Caption Contest: I've got your Barack.

HA! I made a funny! Eh....Anyhoo, have fun with this version of Barack Obama. Hey, it could be worse. I could post a picture of Hillary and Bill vacationing in their bathing suits. Ewwww! Have fun, be creative, and I will post the winners sometime Monday evening. (I guess I can post your Photoshopped images, right? So, feel free.)

THE WINNERS!!!!!!!!

4. Cowboy Blob's Photoshop entry
3. Wyatt: Paper tiger
2. Insolublog: "Let's go Barack, you don't want to be late for that substantive debate."

And this week's winner!
1. Rodney Dill: Once you go Barack, you'll never go back.



Other contests well-worth your time:

• Blonde Sagacity
• Cowboy Blob
• Gone Rick Motel
• Right Pundits
• Rodney Dill
• WILLisms
• Wizbang
• Wyatt

Photoshop Entries:
Cowboy Blob

How about No. 1 and No. 2?

The CIA has killed Al-Qaeda's #3 guy, Abu Laith al-Libi. Where? In Pakistan (imagine that).

Al-Libi was described as a senior al Qaeda leader believed to have plotted and executed attacks against U.S. and coalition forces, including a February 2007 bombing at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan during a visit by Vice President Dick Cheney.

He was on a "most wanted" list of 12 accused terrorists which was issued in October by the Combined Joint Task Force-82 -- an anti-terror unit in Afghanistan.

Even though I believe the utter annihilation of Bin Laden (his mouthpiece wouldn't be too far behind) would be more symbolic than getting rid of a true mastermind, I hope we get him and have just enough DNA left to identify him.

(H/T: CNN)

Picture of the Day

Hey, y'all. I stayed at work to grade until about 7:00, so my picture taking opportunities were kind of limited. I tried to take a picture of what stars could be seen, but only a big black box appeared when I transferred the pictures to the 'puter. I also took a couple of shots of my town's water tower. That didn't come out, either, but for the heck of it, I clicked the auto adjust colors (or some such stuff) on my picture software and well, let's pretend I'm going for "art." Lemons into lemonade, eh? If you click on the picture, it looks a bit cooler. Hopefully, my choice of caption contest will turn out better. I'll post that in a little while.

Have I rambled quite enough, yet?

Headlines!!!!

What do you do when you wake up shortly after 2:00 a.m.? You compose a really lame post! Woo hoooo! I must be getting old.

1. Lettuce Truck Crashes Into Man's Kitchen
Talk about a tossed salad.

2. Rare snowstorm hits the Middle East
All together now: Hell hath frozen over.

3. Why Edwards Never Caught On
He's an ass?

4. Woman arrested after crowbar slips from pants
Ummm....I'll just go with the possibility that she has some kind of envy problem.

5. Man sets station on fire over playlist
Well, you can only hear "More than a Feeling" so many times before you want to set fire to things.

6. Woman in burning truck keeps driving
She was too busy putting on make up and having a heated discussion on her cell phone.

7. Man struggles to return from the dead
That whole heart not beating thing is a killer.

8. Shrew's who: New mammal enters the book of life
A new shrew? You mean there is one worse than Hillary?

9. Woman votes absentee after death
Well, duh! Any respectable Democrat knows that death is not a barrier to voting.

10. Coach to Resign After Biting Wrestler
Note to self: Don't say "bite me" around this guy.

Picture of the Day

Big, bright and beautiful. Sunshine.

Picture of the Day

Filled up my tank. Well, actually, in NJ someone fills your tank for you. Last week I paid $2.83. This week it is down to $2.75.

I remember when I was little that my mom paid 35 cents per gallon or some nonsense like that. Then Jimmy Carter got elected. Then we paid $1.00. I'm not a math whiz, but I wonder if that is comparable to today's prices?

When I started driving 22 years ago, I paid $1.10, and sometimes a little less.

Recently, Gov. Corzine proposed a toll hike on our toll roads to gain revenue after his party frittered away our coffers--in only the way he could do it, idiotic and convoluted. In anticipation of folks crying foul, he said that if they don't like it he could raise the gas tax. I'd say what my response to that is, but I used up my daily quota of "F" words while on the highway burning up precious gas. People, 65 mph means 65 mph, not 50 mph!

Well, like I said, at least someone else pumps my gas for me.

Nekkid beauty in the friendly skies

A German travel agency is offering a nudist day trip that involves a flight from an eastern German city to a resort at the Baltic Sea. But this is an expensive flight:

"It's expensive, I know," managing director Enrico Hess told Reuters by phone. "It's because the plane's very small. There's no real reason why a flight in which one flies naked should be more expensive than any other."

I can think of a reason! I think they'll need to replace the seat covers, don't you? And what if the passengers "borrow" blankets and pillows at some point. Ewwwwwww!!!!!!!

According to the travel agency, during the flight, the crew will wear clothes "for safety reasons." Yeah, because, someone might put an eye out, and the crew can't risk getting goosed in a special way while handing out the peanuts and drinks.

(H/T: Yahoo)

Picture of the Day

Date night with Daddy! I opted for the fajita salad. It was mostly lettuce, believe it or not. I don't eat the taco shell, so that was not a diet issue. I did have chocolate ice cream, though. YUMMY!







The diner we go to plays some pretty decent music over the speakers. My favorite song of the evening is Lido Shuffle. How can you not want to dance around to this song?

Btw...click HERE for this week's caption contest winners.

Throw down

My cousin likes to say totally obnoxious things to me when I compliment his cute kids. Tonight, his response to my compliments was:

"Boys rule, girls drool."

Now, I realize he's biased. He's a guy. But, I've seen plenty of guys drool, especially when they've had a few.

I know for a fact that old men drool, too.

What do you think?

(If you want a better argument, Fitch has one about beating up hippies. Enjoy.)

Wonder how the Church Lady would feel about this?

Amazing Young Organ Player Rocks Out - Watch more free videos

Picture of the Day

There is something to be said of letting go and just choosing to trust. I'm learning this more and more every day. I think a verse from the New Testament that applies to what Job 42 has to offer is Hebrews 11:1.

*Click to make ginormous.



A couple of months ago (and just about every day since) I decided to tell myself, and God, that He is the one in control, the one that has all the power to meet my needs and desires, in addition to restoring what I want so much to see restored. Lately, He's been going beyond what I could ever expect.

Sunday Song

This week I have a true praise song. I have a lot to be thankful for lately. While I thank God just about every day for all of His blessings (especially the blessings I've most recently received), I don't do it enough in a public way.

God knows my needs, wants, and desires. They are in His very capable hands. For that, I am grateful.

"Praise and Adore"
Wavorly

YO MOMMA!!!!!!!!!!!!

Picture of the Day

I realize that Subaru has rally cars and that they have hood scoops; HOWEVER, in my humble opinion, only U.S. muscle cars should have them. I don't think there are any rally car races going on in New Jersey.

This just makes me say, "Huh?" It just doesn't look cool.

Priceless

If this doesn't put a tiny lump in your throat. . .



Two really cute kids + a dad returning from deployment = PRICELESS!

It all adds up: Week 4

Jedi mind tricks work! Woo hoo!!! Since I have two lengthy posts below, I'll keep this short and sweet like my berry-rich protein shake: I LOST FIVE POUNDS THIS WEEK!!!!! WOW!

As some of you know, I've been trying to lose weight since this time last year and had hit quite a wall: lack of motivation and wacky metabolism (diagnosed). I've now lost 60 pounds in the past year, but I'd like the remainder gone within the next year.

YAY!

Call me Captain Clueless

A few days ago when Heath Ledger died I posted a video of him from 10 Things I hate about You. In a very fun and cute way, he serenades Julia Stiles's character. I mentioned that I wished something like that had happened in high school. After I posted the clip, something buried really deep in my memory jumped up to say, "A twisted version of that did happen, idiot."

You'll understand why it is buried deep in my memory in a minute.

When I was a freshman in high school I took weight training class and by some kind of magic, I was able to take it for a full marking period (we usually had to switch halfway through the marking period). I also have to preface this story by saying that we had access to 45's and a record player while in the weight room.

The Story of how I became a huge outcast at my high school:
A couple of weeks into the weight room class, one of the senior guys starting playing this song, every day, and watching everything I did (mirrors were everywhere in the weight room). It creeped me out, to be honest. A guy never liked me "like that," in such an obvious way, and I was so used to being bullied (since second grade) that I thought he was just looking at me to mock me.

After another week or two, one of his friends (a catty and very intimidating senior girl) came over to ask me if I'd like to go out with her friend some time. I thought she was kidding and that I was being set up for some kind of joke at my expense. So, I said, "No."

He stopped playing that song and then they did start to make fun of me, all period, every gym class and in the hallways (I went to a very small school).

In one of my classes, one day, a girl asked me why I didn't want to date the popular football player, because I'd even be able to go to the senior prom. For a freshman that was quite an accomplishment. That's when I realized he had actually liked me, I lied and told her that I had a boyfriend from another town. (Really did have lots of friends from a neighboring town--a rival town--yeah, that went over well.)

That girl's brother was a senior and what I'd said got back to the junior and senior boys. Two of them confronted me outside of school one day asking why guys from my town weren't good enough, blah, blah, blah, and ended the tirade by physically pushing me around a bit (They tried to make a wishbone out of me). They even threatened to kick the ass of anyone from that town who came to our school to see me (as one guy did once in a while).

It all came to a climax when a guy I hung out with (and had a huge thing for---walked into a pillar at the mall while talking him) told me to tell them that if they messed with me that he'd come down and kick their asses. He came down and was promptly escorted (read: given a ride in a car with flashing lights) to the town line and told to stay out.

From then on, I was not liked very much and only had a couple of friends from my town, who actually, were originally from the other town, but had moved during high school. I experienced more bullying: My teammates would throw the basketball at my face, yeah that was nice. No one really talked to me much, and I was never invited to any parties or anything going on in town. Because I was afraid of what my mom might do, and because I already stressed her out to no end, I didn't resort to lashing out by pummeling people.

I wonder how things might have been different in my life had I understood how much he liked me and how much I hurt him. I was just a dumb little girl.

To this day, I'm just as clueless about guys/men. I don't start anymore wars. I must have been cute for all of that to happen, though.

Now, I will bury this deep within my memory, again.

Picture of the day and some random stuff

The Sub:
Sitting eating my lunch at my nice clean desk with its very white surface blinding me, a sub sits at the desk next to mine and asks, "Do you teach math?"

Me: No, English. (In my head. . ."Umm...taught your kid for a couple of years AND maybe the Shakespeare and other works of LITERATURE on my bookshelves should be a huge clue!"

Picture of the day:
My classes (most of them) are half-year classes. Today, a student from one of the the classes that ended a couple of days ago came in and gave me candy, because some kids from that class miss me already. Sweet. Don't worry. I shared the candy with my class. The couple of pieces I had were so yummy, though. I haven't had chocolate since around Christmas. (Isn't my desk really white?--Shared those pieces with co-workers after I took the picture.)



Music:
Then, there were two songs stuck in my head, today. I couldn't get the chorus of the first song out of my head. The second song? I sang as obnoxiously as possible with full "accent" while I was doing some work after school. I miss Hee Haw.

Caption Contest

I wonder what he's thinking? Have fun, and have a great weekend! I will post winners sometime Monday evening.

THE WINNERS!!!!!!!!

8. Fuzzys Dad: Wow I could have had a V-8

7. GOP & College: So I got a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas...

6. JT: Darn-it Bill...You got it in my eye!

5. Dennis: (McCain to himself) Man I wish my Communist handlers would stop using that damn voodoo doll...

4. Rodney Dill: "My momma told me not to run with scissors."

3. Wyatt Earp: "I can't believe I slept with Helen Thomas. How much did I drink?"

2. Chip: "If I have to listen to Ron Paul rant about Iraq for one more debate I'll torture myself!"

This week's winner is. . .

1. John D.: Presidential elections; they're all fun and games until somebody loses an eye.


Go visit these contests, too:

• Blonde Sagacity
• Cowboy Blob
• Gone Rick Motel
• Right Pundits
• Rodney Dill
• WILLisms
• Wizbang
• Wyatt

Picture of the day: Before and after

I wonder how long this will last:

Before

After

Picture of the day: Lead me not into temptation.

I didn't really eat much yesterday (no appetite); however, I had an appetite from hell, today. That's never a good thing.

I managed to not eat any crap, but I did have one hurdle that proved full of temptation: the grocery store. I just kept telling myself to not go down aisles that might prove to be stronger than my willpower.

I soooooooo wanted Lay's KC Masterpiece Barbecue Chips. I almost bought a low-fat brand of chip, but I did read the label and that kept me from buying them. I'm not a sweets person, but I am a potato and chips person. Bad. Very bad.



As you can see from my picture, I was a good lass. I stayed in the produce section: English cucumbers, spaghetti squash, grapes, apples, mushrooms, and I also bought some milk.

I don't need the guilt that comes with giving in to those cravings. It's all because I'm tired and stressed. I just have to keep reminding myself of that little nugget.

FAVORITE HEATH LEDGER MOMENT

Ledger was a great actor, and he had some serious performances, but this will always be one of my favorite moments. I wish this had happened in high school.

A society in need of life support

You hear of a story about an infant being found abandoned and automatically you think of a parent that cannot take care of her child. Only later, you find out the mother was murdered. (Watch the footage. I travel this bridge frequently.)

You hear about a young co-ed that disappears and you wonder what darkness entered her comfort zone.

You hear about stuff like this increasingly. It almost seems that every day there is a new story about a woman being murdered, a woman disappearing, or a women victimized in some way (by family members, strangers, lovers).

What is happening in our "so-called" modern, advanced, and progressive society that we seem to be going backward, creating an environment where women have become easy targets and prey?

What has caused society to show little regard for women?

I realize women are not the only ones that seem like targets, so are our children. What is so sick about what we've become that we don't value life or each other?

Picture of the day: Organized chaos

So, you think teachers sit back, sip tea, and gossip all day? I start out with a really clean desk. By the middle of the year (read: this week) everything I've used with my classes so far is to the right and on the first shelf.

Now, I have to get it all ready to use again as I begin another semester. Filing? What's the point until June? I don't have time, anyway. I spent every free second (save about five minutes) grading, today. That's about 50 essays, entered grades into our computerized system (think of a stack of paper 6-8 inches high), and prepped for tomorrow.



Those "to-do" lists? One from last week unfinished and one for this week, behind already. You will see a little stuffed bear. It says, "God Bless Scotland." That's what I use to hold my cell phone. If you text me (a couple of you have the ability), that's where you'll find me. I hope to have that all cleared up and ready to go again by Friday.

The only neat desks? World languages and math. The rest of us have desks with ADD. Let the mocking begin.

I'm stealin'

Last night I was on Stumble.com, stumbling around a bit.

I came across a website that provided a word, and with that word, a one minute time-frame was given to write using that word in any way possible. (If I was a good, responsible blogger, I'd H/T that site, but it was late, and I was not being a good enough blogger to copy the URL. Sorry, blogging gods.)

I thought I'd try something similar. I'll provide the word, but instead of that word being used in all of the comments, each person who comments provides the next word. For example, I'll start with the word SWEET. Whoever the first person to comment is, must use "sweet" and then come up with a word for the next person to use. Got it?

This is way too much thinking at 4:15 a.m.

Some of my best naps have been in church...

when I was a little kid! As an adult, I have learned to show more restraint.

I'd give Bill the benefit of the doubt with all the running around and stuff, but maybe he was up late thinking of more fairy tales and watching one of those nudie channels.

Picture of the day

SUNSHINE!!!!!!!!!! Well, it is 27 degrees, but we have SUNSHINE!!!!! Ok. It was too cold to go out when I darn well didn't have to go out, so I took this from my window. Now, if it was only about 45-50 degrees warmer, I'd be really happy.

Click HERE for the caption contest winners.

Question of the day

While watching one of the morning "newstainment" shows, today, an interesting question was raised. Women were asked, "Would you rather be fat and rich or have Jennifer Aniston's body?"

Hmmm...I'll ponder this aloud (really too much time on my hands and I want to annoy you all about it).

I'm already fat, but not rich. That is a miserable combination, to be quite honest. If I was rich, I'd quit my job, buy some health insurance, and a home elsewhere. I'd fill a room in that home with exercise equipment and a bitchin' television. I'd take a year to myself and get myself into shape and study my Bible. That's all I want to do, really. That's my ambition in life right now. I'm so over the "career" thing. I digress.

The rich part if I was fat and rich? (Is that like Big and Rich?) Well, money doesn't keep you warm at night and neither do the false relationships that come with the money. I have no time for people that use others for what they can get out of them, and that includes status, money, or even for what is perceived as a step up on the next level of whatever that person's ambition is. Oh, wait...getting close to that pulpit again, I'll spare y'all.

So given that money doesn't keep you warm at night or buy true happiness (it can help when you aren't worrying about paying the next bill), I'd have to choose having a body like Aniston. Why? Well, because I'm fat and I hate my body. Duh. I try to imagine how different my life might be, since it has been a while since I rocked nicely defined abs. When I eat a cookie I wouldn't be stared at like I was committing a crime. People wouldn't be embarrassed to be seen with me. Hmm. . .oh, I know, then I might have a life.

Since I have to choose and being thin and rich isn't an option, then I'd say that having a body like Jennifer Aniston is a better choice. What would be your choice? For the men, I hope you don't pick being built like Jennifer Aniston. That would open up a whole new can of beans. So men: fat and rich or thin?

Sports Report. . .

Since I have off from school, today, I thought I'd torment you working stiffs with a sports report. I mean, I have time and all. Oh, I have papers to grade, but that should only be about four hours of my 24 hour day.

First, how am I supposed to enjoy the Super Bowl, now? Really?

VS

How am I supposed to choose? Tom Brady is a good quarterback, but he's a dog. I also hate Moss. Heck, I hate the New England Patriots.

Then there are those Giants, second only to the Cowboys on any Eagles fan's hierarchy of hate. Upshot? The Giants could ruin the Patriot's perfect season. (Evil grin)

How much you want to bet Tiki Barber is feeling like a real ass right now? He trashes his team last year, retires because he's not "feeling" it, and then the team goes to the Super Bowl the next year. HA!

Man. I think I'll just watch for the commercials.

In other sports news, THE FLYERS ARE KICKING TAIL! Literally. When they aren't pounding their opponents into submission (non-suspension style), they are scoring like a crack whore in Philly.

Here is last night's main event between Cote and McGratton. They started in on each other during the warm up and met up later to continue their conversation.

Headlines

1. Herb Society hosts tea party
Betchya it's "high" tea.

2. ACLU: Sex in Restroom Stalls Is Private...
So, ummm....they aren't PUBLIC restrooms?

3. Castro Says He's Too Unhealthy to Speak...
Next week he'll announce that he's been dead for about a year.

4. Rove lays out strategy on how to beat Clinton, Obama...
It's easy: watch them implode.

5. Scientists decode dogspeak
"Arff ( I ), rrrrrrruffff (really), arff arfff (need to), woof woof grrrrrrrr (lick my balls. Grrrrrrrruffff (HEY!) Arrrrrf woof grrrr (why's that guy), woof woof woof (staring at me)?"

6. Police ask suspect: aren't you dead?
Well, if you have to ask. . .

7. Neither Democrats nor Republicans best in bed: Playboy survey
Something tells me this wasn't one of those surveys given at the mall. What? Did they poll all the brothels in Nevada?

8. Father arrested for forcing son to wear Packers jersey
"As long as you're under my roof, you'll root for the Packers and you'll like it! Now, put on your cheesehead and memorize the names of all the players to ever wear the Packers jersey."

9. Cops: Ind. robber mistakenly shoots self in groin
Heh...oooops. Guess he won't be asked out on many dates while he's in jail.

10. Thousands of balls fill Rome's Spanish Steps
Do they have stupid criminals shooting themselves there, too?

Picture of the Day

I'm a lame-arse, today. I haven't really gotten out of bed and I don't plan to, either. It's freeeeeezing and my blankets are warm. Buster Mac Fusser agrees!

Sunday Song

Mark 11:23
"Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be taken up and cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is going to happen, it will be granted him."

Sometimes we need to be reminded of the power God has. I know I get consumed by my circumstances at times and just wonder where God is in all of them. However, I know from experience, that I just need to keep my eyes upward and wait. Waiting is very hard, but always worth it.

I've been very blessed this week: I lost a little weight, gained some perspective about my weight and my health (God's patience is quite evident there), and I've been able to pay off a bit a debt that I wasn't expecting to be able to do for a couple of years (but have been praying about in earnest). Most importantly, though, is something I've prayed for the past couple of years. My dad told me this week that he loves me. He hasn't done that since I was around 10 years old. Those words don't drip off the tongue on either side of my family, so I know how special that is.

This has been a very good week.

"For Every Mountain"
Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir

Picture of the day

This is my church. I grew up in this church. I haven't set foot in it since my best friend's wedding. I'm still trying figure out why I get so apprehensive when Sunday rolls around. I want to go to church. I'll try again, tomorrow. There is a church in the area with early services and maybe going to that one will work. Of course, I've been saying that for months. What to do, what to do. . .


Funny: The other steeple is my town's Catholic church. My present pastor and his family were members of that church and his dad was high up in the church. It is great that we live in a country where two different denominations can co-exist literally across the street from each other without throwing rocks, detonating bombs, and starting wars. Well, there are the parking wars, but that's another story.

Pimpin' the Pimp

I thought I'd pimp Wyatt, today. He's been on the receiving end of some nice recognition for his writing.

First, he's been asked by Family Security Matters to write a weekly column/article. This week's installment will have you "giggling with the oldies."

Then, last night, Wyatt was linked and blog rolled by the ultimate blog of all blogs: The Anti-Idiotarian Rottweiler!

Go visit them all. Congratulations, Wyatt!

It all adds up: Week 3

Well, this week I tried a little harder in the food department. Breakfast is really hard for me. Growing up and into adulthood, it was rare when I ate it. It either made me nauseous or made me want to go into bear-like hibernation within an hour. The past three years, though, I've been making a concerted effort to eat breakfast. Until I started eating rice and lentils, I couldn't find anything that didn't completely drag me out or make me feel bleh. That was until this week.

I started drinking a protein shake (Jay Robb's whey isolate) at breakfast to replace breakfast. The shake isn't completely awful. My local store only has vanilla, but it does come in pina colada flavor. However, I experimented with raspberries and peaches. Peaches tasted good. I'm going to get a frozen berry mix to cut the taste of the raspberries. I'd rather have the antioxidant punch of berries. I also added a tbsp. of flaxseed oil. (If you get the powder, the recipe is on the back.) I'm considering adding it to my lunch in addition to my salad and fruit.

Seriously, the shake gave me energy (or didn't rob any) and I felt great and wasn't hungry. The whey protein is supposed to curb appetite, work with the serotonin to reduce cravings, and it is supposed to help suppress sugars turning into fat (that is what I have to concentrate on in my food choices). There's nothing freaky in the powder and when I begin exercising, it will encourage the development of lean muscle.

I still didn't get to the YMCA, but that is on today's "to do" list. (Oh, and shopping for the clothes to wear to the gym, and a trip to the movies.)

Oh, my weight loss for the week? Ummm....FOUR FREAKIN' POUNDS!!!!!!! WOO HOOO! I hope all of my fellow losers experienced much success and if not, better luck next week.

It is a challenge and takes a lot of mental work on "the self."

What a beautiful goal!!!!!!

I know Wyatt will appreciate this goal!

BUSTED!

Y'all remember how I thought there were shenanigans going on at the music store where I took my first few guitar lessons????? Huh? Do ya????? Well, guess what?!!?!?

They were the focus of a drug bust big enough to make the 6 O'clock news. The two guys that gave me lessons? They are in jail. Probably not a smart thing to deal drugs next to a Catholic school and down the street from an elementary school. Asses.

Good.

If I can find video or print coverage of the bust, I'll post it. I can't find any.

My "spidey" sense strikes again.

Since I don't have video of what happened, I thought I'd post what I think they did when they got busted.

Picture of the day: Smite a hippie!

As I was driving home, I was stopped (read: not in a moving vehicle) behind a Volkswagen with stupid, liberal bumper stickers. There is a bit of a contradiction in those bumper stickers. Can you spot it? I didn't see it when I first took the picture (trying to get it before the light turned green). You can see the bumper stickers better if you click on the picture.


Then, on my way home, I had to stop at my local strip mall (well, it is NJ). I saw this dry cleaning store:

How does one clean clothing in an organic manner? Beat it with a cat O' nine tails, and spray it patchouli?

Caption Contest

This week's contest is an uplifting one. HA! Have fun, be creative, and have a great weekend! I will post winners some time Monday evening before 10:00 p.m. est.

THE WINNERS!!!!!!!!!

5. Chip: "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"

4. Rodney Dill: Cavalry rides.

3. JT: Does this soldier on my shoulders make my butt look big?

2 Fiar: Who's ready to make naked prisoner pyramids!

This week's winner is. . .

1. Wyatt Earp: Triple H lifts another Triple H: a Happy, Horny Heroine.







Other contests well worth your time:

• Cowboy Blob
• Gone Rick Motel
• Right Pundits
• Rodney Dill (I received an honorable mention this week!)
• WILLisms
• Wizbang
• Wyatt

Picture of the day: The apple

Everyday at lunch, I either have an apple or some apple sauce. Today, I had a really pretty Red Delicious apple. I thought this would be a nice change of pace for my picture of the day.





However, I ended up with more than I thought. Good thing I cut apples and don't bite into them. Reminds me of that "old" saying: Beautiful on the outside; rotten on the inside.

Thuggery

Wanna dance?


Hugest Hockey Brawl - Watch more free videos

Talking about God

The other day, I was reading this passage (Psalm 103:1-5). Sometimes I need reminders of just who it is that has control over my life.

It can be pretty frustrating trying to do things my way all of the time. But, lately, I've noticed that when I just say I can't do it and just hand whatever "it" is over to God, stuff clears itself up after a while. Probably because I'm not screwing up things--something at which I excel.

Bless the LORD, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits:

Who forgives all your iniquities,

Who heals all your diseases,

Who redeems your life from destruction,

Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,

Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

Psalm 103:1-5

The key to this passage for me are the words "forgiveness," "heals," "redeems," "mercies," and "renewed," most of which, are active verbs. These are things God does for us, out of His love for us. So, when we deal with others, who are we to not provide the same actions, to the best of our abilities?

It is very hard to forgive, but we have to do it without holding a grudge.

We can't physically heal people of their diseases, but we can show compassion, and sometimes that is a help.

Did you ever try to see a redeeming quality in someone? It's hard, but if you find one, chances are that person will become more human to you.
We all have our foibles and rough edges that need to be overlooked from time to time.

I often pray for God's mercy. I guess I need to show the same to others, eh?

Renewal? I pray for restoration a lot: health, formerly somewhat cute appearance, financial well-being, a life...I never thought to pray for renewal. That sounds better than going back to what I think was best.

It's hard to demonstrate a lot of these actions, being human and all. However, I think I need to work on it, though, starting with showing myself some of these things.

Fred Thompson

Big White Hat has this clip over at his blog. Since I'm stealing it, go visit his site and read his latest entry, "Dixie Chicking." It's good. Well, everything he writes is insightful and good.

Now for Fred:

Picture of the Day: Back roads

On my way home from work, I take a back road. It takes about 15/20 minutes longer to get home, but to be honest, I'm in no rush to go home and I enjoy the scenery.

I like wide open spaces where people aren't right on top of one another. I don't like complete isolation, but I like elbow room.

Today's picture (actually, pictures) are of my drive home. During the spring I put my windows all the way down so that I can smell the vegetation. During the winter, I enjoy watching the sun set as I make my way home.



Just behind these pictures is a busy interstate. Just after them is a huge shopping center. A piece of calm sandwiched in between N.J. grrr. That piece of calm always inspires a deep breath and sigh when I get off of the highway.



Back roads might put us out of our way for a little bit, but we still end up where we are supposed to go in the first place. Kind of like the choices we make in life, ain't it?

1500 hard drives + big house = FUN

Dominos With 1500 Hard Drives - Watch more free videos

Good people doing good things

With the Philadelphia Police Department already finding the new year anything but happy, I thought I'd share some good news.

Rarely are good things reported by the local media, and I wanted to share this with you.

Police in the city's Southwest section have upgraded the quality of life for amputee, Stephanie Richardson.

Richardson was homebound, stuck at home and dependent on others until an emergency call happened to bring police to her front door.

"All I can say is, God is good," Richardson said.

"We get a lot of negative publicity in the 12th District sometimes," Philadelphia police Sgt. Ed Shickle said.

At a recent roll call, 12th District officers learned about Richardson's plight. She lost her left leg 12 years ago because of a vascular problem and needed a motorized wheel chair to get around.

As a police fundraiser was started, The Scooter Store stepped forth and donated one of its motorized "Jazzy Select" chairs and Richardson couldn't wait to get started.

"Oh yeah. Now I can get around," she said.

The 12th District Command officers and three squad members proudly looked on Tuesday.

Not only did I want to share this because it is a good, positive thing, but also because this is the kind of stuff officers around the nation do for their citizens all the time.

(H/T: NBC 10)

Picture of the Day

This is my book bag. It is stuffed with grading. It weighs a good 20 lbs. A co-worker was walking out with me and he offered to carry it for me, since he had nothing else to carry. He groaned when he took it. Luckily, most of the grading is done and just needs to be recorded; however, what I brought home to do is just sitting there, staring at me, saying, "You're lazy. Do your work."



My reply? F'k it.

I'm tired.

I had a "before" picture taken of me today that has just set the rest of my mood for the day. Can I just wire my mouth shut? I know how I got this way. It was a combination of a body breakdown and not having a full-length mirror to make me see myself as I am/was/am...whatever.

The picture will be a motivator as a good friend has suggested. If I want a life, I've got to get rid of "that girl" in the picture.

I would've had a better picture for you all, but I didn't have my camera at the ready when I saw two kids going down the sidewalk on unicycles.

Hmmm...I wonder if they are going to become circus clowns or something? It was fun to see and a head scratcher at the same time.

I'll be joining the "Y," Friday.

I'll be reading some Bible verses, now. I need them. Bad.

Something bigger than me

I like mountains and lakes. I like lakes next to mountains (ha!) I like that they make me feel small.

I've spent most of my life looking down on people or literally seeing them eye-to-eye, because of my height. I like when I have to look up. There's a comfort in realizing that something is bigger than me.

When my circumstances seem a bit much and I start to show the cracks of my humanness, I realize there is something much bigger than me that has way more power than me. That is comforting.

I can't do things all on my own. I need that source of strength that's bigger than me.

I can't pretend I don't hurt; however, there is a warmth in my heart placed there by the One that suffered hurts way before I did.

I can't meet all of my needs, it would be impossible. Fortunately, there is someone that can do all of those things and be all of those things, so I can just be me and expect nothing less from those around me.

We are so small in comparison to God's strength and ability to provide for everything in our lives if we let Him.

Sometimes, being so human gets in the way of really understanding that, though. Sometimes we just need to be still.

See what Hillary started!!!!

Only one person could make Hillary seem more believable.

WAHHHHHHHHHHH. . .cry beyotch!

Pimpin' with a purpose

Today, I just felt like pimping a couple of blogs that are worth your time and commenting energy.

Momster over at Because I Said So is starting a contest called "What's my punch line?" She starts the joke and we finish it. Sounds like fun! Go enter a punch line.

*****

Just for Captain America, today, I will be playing one of his favorite bands. It is Geoff Tate's 49th birthday, today and what better way to celebrate than with a Queensryche-fest. I know Wyatt would agree!

Since the captain served up a double-shot last Saturday, I will play my favorite song by the band.

Enjoy!

Picture of the Day: Gotta find a better title...

So, I was eating this random fortune cookie when I came home, today. Wouldn't it be nice?

My election rant

In a few weeks I'll be voting in a primary....Super Tuesday, so it is called. I don't know what's so super about it. I feel like I'm choosing a two-legged and blind in one eye dog named Lucky kind of candidate. Besides, the way the early voters are choosing with their asses instead of their brains, I might not have much of a choice left come February 5. Joy. Again, because I live in NJ, I'm f'kd.

Ok. So I know who I will not be voting for:

Mitt Romeny-He looks like he was pieced together by a mad political scientist, too slick. He talks well, but he just rubs me the wrong way. I feel about him like I did the first few times I ever heard Clinton speak. Uneasy and like he is trying to sell me a car. I also do not like that he gets a little befuddled and only knows to stick to his script and rehearsed answers. Sounds robotic to me. I just don't like him.

Mike Huckabee-He's a donkey in elephant's clothing. He's even more unctuous than Romney. Just because I am an evangelical Christian, doesn't mean he gets my vote. If anything, I scrutinize someone like Huckabee more because that is one of his "running" points. Please. Don't insult my intelligence in that way. If evangelicals are voting for him solely for that purpose and ignoring everything else about him, they need to check to make sure they haven't been brainwashed. He creeps me out, too. I have a fairly good creep-radar. He's almost off the charts. And before anyone says that his "message" sounds good, remember he's trained in public speaking to communicate a message. He better be good at it.

Ron Paul-First, his name is too close to Ru Paul. Second, I watched the last debate with a completely open mind toward all of the candidates: he reminded me of Pat Paulsen and an alien combined. While he is a huge conservative, he says something huge that really disturbs me: don't support Israel and other surrounding countries. We MUST support Israel. If it falls, there goes the region and it needs support in that region. It also says in the Bible that those that support Israel are blessed. As for supporting the surrounding countries. I don't like it, but we have to buy some influence in that region with countries that hate Israel and have problems with countries we have problems with. We have to keep them from Israel. See, in NJ, we know how organized crime works: let's just say it is protection money...not always used wisely, but protection money just the same. With all of that said, Israel is our only true friend in that region, and what? Are we going to just leave it high and dry? Don't think so. He's too literal.

John McCain-I applaud his service to our country and his ability to survive the extreme pain and isolation that comes with being a POW. I also applaud his ability to beat cancer. However, that isn't a reason for me to vote for him. There's working in a bi-partisan manner and then there is caving in to the whims of others in the name of compromise. He caves. While he is very supportive of Patraeus (a good thing), he's weak in every other area. He also has a temperament that makes me wonder if he'll listen to what his advisers have to say. He seems like a reactor, not someone who is proactive. McCain also seems like someone who would react and then think about his actions and their consequences later.

Well at least that narrows it down a bit, eh?

Picture of the Day

Today's picture is of a church. Across the street from this church is the physical therapy office I went to when my legs decided to betray me. They used to make me walk the treadmill. I didn't mind all of the other stuff they had me do, but the treadmill frightened me. My left foot used to flop and I had to tell it, "heel, toe; heel, toe." They were able to get me from five minutes to fifteen minutes in a month. They told me that was really good for what I was experiencing. But, you know, treadmills are boring. So, to pass the time, I used to count the number of pieces of slate making up the roof of the church across the street. I also prayed a lot while I looked at that church. I pass by there everyday. Funny, I still look up at the roof. Today, when I took this picture while waiting for a green light, I said a huge "thank you" to God.


While I'm presenting my photography of the day, I took this at the lake I mentioned a few days ago. This is what I wanted you to see. Isn't it pretty?

Definitely ooooodles of nooooodles!

When I was in college I ate my fair share of ramen noodles. Hey, it was much better than the dining hall and most of the time I was so busy studying that didn't want to leave my room.

At Emory University, they have created an art exhibit that highlights ramen noodles. You'll giggle, and it is expected by the artist, but it is kind of neat looking.

The kids interviewed? Well, you'll see.

(H/T: CNN)

Sunday Song

I usually stay with three translations of the Bible: King James, New American Standard, and the NIV. In that order. I guess it is one of the leftover things from being raised in a somewhat legalistic church. I bring that up, because I saw this verse in a new translation, and I liked it. Sometimes I need the Bible in very plain, everyday English.

This verse reminds me to be patient with myself and my efforts to work on my "walk with God" (to be cliche in a Christian way).

Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better. Colossians 1:10

Big White Hat has a post touching on a similar theme. It's about learning to love by loving God and being loved by Him. It is a constant learning process, and it's something to keep working toward. :)


Song: "Glory Defined"
Band: Building 429

Do I get a Grammy?

USA Admiral had this neat album cover/band meme. It is easy and kind of fun. I'm always game for fun. SoHos tagged everybody, so I will do the same. Whoever feels compelled to do this meme, have at it!

Follow these directions

1. Go to Wikipedia Random
The first article title on the page is the name of your band.

2. Then go to Quotations Page
The last four words of the very last quote is the title of your album.

3. Next, visit Flickr
The third picture, no matter what it is, will be your album cover.

4. Finally, use your graphics program of choice to throw them together, and post.

Picture of the Day

My pic-o-the-day is Sssteve from behind. Well, I was trying to get some of the Philadelphia skyline into the picture, but I didn't have my camera set for zoom and it isn't all that wise to take pictures and bring your car to a stop at the same time.


Today, it was my extreme pleasure to meet Wyatt, Captain America, Fiar, and Ssssteve for lunch!

I'll let the guys talk about it on their blogs, as I don't think I could do all of the humor and good natured ribbing any justice. I have a headache from laughing and I'm still recovering.

I'd say fun was had by all and Wyatt gained back his seven pounds. Lunch was yummy!

Can you read this font, Wyatt?