewing pleasure. This is long, but I've included links and such. Enjoy!

This is where I decided to go to dinner. I haven't been out for a meal, yet. It was yummy, but I really went to look at the fish. There were sharks, stingrays, a "guitar" fish, and some ugly looking suckers. I even got to see them get fed.

How can eating alone feel any worse? When they take away the other place settings on the table.

How do you make yourself feel better? An adult beverage that tastes like fruit punch, but packs a whole other type of punch. That sucker was strong. The waiter had the nerve to ask if I wanted a second. I would have been playing in the traffic had that happened. Heh.

Now, for the Opry. I had seats three rows from the stage. I was just about center, too. I was so looking forward to seeing Little Jimmy Dickens. Unfortunately, he was ill and perhaps isn't doing very well. Poor old guy.

I've always really liked Pam Tillis's voice. It is very sweet. I used to love the song "Shake the Sugar Tree." She opened with that one. She also has a new CD coming (just thought I'd plug it...she's great).

Cherryholmes is a family bluegrass group. They were awesome! In fact, I might go see them Thursday. Thinking about it. The fiddle player (the young lady to the left) is 16, and I swear smoke was coming from her bow at one point. At the end of their time on stage, they played an instrumental song and the mom and the children did some clogging. They were awesome, and they worked really, really hard.

Check out the dad playing upright bass.

The next performer was Jason Michael Carroll. Something I've noticed a lot in going to see country music live is that they rock out more on stage than they do in their recordings. THIS is an example. The guitars in this song kicked ass live. Recorded? Eh...catchy, but wouldn't catch my attention the way the song did live. I really liked his voice. Did I mention this young man has some nice rhythym in his hips? What?

I have never been a "fan" of Jewel. I have always appreciated her talent and the hard road she navigated to get to where she is. Tonight she was good, but I had a hard time understanding what she singing. I wanted to like her, too, because I actually think she's pretty cool. She did THIS, though.

*Take note, folks. See those legs? I will have similar legs in a year. Well, I plan on it.

Lorrie Morgan is someone I identify with a bit. She has had some hard luck, but keeps marching forward. She sang the song I like to quote to my students a lot: "What part of no do you not understand?" HA! She also did a song from two new releases that are forthcoming. One is a CD of country standards and the other is of new material. I hope she does well with both. I've always rooted for her.

I was really interested to hear Darius Rucker. I'm not a fan of Hootie and the Blowfish. I didn't like how his voice was used, and he is an amazing singer. However, singing country music suits him really well. In fact, THIS song just made tears well up in my eyes. I almost lost it, and I don't cry in public.

Rucker really impressed me this evening. When he finished, I turned to the lady sitting next to me and we both just said, "Wow!" Again, the recorded music does not do the live music justice.

Darius Rucker was so honored to be playing on that stage for the first time. I think he was a little overwhelmed with the moment. The crowd went nuts for him, and that was great!

The CD doesn't come out until fall, but I have a feeling it will do quite well.

This is just a shot of the stage during Darius Rucker. I realized I hadn't taken a picture of it. I was little busy watching all of the performers.

Whisperin' Bill Anderson is a long-standing songwriter and performer in Nashville. He co-wrote and sang THIS song.

Forty-seven years ago last night he became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. He was sharing his thoughts and appreciation and became so choked up. It is nice to see when people are grateful for their positions in entertainment and don't take them for granted.

What can I say about Charlie Daniels? He simply rocked. Yes, he did "Devil went down to Georgia," and he did it in a most rockin' manner. However, the song that stuck with me was "In America," because I remember when he first released it our perception of ourselves was a little grim. Seems we are needing that song and its sentiment again, aren't we. It was a much needed punch of patriotism.

I'm just beside myself with all of the opportunities to see really good, live music. Even most of the unknowns are amazingly talented. May I stay? PLEASE!!!!!!! I've said it before, music does something inside that I can't explain. I need to be around it and listening to it. In fact, silence just about sends me over the edge.

To top off the evening, I bought a black cowboy-ish hat. Yeah, I'd include the picture, but you all have seen enough of me lately.

Tearing down the walls

2008-07-15T11:22:00.007-04:00

The Spectrum will be torn down in a year. There was talk of this not so long ago, and I really thought that maybe it wouldn't happen. However, it seems more money can be made in other ways, turning the stadium area into more of a destination to visit even when teams aren't active.

This is where. . .
My mom took me to see Dorothy Hamill skate in the Ice Capades. Yes, I was sitting there with my Dorothy Hamill haircut, too.

My dad took me to see WWF matches and to witness Gunther Gabel Willams tame his wild lions and tigers. I even got pulled out of my seat by a clown and we danced on the steps during the opening number. I loved the circus.

My mom's boss once took my mom and me to see a Flyers game (my first). A puck flew by my head. I got to see Bobby Clarke play and there were lots of fights. I've seen Bernie Parent on the concourse. I saw my favorite game: Flyers vs. Rangers--lots of fights starring Tie Domi, and watching Hextall jump up and down in the crease were worth the price of the ticket. The Flyers won.

I have watched the Flyers and Phantoms. I've been to the team skills competition. I sat next to the ice and Rod Brind'Amour stood in front of me. I grabbed my mom's knee so hard she yelped.

I've seen Dr. J make a few amazing baskets in that building, too.

The first among many concerts I saw there, Iron Maiden, will always be remembered quite vividly in my 16-year-old mind. One of my favorite memories was of this guy in his fifties or sixties up on the jumbo-screen thing dancing around before the concerts began. He always had floor seats and we'd all go crazy for him. Two other good memories are seeing Cinderella open up for David Lee Roth--seeing a local band make it big. The other, was being able to see Cliff Burton play not long before he was killed in a bus accident. I remember all of the friends I made in the parking lot, too.

"Which side do you want to me at: Rocky? Hockey statue?"

The last time I was there was in the summer of 2000. I volunteered for the RNC. I went to the Spectrum everyday, after getting my credentials at the Vet. I sat in there waiting for my shift to begin, before I made my way over to the Wachovia Center (then the First Union Center). It was dark and cool, while outside, it was sweltering. I always stared up at the banners and wished for new ones. One day they were setting up for a Brooks and Dunn concert to be held for the delegates. I think it was Cheney's party. It was the night he gave his speech. That looked like a good time.

I remember when they imploded the Vet. I didn't expect it, but I got quite a huge lump in my throat. I expect the same will happen when they tear down the Spectrum. A lot of my youth was spent there, and it feels like a destruction of the past in a way.

The building only housed those memories. Those good times will always be in my mind, and I am sure new memories await.

(H/T: KYW3)

2008-07-14T22:14:00.005-04:00

Women at their best can be charming, loving, and maybe if they are lucky enough, considered pleasing to the eye.

However, women can be extremely manipulative, see men as a commodity, a step on a path to what they can get or until someone else comes along that can get them where they want to go, and they can be down right nasty. I've seen both. Funny thing is (not ha ha funny), a lot of men allow themselves to be manipulated by sweet words and such only to become prey, trapped in a web.

That's why the story of an elderly woman arrested for trying to put a hit on her husband stood out to me. She has a series of dead husbands and a dead child. She also asked a grandchild to get a life insurance policy and make her the beneficiary.

This is how she has gotten through life, one victim after another.

It makes me sick.

I looked at her picture. I imagine she was attractive in her younger years, so that might account for the ability to entice so many men into her trap.

Those poor men.

It's Monday. . . .

2008-07-14T15:52:00.005-04:00

I have some questions for y'all, today. The fatigue gremlin has hit. Even though I went out today and had a wonderful pedicure and bought myself this lovely bouquet of flowers, that gremlin has seen fit to sap my brain cells. Hate when that happens. At least it isn't 24/7 like it used to be. So grateful for that goodness.

1. Which do you care less about: baseball's all-star game or that Angelina Jolie has given birth to two more children? Why?

2. Which is yummier: ice cream (flavor of your choice) or watermelon?

3. What would be your ideal personal "adventure"?

Hope you all are having an awesome Monday! :) I'm going to go soak in some sunshine.

Home cookin'!

2008-07-13T20:06:00.006-04:00

I made stew last night. I was really looking forward to this. In fact, when I saw the bottle of red wine on the counter when I got here, I thought, "YAY! Special stew!" I'm not much of a wine drinker. Instead of pretending to be like the pros that actually know what they are doing, I thought I'd just take pictures of it while it was cooking and then when I plated up a portion for myself. Besides, stew is just putting everything into a pot, right?

If you try the recipe, let me know how it goes. I didn't really follow anything, just some advice from my mom.

My recipe:

Angus beef cut up for stew (Angus not required.)
small bag of baby carrots
celery (I forgot this one.)
jar of pearl onions...the itty-bitty ones, drained
carton of sliced mushrooms (They are clean and ready to go.)
can of corn, drained (Not necessary, but I felt like it.)
small bag of diced/chunked butternut squash (I used this instead of sweet potato, because I didn't want to double up on potatoes.)
small white potatoes cut in halves or fourths, depending on the size
crushed garlic
olive oil
2 cups red whine
1 cup stock
a big baggie and some flour
salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika & chipotle chili powder

*A lot of people use peas. I only had a pea and carrot mix and already had carrots in the pot. No biggie. I like it with peas, the starch helps thicken the stock, but the corn does, too.

First, in a nicely sized baggie, I put in a few (or more) tablespoons of flour mixed with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. I tossed the stew meat in the bag, and coated it became!

Then, I heated some olive oil and the crushed garlic in the biggest pan I could find in this place. Once the oil was hot and before the garlic started to get bitter, I added the stew meat and browned it. You will have to place the meat in the pan, not dump it out of the baggie. That would be really bad, y'all. (It was at this point that I was reminded that I don't feel the heat down here until I start to cook--or move ever so slightly).

Once the meat was browned, I put in the wine and the stock. Vegetable or beef stock can be used. I forgot to buy stock, so I used some of the chicken stock I had for the quinoa I've been eating. It works, but beef stock would be so much better. Using two cups of wine definitely gives the stew a strong flavor, so if that bothers you, try one cup wine to two cups of stock. For any stew, though, you do not have to use wine. I happened to have it and wanted to to use it.

After it came up to temp a bit, I added the onions, butternut squash, carrots, and mushrooms. About 15 minutes later, I added the corn. I also added a smidge of chipotle chili powder at this time and little more salt--it needed it. About 30 minutes after I added the first round of veggies, I added the potatoes. That was a tip from my mom. She ran my Grandpop's restaurant/greasy spoon, and she is a great cook. I do not doubt her, so that is what I did. (I somewhat wish I came from a family of bad cooks. Maybe I would hate food. I'm just sayin'.)

I let it come up to a boil for a little bit....not long. In fact, by time I put in the potatoes, the stew was down to a good simmer. You want the juices to cook down a little (I like a thick stew), and you want everything to absorb the flavors. Be sure the veggies are cooked to your liking. In fact, I made this last night to eat today for dinner. It is always best the next day.

The good simmer.....yummmmmay!

Let's see, am I forgetting anything? Crusty bread with butter is a must have. This might be why I only eat stew a couple or three times a year. I will be freezing a good bit of it since it is just me and well, I try to not eat red meat more than once per week.

It feels good to cook again. I haven't cooked in four years. I'd explain why, but it is a long story. Now, I love to bake. But, I have no one to bake for, so I won't.

I used to cook for my friends a lot. I'd make a ton of food with lots of choices or I'd make a roast of some kind. I'd make a homemade chocolate fudge cake with homemade icing. They proved to be fickle friends, but it was fun.

Oh, what is that you say? You want to see the finished product a day later and tasting so yummy that it could produce a squeal? Here it is:

Sunday Song

2008-07-13T00:01:00.004-04:00

1 Peter 5:6-8
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

The other day, when I had a series of stressful things all happen at once, one including a very long chat via the phone with an attorney, I spazzed (that is a technical term, btw).

You can see the evidence of my inability to control my spewing of nastiness a few posts down. That said, I learned by doing that, that my reactions to things should be handled with a little more grace and should be given to God. I had spent the entire day before in my Bible and in prayer for people and about things. Thursday's behavior made me feel like I'd wasted everything I had taken out of what I experienced Wednesday. However, in the end, I know I can just lay it all at God's feet, again and again, and again. He's patient (long-suffering) like that. I don't take it lightly, though.

So, Friday, when I realized that I had busted a gasket on Thursday, I decided to find some music to calm my brain. I looked online for my favorite hymns. That's what I want to share, today. Hymns pack a lot of truth and soul-searching.

I started my search with "In the Garden". I found it, sung by Dwight Yoakam. He does a really pretty version of it in honor of Minnie Pearl. (That will explain the bit before he actually sings.)

The other hymn, that is actually my favorite, is "He Lives". I always requested it during my church's hymn sings when I was a child. I miss those hymn sings. I used to love when the organ would cut out and allow the congregation sing acapella. We harmonized and you could just feel that it was a very blessed moment. This version, sung by Donnie McClurkin, doesn't really get into the hymn part until the 1:36 mark. It is not a song that gets sung much, so it was hard to find (just go with it...you'll see).

Have a great Sunday! :)

"He Lives"
Donnie McClurkin

Saturday Night

2008-07-12T21:27:00.004-04:00

On Saturday nights I usually watch the Grand Ole Opry live (or reruns) on GAC. Tonight I decided to watch a movie, but during a commercial I put on the Opry and heard this really pretty song. It was written by Radney Foster and performed by him on the show, but I couldn't find a clip of him performing it. So, we'll have to settle for Keith Urban. I like Foster's version better, for the record. It seemed sweeter. HERE are the lyrics if you want to see them.

Justice is served

2008-07-12T15:12:00.004-04:00

I need some funny. Things have been too serious the past few days. Hope these make you giggle like they did me.

Make mine with mushrooms, please.

Apparently pizza trumps "soups" in Australian prisons.

To protest conditions in their prison, a group of inmates took a guard hostage.

Initially they made 24 demands to authorities, but eventually gave up their hostage after agreeing to 15 pizzas, Coke and garlic bread instead.

"At midnight, the final sticking point with the inmates was that they were requiring pizzas to be delivered. Our staff member was negotiated out with the delivery of 15 pizzas," Graeme Barber, Tasmania's director of prisons, told The Advocate newspaper.

The guard is recovering from his ordeal at home.

Hope the pizza was good, because they won't being seeing any of that again any time soon.

(H/T: ANANOVA)

How to get yourself into a mess of slop!

Why aren't there more judges like this in the U.S.?
Young punk of a guy decided he would call a cop a "pig." As his punishment for "using offensive language" toward a police officer, he had to spend a day at a pig farm and then write an essay that discussed the difference between cops and pigs.

What did he write?

"I was very, very drunk. I have stopped drinking because of what happened. I have wasted the police's time and my time."

The newspaper went on to add:
He maintained the word pig could be found in the Oxford dictionary and was often used to describe police.

But added he had learned 'that there is nothing at all in common with a pig and an officer'.

Ummm....me thinks he will find trouble again.

(H/T: ANANOVA)

Nikita Kruschev you ain't!

I know in some cultures that showing someone the bottom of your shoe or hitting someone with your shoe is considered the proper way to hurl an insult. However, when that someone is a judge, in a culture other than in your native homeland, you might want to think twice. Well, that is, unless you are a stupid criminal:

Nazir Mohammad was in court in Baroda on charges of housebreaking and theft when he jumped out of the witness box and rushed towards the judge.

The robber, reportedly irritated with the slow pace of the case, took off his slipper and threw it at Chief judicial magistrate C D Vaghela.

Judge Vaghela immediately picked up a paperweight from his desk and threw it back at the accused, reports Midday.

Mohammed, who attacked two other judges last year in similar fashion, has been sent back to prison with an extra offence registered against him.

I hope the judge aimed for and hit the guy right between the eyes. I, for one, would have laughed.

(H/T: ANANOVA)

The passing of another good man

2008-07-12T08:07:00.001-04:00

Tony Snow has died after a quite vigorous battle against cancer. I was a huge fan of his television shows and loved listening to him on the radio. Professionally, he never seemed less than highly prepared. Personally, you could see the love and care his colleagues had for him, and the love and care he had for his family and colleagues.

Since, Tony Snow was someone we got to know through the lens of a camera, I thought I'd provide a couple of clips of him on the job as President Bush's press secretary.

Here's Tony Snow giving heck to a couple of our favorite journalists.

Snow vs. Gregory (ignore Imus)

Snow vs. Thomas

A very good man was taken way too soon.

Something very nice

2008-07-12T01:17:00.000-04:00

Click HERE for the official site and an opportunity to donate.

Dreams

2008-07-11T20:32:00.004-04:00

I was reading the post of someone who lost her husband/partner to a massive heart attack yesterday. He was in his early fifties. (I'd link her, but I'm not entirely sure she wants traffic right now.)

She talked about following your dreams and the importance of doing so. You see, they had been pursuing their dreams to live life as they saw fit, in some beautiful, yet at times, forbidding landscape.

Her words stuck with me and made me think a bit about what dreams I have. After trying to think beyond the basic stuff I think we all want: love and acceptance, I couldn't think of anything. That bothers me.

I have no dreams.

There is something very wrong with that, I think. I kind of just go through life.

I remember when I was a young kid I wanted to be a heart doctor and cure heart disease, since both my grandfathers had it. I sucked at math and well, I gave up on that idea. The only thing closest to that was to then just go to college. I did, performed extremely well, and graduated summa cum laude. But, now what?

However, any time I have ever wanted to do something that I felt was really important, that might border on a dream, it got squashed or I convinced myself that it was not worth pining over, because it would just fall apart or go bust.

So, I think I've lost my ability to dream.

Maybe that's why when I see dreams in other people, I become a hyper-encourager. I want so much for everyone else to see their dreams through, or at least try, so that "what if" never comes into the picture.

I don't even know how to end this. I just don't know why I don't have any dreams. I have things I pray for: good health, provision for my needs and such. I'm not sure that counts as a dream, though. Those are all things that require God's grace, not a talent or desire (beyond what I give God).

In the post that I read, there was a plea...to live out and follow your dreams without hesitation. That would be my advice to those of you that have dreams. If I get any, I'll do the same and take her advice.

Caption Contest

2008-07-10T18:22:00.003-04:00

Mmmmmm lunch! Post your witty and entertaining caption for this photo. I will post winners sometime Monday evening. Have a great weekend, everyone! :)

This week's winner is. . .

Rodney Dill: I think I'll pass on the Pu Pu Platter.

Other caption contests:
Before you click on the links for the other caption contests, please note the new contest provided by Family Security Matters. Be sure to click on it. :)

BAH!!!!!!!!!!

2008-07-10T17:35:00.006-04:00

Are you sure it is only slightly more than a half moon?

Let's just say I've lost two more pounds within the past week, but I think the Bar-b-q Fritos, chocolate, caramel, peanut cluster, and cherry coke might have other plans.

I have some beer that I think I'll be drinking, too.

Family bullshit. Utter, bullshit full of lies to harm my dad and I'm down here (being selfish).

Grrrr!

Any of you have bat-shit crazy people in your family? I'm talkin' had elctro-shock treatments for a year crazy?

Oh, and I heard this song requested on the radio today, and thought I'd share. I know....this is a really weird post. Sorry, folks. I could just go ape-shit right now.

I really cannot tell y'all just how pissed off I am right now. Maybe I should be listening to this instead (well, it was the song played on the radio after Steely Dan...randomness abounds down here):

Momma bear is riled up. I don't take people messing with those I love very well.

Brain vacation

2008-07-10T10:02:00.003-04:00

It appears that my brain has gone on vacation. No stress and catching up on the sleep the last 10 months has stolen from me, might be the reasons. Excuses? More likely.

While I think I'll try to find something to do Saturday, have a pedicure scheduled for Monday, and I know my extra ticket and I are going to see Mr. Daniels Tuesday evening, I've focused on some everyday things and spiritual matters this week.

Allllllll of that said, I was wondering...got any ideas for a post?

Pictures and pimping

2008-07-09T17:00:00.001-04:00

I saw this picture and thought of Dragonlady. :)

I wonder why this picture made me think of Wyatt?

Jeffro has a good post illustrating the truth about dogs. Quite insightful if you ask me.

Whatever I want Wednesday

2008-07-09T12:01:00.000-04:00

I heard this song while driving around the other day. . .I like it.

"I'll be there for You"
Bon Jovi

Does it matter that I hate jelly?

2008-07-09T06:00:00.001-04:00

You Are a Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich

You life your life in a free form, artistic style.

You are incredibly creative and at times, quite messy.

Deep down, you are a kid at heart. And you aren't afraid to express it.

Your best friend: The Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Your mortal enemy: The Club Sandwich

What Kind of Sandwich Are You?

Movie Day

2008-07-08T16:14:00.002-04:00

I was going to go out today, but I woke up with the fatigue monster knocking me on my butt, so I decided after I was done doing the dishes, I'd pop some popcorn and watch a movie.

Back in June when Harvey Korman died, I inquired about Mel Brooks's movies on Wyatt's post. Crazy Politico was kind enough to recommend some movies, three of which I haven't seen. Well, I did see parts of Blazing Saddles, but I was too young to get it. I was a kid.

So, today, I watched Spaceballs. It cracked me up, and I thought I'd share one of my favorite scenes. (I'll do so for the remaining movies as I watch them.)

May the Schwartz be with you!!!!

Humor at my expense...as usual

2008-07-07T21:27:00.004-04:00

You ever have one of those days? Nothing dramatic, but enough to just frustrate you at every turn for no apparent reason, but you laugh? That was my day.

I woke up a couple of hours late and then ended up not doing everything I wanted to do, but I at least got out to the farmer's market like I wanted. Did you know there are purple peppers? I didn't. Red is my favorite because of the vitamin c, but I never knew there were purple ones. So, I stock up on my produce to get through until the end of the week and then head to the food part of the farmer's market. I had looked forward to this, because I have been a very good girl in my food choices since I got here and I was ready to splurge a little on some pulled pork. I walk in and blammo...all the food people were closing up shop. I was so hungry my tummy was growling. Ugh. I got into the RT-mobile and thought I'd just drive around downtown until I saw something I felt like parking the car for. (Btw., people complain about the traffic and such around here...apparently they've never been to NJ.)

I went all around, even down Broadway. Eh, nothing caught my interest. I was counting calories when I looked at each sign. Since I was being my own pain in the arse, I decided to go the local grocery store where cops patrol inside. Yeah. So, I go in, get a sammie, some chips, and a Coke. (Just had a thought...wish I'd bought some chocolate.) I walk out of the store and the skies open up. YAY! Get back to the condo and start to eat. I'm noticing the sammie is looking a little weathered. I look at the date: Made--7/1/08; Sell By--7/04/08. Yep. I had taken a few bites of a ticking time bomb. I looked at the chips, felt guilty for eating some of them, and threw everything out, but the Coke. And I was still hungry as heck.

I looked at the take-out menus left for me. One restaurant sold Indian, Italian, Chinese, and Mexican fare. While having a meal of pot-stickers, fajitas, and such looked good on paper, I told myself that I just needed to defrost some fish and cook my own meal.

So, I took the green and purple peppers, green onion, crushed garlic, olive oil and quinoa and cooked that up. Then, I cooked up some wild Alaskan cod (hmmm...Cappy Sig & Edgar???), and this is what I came up with.

It tasted yummy and I am not suffering any pangs of guilt. I made homemade lemonade and I had some watermelon to hold me over until everything was done cooking. Yeah, I can cook.

YUCK!

2008-07-07T18:26:00.003-04:00

According to a group in Britian, if a child says "Yuck!" in response to food not included in the child's "menu," that child is then showing racist behavior.

The guide, titled Young Children and Racial Justice, warns adults that babies must also be included in the effort to eliminate racism because they have the ability to "recognize different people in their lives."

The bureau says to be aware of children who "react negatively to a culinary tradition other than their own by saying 'yuck'."

"Racist incidents among children in early years settings tend to be around name-calling, casual thoughtless comments and peer group relationships," the guide says.

What?!?!?!

Foods that have made me say "YUCK!" since I was a child:
1. Brussel sprouts
2. Yellow squash
3. Liver
4. Eggplant (trying to get over that one)
5. Asparagus (trying to get over that one, too)
6. Ham
7. Oyster stew (looks like eyeballs to me)
8. Ice cream sodas
9. Scrapple
10. Spam

All of these things were and still are to some degree cooked/served in my household.

What I'd like to ask this most esteemed panel (snark) is...aren't our tastebuds conditioned to some degree and sometimes, even what we did not like as children we sometimes learn to like over time as adults?

I hated onions, pepper, and sweet potatoes as a child and like them, now.

Yet, again, people want to paint a picture with a broad brush without using any common sense.

Idiots. Here, I thought the U.S. cornered the market on insanely stupid studies.

(H/T: UPI)

Headlines!

2008-07-07T11:00:00.000-04:00

1. Japanese sailor first to cross Pacific in wave-powered boat
Uh...ummm....

2. Stratford man lived for mind games
What guy doesn't?

3. Man out-spits father, claims pit-spitting title
You know you have become a man when you can out-spit your dad.

4. What's a penis worth? $795,000, court rules
Hey, Wyatt! Forget the vasectomy, your kids' college funds await!

5. SLAM: Kerry says McCain lacks judgment to be president...
O.k., so I'm laughing too hard to retort. Kerry-Heinz really is that stupid, isn't he?

6. Thief makes off with $40,000 in bananas
A rogue group of chimps, tired of rising food costs, claimed responsibility.

7. Report: Schoolboys Get Detention for Refusing to Pray to Allah
We are PC-ing our right minds into oblivion. I'm really beginning to hate my profession.

8. Miners refuse to work after death
Lazy bums.

9. Never withhold herpes from loved one
It is the gift that keeps on giving and giving.

10. Farmer bill dies in house
Ol' MacDonald was seen fleeing the scene mumbling something about a "whack, whack here and a whack, whack there."

Let the haters eat cake!

2008-07-07T02:49:00.004-04:00

Rogue at TJ's Anti-Contratian has some cake for us. Now, for you to find out if it is this kind of cake,

or this kind,

you'll have to click on his link!

Mmmmmmmmmm...cake!

Getting excited again...

2008-07-06T15:55:00.004-04:00

Next week, 7/15, I will be going to the Grand Ole Opry. When I bought my tickets a couple of months ago, I wasn't sure who would be on the bill, aside from Charlie Daniels. Well, that list of performers is looking pretty cool:

Charlie Daniels: LEGEND! But, also, most importantly, a man of God.
Darius Rucker: I know, "don't call him Hootie." It will be interesting to hear his transition into country music (heard something of that sort happening in his music).
Jason Michael Carroll: I've heard him a few times on the radio. He has a cool voice.
Lorrie Morgan: I love her voice. It's a bit soulful and you can hear the journey she's taken in it.
Pam Tillis: Always thought she never quite got the recognition she deserved. Another woman with a very pretty voice. (I don't usually fare well with female singers, something in the tone actually hurts my ears.)
Cherryholmes: I had to look up this one. This is a bluegrass group. HERE'S their MySpace if you are interested.
Bill Anderson: He's considered a legend and known as "whisperin' Bill". I've seen him a lot on various shows growing up, and I think he was honored not too long ago for his years of work in country music.
Jimmy Dickens: Seriously, how do you NOT know who Little Jimmy Dickens is?

After a couple of weeks of thinking it over, seriously, I've decided to send out my resume. That does not mean I don't need a financial miracle, though. I'm praying about all of it. I'll keep you posted. :)

Sunday Song

2008-07-05T21:39:00.002-04:00

Matthew 19:26
Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."

1 Peter 1:3-5
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

I really didn't know what to post about today. Then I remembered something I saw a few days ago. I was sitting in traffic behind an SUV that had the license plate GDSMRC.

If not for God, I'd still be going in circles, looking for a life in some very dark places. It was in one of those dark places that I told God He was free to do with my life what he wanted. Since then, it has been a wild 16 years. At each turn, though, God has been more than faithful to someone who has not deserved it. In fact, He's blessed me beyond what I could ever expect, protected me when I needed it, and has taught that I can come to Him in prayer and ask ANYTHING. I can ask "Why?" I can ask for provision for my needs, because He promises to meet our needs, since He is Jehovah Jireh. I can give Him my hopes and dreams, because I believe He gives us the desires of our Hearts. He mends our physical bodies and our hearts, because He is Jehovah Rapha. He is faithful and deeply merciful. Sometimes, He does even more than we could ever dream or imagine, because He takes delight in our thanks toward Him.

We should boldly, yet respectfully ask anything of God, because He is able. Even if you think He won't listen, He will. Trust me.

"Wonderful, Merciful Savior"
Selah

Gone walkin'

2008-07-05T12:24:00.003-04:00

Well, shopping, but I'm using it as an excuse to go walking. However, I did find some neat things to do this next week that will involve a fair bit of walking and they are really close, so I won't be hitting the gas tank too hard.

Oh, and I am so used to the stinkin' weigh in, that I shall report that I am holding steady. :)

Hope you all have a great a day! I'm off to absorb some of nature's vitamin D, some grub, and get the legs moving.

It looks like a beautiful day, too. :)

BIG BANG BOOM!

2008-07-04T22:52:00.004-04:00

I was a little bummed, today. Every 4th of July, I never have anyone to hang out with. So, following custom....I hung inside and watched the History channel all day (that's what I do on the 4th).

I entertained myself by watching the boats float by on the Cumberland River. I really started to get boat envy, too. I could have walked down to the riverfront area to see the fireworks and the bands, but didn't think it was prudent---a woman, alone walking some of the stretch I'd have to walk. Then I saw a glimmer of hope. One of the boats stopped outside of my condo. I thought that maybe it had gotten stuck or something (big boat), but then I figured that it thought it had a good spot to watch the events. I was right, and I was not disappointed.

While Philly's 4th of July celebration is considered the best in the nation, Nashville's is considered second to it, especially in size.

When the fireworks began, my balcony and the balcony above were the only ones with views. The view was a little obstructed by a tree, but the appreciation for the spectacular display of pyrotechnics was not. The fireworks were aimed in my direction, so I got to see them as the crowd did. I actually teared up a little. I was just thanking God, once again, for allowing me to have this time of rest and relaxation. It is truly a gift.

The lights were beautiful. The air was humidity-free, with a really nice breeze in the air. What enhanced things a bit were the fireworks displays that started at the same time all around the surrounding areas. I could see at least four.

Now, I don't envy the people in the boats so much, since they have a long ride home and I am in air-conditioned comfort. HA!

***Note: Fireworks are legal here. That means every drunken idiot is setting them off, too. Great.

So, what's Plan B, Einstein?

2008-07-04T20:00:00.000-04:00

This is probably the most idiotic display I've seen in a while. Heck, when I dislocated my knee while I was getting ready for school, my mom yelled at me to get up off the floor and go to school.

Duh!

How Not To Fake A Heart Attack - Watch more free videos

Redd Foxx would not be proud!

Smmmmmmmooooooth!

2008-07-04T17:00:00.001-04:00

I have to share the most refreshing smoothie I've ever made. Hopefully, this smoothie won't do to me what the whey smoothies did (gain weight, feel sluggish, and want to cry). Blek. I've decided to give almond milk a try. It has Vitamin A and D, is a good fat, and it is a good source of protein.

So here goes my recipe that I modified from something I saw somewhere on the tubes. The photos I've used for this post are all stolen, too. I'd take pictures of mine (which I am drinking out of a wine glass--ha!), but I had slurped it all down before I realized that I could have taken the pictures and made one of those fancy cooking posts. I'm not that quick sometimes.

The first thing you need is a somewhat ripe banana. Size doesn't matter, well at least with bananas. I was going to try using a frozen banana (which I had ready for the job), but they were too hard (oh, this is just getting bad, I need to leave banana land quick). See, this banana is scared, because he knows I am going to grind him up and eat him.

Next, I measured about a cup of unsweetened almond milk. (THIS is the brand I am using.) It might have been a little more, since I used a normal sized coffee cup instead of the measuring cup.

Then, I added a mix of frozen berries (about a cup, possibly slightly more). They, too, have no added sugar. Why on earth would you add sugar to fruit? Makes no sense, but then again, I put salt on my watermelon--makes it sweeter, in case you are wondering about that weirdness.

I used a 3-cup food processor, since a blender was just too clunky to bring up the steps of the condo. I whipped it up really well, and the frozen berries chilled the smoothie, nicely. The finished product looks something like this:

You will not believe how refreshing this is. It doesn't make me feel bleh after I drink it and it is sweet without the guilt. Not to mention, berries are very good for you and bananas are a great source of potassium.

Drink up!

Pokin' a little fun

2008-07-04T14:46:00.003-04:00

I have to provide a nod to the Brits that visit my blog. I post this out of fun and because it made me laugh so hard I cried. I don't dislike Britain, just the fools that make the laws. Enjoy!

America Rules England Sucks - Watch more free videos

Fourth of July

2008-07-04T10:45:00.003-04:00

Happy 4th of July, everyone! Thank God for a country where we are blessed with resources, freedoms of every sort, and the ability to express ourselves through the selection of our government.

I'm grateful that I can come from the cycle of poverty and go to college to make something of myself.

I'm grateful that I can go to church and not worry that I'll be persecuted for my choice.

I'm grateful that as a woman, I can walk down the street without it being considered a crime.

I'm grateful I am not considered a piece of chattel.

I'm grateful that men and women in the prime of their youth volunteer to represent me and my well-being in war.

I'm grateful that God chose to plant me in this country, with all of it flaws, because there is no better place on Earth to live.

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!!!!!!

Caption Contest

2008-07-03T21:26:00.006-04:00

Nothing says good, old U.S.A. than baseball! I always wondered what they talk about on the mound. Have an awesome Independence Day and a great weekend! I'll post winners of the contest Monday evening.

This week's winner is....

Clintbird: I knew we should have never left these on the dugout bench. There's no doubt about it - they both smell lot sweaty ass crack!

Other caption contests:

Blonde Sagacity
bRight & Early (I took third place last week!)
Cowboy Blob
Gone Rick Motel
Right Pundits
Rodney Dill
WILLisms
Wyatt

Am I stupid?

2008-07-03T17:13:00.001-04:00

There are just some things in life I will never "get". I don't understand women. I mean, I know I don't really have to understand them, since I'm not into them, but I just in general, because they make my job harder.

First, there are the GAMES that women play. Like there is just some kind of covert operation to getting through life that involves treating people like crap to get them to treat you like gold. I don't get it. Is that what we've really come to? Stomp somebody's heart into the ground so that they feel so unworthy to have you that they then want you? What happened to sweetness?

I treat people well, offer my help or assistance as I can, and always want to see people attain their dreams and do their best. You know, building up rather than tearing down. When I do this, people must see it as a weakness of some sort and either shove me aside or use me. It's hard to not become cynical, but my Bible is my guide, and I have to believe I am doing the right things. My motto: God is keeping score, and He has my back. Well, it makes it easier to forgive, too.

Second, DRAMA! I admit, I tend to get caught up in things that at the time seem really important, only to find out later...they weren't. That can lead to unneeded and unwanted drama, but I'm getting much better at having a cool head about things.

However, there are women that just flame the fans of drama. I work with some. It all just seems like an overuse of stress and angst. I used to have friends that thought a look the wrong way was worth a cat fight. Dang. It all just made me laugh.

Third, IMMATURITY. I have my moments. Usually, those moments are accompanied by my inability to express myself. I can be shy, and to cover up for that, I can be a little too giddy or say stupid things (read: be obnoxious)....or even overcompensate by just rambling. The immaturity that gets to me is a fruit of manipulation. When turning into a spoiled brat and nag is used to get what one wants.

Why do guys fall for all of that crap? Why do the girls that hang out with such girls put up with that crap? There are times when I have wanted to lower myself to that level, just to see if it really works. However, I don't want to be a STUPID GIRL.

Impressions of my first week

2008-07-02T23:24:00.004-04:00

Since I've been here about 10 days, I thought I'd give y'all a list of the top five things I like about Nashville.....so far:

5. They bag the customer's groceries (now, if they'd only pump my gas for me).

4. Music, music, music....and some hotties that play the music. (Saw one crossing Broadway the other night....long black hair....scruff....hawwwwwwwwt!)

3. People seem surprised that I'm from the North....because I AM NICE! HA! (Well, my own students tell me I couldn't be mean if I tried.)

2. It doesn't take me an hour to drive everywhere, and I don't have to fill up my gas tank every three days.

And the number one thing I like about Nashville so far. . .

1. Wyatt's Philly accent is much less annoying the farther away I am.

Seriously, I feel a calm here, that I don't feel back home....stress or no stress (and I seem to be smiling a lot lately).

When Hallmark just won't do

2008-07-02T21:46:00.000-04:00

Coinage

2008-07-02T18:26:00.003-04:00

There's a news feature/consumer reporter down here that has caught my interest: it/he is kind of entertaining. It is called, "That's messed up." People with problems with products and/or services, contact this guy and he advocates for them. The resulting reports are pretty entertaining, too.

Today's feature was the result of idiotic policy gone amok. It seems, a young lady, with $10 worth of change, was turned away when she tried to use the coins to purchase gas for her car.

Now, I've been so broke that I have had to scrounge change together since I didn't have bills. Those days sucked, and they could be humiliating--because that's all you got and you want to maintain your dignity.

The convenience store's response to her as they turned her and her business away? "We're not a bank." Thankfully, someone came to her aid.

I have a "piggy bank" that I keep my loose change in, and when I came down here I took all of the quarters out of it, because I knew I'd be taking my wash to a laundry room. It turns out that I have to use a prepaid card and now I have almost $20 in quarters.

Think I should find that gas station and frak with them? Bad RT is looking for an outlet for her mischievous side.

You can read the rest of the reporter's story HERE. The most hilarious part is what the store clerk hands the reporter so that he knows the number to call "higher ups".

I wonder if that guy could help me find a good job down here? I don't miss NJ.

RX: God & Sunshine

2008-07-02T16:06:00.005-04:00

I finally got my butt out the door after a couple of days feeling wonky. In fact, I am actually beginning to forget what day it is. I keep thinking it is Sunday.

All of that aside, I enjoyed some warm air and sunshine today. That, in addition to some food, made me feel 100 percent better. I even bought myself a bouquet of flowers, too. I love gerber daisies (the pink one).

While I was out, I was listening to a sermon on the radio. (David Jeremiah---AWESOME minister--as far as I know.)

He was talking about how easy it is to "fall," even after a lifetime of devotion to God. Using Gideon (of the Old Testament book, Judges), he discussed how easy it is to forget who got you where you are and how easy it is to make gods of others, situations, people, and things. After that sermon, another snippet of a discussion came on, and that one also talked about how so often we don't give God credit where credit is due.

While I listened to them, I realized how very guilty of both of those things I am. I lost a lot of weight over the past year; yet, I don't think I've given God credit for helping me to overcome some tough obstacles to lose that weight. I thank Him privately, but I'm supposed to thank Him publicly, too. I also have a really bad habit of placing things at God's feet and then worrying. That worrying raises those people, situations, and things to a place where that worry then becomes "bigger" than God, thus making them idols. Talk about unconfessed sin coming to light. Geesh.

All of that leads me to this, though, as I have been thinking about prideful ugliness. (I got that out of the sermon and snippet, as well.) I am a very forgiving person by nature and try to see the good in everyone. However, sometimes, I catch myself passing judgment or not wanting to place myself into particular situations because of pride of some sort.

All of it: Not remembering that God is the one who brought me to the dance, the worry, and the pride is an inward ugliness that I do not like.

Gotta be real, right? It is not enough to say you are a friend, but your actions have to show that you are a friend. It is not enough to say you care, but you have to show you care. It is not enough to say you believe, trust, and have faith, and then go off and worry.

I hate inward ugly (especially in me). So unbecoming.

Whatever I want a day early

2008-07-01T19:32:00.003-04:00

I know "whatever I want usually happens on Wednesday, but my brain is somewhat without much thought, so I thought I'd post it a day early. I won't lie. I'm feeling wonky. Not sick, but feeling out of sorts. I kind of kept "going" after school ended and now that I don't have anything really planned until the 15th, I think my brain figured it out; thus, I've been lacking some umph. It started last night and hasn't seemed to lift, yet.

You ever not feel like eating and sleeping? That's about how I feel. I'll figure it out. So, if my posts seem a little on the mellow or blah side, bear with me. I'll be my spunky-self sooner or later. :)

Now, to the "whatever I want...even on a Tuesday":

This is probably a song (McCartney's version) that whenever it comes on the radio, I turn it up loud and sing it at the top of my lungs. I really like this version. I'm glad I happened upon it after looking at some '80s bands with similar sounds (remembered that perhaps they were influenced by The Faces). Sometimes when I hear songs like this I wonder what it must be like to inspire that kind of expression.

"Maybe I'm Amazed"
The Faces

Chillaxin'

2008-07-01T06:00:00.003-04:00

No adventures, today. I'm playing the domestic diva and doing some cleaning and wash. I think I'll crack open the Zumba DVD and gets to steppin'. A little known RT factoid: I have a great sense of rhythym and used to be quite a dancer (not so much now, because of the past four years). Eh...the only thing that would make a day of domestic divaness complete would be cooking, but since it is only me, I'll have a salad and something a little more substantial, so that I don't starve myself. That's not a good way to lose weight.

So, what do I have to offer? I have some one-liners that I hope will give you a giggle.

Have an awesome day!

1. Borrow money from a pessimist -- they don't expect it back.

2. Few women admit their age; few men act it.

3. If we aren't supposed to eat animals, why are they made with meat?

4. He who laughs last thinks slowest.

5. Save a tree. Eat a beaver.

Is number five based on this?

Why does that song go through my head when I am driving around town?

Another adventure!

2008-06-30T19:42:00.008-04:00

WOW! I am just all over the place! Today, I went to Opryland.

First, pulled in to park....$16. YAY! Signs of things to come. So, I meet my former co-worker and she hadn't seen me in a couple of months. It's always nice to see the expression on people's faces when they haven't seen me in a little while, and I've lost weight, look rested, and I am smiling.

Then, when we went in, she advised that we find somewhere else to eat, since where we were going to eat was pretty pricey. Oh, the irony of this part of the trip (you'll learn why after the pretty pics). So, we start walking around and around and around. It was pretty inside of the hotel complex.

About 40 minutes later, we ended up back at the pricey restaurant with me offering to treat. I hadn't eaten since breakfast and my legs were hurting a bit. I was good, folks. I had a salad and a few shrimp hushpuppies , and....lots of non-alcoholic, non-carbonated beverages. I was stuffed and then we parted ways after a really nice, long conversation and her working on me to stay in the South. (We'll see about that, maybe....maybe not.)

The fun doesn't end there, though. I went east on 40 rather than west. No biggie, just find the next exit and turn around...BUT....of course there is a tractor trailer accident. I got off of 40 to go the right way. However, I had to go through the airport to do it. (Btw., while I'm here, if you need someone to pick you up, I now know how to navigate the airport.)

So...my relaxing day was a day of going in circles. It's all good, though. I have nowhere to be and no one expecting me to be anywhere. Always a good thing.

Tomorrow, I think I'll just tackle the wash and scanning the Sunday paper I bought.

I'm going to go vege. The sweet tea has me zonked.

I'm liking it here. But there is this sign that is huge and at night it is lit up all big and blue. It shines in the windows, and even through the slits in the blinds, I can see it. Yeah.

I'm sure I have some grammar errors in all of that, but I'm too tired to care. Seriously, what was in that sweet tea? Geesh. I have nothing planned until the 15th, so I should be all geared up and rested. HA!

If that didn't entertain you enough (bwahahaha), HERE are this week's caption contest winners.

I don't even know what to title this. . .

2008-06-30T10:00:00.000-04:00

Ummm....I got sucked in to public access. I thought L.A. was wacky. Uh, I need to process this a bit.

Final "Official" Weigh In

2008-06-30T08:03:00.003-04:00

Six months ago, I accepted the challenge to lose weight. I had been trying really hard, but the push of competition made me try a little harder. The best part of this has been that it has forced me to really think about what I eat, the caloric intake, and why I eat more than just for nutritional reasons.

I've picked up some new good habits:
1. When I'm out to eat, I don't feel the guilt to lick my plate clean.
2. I've proved to myself that I can set a goal, persevere, and reach that goal.
3. I'm learning to not totally hate myself. (If people don't want to know me because of my weight, who has the bigger problem?)
4. I'm regaining some of my spunk and desire to "live."

O.k., the final weigh-in: I've lost two more pounds since Saturday. That gives me a grand total of 32 for the past six months. Now, that a lot of my stress is set aside for a couple of months, I hope to take the weight-loss up a few notches (in a healthy way).

I have a little exercise room here, and I plan to use it, especially the weights. I have Zumba, can walk a good bit now, and I have a pilates abs thing.

I'm feeling so much better, and that is the best part of this. Really.