Picture of the Day

So, after missing the last two days of work (three, including Monday), I went back to school, today. If I could stop coughing, I'd be a really happy person. My head would stop pounding, my voice might return, and I might be able to sleep more than a few hours without waking up from hacking off my head.

During my prep period, I went for some comfort: my cough drops, hot tea, soup, and jello. There's always room for jello! Heh.

Have a good Friday! :) I'm going to go take some Tylenol and have a little ice cream--for medicinal purposes, only, of course. Really. Seriously.

Caption Contest

I wonder if those glasses help "President Tom" with his perception of reality?

Have fun with this caption contest. If you want to do a Photoshop, feel free. This week, I will post the winner Tuesday evening.

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

5. Rodney Dill: "I am Jake Rednblues... I'm on a mission from God."

4. Dennis: These X-Ray goggles suck...Kill the inventor!

3. Cowboy Blob: Does that Nose come with the glasses?

2. Deathlok: If you wear these glasses while enriching uranium, it looks like America's coming right at you.

This week's winner is. . .

1. Wyatt Earp: President Tom arrives for the gala Iranian premiere of Friday the 13th III (in 3D) . . . only 25 years after the rest of the world.

Cowboy Blob entry:











Other contests you should visit:

• Blonde Sagacity
• Cowboy Blob
• Gone Rick Hotel (I WON here last week!)
• Right Pundits
• Rodney Dill
• Sohos
  
• Wizbang
• Wyatt

Japan. That's all I'm gonna say.

Japanese We Are The World - Watch more free videos

Pimping and Warfare

Yeah, I know the two seem oddly coupled, but whatever.

Ambulance Driver has an amazing clip of a British gentleman giving his highly polished .02 about Saudi Arabia, Islamofascism and his beloved country. It is excellent, and while AD says the guy should run for Parliament, I'd take it further and say, Prime Minister.

Wyatt has Obama's plans for our defense (or extreme lack of it). It will make you say, "WTF!"

The warfare? This is kind of cool:

Headlines!

1. Kin bury body, find out loved one's alive
They are sooooo out of the will, now!

2. Okay, what rhymes with Kyrgyzstan?
I do not like green eggs and ham? Well, it is a near rhyme.

3. Dude, I think we picked the wrong bar
What's with all the guys grabbing ass? (Actually THIS is a pretty good story.)

4. Iowa man fired for prostitute requests
I guess he read the benefits package without his glasses. (For the idiotic real story, click HERE.)

5. Mayor, City Employee Under Fire After Found Passed Out on Street in Vomit...
Their attempt to create, Public Servants Gone Wild: Mid-Winter Break, didn't go as planned.

BONUS!!!
And here's a headline all of our veterans should be lucky enough to have written about them, because they deserve it!

Thought this was cute!

When I was a little kid, one of my favorite songs to sing in Sunday school (aside from the marching with infantry song) was about a little guy named Zacchaeus. So, when I saw this comic/cartoon, it made me giggle. I've included the words to the song in case you need the reference (words are below the cartoon; the song itself-click the link).

Zacchaeus was a wee little man
And a wee little man was he
He climbed up in a sycamore tree
For the Lord he wanted to see
And as the Savior passed that way
He looked up in that tree
And He said, “Zacchaeus, you come down!
For I’m going to your house today
For I’m going to your house to stay”

**This wasn't enough for another post, but I'm home sick just wandering aimlessly around the internet. I didn't need to see this site. Whimper, whimper.

Oh, the play Shakespeare could write

It's funny, really. As an observer of what is happening in the Democratic race for a candidate for president, I've noticed several things:

Despite his inability to say anything of real substance and stammering to come up with an answer that isn't some broad statement using the words "change" and "hope," Obama seems to be steamrolling Hillary. Well, much aided by the mainstream media who fawns over him. So aptly portrayed by SNL. (This is the only link to the SNL skit.)

Then we have Hillary. For so many years she was the feared "ice-queen" type. She ruled her domain and those around her through the use of fear. Bitch may be the new black (according to Fey and her editorial on SNL), but it does not necessarily "suit" a leader. Just how does one wear bitch? My guess? It would have to be a really warm coat. As you can see, there is no REAL love for Hillary, in my estimation I'd say "bitch" is lonely and cold.

Why do I find all of this funny? Obama and Hillary argue about non-issues while ignoring the huge issues of our safety, security, and what they'd really do--you know, they are all talk minus any real plans.

Hillary's tried and true hackneyed use of intimidation, lies, double-speak and such just don't seem to be working for her these days. It makes me wonder just how all of those things worked for so long in years past. It was the charismatic male (who the media fawned over like a lovesick 15 year-old) that promised things from a town called Hope, building a bridge...to nowhere.

Essentially, she is running against her husband.

====*====*====*====*====*====*====*====

(Btw., doesn't that picture make you think Obama is going to say, "Do you smell what the 'Rack is cooking?" Heh!)

A little something good for the soul...

It's been a while since I shared some quotations that made me think or that I just plain appreciate. I don't know who to attribute most of these to, since where I got them didn't do the proper thing and cite them, but I thought I'd share them just the same.

Hope you enjoy them, too.

Maybe God wants us to meet a few wrong people before meeting the right one so that when we finally meet the right person, we will know how to be grateful for that gift.

Kind of like kissing lots of frogs, right? :)

The best kind of friend is the kind you can sit on a porch and swing with, never say a word, and then walk away feeling like it was the best conversation you've every had.

Believe it or not, I'm not exactly the most talkative person when you meet me. I have a hard time saying what I want to say--a shyness thing. That's why I really like this quotation. Sometimes, just a glance says more than a whole sentence. Silence doesn't always need to be interrupted with talking.

The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything;
they just make the most of everything that comes along their way.

This one is good because it is a reminder not to dwell on what you don't have and to enjoy your blessings, no matter how small they might be.

The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past, you can't go on well in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches.

How true. Can't relive the past and you can't let the bad things drag your butt into the mud.

The art of being wise is knowing what to overlook.
--William James

Sometimes we have a "view" of perfection for our own lives; however, I think, it is when we begin to find happiness in the mundane and imperfect (instead of dwelling on the imperfection as a really bad thing), that we learn to be happy. That opens up all kinds of paths for us that we might have closed our eyes to.

They that sow in tears shall reap joy. ~Psalms 126:5

True, and a provision of hope.

Picture of the Day

It's a soup and sammich kind of day.

In case my diet buddies get concerned: I'm sharing half the sandwich with my mom. She made some yummy homemade soup.

Cures what ails ya!

Christian Artist, Larry Norman

Larry Norman is one of the people responsible for contemporary Christian music.

He's kind of folksy and is not afraid to use his music to say some uncomfortable things or touch uncomfortable subjects.

While he may not be everyone's cup of tea, he felt strongly in his belief in God and his purpose in life as a musician being used by God.

He died Sunday after a long battle with heart problems.

Below are a couple of his songs, one sung by him and one sung by the group, DC Talk.




"Let the Rain Fall Down"
Larry Norman




"I Wish We'd All Been Ready"
DC Talk

Picture of the Day: Wanna do a shot?

Sure, it doesn't get you drunk (no alcohol), but it keeps you breathing.

Each time I down a dose, I think of this song. Fevers warp the brain, I tell ya.

(Btw., I've posted the winners for this week's caption contest, HERE.)

It's all hot air.

I was wondering why Al Gorgonzola was so quiet. It appears that we are headed for an ice age. Well, maybe.

1. The average temperature in January was about a third of a degree cooler than the average held in the 20th century.

2. Globally, this is the harshest winter in a century.

3. In Februrary, so far, Toronto has received 70 cm (approx. 28") of snow, breaking the record set in 1950

4. The Arctic Sea ice that is supposed to be melting? It has grown 10-20 cm within the past year (almost 4-8 inches).

The reason? Hot air. Wind, to be precise.

"We missed what was right in front of our eyes," says Prof. Russell. It's not ice melt but rather wind circulation that drives ocean currents northward from the tropics. Climate models until now have not properly accounted for the wind's effects on ocean circulation, so researchers have compensated by over-emphasizing the role of manmade warming on polar ice melt.

But when Profs. Toggweiler and Russell rejigged their model to include the 40-year cycle of winds away from the equator (then back towards it again), the role of ocean currents bringing warm southern waters to the north was obvious in the current Arctic warming.

Last month, Oleg Sorokhtin, a fellow of the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences, shrugged off manmade climate change as "a drop in the bucket." Showing that solar activity has entered an inactive phase, Prof. Sorokhtin advised people to "stock up on fur coats."

When I was thinner, I once tried on a fur coat (for fun). It suits me well. I think I'll invest in one next winter; you know, because a girl can never be too warm in an Ice Age.

Do you wonder what our last icing like event was like?

The last time the sun was this inactive, Earth suffered the Little Ice Age that lasted about five centuries and ended in 1850. Crops failed through killer frosts and drought. Famine, plague and war were widespread. Harbours froze, so did rivers, and trade ceased.

I guess this is also a global thing, because wasn't the United States, for the most part, quite prosperous and fertile? Just wondering out loud--anyone have the answer to that one?

(H/T: National Post)

Update: Have no fear, this will melt the ice.

Shake what yo'momma gave ya!

In Wyatt's comments for this week's "weigh day," Jim from bRight & Early posted a link to his blog that discussed the Florida Marlins looking for some girthy guys to dance at their games.

I found video of the auditions! I wonder if these guys just did it to stand behind the skinny chick?

Total stream of randomness

I decided to spare my students watching me cough up a lung, today. Good thing. I never would have made it through the day. I have successfully coughed up one lung, though. I'm now working on lung number two.

When I'm feeling sick, I tend to eat won ton soup. It seems to have a little more "something" that makes me feel better. So, of course that means I have a fortune cookie. Well, I had two, but true to my luck, the second one was empty. However, the fortune I did get was a nice one:

"You are one of the people who 'goes places in life.'"

Speaking of going places, I am going someplace, for the entire summer...two months...away from NJ. Anyone want to guess where I am going? I've been praying about this for years.

Something else that's totally random:


Worlds Fastest Fire Fighter - Watch more free videos

Nectar of the gods

Would it be so wrong if I chugged the whole bottle?


It works well, but I want whatever is attacking my ears and throat to be gone, NOW!


I'm going to go back to whimpering. Now I know what that side of beef felt like in Rocky.

What's your beef?

What bugs you? Feel free to rant!

Sunday Song

Ecclesiastes 3:11

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.

I've been very blessed, lately. To be honest, I had been feeling kind of beat down by the stuff of the past three or four years (health/family stuff).

Lately, things have changed and I've been quite blessed by God. One of those blessings is that my body is finally starting to cooperate in the weight loss department. I've been trying for three years to lose "the weight." Finally, with my thyroid under control, my body is responding to my efforts. Thank God.

I don't choose to be this way. Some people are o.k. with it. I'm not. I'm not as active as I'd like to be. I can't wear the clothes I want to wear. It might sound kind of shallow, but to me, it is a quality of life issue.

So...as my best friend has been telling me the past few months: "God is blessing you. This is your time. You've prayed and prayed and now, it is time." I wouldn't be able to appreciate "this time" unless I had the rough spots, though.

I'm hopeful, but most importantly, because of the past few years, God has taught me a lot about myself and my need for Him and about my need to depend on Him. Only He can do what needs to be done and I have to give Him that chance. All aspects my life will be beautiful in His time.

I hope you all have a really nice Sunday.

For the full passage of Ecclesiastes 3, click HERE.


"I Was Made To Love You"
Toby Mac

The mighty power of the little ant

In China, rare ants are sometimes used for medicinal purposes. So, when Wang Zhendong sold $400 million worth of ant farms to otherwise struggling people who wanted to farm those rare ants, he created a scam that has ruined the lives of almost 37,000 people.

People are so upset that they have threatened to disrupt the Beijing Olympics.

While the Washington Post article I've referred to speaks of the crime committed, a video report via CNN explains the government's role in the scam. It is tempting to laugh, but many people lost their entire savings--very sad.

No wonder we keep getting trash from the companies that trade with us.

Wang Zhendong has been sentenced to death.

(H/T: Washington Post)

Hellfire!

It's what you get when you loiter, while holding an RPG, and when you try setting up an IED.



And for good measure, here is footage of the missile sent to bust up the satellite.

It all adds up: Week 8

I lost five pounds this week.

Still doing mostly the same stuff. I'm eating a little more fish. I've noticed that restricting my meat intake is having a positive impact on my weight loss. I'm also trying to not eat red meat more than once a week.

Since my efforts are focused on changing how I eat long-term (lifestyle change), I've been trying to eat "new" foods that are supposed to be healthy. This week, I'm thinking of trying something called quinoa .

It is a whole grain and complete protein that can be used to replace starches like potatoes, rice, and pasta (think it can be bought in pasta form). It can be used in a lot of ways, so I look forward to experimenting.

I think I'll go eat breakfast, now. I'm hungry.

Hey, while you're here, why not stop by my caption contest and join in on the fun! :) (There are other contests to enter, too. Just click the links beneath the picture I've posted.)

Some funny

It's tragic when bad things happen to amazing bands. How sad.



And here is some news to tickle your funny bone...well, maybe. I got nothing. Deal with it. ;P

Go give Ssssteve a hit!

Ssssteve at First with Flair is about 130 hits away from hitting 20,000! Go give him a good word and a few hits.



Speaking of hits:

Got tequila?

While pandering to voters for Obama, Ted "Where did the lamp shade go?" Kennedy decided to sing for some Hispanic voters.

1. I would have been offended. Please don't insult my intelligence.

2. How much did he drink before the song? He sounds like a drunk at the end of the bar that everyone stares at and shows pity.



Seriously. Does this man have brain damage? Did his mommy drop him on his head a few times and then get dropped kicked by his daddy in one of the Kennedy football games?

I hate when politicians think they are witty and entertaining. They aren't. EVER! That must be the result of "yes-man" disease.

GUESS WHAT TODAY IS!?!?!?!?!?

It's a. . .

I'm going back to bed, now. Wooo Hooooooooo!!!!!!

Caption Contest

McCain is just good for captions, ain't he? I think he's at a comedy club delivering one-liners or something. Dangerfield would be proud. Could you imagine Andrew Dice Clay-like one-liners spewing from this guy. Heh.

As always, have fun with this one, be creative, and have a great weekend! I'll post winners Monday evening.

"I could tell my parents hated me. My bath toys were a toaster and a radio."-Rodney Dangerfield

THE WINNERS!!!!

Because of so few entries, I had to choose one winner this week, but I couldn't make up mind between:

Wyatt: For John McCain, conservatism is a tough pill to swallow.

and

Chip: To win Italian-American voters McCain does his best Brando:
"I'm gonna make Huckabee an offer he can't refuse!"

Congratulations to both of you! Hopefully, I will have a better picture next week. :)


OTHER CONTESTS YOU SHOULD BE SURE TO VISIT:

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

Okie dokie. . .

THIS is what happens when animals attack! Well, the Japanese have drills.

Picture of the Day

While I was in line at the grocery store, I saw this book on how to pray. Hmmm...I almost bought it out of curiosity. It is kind of big for "Talk to God."


No, the orange juice and soda aren't mine. The watermelon to the right (yes, that's watermelon) is mine.

Tag, I'm it!

Aprilwine tagged me for a "Tag you're it" MEME. I'm to present to you five facts about me...all true. Oy.

1. I have an amazing capacity to hope, but I have a hard time believing good things will happen to me.

2. I have a guilt complex. Baptist guilt combined with legalism makes me responsible for every bad thing to ever happen to the human race, ever. Well, actually, it just makes me believe that I am a major screw up and that I am always ruining "good things."

3. I secretly wish I could sing really well. I sing o.k., but I wish I could tear the paint off of a barn.

4. I pray A LOT--off and on all day. Sometimes for students I see struggling, family and friends that need prayer, and for me (need so much of it).

5. I have a really good poker face.

I tag Mrs. Grim, Momster, and Dragon Lady.

Pictures of the Day

While I was waiting in line at my local ATM, I thought I'd take a few pictures of the really cool looking sky. Why do people drive up to an ATM and get out of the car? Why?

Oh, and I am working on the possibility of spending the summer away from NJ. When I know for sure, so shall you.

Won't be kissing this frog!

Is it me, or do South America and Africa have the weirdest animals/species in the world?

There seems to be a relative of South American horned frogs that once lived in Madagascar with the dinosaurs.

This frog came to pek a fight! It was the size of a bowling ball at 10 pounds, and it was also 16 inches long. It's appearance was made more intimidating because it was covered by heavy armor and had teeth.

Apparently the frog was pretty bad ass, too. Its nickname is Beelzebufo (Devil Toad), and according to paleontologist, David Krause, "It's even conceivable that it could have taken down some hatchling dinosaurs." That is one big toad.

(H/T: CNN)

I posted my winner for this week's caption contest if y'all are interested.

Spring Training

It's baseball season!! WOO HOO! That means nice warm breezes and lots of sunshine can't be far away. Hopefully, the Phillies can build on the excitement they created last year (won't hold my breath).

To kick off Spring Training '08, the Phillies played a prank on one of their pitchers, Kyle Kendrick. I've seen this type of prank before, but this one was handled in a very elaborate manner. (Brett Myers is the guy accused of beating his wife in public, in Boston.)

Btw., trades between Japan and MLB are not allowed. Guess Kendrick will learn his trading rules, now.



Let's hope the Phillies "stick it" to 'em this year!

Pictures of the Day

I must admit, I had a pretty nice weekend. Getting away for a few days helped me clear my head a bit and allowed me to relax. Once I got in NJ, the closer I got to home the crankier I became. The "F" word started spewing from my mouth...friggin' Jersey drivers. (Well, one in particular was from NY. They can't drive for shite!)

I digress. See, all that good relaxation is shot to kingdom come. (What? Am I my grandmother now? Next I'll be saying "heavens to Betsy" or something.)

As I said, I cleared my head a bit and have decided that perhaps I should look into going away for the entire summer. That will take some planning and creative financing (without creating debt). Since the town I visited this weekend will be quite deserted during the summer, I'll base my search on having two requirements: I need to have a slower pace (hopefully in the South) and I need to have fun. I'll keep you all posted.

O.k., on to some pictures.

These two pictures are of the architecture in Staunton. I love old, brick buildings. I especially love the iron balconies on this one. Perfect for flowers, eh?




This is a picture of me trying to capture the mountains. I wonder if the people who live around them every day have the same appreciation I do (because I never see mountains), or if they get so used to looking at them, they forget how beautiful they are.



This last picture is of something that was in front of me at one of the overpriced toll booths in Maryland or Delaware. No clue--there are so many on 95. What is this? Some kind of flotation device?

A little humor

Click HERE if you want a few giggles. My personal favorites are the cheating husband and the riding mower.

See, now I got you interested, eh?

Sunday Song

I think a lot when I drive. Usually, my thoughts are consumed with work on the way to work, errands I need to run on my way home from work, and I even think about who needs prayer and shoot up some prayers for them (eyes opened, folks). However, on my way to Virginia, I didn't have to think about work or errands, so I found myself thinking about stuff. Thinking about stuff can be a little dangerous, since overanalyzing life can result.

Yeah, well, I began to overanalyze my life. There are times when I wonder about things and tend to ask God a lot of questions that begin with "why?". I won't bore you with the details of those questions, but suffice it to say that my "why?" questions are pretty run of the mill: relationships (or lack thereof), progress (or lack thereof) of things in my life, and other stuff (love that word).

All of those things were present in my "conversations" with God on my way down here. Then, I hit the Shenandoah Valley. I saw the mountains and remembered who made them, who formed the world, who was capable of all of the wonders we see every day.

I realized when I think about my life, I only see what I am not able to understand or move in, but that's because I'm human and greatly limited. However, when I look around and I am reminded of who has power in this world, my fellow man and I look pretty small. God is the one with the power to do anything and everything. That includes hearing my prayers, my requests, and my questions of "why?"

When I got to my hotel room, I put on a religious television station. I was only half paying attention when the minister on the t.v. started talking about the things I had noticed on my way down. He cited Jeremiah 33:3, but I looked it up and have decided that Jeremiah 33:2-3 helps me to make my point a little more:

"Thus says the LORD who made the earth, the LORD who formed it to establish it, the LORD is His name, 'Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.' "

I don't think much more needs to be said.

"Beautiful One"
Jeremy Camp

Picture of the Day

Today, I ventured out of hotel and took a walk. It felt nice to walk around a quiet town and not worry about getting hit by a car, followed by some freak, or have to deal with people yelling not-so-nice stuff at the fat girl. I walked for close to a half an hour, without pain, up and down hills. I would not have been able to do that a year ago, so that made me really happy.

Before my walk, I went to this little coffee shop. I had a yummy bagel and a mocha smoothie. YUM! While I was ordering I noticed on their menu board that they serve beer. The first one listed? Guinness. This place must be visited again! (The picture is a little crappy, but that's the fun of cell phones.)

As I sat in my comfy leather chair in a quiet corner, I observed some folks. (Well, I didn't have anyone to talk to, what else was I going to do?) I looked across the street outside and saw the "downtown" first-run movie theater, looked around the shop and saw various peeps on their computers, reading, doing paperwork, and watched as people from the play I was going to came in for their coffee. Watching the characters and listening to them made me think that this town is begging for a song or a book to be written about it. I wish I had that kind of talent. I'm a good collaborator, but I need to work on writing on my own...I'm a little rough.

So, back to that walk: I window shopped a bit and ended up going into some "catch-all" store from which I bought a journal, a pair of locally crafted earrings, and some lavender scented lotion. I love the smell of lavender.

Then I went to the play. MacBeth is not a play I've read. My college professor thought we should read the plays that aren't the biggies. Great. However, I knew enough to understand what was happening. I really liked this acting company (See this post and the provided links). They had some comic relief, really good actors, singing, and they served booze before the play and during each interlude. There were seats on the stage and I actually sat right behind them, next to the stage. Did I spend more money? Yep. I bought a couple of resource guides that will with my teaching of a play that I teach my classes, and I bought a t-shirt of Shakespearean insults. I'll have to shrink to wear it, but that's why I bought it.

I'm going to return, I think. I have really enjoyed myself. Maybe next time I'll be lucky enough to have someone with me.

It all adds up: Week 7

Well, I managed to lose the pound I gained last week. I'm even. It's o.k., though, because I have noticed that I am building a little muscle in my legs. The past couple of weeks have been hard for exercising, because of my after school responsibilities. The next few weeks should be clear for lots of time to exercise, though. I just have to be patient, and as long as I don't go up the scale, I'll consider it progress. When my thyroid wasn't under control, I could easily gain weight, so I'm pretty psyched that what I've lost over the past year, I've managed to keep off.

I will have exercise, today, as I plan to go for a walk. The town I am visiting is good for walking, so I'm going to take advantage of it before I go to the play (MacBeth). So, it's is off to get some breakfast, get some exercise, and get some culture. I'll probably spend some money. I'm thinking I'll support a local business or two.

Oh, my hotel food rocks! I got this burger. It was yummy and came with BACON! I love the little bottle of ketchup. I didn't eat the whole bun and most of the burger was vegetation. Note to self: when a flaming hot something is placed on a pickle for presentation, don't eat the pickle, since all of the flaming hot whatever is all over the pickle and your mouth will be on fire.


Dessert put out the flames:

HA!

Picture of the Day

I'm HERE.

The hills are steep. Reminds me of driving around L.A., but without the smog.


The hotel room is small, but really nice. However, this is my view. Kind of a metaphor for my life, don't ya think? Heh.

I'm here to see THIS. Yeah, I drove seven hours for a play. At least I'm not stuck in the apartment, I've got free wireless, I have room service, and I'm stretched out across a king size bed. It's all good.

I also elect THIS as my song of the day! I love it and heard it for the first time in a long time as I drove down here.

Caption Contest

Have a great weekend. I'll post winners Monday evening.

THIS WEEK'S WINNER IS. . .

B.C.: St. John the DiVain prepares to lay hands on a crowd of illegal immigrants and heal them of their status.


OTHER CONTESTS YOU SHOULD VISIT:

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

Picture(s) of the Day

Today was a really crazy day at school. I can't really discuss it without giving away where I teach, but trust me when I say that I saw more law enforcement today than I have seen in one spot since our special "drills" over the past few years. No one was hurt everything was ok, and no one was armed. It's all good. Just crazy stuff.

The pictures...

Back seat drivers can be beary cute! This is my daddy's Valentine's present to me. Ain't he sweet?


My hairdresser had this at her station this evening. Guess I could use a guy like this, huh? (Treated myself to a spa pedicure and a much needed color and cut.)


I'm going away for the weekend. I'll be taking the laptop, so I'll actually have real pictures for you all! I'll tell you where I am when I get where I'm going. Let's just say it will be a very ironic destination given today's holiday.

Real Love

1 Corinthians 13

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

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

"I Believe"
Third Day

Picture of the Day

You know it is going to be a very long day when you get to work, look in your purse, and you find your home phone inside the purse. Yep. That's an "RT" moment.

Funny Valentine

I'm trying to ignore the day of red. Eh, whatever.

I decided to try some humor. These are kiddie-type cute. They should put a little smile on your face.

Q: What would you get if you crossed a dog with a valentine card?
A: A card that says, "I love you drool-ly!"

Q: What do you call two birds in love?
A: Tweethearts!

Q: What did the caveman give his wife on Valentine's Day?
A: Ughs and kisses!

Q: What did one piece of string say to the other?
A: "Be my valentwine!"

Q: What did the chocolate syrup say to the ice cream?
A: "I'm sweet on you!"

Q: Why didn't Cupid shoot his arrow at the lawyer's heart?
A: Because even Cupid can't hit a target that small!

Q: What is a ram's favorite song?
A: I only have eyes for ewe, Dear

Q: What do you get when dragons kiss?
A: Third degree burns of the lips!

Q: What would you get if you crossed a monster with the god of love?
A: A stupid Cupid!

Q: If your aunt ran off to get married, what would you call her?
A: Antelope

Q: What do squirrels give for Valentine's Day?
A: Forget-me-nuts.

Q: What did the letter say to the stamp?
A: You send me.

Q: What did the stamp say to the envelope?
A: I'm stuck on you.

I also love this song...(Didn't go for the obvious choice singing it, but that's how I roll.)

Don't tell me what I'm not ready to do.

Hello, my name is RT. I am a white, middle-class conservative, female. I am also a born-again Christian (a.k.a. Evangelical). By that very description, I am, therefore, racist, backward, and vote strictly Republican. Well, according to Pennsylvania's know-it-all governor and former mayor of Philadelphia, Ed (Haven't met a cheesesteak I didn't like) Rendell, that is what I am.

Apparently, someone like me is "not ready" to elect a black candidate to office. He thinks his win over an ill-prepared Lynn Swann is justification for his remarks.

I'd vote for a woman, an African-American, a Hispanic, or any other race if I thought that person represented my core political/social beliefs. I do not vote for people based on how they were born. That seems to be a Democratic thing, since they seem so enthralled by the subject.

Ed, as an all-knowing, really in touch with the "little people" liberal, you should know better. But see, that's the problem. You are the provincial thinker with your hackneyed ideas about what people think and for what it is you believe people are prepared to do. You are the one that puts people into slots and pigeon holes them.

On the other hand, as a conservative, I believe in the innate potential people have to achieve their dreams through hard work and determination. I don't see people as victims, but do see the opportunities they can have if they see past their circumstances.

I don't believe that people should say to others that they are stuck in the position where they find themselves and have no hope (except via the government) of improvement.

America is plenty ready for a woman and/or a person of color. I'd rather vote for someone who actually says something other than catchphrases, though. Why? Because I can and it is my right.

(H/T: Fox News)

Picture(s) of the Day

Since my run-in with that rat bastard, otherwise known as "Stomach Flu," I have fallen down on the picture taking. I know you are all just waiting with stanky breath all day, every day, just to see those pearls of photographic perfection! Eh...even though I am still feeling queasy, I went to work, so you get pictures.

SNOW!

MORE SNOW!!!!

While I was getting gas pumped into my gas tank, I saw the flag blowing in the breeze. Yep, felt like taking the picture.