RUTH BELL GRAHAM

Obviously, I did not know Ruth Bell Graham, but here a few of my observations and what I think her life illustrates:

A week or so ago, upon the dedication of Billy Graham's library, I watched an old interview with Ruth Graham. During the interview they asked about her early years with Mr. Graham. What struck me was when she said that while she was getting to know Billy Graham she said to God that if it was His will, "It would be an honor to marry him (Billy Graham)." Early on she saw his potential, maybe before Billy Graham even saw his own potential. What this also shows is her submission to God's will. That's a hard one, as any Christian who truly believes in God will tell you. It also shows her willingness to follow Billy Graham wherever God took him. I know it is "unpopular" to talk about submission, but the truly Biblical sense of it is that the wife submits to her husband because he is following what God has placed before him; meaning, the husband is submitting to God. (The man is supposed to treat the wife as God would treat her...btw.) So, when Ruth Bell Graham stated so plainly that she'd be honored to marry Billy Graham, she knew that she'd have to rely upon him (with some input from her, of course) to ultimately make decisions based on how he believed God was leading. That's brave and I believe it brought blessings into her life.

To me, Mrs. Graham seemed to embody the grace and intellect I'd like to have some day. I've been thinking a lot about my faith and how I "walk it." (I know...I have far to go.) Imagine your spouse being on the road all of the time and having to raise your kids and deal with all the domestic stuff yourself the majority of the time. Imagine being fiercely smart, put together, and talented, but choosing to put that to the side of your spouse's calling. Not easy. Again, that is grace. It is also God granting Billy Graham His grace to do what he needed to do as part of his calling.

As many of you know, there is a Bible story about Ruth and how she moved from her homeland to take care of her mother-in-law. Widowed and broke, she also had to resort to gleaning the scraps of grain from a field of a distant kinsman named Boaz. Long story short, he saw her dedication to her task and to her mother-in-law and they ended up together. Why am I telling you all of this? I looked up the meaning of the name, knowing this story. The name Ruth comes from Hebrew meaning "friend." Yes, Ruth Graham loved her husband in a romantic sense, but to live the life they did, she also had to be his best friend and to be his confidant. Imgaine the stories she's heard! Wow! Imgaine all of the amazing things that she witnessed God do, just because she submitted to God.

I saw a quote by Mrs. Graham: "Just pray for a tough hide and a tender heart." She had a husband under constant scrutiny. She was of a faith increasingly under attack. She had to deal with criticism. I think her quote says it all. Be strong, yet compassionate.

As you may notice, she held on to her maiden name. I think it was because of her closeness to her father. He was a missionary/surgeon (both parents were missionaries to China). Because of the relationship she and her father had, she honored both of her parents in her adulthood with her work in the Ruth and Billy Graham Children's center, a hospital for children in Asheville, NC. How did she fund that work? She funded it through royalties from her writings (prose and poetry). She was allowed that major blessing because she submitted to God and His will.

When we submit to God, He puts us where we are supposed to be in His perfect timing. All of that leads to immense blessing.

My sick, sick family!

My cousin just emailed this to me. Keep in mind, he is the son of two missionaries, has two small children, a great wife. This sooooo reminds me of the punk rocker, sporting the Docs. Wonder if he still has that Sid Vicious t-shirt I bought him on South Street. He's not right, y'all!

HERE'S ONE I HAVEN'T TRIED, YET...

I'm not feeling too deep of thought this week. I have a lot on my mind and don't have the spare brain cells (only have but a few to begin with) to give to deep discussion. However, if you ask the Magic 8-ball a question, I'll be sure to provide an unprofessional, unknowledgeable, terse, and sometimes tactless response--in phrase form, of course. HAVE FUN!!!

I did ask the 8-ball a question and it said the, "outlook doesn't look good." Yep.

The "ball" will provide answers as you ask the questions. There will be no time limit.

ON THIS DATE, 1970:

The Beatles had their last song topping the charts. Every time I hear this song it means more and more to me.

WHAT I HAVE LEARNED SO FAR...

Last week, in anticipation of tomorrow, the last day of classes before our final exams begin, I wrote a list of things I've learned about the students. My observations ranged from "boys smell like hoagies in the spring and try to cover it up with AXE" to how truly impressed I am at the ability my students have to deal with tremendous pressure and stress, yet still get things done. My school is really, really demanding and has high standards. That's not to say the students who need help in any way possible way do not receive help. Our school is a huge family and from the kids to the administration, we all care about each other very much. Yes, we have our resident jerks, but for the most part I can count them on one hand. Seriously.

When I was thinking of writing this, tonight, after grading the last of the essays for the year, I thought about what I have learned about myself since I started teaching.

The school: I love it. Does it stress me out to no end? Yep. In fact, this past September/October I found myself leaving in tears quite a few nights because of all the stress I knew I'd endure. I decided to not be so emotionally tied to my job. I gave it to God and said, "move me if you want...anywhere...I'm not stuck to this comfort zone anymore." Yes. Comfort zone. Even with all the stress, it is an awesome place to work.

Me as an educator: My job is never done. Even during the summer I'll be getting ready for next year. I'll be thinking about my kids from previous years and wondering how life is treating them. My first group of kids graduated from college this year. Wow! Aside from all of that, I see room for improvement and a desire to continue teaching. There are kids I reach that other teachers do not, from an academic standpoint and from a just-trying-to-get-through-life reality that these kids live. I'm still trying to understand the really smart and motivated kids. I relate to the lower and unmotivated kids, but somehow I've ended up teaching the higher levels. God's grace.

Over the summer, after a brief time to enjoy my best friend's wedding and a visit with my cousin in Tennessee, I'll be back to work planning for next year. I have a lot of ideas and I'm thinking of ways to streamline some of what I do so that I can be a little more organized. I'm literally reading at least 500-1,000 pages of paper a week (grading). That is aside from reading, updating plans, and planning.

Me as a person: Teaching has definitely made me more patient. I'm hyper (yet shy...don't get that one) and I see a task at hand and bull through until it is done. That can be stressful to me and those around me, so I've learned to be a bit more patient with myself. I've always had patience for others (well except the idiots on the road in the morning).

I learned a great deal about compassion and how to hold my tongue. I used to be quick to anger. Then I stopped taking things personally. It isn't about me. The kids are having their lives and I am so not a part of it. We plan and think about these kids from the time we wake up until we go to sleep. Really. Some of my best lesson plans, based on specific needs within my classes, have been "brainstormed" in the shower or on my way to work. Now, I find myself praying on my way to work. I pray for my friends and for my kids. I think of their needs beyond the classroom. I've learned that my assignments can be a little late if it means that a kid doesn't have a breakdown because of the load he or she is carrying. Sometimes an assignment isn't really as important as it once seemed when you hear about something in a child's life. Compassion is key. Good thing the kids understand my dry wit and sarcasm. I'd be screwed; that's going nowhere.

There is one other thing I've learned, though. I need a life. With all that I've said in the previous paragraphs, my lack of life is painfully evident. While I am satisfied with my job, I am not satisfied with the state of my personal life. Teaching takes a lot of a person's life. However, in giving so much of my time and energy I've seemed to have lost myself a bit. There should be more to life than work and home, back and forth. That is my summer assignment (that and reading my book about prayer).

So hopefully you all will see pictures of my adventures this summer. Then maybe, I'll have something more to write about than headlines and ice cream. :)

New battle!

SCOOPED ICE CREAM
VS.
SOFT SERVE ICE CREAM?
WHY?

Glimpse into my world...

Feel free to add your own. I'm sure you have them, you sickos.

A thanks to those in harm's way...

A PHILLY FAVORITE

I'd say this song is somewhat timeless. :)

UMMMMMMMMMM.....

Spelling Bee Champion On CNN - Watch more free videos

Sometimes having a #1search isn't a good thing...

WELL, I GUESS I HAVE DECLARED MY LOVE FOR ALL THE WORLD TO SEE...

Dear China

Since China won't publish the truth about their own human rights abuses, I thought I would. As you all know China won't allow certain truths about their government to be shown; however, all I need is to visit my sitemeter (wink, wink).

So, China...once upon a time 18 years ago, your countrymen were brave enough to protest against the government. While one tank soldier chose to not run over a countryman, others were killed by soldiers and/or police.


Many people were killed. Many were jailed. Many went missing. Many sought exile here in the U.S. or in other parts of the world.

I was stunned (not really) to find out this evening that newspaper editors were fired for bringing a slight bit of attention to the protests of 18 years ago. So here are the pictures that your government doesn't want you to see. I hope you are allowed to taste true freedom, someday. I'm grateful I have been blessed to live in a country founded on freedoms, especially freedom of speech.

HEADLINES!!!!

Maybe I'll have something insightful to post someday soon, but until then...enjoy the headlines!

Pork shortage in China intensifies...
A bacon shortage? THE HORROR!!!!!

June snowstorm closes highway, dumps 8 inches in Wyoming...
Residents seen building Al Gore-men and melting them in effigy.

Big Turkey incursion in Iraq would be U.S. nightmare
Those big turkeys are frightening.

New Bacteria Named After Brazilian Scientist
Now he has a new pick-up line, "Hey baby, I got love germs I wanna spread. Care to catch 'em?"
(I'm not even good at fake pick-up lines...I'm hopeless.)

Students take TV fight to Venezuela Congress
Wait. They elect a DICtator and they think they'll have democratic recourse? Idiots.

Meet Bono? I'm not interested, says Canada's PM
Guess he's a Celine Dion fan. Blek.

Cops raid wrong place, kick man in groin
In the cops' defense, they mistook "Operation Sunshine" as wake-up calls for the alarm clock phobic.

English fans pool cash to buy their own soccer team
Wyatt, I've got my summer pay. Wanna see if we can pool our pennies and buy the Flyers? I've always wanted to own a hockey team. (That would be so cool!)

Police are easing age and fitness rules
If I ever want to quit teaching...

Origin of Deja Vu Pinpointed
I could have sworn I heard that somewhere before...(wha, wha, whaaaaaa)

Serious day...

After getting an important test done, today, I have to get a follow-up, shortly. I don't want to talk too much about it right now. I'm drained from thinking about things. Just keep praying for me. Thank you.

(Btw, the winners of my caption contest are located a few posts below this.)

Hockey starts soon, right?

A major congratulations to the Ducks on winning Lord Stanley's cup. May it never be empty! It was awesome to see real excitement from the team when they celebrated their win. Hockey is the most awesome sport on the face of the earth! Grit and endurance. Gentlemen as they shake hands after it is all said and done.

Teemu Selanne has had an awesome career and I am glad he is able to cap it off with the Stanley Cup.

By the way, go visit Wyatt, our resident hockey nut and pimp daddy. It is his two year blogiversary. Congratulations, Wyatt!

Hockey starts again in about two and a half months...

Trekkie Personality Test

A H/T goes to Skul, but I don't have a way to link to him, so I will just thank him for the post idea. :) I wouldn't say I'm a talented singer. I'm an ok, singer who sings best in her car, alone. ;P''''''''
You are Uhura
You are a good communicator with a
pleasant soft-spoken voice.
Also a talented singer.

Uhura 50% Chekov 50% Spock 49% Mr. Scott 40% James T. Kirk (Captain) 40% Geordi LaForge 25% Leonard McCoy (Bones) 25% Data 22% Will Riker 5% Deanna Troi 0% Worf 0% Beverly Crusher 0% Jean-Luc Picard 0% Mr. Sulu 0% An Expendable Character (Redshirt) 0%
Click here to take the "Which startrek character are you?" quiz...

So weird and random that I have to share!

I was just doing an image search of chocolate (don't ask--I was looking for something). What pops up? Chocolate Kama Sutra. Yeah. Sex and candy at the same time! Not that I'd know anything about that...well, I eat candy once in a while. I'm not even going to link to it. I do have morals, believe it or not. Actually, all kinds of weirdness pops up (8" chocolate "nuts" and chocolate boobs...geesh).

THE BATTLE!!!!!

DRY RUB VS. SAUCE
WHICH ONE? WHY?

TWO MORE WEEKS, TWO MORE WEEKS...

Two weeks from today I will not have to think about essays, quizzes, tests, articles, excuses, cheating, and parents (although, they can be really supportive). Two weeks from today begins my summer vacation! The one thing I will be most grateful for is the break from angst such as this:
(Btw...my luck with men is best exemplified by the cheerleader with something in her eye. And could I walk through the halls cross-checking people? Please?) YES! I think the singer is hot!

CAPTION CONTEST!!!!

Forget that Russia wants to point missiles at our interests again.

Forget that the world is imploding, exploding, quaking, burning, and drowning. It's time for a caption contest!

Well, what ya waiting for? Provide a great caption, now! (Hey, I wonder since we seem to be returning back to the '80s from a global strife perspective, if hair bands can be far behind...just wonderin'.)

THE WINNERS!!!!

(Hmm...think he's overcompensating?)

6. Skul:
That's what happens when you can't fart.

5. Sssssteve:
Me after I got stung by a wasp!

4. Wyatt:
Former mayor Ed Koch shows us his new weight regimen.
Hey Wyatt, did you mean Rendell? ;P

3. 2spothipshot:
There was much disappointment for the Al Qeda torture team once they realized it was Chucky Schumer -and NOT Gen. Patreaus- they were pumping radio-active helium into for 17 hours, so they appologized and killed a couple of republicans to try and patch things up with their old ally in the "War on Liberty".

2. Bud the Chud:
Ironically, working at the Malox plant left Bud a little gassy

1. 2spothipshot:
Before the advent of regular testing,there were many unanswered questions regarding your average clean-up hitter.

In need of a vent...

The past three weeks have been an emotional rollercoaster, personally and professionally. The end of the school year brings a ton of stress, anxious students, and equally anxious parents. On top of it I have an after school activity that takes up to 20-25 hours per week a couple of weeks per month.

Personally, my best friend is getting married in a few weeks and moving really far away, my parents are wearing on me, some other stuff I don't want to talk about is making me really sad, and I just want a life (you know adult stuff/relationships, etc...). I will also be getting some medical tests done Friday. Things should be benign, have been in the past. I am also being tested for an adrenal problem. I was tested for a "bad" one two years ago and it wasn't detected, but I might have a less severe problem that doesn't get diagnosed that often, but causes a lot of issues, just the same. Hmmm....like fatigue, depression, other things I have that I don't want to list. In fact, I read some very specific symptoms with minute details to my mom today and she about fell off her chair, because I have them and have had them for quite some time. I have no fight left in me, folks. I pretty much slept until 4pm today and I still feel really exhausted. I just want to go away, not have to deal with stress, and do lots of laughing and have some time to get healthy. Unfortunately, that's not how life works.

So in my efforts to make myself laugh (because it is actually good for the adrenals) I saw this and thought, "Well, at least I don't have to sleep with this guy for the rest of my life."

SA SA SA SA SATURDAY NIGHT

Sadly, this is my entertainment for the evening. :)

And in the true spirit of anything that has to do with this band and my memories of third grade...Eric was my favorite.

I PITY THE FOOL...

...that doesn't read my headlines!!!!!

Spam flows despite high-profile arrest
The infamous Scrapple gang is said to be in cahoots with leaders of the Spam family, as they want to keep the Canadian bacon syndicate from getting a foothold in the breakfast meats racket.

Nicaragua seizes suspect toothpaste
Unfortunately, when the cops tried to squeeze information from it, the toothpaste slipped right through their fingers and fled.

Dell announces 8,000 layoffs; earnings rise
So, does that mean I might actually get to talk to someone named Todd, who really sounds like someone named Todd?

Top 5 games to play with your kids
1. I'm-too-tired; you play all the pieces...
2. You go hide in a really good spot and I'll look for you (after I've had a nap).
3. See those yellow lines in the road, honey? Go get your street chalk and connect the "dots."
4. Pin the soap-on-a-rope on the hippie
5. Pull my finger.

Man falls off balcony in spitting contest
Guess it got a slippery.

Children without sex is what future holds, claims inventor of Pill...
That's not a new idea, the Clintons already succeeded with that type of procreation.

Bernstein: Hillary Clinton is inauthentic
Newsflash: Water is wet, humidity sucks, bears crap in the woods, etc...

Bobblehead doll sends Wash. workers fleeing
No, that was just Ssssssssssteve listening to his ipod.

60-year-old mother of twins hopes to inspire women
Yeah. She's inspired me to hope that when I'm 60 that I have common sense, other people's kids to spoil, to not be an attention whore, and to have a life.

Priest says woman can't lead choir if she keeps selling sex toys
Now, which is that woman's true ministry? (Wonder what she uses as a conductor's baton?) Heh.

Man who stole 1,500 pairs of girls' shoes "liked to smell them"
I always knew Wyatt was a sicko.

Robber asks victim if she'd go out with him sometime
He offers a lovely evening of grand larceny, followed by the rush of a high-speed chase!

YOU DECIDE!!!!!

PIZZA OR HOAGIES

FFFFFFFFFLASHBACK!!!!

So, some of my "kids" were talking about something and I totally got a flashback to when I was 15, carrying my MOB (mother of all boomboxes), and listening to Metallica's Ride the Lightning. I was thrown back to the local Catholic church's carnival and just strutting around with Metallica blasting. Hmmm...good thing there weren't any nuns around to bust my knuckles.

Go play in traffic!

This is where I live. Really. When I come home late I can smell Dunkin Donuts. Nice.

I read that Google Maps now has a feature that allows people to get up close and personal. You know, I really don't need to see some guy picking his ass as he gets into his car.

Happy lurking, folks!

One of my favorite songs that I hum when I get stressed...

Because...

I have a huge headache...
my eyes are really tired...
my legs are killing me...
I have three weeks of school left and I'm feeling the stress....

Y'all can fill in the blanks.

Itchy feet

My grandmom once said that I have itchy feet. It was her way of saying that I'm a dreamer. I am visual and I think that's why I get itchy. I see things in my head that I want to do and I can't get the "dream" out of my mind. I love mountains, especially. I daydream about living in/near them quite often. Maybe it is all the people overload I experience. Looking at them calms me.

Another dream I have is to someday do a major road trip. I've done the whole Philly to Los Angeles thing and back. It was pretty. Well, Indiana was kind of boring. However, I have wanted to drive to Montana (visit friends--recent thing) and then drive up into British Columbia to Fernie. My grandmom grew up in B.C. and her father (a lawyer) likely took part in trials in that very courthouse you see pictured. Then, after I see Fernie, I'd like to go to Victoria and then down the Pacific coast. My uncle was responsible for B.C. Hydro's part in the Columbia River dams...I'd like to see whatever there is to see concerning that whole thing. I think I'd even like to see Northern California, but not San Fran...no thanks...no desire. Maybe next year.

I plan on cutting the apron strings over the next year. I also look forward to taking better care of myself. It has been a rough year (heck, three years) and especially rough couple of weeks. Well, at least in three weeks I won't have to grade anymore essays for a couple of months. In July, I get to reconnect with some family, too.

THANK YOU.

I would like to take the opportunity to thank the family and the young man , from my town, who died while he served in Iraq.

My favorite Phillies game was when I was really young. It was Memorial Day and the Phillies were playing the Pirates. The game had Bake McBride getting his arm spiked by an infielder, a bench clearing brawl in which Mike Schmidt hurt his hand, and a gutsy win with Bowa hitting in an important run (maybe the game winner). I think the Phanatic was newly "born" at this point, too. Fun for all and very exciting. However, what had my attention from the very beginning was something like this...

CAPTION CONTEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yeah. I know Everybody and their mutha has a caption contest, but I couldn't pass this up. Damn. I've got like five captions in my small little brain, but I thought I'd let you guys have all the fun!

Here's the article in case you're interested in the story.

Other caption contests I've visited (they have more links):
Wyatt
Bullwinkle


The winners will be posted Wednesday evening.

THE WINNERS!!!!!! (Thanks for all of the entries! Really.)

1. 2spothipshot: "...And this little piggy ate my magnum..."

2. Skul: BACON!!!!!!

3. Rodney Dill:

Donald Trump - 1
Rosie O'Donnell - 0

4. Captain America: The real reason Rosie O'Donnel left the view early...

5. Wyatt Earp said: Sssteve shown shortly after his unsuccessful charge at Wyatt.

You know you want to look...

I saw this at Parkway Rest Stop...it is like a really bad accident...you gotta look.

You know what? My rainbow is overdue!

I heard this song today and was reminded just how much I love it. I loved singing it in my car. :) It is not a for-real video, sorry. The song is worth it.

Maybe this is funny...

Since I'm too tired to produce an original thought, here's a joke.

JERSEY GIRLS

Three men were sitting together, bragging about how they had
given their new wives duties.
The first man had married a woman from Indiana He bragged that
he had told his wife she was going to do all the dishes and
house cleaning that needed done at their house. He said that
it took a couple days, but on the third day he came home to a
clean house, and the dishes were all washed and put away.
The second man had married a woman from Utah. He bragged that
he had given his wife orders that she was to do all the
cleaning, dishes, and the cooking. He told them that the first
day he didn't see any results, but the next day it was better.
By the third day, his house was clean, the dishes were done,
and he had a huge dinner on the table.
The third man had married a New Jersey girl. He said that he
told her that her duties were to keep the house cleaned,
dishes washed, lawn mowed, laundry washed, and hot meals on
the table for every meal.
He said the first day he didn't see anything, the second day
he didn't see anything, but by the third day most of the
swelling had gone down and he could see a little out of his
left eye, just enough to fix himself a bite to eat, load the
dishwasher, and telephone a landscaper.

Gotta love those Jersey girls!!!!

(We're really not that bad...well I'm not.)

I really, really, really, really want...

some hot, slammin', buttered popcorn! The humanity!!!!! (With a nice cold Cherry Coke)

Foo on you!

Eh...this is a really good song. I actually pick songs for their lyrics and their music.

Short and Sweet!

Today during a lengthy conversation with a parent about her child she said that teaching is my calling and that for the benefit of students coming after her child, I better never quit.

That made my day and my year! :)

Heh heh headlines!!!!!!

DNA shows One child -- but two Dads match!
This sounds like a job for Maury! (That, or the girl boffed brothers...duh.)

Joan Rivers: 'I believe in plastic surgery'...
Really? I never would have guessed. I thought all aging women suddenly attained raptor-like faces.

Jimmy Carter: BUSH IS THE WORST...
Update: 'My remarks were maybe careless or misinterpreted'...
Read: My remarks were made by me, but I'm an idiot (see my four years in office when I almost ruined this country).

'Helmet Boxing' A Dangerous New Craze For Teens...
Ok. So I went "there." I just couldn't resist, and if you don't know where my mind went, you're are so much a better person than me and it might be better that you don't know.

High school thespians honored
Why are they honoring teenagers fot what they do best? (Histrionics, drama, comedy, and tap dancing around things are their way of life.)

Gay flamingos pick up chick
I always thought they were kind of fagazie...being pink and all.

Cubans worry as Castro offers no clues on health
No worries. HE'S DEAD!

Sharpton dines with Mormon elder
Is this rehab? Did Sharpton lose his job? Oh wait, he doesn't really have a job. Does he?

Group: Border fence threatens wildlife
And your point?

How to Weigh a Black Hole
Very carefully?

Men's Minds Decline More with Age
Starting at age 12. Well, that's been my experience. Repeated experience. Bitter, old-maid talking, sorry. I'll stop before I piss anyone off or get myself in trouble. I love men, they just don't love me.

Viagra helps hamsters with jet lag
1. Do hamsters need viagra?
2. How many hamsters do you know that are flying around in different time zones?
3. Who came up with the question that was answered by this? Probably one of my former students.

Screw "Idol," Pick Hillary's Theme Song!
1. "I'm a Bitch"
2. "Gypsies, tramps, and thieves"
3. "Stand by your man"
4. "Running with the Devil"
5. "My baby does the hanky panky"

Missed it, but thank you to present and former members of the military.

It is easy to take liberty for granted, when you have never had it taken from you. ~Dick Cheney

This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave. ~Elmer Davis

I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him. ~Abraham Lincoln

The patriot's blood is the seed of Freedom's tree. ~Thomas Campbell

We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude. ~Cynthia Ozick

My God! How little do my countrymen know what precious blessings they are in possession of, and which no other people on earth enjoy! ~Thomas Jefferson

Go visit Redneck!!!!

Redneck has a caption contest and quite the post with liberal loonies trying to sound like they have an original talking point. Go now!

Bringing teh funny! This will make you snort!

Family Feud Morons - Watch more free videos

Birth order stuff

I've always found birth order stuff kind of interesting. I'm an only child and what I saw on MSN.com really is true, for me, for the most part. Add the Sagittarius stuff and wowie! (The traits are interesting. I rarely, if ever, read my horoscope--sometimes read them the day after to see how wrong they were.) Just thought I'd pass it along to y'all.

If you’re an only child
You’re a rock-solid citizen—and sweetie. “Only children are super-reliable,” Dr. Leman says. “They’re like oldest children to the extreme.” Growing up with only adults made you into a little grown-up early on—serious and dependable. You’re the rare person who will stay up half the night helping a friend or partner prep for a licensing exam or a big work presentation. You’re the type to move your partner’s car so he or she doesn’t get a ticket. Punctual and true to your word, onlies like you never leave a loved one waiting for a call or email. And you’re articulate, too, so your date can expect great conversations that really make a person think. (I'm not sure how articulate I am, but people have described me as highly dependable and loyal.)

Your love challenge:
Admit it: You’re a bit of a perfectionist. Maybe you send back steaks that aren’t cooked just so or point out a teeny-tiny stain on your date’s sweater. (I am so not like those examples...I'd feel too guilty/bad.) Also, you’re so cautious and pragmatic, you can be very slow to act (read: Someone else has to make the first move). (Sooooo freakin' true it is scary!)

Best match:
Youngest kid, because you balance each other out. The baby of the family adds the spontaneity and romance, while you make sure you two aren’t dining by candlelight because the electric bill never got paid! (Ummm....yep! Every, and I mean every guy--not that many, shut up!--I've ever shown serious interest in has been the baby of the family and usually the third out of three children...freaky!)

Got soul?????

This is a little different, but it is interesting, nonetheless. Mine seems to be fitting. I'm never really sure how people see me, but the other stuff seems spot on. Have fun!

You Are a Dreaming Soul

Your vivid emotions and imagination takes you away from this world So much so that you tend to live in your head most of the time You have great dreams and ambitions that could be the envy of all... But for you, following through with your dreams is a bit difficult You are charming, endearing, and people tend to love you. Forgiving and tolerant, you see the world through rose colored glasses. Underneath it all, you have a ton of passion that you hide from others. Always hopeful, you tend to expect positive outcomes in your life. Souls you are most compatible with: Newborn Soul, Prophet Soul, and Traveler Soul

What Kind of Soul Are You?

Maybe my luck will change...

I know I've been needy and full of whine this week. Sorry, guys. I've had a rough couple of weeks. I have faith, though, that my circumstances will improve.

Tonight I had fortune cookies. Chinese food is my once a week thing. Anyhoo, I love fortune cookies. They either make me really angry or they make me wish for awesome things. Tonight, I present to you my fortune cookies. The first five fortunes are from a fortune cookie generator I have on my homepage. The last two are my actual fortune cookie fortunes.

1. Someone is interested in you. Keep your eyes open.
Yeah, right. (I'd need to be hit in the head with a brick to believe it.)

2. Luck is with you now. Act upon your instincts.
My instincts are always wrong, though...dagnabit!

3. A new opportunity will soon come your way.
Cool! New means positive, right? YAY!

4. A pleasant surprise is in store for you.
I like surprises!

5. Look around; happiness is trying to catch you.
Maybe I should stop dead in my tracks and let happiness smack into me like a tractor trailer into a roadblock in the movies. Yee Haa!!!!

6. Good news will be brought to you by mail.
I look forward to it! Lots of it!

7. You will inherit a large sum of money.
Fine and dandy, but what about my present needs? Seriously, if you all knew how ironic this is, you would have had the belly laugh I just had.

My too cool cousin

My cousin, once an avid surfer in South Africa, now surfs Lake Michigan...this shot is too cool!

Charlie! They killed my bike, Charlie!

1. I can't believe these smelly, disgusting people get laid.
2. I can't believe a girl is crying about a f'kn BIKE!
3. Umm...the driver looks a little like Dick Cheney...hmm....he's everywhere!


Crazy Anti-Car Protesters - Watch more free videos

Caption Time!!!!

I've been saving this picture for a couple of weeks. Good thing, too. I have nothing to say. I'm very drained. Actually, to be quite honest, I'm sad, lonely, pissy, and tired of "new day, same shit." So...have fun with this picture. Please. I need to laugh. Someone remarked today that she was so happy to see me smile today because she hadn't seen me smile in a couple of weeks. (Things brew with me.) I just did the rabbit ears thing behind one of my students (her mom/colleague of mine was standing in front of her). Yes...that made me smile. I need some fun. Well, I do have beer. Really, I don't want much from life. Grrrrr.

If you want winners I'll post them, but this is really just for fun. :)

Balls!

Got a funny email from a friend....enjoy.

1. WILL THE REAL DUMMY PLEASE STAND UP? AT&T fired President John Walter after nine months, saying he lacked intellectual leadership. He received a $26 million severance package. Perhaps it's not Walter who's lacking intelligence.

2. WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM OUR FRIENDS: Police in Oakland, CA spent two hours attempting to subdue a gunman who had barricaded himself inside his home. After firing ten tear gas canisters, officers discovered that the man was standing beside them in the police line, shouting, "Please come out and give yourself up."

3. WHAT WAS PLAN B??? An Illinois man, pretending to have a gun, kidnapped a motorist and forced him to drive to two different automated teller machines, wherein the kidnapper proceeded to withdraw money from his own bank accounts.

4. THE GETAWAY! A man walked into a Topeka, Kansas Kwik Stop and asked for all the money in the cash drawer. Apparently, the take was too small, so he tied up the store clerk and worked the counter himself for three hours until police showed up and grabbed him.

5. DID I SAY THAT??? Police in Los Angeles had good luck with a robbery suspect who just couldn't control himself during a lineup. When detectives asked each man in the lineup to repeat the words: "Give me all your money or I'll shoot", the man shouted, "that's not what I said!"

6. ARE WE COMMUNICATING??? A man spoke frantically into the phone: "My wife is pregnant and her contractions are only two minutes apart". "Is this her first child?" the doctor asked "No!" the man shouted, "This is her husband!"

7. NOT THE SHARPEST TOOL IN THE SHED! In Modesto, CA, Steven Richard King was arrested for trying to hold up a Bank of America branch without a weapon. King used a thumb and a finger to simulate a gun. Unfortunately, he failed to keep his hand in his pocket. (hellooooooo)!

8. THE GRAND FINALE!!! Last summer, down on Lake Isabella, located in the high desert, an hour east of Bakersfield, CA, some folks, new to boating, were having a problem. No matter how hard they tried, they couldn't get their brand new 22 foot boat, going. It was very sluggish in almost every maneuver, no matter how much power they applied. After about an hour of trying to make it go, they putted into a nearby marina, thinking someone there may be able to tell them what was wrong. A thorough topside check revealed everything in perfect working condition The engine ran fine, the out-drive went up and down, and the propeller was the correct size and pitch. So, one of the marina guys jumped in the water to check underneath. He came up choking on water, he was laughing so hard.

NOW REMEMBER...THIS IS TRUE.
Under the boat, still strapped securely in place, was the trailer!

Smell the flowers! Isn't it a great day? Heh...

Heavy heart...

Hmmm...let's see. I'm learning to be still and to listen. I am learning to be quiet. I am an itchy person by nature. I can't sit still or be still to save my life. So you get all the goofiness of most of what you see below this post. It is hard for me. I've been praying and trusting God for a lot of things lately. It isn't easy. In fact, I think it is easier to give up and say screw it all. However, I just can't bring myself to do it. So I hope, I trust, and I pray. And I wait. So, this is the real Donna...yes, my name for those of you who do not know it. Most of you do. I prefer RT for privacy, so we'll keep it that way. I just wanted to share this with you all. So, allow me this time to share my faith. This song has an important message for me. Those of you not into what I'm saying...it's a-ok with me. :) I'm not sure I really said what I wanted to say. I didn't want to be "drama" girl. Just stress, frustration, let-down, family...all stuff God has control over, not me.

Drum roll please.........

Despite the crappy blood results (still waiting to hear about the new results) and the on-going issues that contribute to weight issues....I have lost 16 pounds in the past month!!!! In fact, 10 of those pounds have come after I've decided to become somewhat vegetarian. Now before you begin the, "die hippy" chants. I still eat meat, just a little over the weekends and some fish during the week, but for the most part, I've noticed improved overall health. I have to stay away from stuff and whatever is getting put into the meat is bugging me. I've done really well with the carbs, too.

That means I'm 40 pounds lighter than this time last year!!!! Ummm....don't think I'll celebrate with cake. :)

I was wondering why some of my spunk and sassiness was beginning to return.

I need hair band music...

Maybe it is a phase? I don't know. I don't think these guys are pretty enough to be a "hair band," though. :)

Well...

Here's a very un-"happy" video, FIAR. (Have to please all my buddies, now don't I?)

Mum's Day

Once, a long time ago, I thought I was going to be a mommy. It was a false alarm. Turns out, I might not be able to have children (even if I had a willing partner). Most days it doesn't bother me. I'm ok with it. There was a time that all I wanted was a ton of kids, but after teaching for a while...that has passed (dark humor is good). It does bother me when my co-workers bring in the youngsters to visit. Seeing them up close makes me wonder. Then, the past couple of days, cashiers have felt the need to wish me a happy mother's day. So, yesterday when it happened I had just bought a truckload of flowers for my mom. As the tears welled up in my eyes on the way to the car, I looked at the flowers and wondered what it would be like to be called mom. I wondered what it was like to love something so much it hurt, because kids always hurt their parents, yet their parents always forgive. I wondered what it would be like to hear a little voice say, "I love you, mommy." I remember writing that on the landing of our steps from the upstairs of our house to the downstairs, when I was little, where my mom could see it. I didn't grow up in a home where you said those things, but me, wanting so much to have her know I did, wrote it...a lot. I used to make her burnt toast and really bad coffee some saturdays. She's eaten a lot of burnt toast and bad coffee in a metaphorical sense over the years. There is a lot of "hard" stuff between me and my mom. But she's my mom. So today, my mom ever aware of what a really bad week this was for me, without me having to explain exactly in full detail and without her even knowing everything that is bothering me (there are things we don't talk about...well a lot of things), decided that I should have a mother's day. So she did this to tell me she loves me. She knows I can be boiled down to two things: chocolate and music... Heh...my mom bought me Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Bored, doing the spinster thing...here's some headlines.

CBSNEWS exec blames Couric's low ratings on public's preference for 'older white guys'...
No. I don't watch her because she's a hag. I don't like older men, either.

AP: Dems backing down on promised reforms...
Ok. Who didn't see this coming? They're afraid of their own shadows and don't have the balls to keep their word.

Ban On Text Messaging While Driving Moves Forward in New Jersey...
Darn. I was just getting use to texting "f'k you" to the a-hole that cut me off. I made up a special song for one such a-hole, today. It only had two words in the lyrics, though.

Crow adopts baby boy, names him Wyatt
After years of stalking our brave detective friend, Ms. Crow adopts a child to finally fulfill her dream of having his namesake.

Gene switch helps mice fix their own broken hearts
Finally, a cure for my broken heart.

Ancient Star Nearly as Old as the Universe
In related news, Jane Fonda drops another bomb at the box office.

Weird Gravity in Canada Blamed on Hefty Glaciers
Can I blame weird gravity on my hefty glaciers?

DIET: Thin people may be fat inside
HA! Fatty, fatty 24" waist....eh...just doesn't rhyme with anything.
So, I'm really hot and smokin' on the inside.

Fistfight mars Boston Pops' opening night
Somebody took the tribute to West Side Story too seriously.

Four saved from giant vat of fish feces
Holy crap!

Fla. man, 90, gets his first hole in one
Am I the only one that reads that and giggles because of a dirty mind?

Man who claimed condom in iced tea sues
Ummm...was it lemon flavored? Just wonderin'.

Hmmm...What's Chuck Norris thinking in this picture?

As seen on Break.com

My LA LA Lost Summer...

(These posts will totally be stream of consciousness.)

Let's see. How did it start? I got a letter from my high school telling me I wasn't going to graduate because of absences. Well, I was working close to thirty hours a week, hitting a bar that served me, and staying out until 3am pretty much every night. So, the day I received the letter I said "f**k it" and decided that since all of my friends and the guy I was more than friends with (but not his girlfriend) were out in Los Angeles and I was missing out, that I'd go out there. One of my friends was home from LA and we hopped on a Greyhound the next day...not after my grandmom told my friend she'd burn in hell. Nice. It was a cool trip. I got to see things like the St. Louis arch thingy and the outside of Indy. Arizona took the entire freakin' day to drive through, but it was beautiful. I learned that tumbleweed isn't only in cartoons and that Texas is freakin' humid. Don't get off the bus at night in Tulsa and I really liked the windmill "farms" as you get into Southern California (yes, as I typed it I said, "cal-eeee-fornia"). When I got there I realized it was NJ with palm tress, bigger mountains, and the possibility of earthquakes. But I was psyched! When I got to the apartment I was shown my part of the floor...no furniture...slept on the floor for six/seven months. Then I realized generic beer and the inexpensive nature of rolling cigarettes instead of buying by the pack or buying the cheapo brands that came in bundles of three would be my friend. Some days all I ate was a Snickers and beer. I usually had enough money to buy generic foods: ramen noodles, bread, peanut butter, and beer. My breakfast was usually a beer, especially if I didn't have work or beauty school that day. If I had a good paycheck I'd buy everyone pizza or we'd have a beer and wing night. That was the mundane stuff. I'll get to the rock and roll stuff next time.

It got weird at times. Nothing like having a prospective bass player for the band turn to you and say, "Show me your t**s!" within minutes of meeting the freak. I almost clocked the idiot.

Eh...beats the night I was driving home with some guy that kept biting me. Well, that was after my like-a-boyfriend, but not a boyfriend decided to get a girlfriend. Yes. I was still living with him. Good thing she didn't see the kiss good-bye he gave me when I left LA...she was waiting in the car. We had a 5.8 earthquake that morning, too. That was fun.

Well...I'll cover the rock and roll stuff and a journey back to LA when I went home to see my mom because she had lung cancer. Now you all know where the guilt comes from. I was not a good daughter.

Did you ever?

Did you ever ride in a fast car in a drag race? I did. We used to have a stadium in Philly called JFK...if you remember Live Aid, then you've seen it. We used to go there and race. Scary and yet really fun! Well, it was fun until the Philly cops came and opened the fire hydrants so people wouldn't race. I wouldn't do it, today. I love muscle cars.

One summer....

JoeCoolio got me thinking about my "summer" at "camp." I used to go to a club that used to mistake my 1968 for a 1963...which was very cool of them (kind of looked like a '63). Anyhoo...there was always this guy there with the just right tight jeans and really, really nice ass. Sorry. I used to position myself at the right spot to get a nice look at him every time I was there. I'm not good with the girl/guy thing. I never make "the move"; still soooo not good at it (thus, spinsterhood). So....I just got to daydream, with the help of some vodka and oj, of course! So...I'm gonna go watch that curly-headed, leather panted, geeeetarist I used to drool over, now.

Get a sammich, beyotch!!!! (always wanted to say that)

You Are a Grilled Cheese Sandwich

You are a traditional person with very simple tastes. In your opinion, the best things in life are free, easy, and fun. You totally go with the flow. And you enjoy every minute of it! Your best friend: The Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Your mortal enemy: The Ham Sandwich

What Kind of Sandwich Are You?

In political news...(yeah, well, the terror news of the day came from my backyard)

Never strike "the pose"; it could only spell disaster for your political career. I don't think they'd want you crying for them, though. (I crack myself up!)

EDWARDS: TOOK HIGH-PAYING HEDGE FUND JOB TO LEARN MORE ABOUT POVERTY...

I took a job taste-testing Big Macs to see the effects of caloric intake.

Then I had this job where I had knives thrown at me to learn more about the sharpness of knives.

What an ass@!

Soooooo....

As far back as ten years ago...or so (actually more, but never uttered)....I've wanted to move to the South, specifically, TN or SC. I'm seriously considering going to TN. In fact, I'm checking into my finances, how much of a pay cut I'd take, the hassle of finding a job and getting my certification transferred or having to take tests. You know the BS part of uprooting your life and just going somewhere.

I have family in TN...don't worry.

Anyway, my dad is getting weird about it (knew that would happen, eventually) and my mom is telling me to wait a year. That's when I said that I'm tired of everyone telling me what I should do with my life. Seriously, I'm done.

So...since I've got a collective four cents from ma and pa. Ugh. What y'all think? Have any of you ever just finally bit the bullet, said...it will be tough, and then gone and done something similar?

I'm ok waiting a year...gives me a chance to really plan, but I've never been known to do things the "right" way.

Ok...go back to reading my inane stuff, too.

Do you ever just say....

WTF?

&

I suck.

&

What's the point?

Rubber Ducky, this is Big Nasty!

Sometimes I just miss being a kid during the '70s. This has a little language.

HEADLINES!!!!!

Animal activists want chimp declared a 'person'
Alec Baldwin is being used as an example as to why it should be so.

Grateful Dead memorabilia up for auction in S.F.
Roach clips and bongs, anyone? Eh...smelly t-shirts?

California Man May Go to Prison for Kissing on a Plane
We ain't gonna have no mutha fk'n kissing on no muthus fk'n plane!

Sheik Mohammed's Expensive Horse Obsession
It starts out with just a few donkeys and now this! Sick bastard.

Study: Doing Good Makes You Feel Good
Ummmmmm.....DUH!

Brazil nixes online ad for sale of wife
Guess it is a better alternative to divorce?

Orange-haired suspect arrested at salon
Ronald McDonald said to have been on a dye bender after hearing that Wendy was leaving him for Burger King--no more In and Out Burger for Ronald...so sad.

Teacher makes 7-year-old hit himself
Geesh. My mom always told me it was a game and that I'd like hitting myself. So, it is a bad thing?

Frog juice in high demand in Peru
Watch out for the chunky bits, though. Hard to swallow.

Canada Mints World's Biggest Gold Coin
I hear there is lots of yummy chocolate in the center.

Rest easy, folks, Kathie Lee Gifford has no live TV plans
Phhhhew! Here I was afraid I'd have to hear about how she can't keep an 80 year old man "happy."

Realtor's open house ruined by dead body on bed
It's a killer house, y'all!

Stealing the pillow...

I have this "guy" that sleeps with me. Lately, he thinks that my pillow belongs to him. Tonight, while I was watching t.v. and surfing the web, I felt this gentle tap on the back of my head. When I turned, I saw this and realized I was being asked to move.

Yeah. You know the date. Something about Mexico is involved.

Drink up!

RT---HAPPY--VERY "HAPPY"

It is no secret that I absolutely go to droolin' when I see my favorite rockers. This is one of my all-time favorite Queen songs! The best part is that SLASH is playing guitar from the solo to the end of the song...in his really tight leather pants, tattoos, and guitar. YUMMY! Ok...I'm gonna go watch it for the tenth time and drool!

This will make you say, "WOW!"

This is a true story...


The War In Iraq: A Soldiers Perspective - Brought to you by Break.com Video Search

Dripping with stress

What? You thought I'd say snarkasm? No. This is kind of a serious post.

I have a lot on my plate. Let's just call it a platter....a big honkin' huge Thanksgiving sized platter. Only there is nothing yummy.

If any of you pray...here's a list:
1. My recent blood tests came back with an irregularity...well a few.
2. My mom is really in the depths of depression.
3. My dad is coping with having to take care of things after my grandmom's passing, but his own recent blood tests came back a little off, too.
4. I have a student in one of my classes that is, well....let's just say I'm really, really scared.

Maybe someday I'll be able to say, guess what?!?!? I have really awesome and good news...but you know....someone put a curse on me somewhere, so let's just pray that gets lifted and all these other things sort themselves out SAFELY and expeditiously.

Guess I can't drink beer anymore. I don't smoke anymore. I need an outlet.

Anyone got a million dollars they can spare so that I can get me and my mom debt-free, buy myself and her a house, take a year off to get healthy and stuff? Huh? At least the money wouldn't be wasted. :P

I really want to be fun. Sorry, guys.

IT'S NOT ABOUT YOU AND YOUR FEELINGS!!!!

According to AP, Joan Baez (read: hairy, smelly, hippy), was not allowed to perform with John Mellencamp (Seriously, why was he there, too?) at Walter Reed hospital. According to the folk singer (implied meaning--sounds like a nanny goat):

"I have always been an advocate for nonviolence and I have stood as firmly against the Iraq war as I did the Vietnam War 40 years ago," she wrote. "I realize now that I might have contributed to a better welcome home for those soldiers fresh from Vietnam. Maybe that's why I didn't hesitate to accept the invitation to sing for those returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. In the end, four days before the concert, I was not 'approved' by the Army to take part. Strange irony."

No, this is not strange irony. Your image and your name equate vitriol and lack of support. All YOU want is to assuage YOUR conscience by performing for the soldiers. YOU are there for YOU, not them! You would be performing for people you do not support. You cannot support the soldier without supporting the mission. It simply goes against all of their training and mindset. However, they do understand and respect your right to disagree.

Your presence would be like a slap in the face to those soldiers. It is not about YOU and YOUR feeling good about yourself. Just like those who go to the war zones to perform that really don't support things...it is done for looks and feel goods. These are the same people who say, "Bring them home now," without realizing that doing so would ruin a region.

Performing for the soldiers and their families is for them. It is an escape from some of the pain and from some of the realities of their wounds. It is about making them feel better. Someone like Baez appearing at Reed is like hitting them in the head with a bat and then asking if they'd like an asprin. Well, actually listening to her music is sheer torture. People actually go to her concerts? Willingly?

Maybe she should go on a tour of Iran with Jane instead.

Because I have nothing better to do...