Sandy's Smiles

Welcome to Motherhood

2011-11-28T11:05:00.000-05:00

Dear new mom,

The first thing you should know is that you are normal. Everything you are feeling is normal. Millions of women have been in your shoes and for some reason just don't ever talk about it.

It is OK to feel happy, elated, sad, weepy, angry, frustrated, exhausted, energetic and all that in a span of 10 minutes.

It is OK to question your choice to have a baby in the first place. Every mom has those moments. The whole "what have I gotten myself into"? feeling is normal. It's a HUGE change. YOU CAN DO THIS.

It is OK to have moments where you don't like that baby. It's true, hard to write and read but so very true. You are learning to take care of, and anticipate all the needs, wants and desires of a whole other person. On top of your own. It's only natural that you have moments of annoyance or anger towards the person who is demanding so much of you. That does not mean you love them less, it just means you are a human learning to do a HUGE task. It is OK to put that baby in the crib, crying or not and walk away until that anger passes. It will get better. It is OK TO TALK ABOUT THIS TO SOMEONE!!!!!

A crying baby will be fine. No baby is allergic to crying.

Please say OUTLOUD the ways that your husband can help you. Do not assume that he will magically read your mind. I bet he really WANTS to help you but he feels as lost as you. A simple kind suggestion to what you need or want done can go a long way to making everyone a little bit happier. Talk about how hard it is to be a parent!

You will feel like a crazy person. You have insane amounts of hormones literally raging through your body. You will literally, simultaneously say something that sounds like a deranged woman is talking WHILE hearing your inner voice yell "WHAT ARE YOU SAYING YOU CRAZY WOMAN?". Take a deep breath, say "I'm sorry" and move on. Don't beat yourself up over it. It will get better.

You will leak milk at the least appropriate times. You will probably expose yourself to a stranger at least once. Don't worry, you WILL get the hang of it. When it's all said and done you may end up with less cleavage than you started with. Sorry, it can be true.

If you are going to breastfeed please try for at least a month. I hear SO many people say "I tried for two weeks and quit"...it gets SO MUCH EASIER after two weeks. It really, really does. Your body needs at least that long to adjust to this strange new thing that you are doing.

Your hair will fall out. Not all of it but a lot of it. All the hair that you didn't shed while pregnant. Pony tails help.

Your bladder will never be the same. Go when you need to, don't wait.

Mylicon is a lifesaver. There are a million uses for plain cloth diapers that don't involve using them as diapers. When trying to decide what you NEED for a baby think about life on the prairie and how little they needed and had then. A bed, some clothes, some bottles/boobs and diapers are all a baby needs. Don't give into pressure to buy it all.

Attending to things other than baby does not equal neglect (like taking a shower or eating or washing a dish). It is also OK to skip all those for a nap. Take a nap when you can. Sleep changes everything. EVERYTHING. If you nurse in bed, do it knowing that you will probably fall asleep...adjust baby accordingly.

Your baby will probably fall off the bed. At least once. You may also drive without having them buckled in the bucket carseat (unintentionally), baby talk to your husband and your once amazing memory will start its exit routine.

You will regularly have in depth conversations about poop. When, where, how much, texture, color...all of it. And it won't feel weird until you do it in front of non-kid having people.

You will be pooped on, puked on, spit-up on and drooled on. Oxiclean will take care of most of it.

Don't ever thank God that the baby is finally asleep.
Somehow that is code for "please make him cry right now!".

Middle of the night bargaining never works.

Never say anything that starts with "My kid will never...".

Most of all, I want you to know that you can do this. God chose YOU to be the mother of HIS sweet precious baby. You were handpicked by the creator of the universe to have your own little disciple to minister to. Admit when you have made a mistake, ask for forgiveness from God and that baby and keep trucking on. You are stronger than you know and before you know it these days will be in the distant past.

Find someone to talk to.

YOU CAN DO THIS!

Love,
Been there and done that.

What do you think moms? Did I leave anything out that you wish you knew when you were first a mom?

{credits to www.littlebitfunky.com/search/label/mom%20stuff}

Get a Job, Sha-na-na-na-na...

2011-05-23T12:01:00.000-04:00

Remember that old song?
It was sung by The Silhouettes in 1957, before my time but I'd say everyone has heard it.

Anyway, I read a blog this morning that touched a nerve.
I was thinking about how tired I have gotten of listening to people say they can't find a job ANYWHERE, they can't get a job or find the right job, and yet they need income, and they have expenses, so...

Are you really serious about needing money?
Nothing wrong with fast food - I actually learned a lot working at my first job, which was Karmelkorn in our local mall.
McDonald's may not be your career choice, but please!

So ---
I am turning over my blog post today to republish a post from ScLoHo's Collective Wisdom .com

Everyone has to start somewhere
By Harvey Mackay

Comedian Jim Carrey took a job as a janitor at a tire factory at age 15 when his father lost his job. He also worked as a security guard. To relieve his stress, he visited local comedy clubs, which instilled his love of comedy -- and prepared him for a blockbuster career.

Everyone has to start somewhere. Like Jim Carrey, I started by pushing a broom at an envelope manufacturing company and worked my way into sales in six months. My career path took a different turn, but all in all, I'd say my humble start led to a life I love.

You never know where your career will go once you get your foot in the door and learn about different businesses.

Many famous people started out very small before they hit it big. The main thing is they started and got experience. Pride didn't get in the way -- they had to pay the rent, eat and work toward their ultimate goals. Consider these examples.

Before Brad Pitt was a leading man in the movies, he worked various odd jobs, including driving limos, moving refrigerators and dressing up as a giant chicken to attract customers to a local restaurant.

Another one-time janitor is Stephen King. He job was cleaning a girls' locker room, which later became his inspiration for his best-selling novel "Carrie."

Cooking show hostess Rachael Ray started out working at the candy counter at Macy's in New York City. She later managed the fresh-foods department, which helped pave the way to her sizzling cooking career.

Donald Trump collected soda bottles for the deposit money and later went around with rent collectors to learn about that business. Do you suppose that's where he got the idea for The Apprentice?

David Letterman, Diane Sawyer, Raquel Welch and George Carlin were all weather people on TV.

Michael Dell, founder and CEO of Dell computers, and personal-finance guru Suzie Orman, washed dishes at restaurants.

The late George Steinbrenner, who later owned the New York Yankees among other businesses, helped his older siblings raise the family's chickens, which he would also kill and dress for customers.

Working at ice cream shops is part of the resumes for Julia Roberts, Lucille Ball and Robin Williams, who also was a street mime before he got into acting.

And I'd wager that every one of these fabulously successful people would tell you that they still remember the lessons they learned from those early labors -- even if one of those lessons was that they wanted more out of life.

Few people would describe their first jobs as their dream jobs. The work is usually hard, the pay is never enough, and the hours are lousy. The experience, however, is invaluable.

As college graduates start to learn the realities of the business world, I tell them that they will have to pay their dues. There is no substitute for real-world experience. Hard work is still a requirement for success. You can't start at the top and work your way up.

In this economy, I'm frequently hearing stories about folks who are starting over in their careers due to downsizing, restructuring, technology or belly-up businesses. Most don't have to start at the bottom, but they aren't making lateral moves either.

My advice is always the same whether you are starting up or starting over: Keep your options open. Don't discount the value of any working experience. Expand your network at every opportunity, because you never know who might know someone who could use your talents and skills. Volunteer some time to get more and varied experience. Make sure you have a presence on social networking sites, especially LinkedIn and Facebook.

Perhaps the most important tip I can pass along is this: Never be afraid to ask for help. There are plenty of people who have created successful businesses, and even more who have built successful careers. Learning from others is essential, no matter how much you have learned from your own experience.

Finally, don't be afraid to dream. Long before Mickey Mouse, Walt Disney dropped out of school at age 16 to join the Army, but was rejected because of his age. He became a Red Cross ambulance driver in World War I instead. He wanted to be an artist when he came home, and with determination, an entertainment empire was born. For Walt Disney, "a dream is a wish your heart makes."

Mackay's Moral: You can't win the race if you never start.

Starting New Habits and Saving Money

2011-05-11T14:33:00.000-04:00

Well... it seems peer pressure has been in full swing at my church on Hill Road! Almost everyone and their brother are posting on facebook and chatting in the aisles about their running, their fitness training, their P90X workouts, their new Zumba classes... it's hard to be a couch potato these days!

So ~ I've been trying to start new healthier habits. Why oh why is that so difficult?

I'm in my last week of the No Boundaries program (sponsored by our local Fleet Feet store) and it has been a short (sometimes grueling!) time of learning about running and trying to get into shape for a 5K, although I did not start this in order to do a 5K. I have actually walked the Susan G. Komen 5K race each year in Kingsport since Mom's cancer diagnosis. For those of you interested in numbers, it takes me an hour to walk the 3.1 miles.

For me, the program was to be a kick-start to doing regular, weekly activity. I felt like I needed the accountability, someone who would miss me when I missed, and perhaps some helpful information to get me on the right track. I needed a healthy choice that I can maintain in order to combat the osteoporosis that I have since suffering from early menopause at the age 36.

But another phenomenon was going on at my church about the same time all this healthy stuff was happening: the crazy coupon addiction!

Ladies at church talking about the best deals, their great savings, and even posting pictures of their treasures. While I love a good deal and I don't mind using coupons for items that I actually use, I much prefer freebies and giveaways!

I was the dorky kid who always filled out the mail-in forms and sent $1 shipping to the cereal company for whatever cool item was being advertised. I place the blame squarely on my Mamaw Ketron's shoulders because she was forever mailing things out and getting things in. It was like Christmas every day in her mailbox!

That is why I love this site - The Giveaway Scout www.giveawayscout.com/.
It searches the world wide web and looks through blogs to find what the coolest giveaway is! Now isn't that something? Take a peek - and I've added their widget to my blog to make it easy for you.

If we would each take advantage of all our resources, think of what an impact we could make by sharing the surplus with those in our community who are in need. Because one healthy choice can lead to another!

By the way, here's a neat coupon/deal site to help in your quest to save money - Southern Savers www.southernsavers.com/ and here's a fitness teacher that can get your too comfy tushy up and moving - archerfitness.blogspot.com/2011/05/group-fitness-isnt-limited-to-classroom.html - May we all continue or renew our New Year's resolution to get healthy with our money and our bodies as we start the summer season!

Lies and Truth... Love Conquers All

2011-03-15T05:47:00.001-04:00

So, I've been on an emotional roller coaster this week... actually it's been since last Mother's Day... some of you know the details. I'm exhausted right now. And I was driving home from a road trip Saturday when this Toby Mac song came on the radio. I had one of those "ah-ha" moments, realizing that too many decisions in my life have been based on fear; fear and disbelief.

Not really believing that I was loved or good enough. Because of a stupid perfectionist personality, knowing that I was trying my best, and still failing... so therefore I was most assuredly not worthy of love from anyone.

And is this why someone becomes self-destructive? rebellious? wallows in sin? because you wrongly believe you can't do better? or make a change? you're beyond hope?

Sometimes I'm strong, and I can see the schemes of the devil, and I can discern the lies from truth.
And sometimes I'm not.
I have conversations with myself, my weak flesh, and my tormented memories of bad decisions... and then I'm stuck down there in the muck and mud, defeated and depressed.

It's one thing when it's me. It's another thing when it's my child.
And my heart just continues to be broken. I think I've cried it all out. I think I've turned it all over. And then out of no where, I feel the pain and the tears just start to pour out of me again.

How long do we wait Oh Lord? And why do we have to wait?
I become an impatient 2-year-old so quickly in this pain.

And then the quietness of the Holy Spirit comes into my mind, a scripture verse (“Cast your burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain you..." Psalms 55:22) or the words to a Toby Mac song:

You turned away when I looked you in the eye,
And hesitated when I asked if you were alright,
Seems like you're fighting for your life,
But why? oh why?
Wide awake in the middle of your nightmare,
You saw it comin' but it hit you outta no where,
And theres always scars
When you fall that far

We lose our way,
We get back up again
It's never too late to get back up again,
One day you gonna shine again,
You may be knocked down,
But not out forever,

You rolled out at the dawning of the day
Heart racin' as you made you little get away,
It feels like you've been runnin' all your life
But, why? Oh why?

So you've pulled away from the love that wou'd've been there,
You start believin' that your situation's unfair

But there's always scars,
When you fall that far

We lose our way,
We get back up again
Never too late to get back up again,
One day, you gonna shine again,
You may be knocked down but not out forever,

This is love callin', love callin', out to the broken,
This is love callin'.
This is love callin', love callin',
I am so broken
This is love callin' love callin

God, please let me be confident in Your Love and let me rest in You.
Thanks to Toby Mac for the song, and thanks to God for the reminder. <3

Success

2011-03-14T11:20:00.002-04:00

Willie II's great -grandfather, Cornelius Vanderbilt, was in the first grade the year George Washington died. Five years later, Cornelius quit school at age eleven and set out to make his mark on the world.

When he was sixteen, Cornelius Vanderbilt borrowed his mother's life savings to buy a little sailboat to haul passengers and freight between Staten Island and New York City. Hungry, focused, and efficient, Vanderbilt quickly dominated the business and broke his competitors. His little boating enterprise became known as the Staten Island Ferry. By the time he was forty, his ships were hauling passengers and freight to ports all along the Atlantic coast, earning him the nickname "Commodore."

Since passengers and freight were the Commodore's business, it was only natural that he would buy up struggling railroads and turn them around. The difference between Vanderbilt and his predecessors was that his trains ran on schedule and the service was excellent. His New York Central Railroad quickly grew to become the nation's largest enterprise. During the Panic of 1873, Vanderbilt gave jobs to thousands by ordering the construction of Grand Central Station in NYC.

Cornelius Vanderbilt offered better service and lower prices than his competitors, but these are not the things that made him wealthy. The characteristics that made him one of the richest men in the world were best described by a friend:

The largest employer of labor in the United States, he despised all routine office work; kept his figures in a vest-pocket book; ate sparingly; never speculated in stocks; never refused to see a caller; rose early; read Pilgrim's Progress every year; and, for diversion, played whist and drove his trotters whenever he could.

Cornelius Vanderbilt did not offer better service and lower prices so that he might become rich. He became rich because he loved hauling passengers and freight, and because he did it very, very well.

Why do you do what you do? Is it for the money alone, or is it because you love to do it well? Wealth is not a destination, not a sparkling city on a hill. Wealth is simply a by-product of passion. You will become truly rich only when you learn to love what it is you do.

"Success is a journey, not a destination." - Ben Sweetland

My name is Sandy and I'm a Salt Addict

2011-01-06T12:21:00.004-05:00

I am adamantly opposed to making New Year's resolutions in January, as I think they are a set up for failure. Why can't we adopt September as our time for a 'new start' - each fall at the beginning of every school year, we would get a clean slate. I always loved that - new composition books, new notebook, new pencils... ah, my love affair with supplies must have started in the fall of my childhood. But that's another topic.

Everywhere you turn in January, someone somewhere is expounding on how to live better. I am all for living better, at least in theory. But when it gets too personal, I feel those strong rebellious urges rising up inside me.

The most recent item to slap me down was this article about SALT in the Jan issue of Prevention Magazine. Did you see it? I briefly saw it as a headline on the cover, and decided that I would not read that article. After all, I love salt. It is my only seasoning because of my genetic health problem. Remember, I'm an old person, and back when I was a baby, there were not any options for a no-fat diet. My mom taught me to just "do without" flavorings - which has served me well, I thought. But the other night, I was making divinity to feed my sugar addiction, and since I usually have something to read during the 7 minutes I'm cooking over the double boiler... and because I read all articles consecutively when I open a magazine (OCD, I know), well, you know it was bound to happen because I quickly came to page 18, the Salt piece!

TRUE OR FALSE
Salt (a) is addictive (b) will make you fat (c) will kill you (d) all of the above

Sadly, the correct answer is d.
But the most intriguing part of the article spoke to the addictiveness of salt.
Can you believe it?
Consuming salt triggers the release of dopamine in your body, which is the neurotransmitter associated with the brain's Pleasure Center! Wow!

There is some small hope for me. The article goes on to say that we have about 10,000 tastebuds, each one has 50 to 150 receptor cells that live for 1 to 2 weeks -- which means that if you eat a lower salt diet for a couple of weeks, you can re-train your new receptors thus making the lower salt diet more pleasure-able for you.

Let's face it. We're all going to die of something. Of course, no one wants to live and feel bad all the time either...

Best wishes on your quest to improve your life. We're all in it together, right?
Oh, here's the article link online if you want to read for yourself - or maybe you prefer the path of denial? lol

http://www.prevention.com/health/health/health-concerns/how-to-kick-the-salt-habit/article/3bd0b810e847c210VgnVCM10000030281eac____

Reacting to Criticism

2010-07-23T21:09:00.002-04:00

This is such an excellent article, I had to post it. I've been both the giver of and receiver of criticism... neither is a good position to be in, but it's part of life.

I hope God will share something helpful through this post.

...by Doug Fields and Matt McGill (from youthministry.com)

Both of us have received a lot of criticism in ministry over the years. I (Doug) have been criticized more than Matt but that's only because I'm a lot older and being doing ministry a lot longer. We often laugh with one another at how different we are in our response/reaction to criticism. I (Doug) would prefer to avoid and hope the noise goes away. While, I (Matt) would prefer to fight and prove that I'm right.

By nature, I (Matt) am passionate and care deeply. I'm also very opinionated and vocal. Everyone in the room knows how I feel and what I'm thinking. If there were the spiritual gift of CRUSADER, I'd have it.

Good things come from the way God wired me: I'm committed, work hard, and communicate clearly. I wish that when it came to criticism I could reflect these same qualities (and, quite frankly, so does Doug)! So, when I'm criticized, I'm quick to react (too quick to react)… and it's not pretty. I will argue about a conviction that borders on being condescending. My tone communicates that the person who criticized me is an idiot (i.e. "You really disagree? You've actually engaged your brain for a second and that's what you've come up with? Really?")

Doug is constantly telling me, "Matt, you have to pick your hills to die on." I say, "I pick them all because I'm not the one who dies." Doug sighs at my foolishness and I continue to make a commitment to change.

Here's what we know to be true for both of us: criticism hurts, but the pain is multiplied when we handle it poorly. We talked about some truths that we've both learned over the years when we react to criticism too quickly instead of responding with wisdom--here's what we've learned:

We miss out on gaining a new perspective that could be helpful.
Impulsiveness is the enemy of understanding. Quick reactions cut corners on listening to others' point of view. Because the criticism brings pain, a quick response that is intended to numb our pain becomes more important than learning something about ourselves. While there may be truth behind the sting… it's unheard when we quickly react.

We prolong the pain.
When we react to the pain, it may feel good in the moment, but it usually delays the healing process. A quick, over-reaction keeps us from asking, "God, even though this hurts, what might you have for me in this situation?"

We miss an opportunity for influence.
If a critic isn't heard by you, he/she probably won't listen to your reaction either (although, let's be honest, even when a critic is heard they still may not listen). Quick reactions drastically reduce your chance to influence the critic. On the other hand, when you take the time to listen and respond with wisdom, you might be able to squeeze some truth and influence a critic's heart.

We loose credibility.
Just about every church is a fertile garden for gossip. The church environment somehow empowers the critic to more freely squawk to those who will listen (and there's always someone in the congregation willing to listen). When critics are ignored or hurt by a angry reaction, fuel is added to the fire, and you can guarantee the critic will become louder and find new listeners to poison.

We miss direct feedback.
If you get a reputation for being someone who reacts to criticism (as opposed to carefully respond) chances are high that people in your ministry will distant their opinions from you. The problem with their fearful silence is that every leader must get feedback from others to lead well. Reacting to criticism will cut you off from this necessary leadership resource. Honest feedback is what keeps us from becoming the Emperor with No Clothes.

Boundless Summer Challenge

2010-07-09T21:33:00.003-04:00

I have spent one month of summer doing the same old things that I usually do... work, eat, sleep, read a little, computer, tv, errands, doctor appointments, church each week... you know, the same routine and rut that each of us seem to fall into.

Why is that? I mean, there's nothing wrong with the things of our routine, is there?
Especially for me.
I mean, I like the "same old same old" and I like to know what to expect. I am not a surprise kinda girl.

However

When I want to get a deeper relationship with Someone, do I expect that to just fall into my lap?

I guess I do... judging from my actions.

Sad.

And so, my Florida cousin is participating in this challenge and I thought it seemed interesting, difficult, powerful ~ and I think I will give it a try.

Take a look here and see if you are interested in the event.
Let's do something different for this month of July. You can join in with me.

http://www.boundlessline.org/2010/07/boundless-summer-challenge-task-1.html

Let's go deeper!

Complaints & Customer Service

2010-06-21T09:39:00.002-04:00

Anyone who knows me knows that I have a pretty high level of expectation when it comes to customer service. This is not from an arrogant "I deserve it" point of view, but more from the Golden Rule of "treat others the way you want to be treated" view.

I have worked in closed office environments and also in retail. While in retail, I have had the experience of receiving customer complaints (sometimes on the verge of abusive) but I have also had the opportunity to help resolve complaints.

I recently read about this issue in a book titled "A Complaint is a Gift: Recovering Customer Loyalty When Things Go Wrong" by Janelle Barlow and Claus Moller.

Quoting the book, "In simplest terms, complaints are statements about expectations that have not been met." And this is true. But they also point out that complaints are opportunities for an organization to reconnect with customers by fixing a service or product breakdown. Customers usually have a "deeper level" need than the surface complaint. If a customer complains about having to wait on hold for 3 hours for help setting up their expensive computer, the deeper issue might be that they made a stupid purchasing decision. They call their insurance for a simple question and the call is not returned for days; at a deeper level, they are warning their agent that they are open for a new policy at renewal time.

It is a universal truth - most customers do not complain, they simply choose to take their business elsewhere.

We should all be grateful when someone has enough assertiveness to tell us the truth, and to share their perspective with us. After all, we live in a world full of people and we are surrounded by opportunities to interact and have relationships.

Let's use each opportunity wisely!

Colonoscopy Time

2010-04-27T11:15:00.004-04:00

Well, a long time ago, I began trying to mentally prepare myself for this... My husband had a co-worker who died of colon cancer several years back. He was a young man, a very athletic outdoorsy type of man, and not the type of person who would expect to die of such a horrible disease in the absolute prime of life. And so I knew that I would get this test done and that I would willingly put myself through the preparation - which as you know, EVERYONE says is the worst part. My doctor also is doing an endoscopy... his reason was to look for anything abnormal that would make my iron levels low, which seems to be chronic with me. As long as I'm going to be "out of it", I guess it makes no difference to me.

I met Dr. Shone when I was in the hospital in December and simply because of his kindness and straight-forward talk (in an accent that is so pleasant!), I decided that I should go to him for this test. I am a little short of the 50yo mark, but thought that I had been dreading it quite long enough, so why not go ahead and do it - while we still have health insurance.

I saw him about 10 days ago, and the most surprising thing is that they were able to get me scheduled so quickly! I was secretly hoping to delay it a month, but that was not to be.

The nurse came in to go over instructions, she talked so fast about all of it, I could not keep up. Then when I read over the list again Sunday, I discovered that I should not have been taking my iron pills for several days. Hopefully this is not a big deal.

I had to drink some nasty stuff in December for an MRI of my upper gastro area, and that was torture. My oldest daughter happened to be visiting me at the time, and if not for her encouraging cheerleading, I don't think I would have gotten it down. So I have to say that I am dreading the drinking even more than the expelling part. (Of course, this is in my mind right now, as I have not yet started my bathroom trips.)

My last meal was cottage cheese and tomato, my favorite comfort food, and it's 11:25am right now, so I have not had anything by mouth so far today.

I did go to Blockbuster and rented 4 movies. I am planning to sit and watch one while I gulp down my lovely HalfLytely concoction... even though my internet searching today has given me information that there is a pill that is possible to take INSTEAD of drinking the nasty, so I'm mad at myself for not researching better in advance.

I will just be so glad to have it over and done. I'm sure you have your own stories and testimony to share. Let's be thankful for tests, early detection, and being healthy. Recent research says that 1 in 7 people over age 50 will live to be 100 years old, so we owe it to ourselves to be as healthy as possible when we get there!

Blood-Gathering is not just for Vampires!

2009-12-15T17:50:00.006-05:00

With all the hoopla surrounding the Twilight series, and all things Vampire-ish... I find it ironic that getting blood from folks is actually so difficult!

I have just been released from a 9-day stint in one of our local hospitals. It was not life-threatening, although I guess it could have been... but I was suffering from pancreatitis - which is caused by (for me) a rare genetic enzyme disorder called hyperlipoprotenemia type I. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/dispomim.cgi?id=238600)

It can be quite painful and the treatment is simply no food and morphine for pain.

The no food thing can be tricky.

So when you go in, you are immediately hooked up to an IV with glucose solution... I was in pain and offered the ER folks my left arm, which has been my "lucky" arm for blood-getting most of my adult life.

BUT

that meant I only had my right arm to offer the phlebotomists at the hospital.
Phlebotomist is a strange name, isn't it? According to the dictionary: A phlebotomist is an individual trained to draw blood, either for laboratory tests or for blood donations.

I am no stranger to needles. I was a research patient at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD for a big part of my childhood - Mom took me up there for months at a time; when I was school-age, that's where my summers were spent. Then when I turned 12, I was given over to NIH (National Instititues of Health) in Bethesda, MD. At John Hopkins, I was subjected to a lot of different testing procedures, liver biopsy is the only one I can tell you here - I have happily blocked out most of my life during those elementary years. What is consistent in my memory is the constant need they had for my blood.

I optimistically thought that as I became an adult, this would become easier for me. What happened is that I have almost developed a phobia about it.

Some of my college friends will recall that Spring Break of my freshman year was spent in the ER and hospital... a result of my going crazy, whether rebellion or disbelief that I was really sick (?) - who knows - but I took my freshman quarter to eat out and eat whatever I liked, even went to a few frat parties... all of these things were damaging to my pancreas and increased my triglycerides level to 3200. Thus, a major attack, and that is when I met my wonderful physician who has cared for me so diligently over these past 30 years. After I was released, I naturally vowed that I would stay closely on my diet and watch everything that I ate. Oh how quickly we forget. I was hospitalized 2 other times with pancreatitis, once during my 3rd pregnancy. And so this was my 4th time - it's been 18 years since the previous time. I have been lax though. It gets tiring to always eat differently and to have to explain it to other people.

But if you came to read this post just for BLOOD, then I need to get to that part:
The lab folks came to my room each morning about 6:00 a.m. to take my blood. They turn the bright lights on. They set their little toolbox down on my bed. They greet you happily, a little too eager to do their job if you ask me. Then they pull out their rubber string to tie off your circulation. And then they start to flick your arm with their finger. Hard. And then they study, and sigh, and then they move the rubber string down to my wrist. My hand is going numb. They flick more. And then they rub the hand with alcohol, it's cold. And they say, "Okay. It's gonna be a big stick." Ouch!! It is. And then say, "Has anyone ever told you that you have tough veins?" or perhaps they say, "That one blew. Have to do it again."

The Wednesday lady said that something was wrong with the vacuum on the tube, let her try a new one, and then that tube did not work, and finally she ended up SCOOPING the blood that was dripping out of the hole she made in my hand! I was so angry and upset!!

I mean, seriously! What is wrong with these people?

After enduring the lab folks on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, I had enough! I rebelled. I told my night nurse on Wed. night that I did not want them coming in for me. She assured me that she would stop them. She did - but she left at 7a.m. - and at 8:30, 2 more lab people came in, turned on the bright light, I jumped to alert when he said, "Can we get your blood?" and I said, "No you cannot!". He said okay and they slammed the door on the way out.

Thursday was a bad morning. When the doctor on call came in, I was a basket-case and told him that I wanted to go home, the lab people did not know how to do their job, and I was tired of them practicing on me. He says, they do know how to do their job -- well, technically, if their job is getting blood - then yes - but really (!) - do they have to get their training on my poor weak little arms?

So - poor Hospitalist got a crazy patient who became non-compliant very quickly. I was written up in the chart, 'ornery' is what the gastroentologist said.

My last 3 days were no-lab days, except I stayed on the IV through Saturday, and kept that needle in my arm until Sunday.

Did I say how much I HATE needles?

Are you the Carrot, Egg or Coffee?

2009-10-07T20:54:00.002-04:00

Something to think about...

A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up; she was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.

Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil without saying a word.

In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl.
She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl.
Turning to her daughter, she asked, ' Tell me what you see.'

'Carrots, eggs, and coffee,' she replied.

Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft.
The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg.
Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma.
The daughter then asked, 'What does it mean, mother?'

Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently.
The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened.
The ground coffee beans were unique however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.

"Which are you?" she asked her daughter. "When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?"

Think of this:
Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?

Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart?

Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?

The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way. The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; you can't go forward in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches.

Oh that we would all be coffee!

Are You a Masterpiece?

2009-08-22T13:31:00.003-04:00

Don't we all do this?
Complaining?
Arguing with God?
Believing the lies?

Copy this url into your address bar - you need to see this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXut0HxncvY

35 Reasons Not To Sin

2009-08-11T23:55:00.002-04:00

1. Because a little sin leads to more sin.
2. Because my sin invites the discipline of God.
3. Because the time spent in sin is forever wasted.
4. Because my sin never pleases but always grieves God who loves me.
5. Because my sin places a greater burden on my spiritual leaders.
6. Because in time my sin always brings heaviness to my heart.
7. Because I am doing what I do not have to do.
8. Because my sin always makes me less than what I could be.
9. Because others, including my family, suffer consequences due to my sin.
10. Because my sin saddens the godly.
11. Because my sin makes the enemies of God rejoice.
12. Because sin deceives me into believing I have gained when in reality I have lost.
13. Because sin may keep me from qualifying for spiritual leadership.
14. Because the supposed benefits of my sin will never outweigh the consequences of disobedience.
15. Because repenting of my sin is such a painful process, yet I must repent.
16. Because sin is a very brief pleasure for an eternal loss.
17. Because my sin may influence others to sin.
18. Because my sin may keep others from knowing Christ.
19. Because sin makes light of the cross, upon which Christ died for the very purpose of taking away my sin.
20. Because it is impossible to sin and follow the Spirit at the same time.
21. Because God chooses not to respect the prayers of those who cherish their sin.
22. Because sin steals my reputation and robs me of my testimony.
23. Because others once more earnest than I have been destroyed by just such sins.
24. Because the inhabitants of heaven and hell would all testify to the foolishness of this sin.
25. Because sin and guilt may harm both mind and body.
26. Because sins mixed with service make the things of God tasteless.
27. Because suffering for sin has no joy or reward, though suffering for righteousness has both.
28. Because my sin is adultery with the world.
29. Because, though forgiven, I will review this very sin at the Judgment Seat where loss and gain of eternal rewards are applied.
30. Because I can never really know ahead of time just how severe the discipline for my sin might be.
31. Because my sin may be an indication of a lost condition.
32. Because to sin is not to love Christ.
33. Because my unwillingness to reject this sin now grants it an authority over me greater than I wish to believe.
34. Because sin glorifies God only in His judgment of it and His turning of it to good use, never because it is worth anything on it's own.
35. Because I promised God he would be Lord of my life.

Relinquish Your Rights - Reject the Sin - Renew the Mind - Rely on God

**WOW ~ #3 is very gripping, isn't it? And #35... remember back when you first gave your heart, your life to the Lord?
Think about these, deny your flesh, be strong and make a good decision.

Copyright © 1992 Jim Elliff
Christian Communicators Worldwide, Inc.
Permission granted for not-for-sale reproduction in unedited form
including author's name, title, complete content, copyright and weblink.
Other uses require written permission.
www.CCWtoday.org

What Country Am I In???

2009-07-26T10:03:00.004-04:00

It is so sad to me that our government is trying to tax us more, spread our money around to those who refuse to work, and continually try to take away our freedoms!

What is wrong with us - do we sit in apathy, or perhaps hopelessness?
The TEA parties that began this year seem like a good start for getting the people involved, but is it enough?

According to Wikipedia, healthcare reform is a phrase that is commonly used for discussing health policy changes. Wikipedia gives a general overview of various countries and how their health care is managed. All of us should take a look at how health care actually operates in other countries and educate ourselves. Our country was founded on freedom, that includes our freedom of choice regarding healthcare. I want to choose my doctor, discuss my options with my healthcare team, and then choose my treatment plan. I do not believe that the current healthcare reform will allow me to keep those freedoms of choice for myself and my family.

Sadly, one scenario that has caused some of the ruckus is that we Christians are not doing a good enough job of taking care of our widows and orphans. But the present administration has already said that Medicare and Medicaid are too expensive. We must become a neighborhood of caring again, and reach out to those who are in need. The complaints of those who have been neglected or suffered wrong in our institutional health care cannot be ignored, but you cannot fix those problems with the new healthcare plan that Obama has created. And -- You cannot legislate caring.

There is a good article here about the very recent attempt at my homestate to offer healthcare to all at no cost to those who needed medical assistance - sadly, this TennCare plan did not work and cost the state so much money, it got into a terribly bad financial situation. http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2009/07/22/tenncare_lessons_for_modern_health_care_reform_97570.html

In any case, I am passing along the following website link so you can read some of the new healthcare "reforms" that our president is supporting. Nevermind any personal commentary, just take a look at some of the specifics and make your own intelligent decision. I know we can.

http://www.economicpolicyjournal.com/2009/07/whats-in-healthacre-bill.html

Yes, There is a Cost

2009-07-20T21:06:00.002-04:00

Take a walk down the path of life and along the way you will find many surprises. The cost of living is high; it is not for the weak or the faint at heart. Living requires courage; it will take all the tenacity that you can muster.

The high road is never the easy road; it will grind you down to the bone and reveal the weakness on the inside. You will be given the opportunity to take advantage of each obstacle that comes in your way. A person without a vision will never take the high road, there are too many punishing storms that drown the weak and break the undetermined soul.

There cannot be a testimony without a test and no advancement without resistance.

Living must be intentional; failing to plan is planning to fail. Success does not knock on anyone’s door. To measure your success in life you have to take a look at your potential and then go beyond that. We are not called to what we can do; we are measured against the standard of Heaven. If you are living in what you can manage, then you are settling for what YOU can produce and that is way below Heavens standard. Try taking a step beyond what you are capable of and place your foot in the steps of Jesus.

... So you don’t think you have what it takes? You are right; because this road of life requires supernatural help. Our battles are not against flesh and blood, not against other human beings or our own bad decisions. We are at war against a force that is unseen to the human eye. Your discernment will be honed and your courage will be tested. Control is mostly a myth; sometimes you can control yourself but you cannot control the circumstances of life, you can only decide what your response will be to these events. A response should be pre-meditated. As Ed said last night, if you eat only once a week at church, you will be anemic and weak, unable to fight the enemy or feed yourself. The more you eat, the stronger you will be - and follow the pattern of the wilderness children by gathering and eating before the sunrise, before your day begins.

Yes - The cost of living is high. Our lives are shaped by the heavy storms that adversity brings; and we should prepare ourselves ahead of time. Life is worth living and it is worth living right. Count the cost before you start; look at your life with the end in mind. We are all going to die someday, but we will not all live. What will your choices be?

News Media

2009-04-29T17:38:00.003-04:00

I get so frustrated with how our News informs us... do you think it's biased, one-sided, has an agenda??

Take this Swine Flu thing for example.
The Center for Disease Control says that each year, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications; 20,000 of those are children younger than 5 years old; and 36,000 people die from the flu. Therefore, it is their recommendation that you get a yearly flu vaccine which protects from 3 main flu strains. They also suggest that you cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze - hey, I think this falls under "good manners" if not common sense. Also - WASH YOUR HANDS folks! You really cannot do this enough, so simple and yet so effective to keep germs from entering your body. The CDC also says to stay away from sick people. Might it be better to have sick people stay away from us? Why do we go to work sick? Why do we send our children to school sick? It is no wonder that sickness spreads to everyone in our midst.

Evidently 36,000 people dying from regular flu is not news worthy, not when you compare it to the panic of swine flu spreading rapidly at our borders. Perhaps the people who are so anxious to allow non-Americans come into our country will change their mind a little bit now. But this is not a note about our borders.

This is a note about politics however.

Today is President Obama's 100th day. I have not seen earth-shattering legislation that is helping me. I have seen my local property taxes increase. I have been watching how a stimulus bill (which was not even READ by our president) was passed, and I have watched him briefly on the news (and some YouTube news) as he "makes nice" with all foreign leaders. I have to tell you that it was a little scary watching him with other world leaders, reminded me of a Left Behind (the movie) scene. I have no doubt that we move closer to the end days. And in the end, the U.S. does fall from its top position as world leader. Did you ever think it would happen? We enjoyed so many days of excess and prosperity, as if it would never end. And we, so much like Israel, seem to always repeat the mistakes of our ancestors.

I have located some good blogs for conservatives, if you want to read any. They are in my blog list. But, if you are like me, you read these things, your blood pressure goes up and you get discouraged, depressed, frustrated... a good way to handle those emotions is to WRITE YOUR POLITICIANS! Let your voice be heard, whether you choose email, snail mail or even your telephone, get involved and get active. The only way that change will happen is if YOU get involved.

Don't just sit back and let someone else do it. You do your little bit too. It is going to take ALL of us.

Tis the season of Proms...

2009-04-18T08:54:00.004-04:00

...and graduations... and awards ceremonies... another year ending... and my "baby" is leaving high school.

When they were small, I could never imagine this day. You are so overwhelmed with the constant demands of young children, they are always needing you, wanting you, touching you... and then suddenly, they hit the teenage years, going through hormonal changes and personality changes; oh, they still need you, but they are not as willing to share with you and tell you they need you! and when my first one left the nest, i still had the others, and then the next one, but i still had one at home... and so it goes.

I expected to feel more sadness, but somehow God really does prepare you for this time. And ~ perhaps my sadness is overshadowed by my more natural emotion of anxiety, stress, fear! (okay, that is supposed to be a little funny.) Truth is, when we send them out each day, we have no control over anything. I realize that the truth is: Control of anything is an illusion! But isn't it easy to convince ourselves that we DO have control? It is a daily struggle for me to NOT let my flesh control my emotions, my actions, my feelings.

For the present, we have a prom hair appointment to get to (more money added to all the other pre-prom festivities). You "dads of baby daughters" get prepared for the expenses involved in getting our girls out to their social events! You have a few years so start saving now. lol

Talk to you soon.

Stimulate What Exactly??

2009-02-12T08:41:00.002-05:00

know that all of you are probably as sick of this "news" as I, but I get SO frustrated with the double-talk and lies that we hear from people in our government... and yet, even as I say this, I also realize that some of what we hear/see on the news is clips and are usually (always?) cut together in order to sway and slant things.

But... I do not like the way that things are going, have been going... and I'm an old person now, and perhaps did not pay enough attention to Mr. Hoover's or Mr. Allison's history classes at Dobyns-Bennett, so I decided to look up the definitions of these words for myself this morning.

Interesting reading, the dictionary:

com·mu·nism
Etymology:French communisme, from commun common
Date:1840
1 a: a theory advocating elimination of private property b: a system in which goods are owned in common and are available to all as needed
2capitalized a: a doctrine based on revolutionary Marxian socialism and Marxism-Leninism that was the official ideology of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics b: a totalitarian system of government in which a single authoritarian party controls state-owned means of production c: a final stage of society in Marxist theory in which the state has withered away and economic goods are distributed equitably d: communist systems collectively

so·cial·ism
Date: 1837
1: any of various economic and political theories advocating collective or governmental ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods
2 a: a system of society or group living in which there is no private property b: a system or condition of society in which the means of production are owned and controlled by the state
3: a stage of society in Marxist theory transitional between capitalism and communism and distinguished by unequal distribution of goods and pay according to work done

cap·i·tal·ism
Date: 1877
: an economic system characterized by private or corporate ownership of capital goods, by investments that are determined by private decision, and by prices, production, and the distribution of goods that are determined mainly by competition in a free market

And, I have to share this video link with Nancy Pelosi, regarding the Pork... and how can our President promote a bill that apparently he has not read? or maybe he supports it?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AaDtkG6afBc (hopefully this link will work - or go to YouTube and search Pelosi Pork)

I guess I'm frustrated... just consider this a vent...

I'm not the sharpest pencil... maybe someone reading this can help?

Ah... the Bookworm

2008-12-06T07:54:00.005-05:00

This is definitely me!

I was looking at a cute link on Scrapbook.com and they ask the question, "what kind of scrapbooker are you?"... after reading the descriptions, I am sure that this is me!

Try it...

http://www.scrapbook.com/articles/doc/36199.html

To Vote... or Not to Vote?

2008-10-28T12:10:00.000-04:00

Believe me, there have been many times throughout this campaign when I have wavered about even going to the polls.

But I was reading the blog of a friend of mine, who had posted a link to another blog... (you know how that goes!)... and honestly, I cannot imagine ANYONE not standing up to vote after they take 5 minutes to look at this.

http://randyalcorn.blogspot.com/2008/10/im-not-voting-for-man-im-voting-for.html

Eternal perspectives... what an awesome name.

I believe that my children have grown up knowing and understanding that these unborn babies are really babies... unlike the women of my generation, the women's lib cosmopolitan super-women who could do it all and be it all, and by Golly it is our choice what we do!! Our generation was fed the lie that this is just tissue, a blob of fetus, nothing alive.

Who remembers the first time they saw an ultrasound of that little blob, and since when do blobs have beating hearts that you can hear?!

Lies are powerful, the devil is a deceiver. Encourage everyone to get out and vote for LIFE! Who here agrees with everything that ANYONE says? Make your vote count for life, whether you can support everything 100% or not, this is a path we do NOT want to take.

Women... ah the drama of it all

2008-10-02T17:52:00.004-04:00

I cannot count too many women as friends. Guys usually say what they mean, you know where they stand.

On the other hand, women are catty, competitive, even manipulative.
We women have a whole "language" that we begin learning in grade school designed to CONCEAL what we mean... whether to save face, to hide our insecurities... who knows the myriad reasons for that. (Could it be distrust?) And because of our own language, we are constantly interpreting what others say to us.

Do you think we become addicted to drama? To sharing others' life circumstances that cast US in better light?

There comes a time in every woman's life when she has to take a close look at herself.
Not at her circumstance, not at what she did, not how unfair life is, or at who made you do it.
She has to just look at herself in all her glory and imperfection.

Have you ever admired a woman who has been through some major changes in her life?
Or have you made up in your mind that she is just messed up. Before you make this mistake, take a closer look.

A woman who has endured the most unusual life is someone of wisdom, someone who has been chosen by God to go through things that have made her stronger.

Women are so quick to beat the next one down instead of trying to hold her up.
Before you wonder, “What's up with her?” ask yourself, “What's up with me?”

That woman could be my mother, sister, aunt, in-law, stepmother, niece, grandmother, great-grandmother, neighbor, friend, or co-worker.
Hey! That woman could be ME.

But as a Christian woman, I believe my fellow believers are my Sisters in the Lord. And we should be able to support and encourage one another; celebrate in others' success and happiness; weep with those who have experienced loss.

Women have such great strength and compassion; we need to have our hearts softened and our eyes opened so that we can see and love each other the way that God sees and loves us.

Think about it ladies. Doesn't love expand? We do not have to hoard it and be selfish. We have unlimited supplies to give out.
So share the love and share some mercy.

Ask God to send some emotionally healthy women into your life. We all need a few good girlfriends!

***********************************************************
I received this in an email but it is so true:

People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.

When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed.
They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually.
They are a Godsend and they are there for the reason you need them to be.

Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn.
They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.
They may teach you something you have never done.
They give you an unbelievable amount of joy.
It is real. But only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons, things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.

Women are the carriers of life, not the channels of death. Let's build and encourage each other, as did Ruth and Naomi.

Encourage and love,
forgive and forget,
learn to trust,
practice mercy.

Kingsport Animal Shelter... Bring It On

2008-09-23T12:08:00.004-04:00

Okay... it has been one week since one of my cats died. We had two cats, Princess and one of her babies from her first litter, Brandy. She was not a baby, she was 6 years old. For an unknown reason, Brandy died. She was our greeter, outgoing and flirtatious with a healthy appetite.

I was dealing with the loss. I, as Mom, am the one who is caretaker of all pets, so I am the one who most missed her coming to greet my car as I returned home after each outing.

For the record, I am not a cat person. Don't get me wrong. I am not an uncaring person, but I am not inclined to get too attached to things - people or animals. My experience has proven that 100% of living people and animals die. The people are hard enough. And I had always hoped to spare myself the pain of losing multiple animals in my lifetime as well. At least, I figure, I have control over that, right?

(yes, i know, i suffer under the delusions of thinking i can control things!)

ANYWAY, I digress.

Tonight, on my local television news station, I heard this most unbelievable story about how the Animal Shelter needs more funding because Adoptions are DOWN! Imagine my immediate reaction --- fuming anger and disbelief --- and then read my letter to the station, which I also sent to the Asst. City Manager of Kingsport (a fellow D.B. Alumni), and asked him to forward it to the appropriate city personnel.

Really... if they need people to adopt, why are they being so rude and turning away someone who was willing and able to provide a suitable home??

Here is my letter sent 9/22 - and following it is the website link to the article on WJHL's website.
----
Dear WJHL,
I was pretty shocked when I saw the news story regarding how the Kpt. Animal Shelter is needing money.

I went to the Animal Shelter for the first time this past Saturday, 9/20, in order to adopt a cat.

I expected that the folks there would be WELCOMING to me, and would be HAPPY to have me come in to “rescue” one of their cats.

However, that was not the case.

I went with my daughter.
We entered the foyer, and behind the glass were 4 women. After standing there for about 7 minutes, one finally turned toward me and asked, “can I help you”.

I told her that I was there to adopt a cat.
She nodded and said, go through that door, first door on your left.

I paused. I hesitated.
I told her: “This is my first time here.”

Again, she said, go through that door, first door on your left.

So my daughter and I entered the hallway, and we approached the first door on the left, covered with warning labels, and were not sure whether to enter or not.

Taking a big step of faith, I tentatively opened the door, and entered a room with a sink, dishes, and then we saw the rows of cages.

Still unsure about what to do, we started to look at all the cats and kittens that were there.

I began to cry --- I had just lost one of my two cats. It has been one week ago today.
And it made me sad to remember my loss --- and then to see all of these beautiful animals, and to think that we would be having to choose only one.

And so, we spent 30 to 40 minutes in that room, looking at all of them, visiting, even getting a couple of them out.

FINALLY, we made our choice. We would take two of the older ones.

A visiting lady and her grandson were there (she said that she has 2 daughters that worked there) - she told me that she would send someone back to help us.

And so a worker came, and we told her that we had chosen “those 2”. The worker said, oh you cannot have those. They are not available yet.
And I asked her what that meant.
I was told that there is a waiting period for possible strays, so that the owners would have an opportunity to come and rescue them.

(Well, that would have been good to know...)

So we went through the ordeal of making another decision.

And we chose. Again.

And then the worker came back, looked at the card, said okay.
And then when I ask if she gets the cats out now, she also tells me that I will not be able to take a cat home today.
I say Why? And she said that they go to the vet from there, then I go pick them up from the vet.

I go up front. I am given an application.

I fill it all out – completely – drivers license, where I work, my address, am told that I may get a home visit, they want my animal history and where are they now... Along with where my animals will be living.

I filled it all out. I handed it back to the 4 women who were more interested in visiting with each other than in helping me. I stand there, and wait for one to notice me.

And then, am told to sit down and wait.

And then we waited. Again. Another 15 minutes.

And the worker woman sticks her head up and says to me, these are indoor cats you know.
And I answered her. And she could not hear me.
And she turns off a fan or something that was making noise inside the glassed in area.

And she said, what?
And I said to her again, but we have 5 acres, and our other cat lives outside.

And she said, well, these are indoor cats. And I said, how do you know?
And she said, that’s how they came to us.

And then, just like that --- I said thanks, and we left.

TO ENTERTAIN THE IDEA THAT ADOPTIONS ARE DOWN and that is why the shelter needs more money?????!!!!

I am outraged at the rude treatment that I received.
And I had been considering who to contact in order to report that.
When you aired that story today, it was just the push I needed.

You really need to consider another side — if those folks were actually doing their job WHEN A CUSTOMER COMES TO THEM, then perhaps adoptions would NOT be down.

I was in an emotionally down mood when I entered, and someone there should have given me some helpful information before subjecting me to the situation I experienced!

In a fantasy world, I expected that the animal shelter wants to give the animals a good home.
Instead, they are screening two cats from me, a mature and responsible adult, who wants to take two cats home to love and care for...

I hope that the city does NOT give them more money.
It was insulting how I was treated.

----Link to News Story----
http://www.tricities.com/tri/news/local/article/kingsport_animal_shelter_falls_on_hard_times/14232/

Scrappy Days with the Bearnson gals

2008-07-30T19:53:00.004-04:00

I have to tell you that I came home from Baltimore TOTALLY exhausted, but what a wonderful few days it was!

Amy was hosting her friend Lisa and Lisa's two precious girls, what fun they all are. However ~ Lisa neglected to post photos of HERSELF in our Cafe Hon get-up --- feather boas and cat eye glasses. As long as I was doing that, I thought I would just go ahead and share a few more! :)

I have to tell you that I really enjoyed meeting and interacting with Brecken and Sage. My girls are older now, and being around these two made me realize how much I missed having little ones around.

But growing older is the only acceptable option, right? lol

Enjoy the photos!

Importance of Cell Phones

2008-07-07T19:15:00.004-04:00

Anyone who is over the age of 30 will remember that you used to have to stop along the roadways and put a dime or quarter into a pay phone in order to call home while you were traveling...
Well... those days are long gone.

Who would have ever imagined that we would be walking around with phones attached permanently to our hands or hips, carrying them in our purses, talking while we shop or eat or drive?! Wow. The advances of technology happen so quickly and then we cannot even fathom living without these items.

I came across this particular article in a sister church newsletter when I was substituting at our church office this last December. It was so good, and I felt like it was so relevant, I photocopied it and left it in the folder to use as filler when the next opportunity came. And it did. Just this past month in June.

I want to reprint it here for you, and I hope you will take a moment to consider the message.

What Would Happen??

Wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible
like we treat our cell phones?
What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?
What if we turned back to get it if we forgot it?
What if we flipped through it several times a day?
What if we used it to receive messages from the text?
What if we treated it like we couldn’t live without it?
What if we gave it to kids as gifts?
What if we used it as we traveled?
What if we used it in case of an emergency?
What if we upgraded it to get the latest version?
This is something to make you go… hmmm…
Where is my Bible? Oh, and one more thing.
Unlike our cell phone, we don’t ever have to worry
about our Bible being disconnected because
Jesus already paid the bill! Be Blessed!

George Carlin... and eternity

2008-06-27T10:06:00.003-04:00

As you grow older, it is only logical that more people you know (or know of) die.
So... When I heard that George Carlin had died, I got a bit sad.

I started to remember some of his comedy from the early days - I was a child of the 70's, when the big event was everyone gathering around the TV and watching together - for us, it was usually a variety show, Carol Burnett, Sonny and Cher... but somewhere in there, I remember meeting George Carlin.

The funniest comedy routines are always recognizing the normal everyday things, then speaking of them and adding a crazy twist - and this was always true of George. I will never forget his hilarious routine about STUFF. He talked about all the stuff we have, then when we go on vacation, we take a smaller version of our stuff with us in a little suitcase... he was just brilliant.

But then, I began to wonder where George was spending eternity.
He seemed like an okay guy - someone you would like... he did lean toward being crude, and his language was too strong for me at times... but I know that these do not determine your final destination.

And I became sad. Sad for him, and then sad for others who have not accepted Jesus as their savior. It is so simple to ask for forgiveness for our human condition, and then to acknowledge that there is one God that created everything... so why is it that not all will accept?

I am reminded to live today with eternity as my focus. And that all of this junk, ALL of these routine and boring details of our lives, even the glorious wonderful things, ALL of it, will fall away and be no more. Because we are living with numbered days. We ARE going to die. Our bodies are starting to die from the moment of our birth. And it is inevitable. So please pay attention to what is truly important. Eternity is a long time.

In order to not leave you with a depressive, sad post - I want to share a few of my favorite George Carlin quotes:
----------
Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?

I'm always relieved when someone is delivering a eulogy and I realize I'm listening to it.

Inside every cynical person, there is a disappointed idealist.

Not only do I not know what's going on, I wouldn't know what to do about it if I did.

The reason I talk to myself is that I'm the only one whose answers I accept.

Maddening Musings of a Mother Unmasked

2008-05-19T20:58:00.001-04:00

This is the six word title of my Memoir.

No ~ I am not writing a memoir, but I was tagged to write a six word title for mine!

I say that my musings are maddening, because I am sure that is what my children would say. I have been afflicted/blessed with the C personality (of the DISC model) which is perfectionistic, problem-pointing-out, task-oriented, and indeed, maddening! I have taken a long time to learn this about myself. Thus I am trying to correct this in me... but perhaps it comes too late. At least for these children whom I love so dearly.

Unfortunately, I happen to recognize myself in movies and tv dramas, the mom who expected too much, the one who receives a lovely drawing from her precious child and instead of appreciating it is likely to say, 'how wonderful darling, don't you think the tree should be green instead of pink?', thus squashing a great moment with her realistic point of view.

Oh yes... realistic is MY word of choice, but most others would say pessimistic. In this particular case, I would say this type of thing is even depressing and ugly. :(

Unfortunate that I did not learn it earlier --- but glad that I am learning now... it just shows that I am a slow learning hard-headed stubborn person, or maybe just selfish, or spoiled, or all of the above. It is a wondrous thing that God not only tolerates us, but actually forgives and even really loves us. In all of our mess. In all of our exposed selfishness. How great is our God?

Wow. Did not expect me to be posting all of that, did you? Me neither.
Thanks Great-Granny Grandma! The introspection is something I am used to doing, just not usually baring it all for the world to see/read.

Now, I think it's appropriate that you say prayers for me, and for my children. We oh so need them.

Military in America

2008-05-09T13:23:00.000-04:00

When in England at a fairly large conference, Colin Powell was asked by the Archbishop of Canterbury if our plans for Iraq were just an example of 'empire building' by George Bush.

He answered by saying, "Over the years, the United States has sent many of its fine young men and women into great peril to fight for freedom beyond our borders. The only amount of land we have ever asked for in return was enough to bury those that did not return."

You could have heard a pin drop.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Then there was a conference in France where a number of international engineers were taking part, including French and American. During a break one of the French engineers came back into the room saying, "Have you heard the latest dumb stunt Bush has done? He has sent an aircraft carrier to Indonesia to help the tsunami victims. What does he intended to do, bomb them?"

A Boeing engineer stood up and replied quietly, "Our carriers have three hospitals on board that can treat several hundred people; they are nuclear powered and can supply emergency electrical power to shore facilities; they have three cafeterias with the capacity to feed 6,000 people three meals a day, they can produce several thousand gallons of fresh water from sea water each day, and they carry half a dozen helicopters for use in transporting victims and the injured to and from their flight deck. We have eleven such ships; how many does France have?"

You could have heard a pin drop.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A U.S. Navy Admiral was attending a naval conference that included Admirals from the U.S., English, Canadian, Australian and French Navies. At a cocktail reception, he found himself standing with a large group of Officers that included personnel from most of those countries.

Everyone was chatting away in English as they sipped their drinks but a French admiral suddenly complained that, "whereas Europeans learn many languages, Americans learn only English." He then asked, "Why is it that we always have to speak English in these conferences rather than speaking French?"

Without hesitating, the American Admiral replied, "Maybe it's because the Brits, Canadians, Aussies and Americans arranged it so you wouldn't have to speak German."

You could have heard a pin drop.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A group of Americans, retired teachers, recently went to France on a tour. Robert Whiting, an elderly gentleman of 83, arrived in Paris by plane. At French Customs, he took a few minutes to locate his passport in his carry on. "You have been to France before, monsieur?" the customs officer asked sarcastically.

Mr. Whiting admitted that he had been to France previously.
"Then you should know enough to have your passport ready."

The American said, "The last time I was here, I didn't have to show it."

"Impossible. Americans always have to show your passports on arrival in France !"

The American senior gave the Frenchman a long hard look. Then he quietly explained, "Well, when I came ashore at Omaha Beach on D-Day in '44 to help liberate this country, I couldn't find any Frenchmen to show it to."

You could have heard a pin drop.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What Is a Veteran?
A "Veteran" -- whether active duty, discharged, retired, or reserve -- is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to "The United States of America," for an amount of "up to, and including his life."

That is honor, and there are way too many people in this country today, who no longer understand that fact.

Home from Cropmania

2008-03-21T00:44:00.000-04:00

I finally got home tonight... attending Cropmania in Anapolis, Maryland with a friend and my sister. It was a great weekend - I got 19 pages completed, we ate great food, had a lot of shopping opportunities, even a mini-massage, and I am worn out! But it was good, all good!

After the crop, a trip to IKEA was on the agenda - that place is amazing and I can't wait to get one closer to my area. Daughter #2 got some new bed linens and some lighting. I got more mundane things - a glass canister to keep my tea bags in and a dimmer switch for a lamp. :)

Picked up hubby from the airport tonight, since he was gone as well - he was south though, in Alabama.

And we are both off tomorrow (today!) for Good Friday, dinner and a movie is on the agenda, and some organizing of my scrapping materials will be tackled for the morning. Later!

Political Review ~ interesting sites

2008-03-11T11:08:00.000-04:00

This is a pretty quick assessment, you answer your views on issues and it will map out who you most closely "match" in the presidential race:

www.electoralcompass.com

And if you are curious about who is giving how much and to whom:

http://fundrace.huffingtonpost.com

And for those of us with a comical view of the election process, you need to go here:

http://CaglePost.com

Helping Hand

2008-03-11T07:23:00.000-04:00

Tag, You're It!

This is how the tag works:
1 - Pick up the nearest book (of at least 123 pages)
2 - Open the book to page 123
3 - Find the fifth sentence
4 - Post the next three sentences
5 - Tag five people

So... I first picked up Velvet Elvis, which I started a couple of months ago and cannot seem to finish. Page 123 is a title page, no writing.

Leading to my next book to read, which was a Christmas gift, Mosaic by Amy Grant. And the segment reads:

Tell me what, what can I do
What can I do today?
We've all seen trouble from time to time...

Does that leave you hanging? If so, let me know and I'll finish it out for you! lol

Kiss me once...

2008-03-11T06:45:00.000-04:00

...then kiss me twice, and kiss me once again ~ it's been a long, long time...

okay, are you wondering why the kissin' comes in?
well ~
i went to check out my blog, and realize that it has been way over 6 months!! Yikes!
and thus, the long, long time came to my mind, and i remembered a song we learned for a special chorus program we did when i was a 9th grader - wow, now THAT has been a long, long time as well!

I guess i have not had much to say since the last posting? ha! you KNOW that's not true.

seriously, as many of you know, my mom has been battling cancer and i just had too much of real life to deal with - so, i am in between right now, and she is finishing up the chemo - but we are dealing with side effects still...

however, i do have a little less driving and scheduling due to her medical appointments

is anybody out there? i know that this blog is mostly for my own therapy, but i just wondered.

be back to chat again soon.

~ A New Form of Government ~

2007-07-04T08:26:00.000-04:00

I wanted to share this excerpt from Ronald Reagan to celebrate our National Holiday, and remind all of us to pray for our men and women in the armed services, those who stand between us and fight to keep our country free. We have such a blessed history, even though it has been hard-fought at times. As our pastor said on Sunday though, God cannot bless us if we do not call upon Him and repent. We need to stand for right; call sin what it is; honor God in what we do. Let's remember to pray for that today.

July Fourth is the birthday of our nation... and on that in 1776 in the little hall in Philadelphia, a day on which debate had raged for hours... The men gathered there were honorable men hard-pressed by a king who had flouted the very laws they were willing to obey. Even so, to sign the Declaration of Independence was such an irretrievable act that the walls resounded with the words "treason, the gallows, the headsman's axe," and the issue remained in doubt.

56 men, a little band so unique we have never seen their like since... pledged their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor. Some gave their lives in the war that followed, most gave their fortunes, and all preserved their sacred honor.

What manner of men were they? Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists, 11 were merchants and tradesmen, and nine were farmers. They were soft-spoken men of means and education; they were not an unwashed rabble. They had achieved security but valued freedom more. Their stories have not been told nearly enough.

John Hart was driven from the side of his desperately ill wife. For more than a year he lived in the forest and in caves before he returned to find his wife dead, his children vanished, his property destroyed. He died of exhaustion and a broken heart.

Carter Braxton of Virginia lost all his ships, sold his home to pay his debts, and died in rags. And so it was with Ellery, Clymer, Hall, Walton, Gwinnett, Rutledge, Morris, Livingston and Middleton. Nelson personally urged Washington to fire on his home and destroy it when it became the headquarters for General Cornwallis. Nelson died bankrupt.

But they sired a nation that grew from sea to shining sea. Five million farms, quiet villages, cities that never sleep, 3 million square miles of forest, field, mountain and desert, 227 million people with a pedigree that includes the bloodlines of all the world. In recent years, however, I've come to think of that day as more than just the birthday of a nation.

It also commemorates the only true philosophical revolution in all history.
Oh, there have been revolutions before and since ours. But those revolutions simply exchanged one set of rules for another. Ours was a revolution that changed the very concept of government.

Let the Fourth of July always be a reminder that here in this land, for the first time, it was decided that man is born with certain God-given rights; that government is only a convenience created and managed by the people, with no powers of its own except those voluntarily granted to it by the people.

We sometimes forget that great truth, and we never should.
Happy Fourth of July.
Ronald Reagan President of the United States

Editor's note: When he was president, Ronald Reagan wrote this piece for Independence Day in 1981. Aide Michael Deaver later wrote: "This 4th of July message is the President's own words and written initially in his own hand."

10 Reasons to be Grateful

2007-06-30T08:07:00.000-04:00

Everyday we see more evidence of people who've contracted the fatal disease of entitlement. Paris Hilton is great example. Here is a young woman with everything to live for, every privilege, every benefit. And now by flaunting the law, she is going to jail for a brief time. She's all over the news. And the one word I keep hearing from all the newscasters and speculators is the word "entitlement," that she feels entitled.

All of life is a gift to be enjoyed. The Scriptures tell us that every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father of Lights, that is, God. If you're finding it easy to feel sorry for yourself, and hard to count your blessings, here are the Top Ten Reasons that might help remind you to be grateful:

1. If you woke up this morning with more health than illness, you are more blessed than the millions who won't survive this week. That's a reason to be grateful.

2. If you've never experienced the horror of war personally, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation, you're ahead of 20 million people around the world at this moment who are. Remember to be grateful.

3. If you're able to attend a church of your choice this week without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death, you are more blessed than almost 3 billion people on this planet. That's a reason to be grateful.

4. If you have food in your refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof over your head and a place to sleep, you are richer than 75% of the world population. That's a reason to be grateful.

5. If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, or spare change in a dish somewhere, you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy. That's a reason to be grateful.

6. If you can hold your head with a smile and truly proclaim that in your heart you are thankful, you are more blessed than the majority of people who have every reason to be thankful except the power to be so.

7. If you can hold someone's hand, hug them, touch them on the shoulder, you are more blessed because you can offer encouragement which is, more times than we know, God's healing touch.

8. If you can read this Dave Rave you are more blessed than over 2 billion people in the world who cannot read anything. That's a reason to be grateful for the people who've invested in your life.

9. If at the end of this day you're going to retreat into your home being surrounded by those who love you, you'll experience today what the majority of the earth's population will never experience in a lifetime. That's a reason to be grateful.

10. If you get up every morning convinced of the protection, the providence, and the promises of God for your daily life, if you feel that you serve a purpose, that you've found work that is meaningful; if you feel like your life matters then you have every reason to be grateful.

This was from Dr. David Foster's Blog - he has practical information from God's Word that you can really use... visit him at www.myspace.com/davidhfoster

Lightening Bugs...

2007-06-26T09:14:00.000-04:00

I realize that some folks call them fireflies... but I was thinking about them recently. My cousins from Florida were here to visit, this is my cousin who is a year older than me and she has 10 kids and has/is homeschooling all of them... wow, right?! Anyway, they do not have lightening bugs where they live. It was a neat thing then, while at Dad's house, the lightening bugs came out and we were running around like silly kids trying to catch them.

They always signify summer to me, and lazy days of playing at dusk with the kids in my neighborhood - kick the can was always a popular night game. But summer days are longer and more relaxed, right? Supposed to be, anyway. And as an adult, I have lost that carefree feeling. Nothing seems simple or fun, everything is rigid, routine, demanding, stressful... and I am a Christian! What is wrong with me? No joy in simple things; everything is so hard, especially lately.

I just returned from our youth mission trip to Pennsylvania, and this group was awesome. The youth/college students were very unified, no drama really, the adults all worked together, the worship was great... and it was exhausting, but in a good way.

Now, I am back home, back to work, back to bills and back to medical appointments with my mom... and I feel physically and mentally and emotionally exhausted... I sometimes just SCREAM at the Lord, WHY IS LIFE SO HARD?!! What have I done? Don't I deserve a break sometime??? And then immediately, the Holy Spirit within me says, what about Jesus? What did He ever do except LOVE ME? and be OBEDIENT to His Father? You see.. I cannot even have a proper pity party, the Lord just won't allow it.

I know that God is at work all around me, around us, and yet, I sometimes just do not see it. Like I would not have noticed the lightening bugs at my Dad's that night, except that my cousins were LOOKING FOR THEM! If I do not look for God's work, then I am not going to see it. How convicting is that? But I am still so tired...

I am grateful beyond imagination for the Christian brothers and sisters who encourage me... things that are done, maybe just a smile, that will give me just enough energy to push on, and make that next step... even when I am so tired of life.

Take notice of the lightening bugs around your place, and thank God for His Work in your life, even when you are too busy to notice.

Disturbing Info

2007-06-05T08:47:00.000-04:00

it doesn’t make sense.

I just read this information...

We live in a day and age when ministry materials for children and youth have never been so plentiful, so relevant, so trusted and so utilized by churches like yours across the country. Yet the statistics tell the hard truth – 75 percent of young people will walk away from their faith by the age of 25. Take a look at your youth group. For every four youngsters learning to serve Jesus today, only one will be doing so ten years from now.

ONE in TEN?!!

We need to remember that we are not "doing program" at church, but we are to be loving people, looking to develop relationships, raising children who love the Lord, and continually spending time with the Father so that we can fall in love with Him more and more ourselves.

Imagine...
(http://www.awana.org/homebase/)

Sudoku Park - Billions of Free Sudoku Puzzles

2007-05-29T21:16:00.001-04:00

Sudoku Park - Billions of Free Sudoku PuzzlesWidgetbox

Do you have a "Stop Doing" List?

2007-05-28T10:24:00.000-04:00

I admit, I have been overwhelmed with life and unable to figure this out, but I came upon this article this morning and felt that it would benefit you also.

Creating a "Stop Doing" List
Do you ever get frustrated with feeling like there's too much to do and not enough time to do it? Well, if you have, Jim Collins just might have a possible prescription for you.The basic storyline is that early on in his twenties, Jim took a course in creativity with Rochelle Myers at Standford. Afterward he stayed in touch with her. As a young, energetic and driven individual, Jim regularly planned out his life.

Yet in the midst of all that organized planning, Rochelle said to him, "Jim, I notice that you are a rather undisciplined person." Obviously, that shocked Jim. However, she continued, "Your genetic energy level enables your lack of discipline. Instead of leading a disciplined life, you lead a busy life."

She then challenged him to what Jim now calls the 20-10 assignment. "It goes like this: Suppose you woke up tomorrow and received two phone calls. The first phone call tells you that you have inherited $20 million, no strings attached. The second tells you that you have an incurable and terminal disease, and you have no more than 10 years to live. What would you do differently, and, in particular, what would you stop doing?"

That assignment was the turning point in Jim's life.
The most important question Jim asks of himself each year is, "What do I need to stop doing?"

I love that question. It has a very Pauline ring to it, doesn't it? For Paul regularly argues that for change to occur, you first need to "take off" the old and "put on" the new. Or, to put it in more mathematical terminology, "You need to subtract, before you can add." Anyway you put it, the question that Collins asks is a question all of us, as leaders, need to regularly ask, "What do I need to stop doing, that I'm currently doing, so that I can focus more of my time and energy on the things that matter most and will create the greatest impact over the course of my life and time?"

So how are you doing? If you were to do an inventory of your time, what percentage of your day or time, would you say, is spent on doing those things that matter most? That have the greatest impact? That you're passionate about? That fit your genetic encoding? If, according to Collins, you're spending less than 50% of your time in those areas, then your "Stop Doing" list, may be the most important list you could make this year—or today! In fact, don't go to bed tonight without making one up.

***This came from http://bruced.typepad.com/brucedjohnsoncom/2005/07/creating_a_stop.html***

QUIRKY Quiz

2007-05-21T09:40:00.001-04:00

Your Quirk Factor: 40%

You have a few little quirks, but you generally blend in well with society.
Only those who know you well know how weird you can be.

How Quirky Are You?

wow... how time flies

2007-05-21T08:49:00.000-04:00

The month of May has been so busy for me, I cannot even tell you how glad I am to be nearing the end...
I prepared for Children's Church puppet show, and now we are working on mission tour, as well as block party in July; I am playing piano for the youth choir and have been stretched for that practice; I played piano for my cousin's wedding which was last week; I am still taking Mom to doctor appointments, chemo continues! My job is going well, but has also kept me busy; And I moved one of my girls home from college; On top of that --- my husband and I completed the Awana year with an Awards Program and a Leaders Appreciation Banquet. I am EXHAUSTED!

I did schedule a scrapbook event for myself at the beginning of this month, so since I had already paid - I did attend. It was so worth it!! I am still working on my Raggedy Ann album, and I got 8 pages done on Saturday. I am glad I went, even though I whined as I was getting ready. lol

I just needed to pop in and say hello ~ I'll be back... :)

New York again...

2007-04-15T22:50:00.000-04:00

This time I traveled with my youngest and her friend; Thursday we spent at the Inner Harbor and boy, was it ever cold! I was not aware that the Hard Rock Cafe workers stood and danced on the bar until this trip. I am not a big fan; anywhere that I have to YELL to have conversation with my meal is not on my first choice list of places to eat. Top of the World was the Trade Center, and even though I have done it before, it is always nice. Weather was clear and we had a wonderful view, even though it was bitter cold at the water. The parking garage was $27, I was shocked!

My oldest and her boyfriend drove up for Friday, and we all went to the TV station to sit in the news room during the broadcast. That was a treat, and it had been a while since I had done that as well. They did not have camera-men - it is all automated now. That was different... When we got home, we did a craft project - and we had a chocolate fountain for dessert.

Saturday morning, we got up early for the charter bus to NYC. We saw Hairspray on this trip. Very good show this time - even though we were WAY UP HIGH in the balcony. Gee - those balcony seats can be scary. But I suppose we were fortunate to get them. It was a packed house. Weather this whole weekend was very cold - it was windy in the city, just like last time. But we had a great time. We always stay pretty close in when we go up for the theater - there is just not much time to wander around. Did make it to the theater district and to our favorite little diner for lunch.

Travelled home very early on Sunday morning - it was Easter and the traffic was not too bad.

I'll have photos put up this week. So come on back! :)

Thanks Missy

2007-03-28T20:23:00.000-04:00

I just wanted to say a big THANK YOU to Missy for my Spring surprise package... what a terrific treat to come home to... and I really appreciate it. I have "known" Missy since 2000 when we were on Scrapals together, and when I took a trip with my family to Orlando/Tampa, I had hoped to connect with her. She was working and I have family in that area, so we just did not have enough time to get together. But Missy, do you remember telling me about that outdoor flea market somewhere? We did go to that, because we love to do stuff like that, and it was so much fun. I have ordered many of Missy's handmade paper-piecings for my albums, we both seemed to have a Raggedy Ann obsession, and she does absolutely THE BEST work ever. You will not be disappointed with anything that you purchase from her.
ANYWAY, I digress... I appreciate your friendship and the gift was super! Thank you thank you thank you!!

Photos of the trip

2007-03-28T19:58:00.000-04:00

Well, I realize that I have been delayed in my postings. Must have been the cold New York wind or the snow or just the changing weather... but I could blame it on my sister or my husband... I have had a cold/sinus/ear ache with temperature and just not feeling good at all! To add to that, I missed work on Monday, but I still was required to attend my husband's work dinner, which was really good and I was happy to meet his boss and his boss's boss, and coworkers, but I was really not well. Oh so, poor pitiful me, I am sure you are feeling my pain! ha!

Cool Slideshows

SPRING in New York City?

2007-03-21T22:40:00.000-04:00

I know that it is officially spring, but wow, was it ever COLD in NYC today! Being a southern gal, I do love the sunshine...
But we had a blast. Walked MANY blocks up to Serendipity for frozen hot chocolate... yep, i know it was too cold for a frozen drink BUT that is what they are famous for, so... ya gotta do what ya gotta do, right?

I am happy to report that the show we saw was good - The Drowsy Chaperone - very entertaining, good music and good dancing - just the way a musical should be... and not "R" rated like the last show I saw. :( The bus ride could be improved, not that I am prejudiced, but why do northern people talk so loudly and get into your personal bubble space? Perhaps I am spoiled?

anyway, i am tired and it is late... just wanted to post a quick update. Hope you are well and that it's warm wherever you are!

Who Are You?

2007-03-15T19:34:00.000-04:00

I KNOW WHO I AM

I am God's child (John 1:12 )
I am Christ's friend (John 15:15 )
I am united with the Lord (1 Cor. 6:17 )
I am bought with a price (1 Cor. 6:19 -20)
I am a saint (set apart for God). (Eph. 1:1)
I am a personal witness of Christ (Acts 1:8)
I am the salt & light of the earth (Matt. 5:13 -14)
I am a member of the body of Christ (1 Cor 12:27 )
I am free forever from condemnation ( Rom. 8: 1-2)
I am a citizen of Heaven. I am significant (Phil.3:20)
I am free from any charge against me (Rom. 8:31 -34)
I am a minister of reconciliation for God (2 Cor.5:17-21)
I have access to God through the Holy Spirit (Eph 2:18 )
I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realms (Eph. 2:6)
I cannot be separated from the love of God (Rom.8:35-39)
I am established, anointed, sealed by God (2 Cor.1:21-22)
I am assured all things work together for good (Rom. 8: 28 )
I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit (John 15:16 )
I may approach God with freedom and confidence (Eph. 3: 12 )
I can do all things through Christ. (Phil. 4:13 )
I am the branch of the true vine. (John 15: 1-5)
I am God's temple (1 Cor. 3: 16 ).
I am complete in Christ (Col. 2: 10)
I am hidden with Christ in God (Col. 3:3).
I have been justified (Romans 5:1)
I am God's co-worker (1 Cor. 3:9; 2 Cor 6:1).
I am God's workmanship (Eph. 2:10 )
I am confident the good works God has begun in me will be perfected (Phil. 1: 5)
I have been redeemed and forgiven (Col. 1:14).
I have been adopted as God's child (Eph 1:5)
I belong to God.

Do you know who you are!?

Spring is Here...

2007-03-14T21:57:00.000-04:00

...and I am so GLAD! I dislike cold and these past two days have been "roll down your car window" weather. I LOVE IT!

We are preparing for a Spring Break trip (trip #1) to Baltimore/NYC - I still have lots to do. Just me and one of my girls is going. Then next Tuesday is Mom's 3rd Chemo treatment. I am letting the husband take her... he was willing to take off work, and I have prepped him with the details of the routine. I think it will be good for him to go and see what we have been doing for these past 3 months.

Anyway, I am looking forward to getting away from home. Sometimes it is just nice, you know? Enjoy the weather wherever you are... one thing is for sure, it is going to change! :)

Kaleidoscope & Caution

2007-03-01T11:12:00.000-05:00

What cool tools they have for sharing photos now! Just be careful about what you post.
There are lots of people who have ugly motives. Check out your neighborhood on http://www.familywatchdog.us/

Cool Slideshows

2nd Chemo...

2007-03-01T09:24:00.000-05:00

Hello Friends ~

Today we went back to the Oncology office for lab work and a visit with the doctor.

We were surprised when Dr. Moraes said that we were to have chemo today, because our understanding was that it was going to be every 4 weeks. (Some of you knew otherwise!) He asked about how she felt, how she thought she was handling the chemo... When we mentioned the headache, he said that was from the anti-nausea medication – that it was a pretty strong med and headaches were a frequent complaint. Mom said she would rather have the headache than the nausea, so...

Our appointment was at 2:30 – which is rather late to begin a chemo treatment.
They hurriedly rushed us through to the other side of the offices to see if we could get in... It was either do it today, or have to come back Wednesday or Thursday; they had already attached the plastic syringe to the port during the blood draw.
Of course, this was not the first time that things did not go as we expected!

They began with the Pre-Meds at 3:10 – the saline solution, a tylenol, and then the bags of steroids, anti-nausea drugs, and the benadryl. These drugs are so awesome because they take away so many of the side effects of the chemo drug.

After these go in, the cook has put together Mom’s particular chemo mixture and then that goes into the IV. These drugs are very powerful – the nurses always dress with their smocks, gloves, goggles, etc. - even the chemo patients have to use a separate restroom when they have this in their body. They are very particular and specific about the wastes being toxic.

When that was finished, Gina came over to give her the push-drug. Because Mom is slightly anemic, the doctor also ordered Aranesp and will give that every other week. This drug is similar to the drug that she gets on the day after chemo (the one that is the white blood cell booster). She says that it goes right under the skin (not in muscle) and it stings a little bit.

We wrapped everything up about 5:45. It was another long day. And then tomorrow she has that follow-up shot. I think tomorrow, Mom will use her numbing ointment and see if that will take some of the sting out.

~ and personal thoughts ~

Today we sat over next to the windows in an even larger plush recliner. I got to sit in a recliner as well – but did not recline, as the TV headphones did not reach! Honestly, you all would not believe this place! I got us both a coke from the fridge, gave mom a heated blanket, and she took a little nap while I read and watched TV. The world of cancer treatment has certainly changed over the past several years.

A church group from Virginia had made caps for people undergoing chemo and the nurse brought the bag over for us to look at... We had hoped that Mom would hold on to her hair, but it is not looking that way. My boss told me on Monday that it was a good thing, it showed that the chemo was working... And so I needed to hear that. After all, so many times it is not the reality of a situation but how we look at it. So, the chemo is doing its job and getting to all parts of her body. Our mantra is: Every little cell in my body is well.

This afternoon was our first doctor trip without Amy.
Unfortunately, she has a job way up north and she left this past Friday. We miss her. :(

Thanks for you continued prayers, encouragement, and wishes.
We love you

"I'm Bored!" she said.

2007-02-22T00:17:00.000-05:00

Kids have always been bored, but there seems to be an epidemic of boredom invading the minds of our teenagers.
I cannot tell you how many times MY precious ones have uttered the words to me
The Los Angeles Times/Bloomberg group recently did a poll anaylizing media-activities of teens. The result? Many still say there is nothing to do inspite of living in a "kajillion-channel universe."

One 13-year-old participant said, "I feel bored like all the time 'cause there is like nothing to do."

Most of the kids surveyed said that they do several things at one time. A 17-year-old explained, "You can open five or six programs simultaneously, work on a project, type a report, watch You Tube, check e-mail and watch a movie."

Still boredom reigns.

Poll director said that boredom has always been a part of the teen mindset, but feels that this generation "has been spoiled by the sheer volumne of entertainment and technology choices available."

A television excutive comments that the kids have grown up in "an environment where they expect to get what they want, where they want it, when they want it."

How sad to be bored.

As parents and leaders of these kids, we need to encourage -
*an appreciation and enjoyment of the world God created for us.
*a desire to do activities which produce results.
*a passion for reaching out to others in Christian service (and in doing so, getting their minds off themselves).

Quiz for us Older Folks!

2007-02-06T10:23:00.000-05:00

When was the last time you shaved your legs?
2 days ago
-What is your favorite holiday and why?
Christmas... always
-Do you ever think about your future spouse?
I'm married
-Do you ever watch any of the award shows on TV?
If I remember them, I watch all of them except for the Music - usually too much rap that I cannot stand!
I love movies and shows, so I really enjoy the Tonys and The Oscars.
-How often do you drink soda?
Everyday.
-Who was your favorite teacher in elementary school and why?
Mrs. Collins - 6th grade - she encouraged us to write and it is a skill that i use consistently
-Do you use mouthwash when you brush your teeth?
never
-Do you use body wash or soap?
Dove soap - don't you love their Real Women ads?
-Do you like any reality shows? If yes, which ones?
American Idol is my most regular reality show, i also like Project Runway
-What is the name of the book you’re currently reading?
Lisa Whelchel Busy Mom's guide to prayer
-Do you do your laundry every week or do you wait until you have absolutely no clothes to wear and no choice but to do laundry?
Every Monday
-What’s your opinion of Angelina Jolie?
she is okay
-What color underwear are you wearing?
navy
-Are you a Starbucks whore?
No.
-Do you have a pearly white smile?
Sometimes, I think.
-Do you wear a lot of jewelry?
No.
-Do you have a particular brand of water you prefer over another?
no, all water tastes horribly not good to me
-Do you like your grandparents or do they annoy you?
Love them! Miss them!
-Do you like sports? If so, what is your favorite?
Sports are okay but I am not addicted or obsessed
-Do you love being the center of attention or would you rather be a fly on the wall?
Fly on the wall.
-Are you still in high school? If so, what year?
No.
-What do you plan on majoring in (if you want to go to college)?
I was a computer science major
-What is your favorite accent?
British
-Where is your dream vacation?
Hawaii with the family
-Have you ever been fishing?
Yes, I caught something and have not been back since.
-What do you think of guys wearing pink?
those guys are TOUGH!
-Do you ever watch the news?
Yes.
-Have you ever been pulled over? If so, why?
Yes, mostly because I'm a wannabe race car driver.
-What is your cell phone service provider?
Suncom... and they don't get it all the time! LOL
-What does your fifth text in your inbox say?
It's from my uncle
-What was the last amusement park you have been to?
Universal Studios? Or maybe Dollywood!
-Are you a homebody or do you prefer to be out?
Homebody. Definitely!
-Do you have a big family?
Yes
-Have you ever been involved in a major weather disaster (hurricane, tornado, etc.)?
Not really.
-Do you enjoy science or do you hate it?
Hate it.
-Do you watch medical shows or do you think they’re too unrealistic?
I think they are like most things, based on reality and exaggerated for entertainment.
I do watch Grey's Anatomy some, but it's across from CSI which is my favorite thing to watch.
-Who is your favorite comedien?
Bill Cosby
-What do you think of when you think of Florida?
Family. I have relatives there and have been there so much in my life.
-Do you love or hate Valentine’s Day?
It is okay but we do not really celebrate
-How many pillows do you sleep with?
2
-How much money do you have on you?
don't ask today! I have only $1
-Do you use Post-Its?
All the time! :)
-What was the last game you played?
Catch Phrase with the kids
-What was the last thing you bought?
KFC for Super Bowl dinner

February is Heart Month

2007-02-03T09:14:00.000-05:00

It seems our causes are an ever-growing list, aren't they? So many things to be concerned about, so many things that need our attention... it is overwhelming. And yet, if we do what God says, to focus on the ONE thing that is most important, then all others things will fall into place. Why is it so hard to remember that? I get so busy with little details and things the probably do not matter at all (in the scheme of eternity)... and it just lays on my mind, causing me to be stressed, lose sleep, be grouchy (hard to believe, right?!!)...

I am trying to step back and let God be God, and let Him give me peace. After all, I do believe that He is in control and can handle it. Why I don't let Him? That's an unanswer-able question.

Have a great month. TTYL. <3

Pink Ribbons

2007-01-09T22:39:00.000-05:00

They have become more personal to me now... On the day of Mom's surgery, my sister and I wore pink Tshirts with a pink bling blink ribbon on the left upper corner. It was a show of support for breast cancer. This has been a scary time, although my Mom has been most at peace with all of it. We were doing funeral planning the day before her surgery, how is that for reality of death in your face?! And then I was just pacing and going nutz while waiting during the surgery. She did well and the surgeon was very pleased with how she did, even though she was much larger than what he had really been prepared for... they did a double mastectomy and took several lymph nodes. We are praying for a clean pathology report when we go back on Thursday. Will you agree with us?

It has all happened so quickly, and we were thrust into the unknown world of cancer. It is very different from being sorry and sympathetic when other people have that diagnosis, and suddenly my sister and I are moved immediately into high risk ourselves. I have had about 3 mammograms, I think that's right, and all have been good so far. I am not so comfortable with my body that I like to do self-exams and I rely on my gynecologist to do those... I don't know. I cannot spend my life with worry, I already have too many other health things to deal with - osteoporosis, my migraines, my blood enzyme deficiency... if I ignore them, then I can pretend that I feel good and things will be okay. I am using my imagination, just like Mr. Rogers said to do all those years ago.

It's a good thing to help me smile through the days.

A New Year

2006-12-31T23:04:00.000-05:00

New Year
It has been very hectic in my life these past couple of months. I was working as a temporary fill-in for a person on maternity leave, in addition to my church ministry positions. My puppet team was preparing for a Christmas show for some mentally challenged adults and another show for some elderly in assisted living. Also my mother has been diagnosed with breast cancer, quite a shock to be sure. Now here we are, beginning a new year and facing surgery and chemo on January 5. Please remember us in your prayers and know that this is why I have not been online so much. God has always been in control, but we need to have strength and encouragement as we begin a new journey. Peace be with you.

Renewal

2006-10-08T22:08:00.000-04:00

I do not know where Elizabeth is getting these words!

Renewal -- this is something that we all need... I need to have my mind renewed daily (that's what the Bible says), and I need to have my spirit refreshed.

Renewal is a sloughing off of the old and a putting on of something fresh. This is what we do when we exfoliate and clean our face - our skin is the largest organ in the body and it is constantly renewing itself - but we do not SEE that new, fresh, pretty skin unless we scrub off the old, dead skin. This would be a good analogy for us to remember. We cannot SEE that we have the spirit of Christ in us UNLESS we get rid of all those sinful habits. Is that easy? Goodness no! But we are to spend our lives here on earth with the goal of becoming more Christ-like each day. So set your sights high, keep your standards lofty, and aim for the stars! With God on our side, we can make it.

Challenge

2006-10-07T14:32:00.000-04:00

I do not like this word.
It brings to mind something that is difficult, an obstacle... you can have someone challenge your authority, or challenge your opinions and beliefs... or you can be challenged by situations... it is the situations out of my control that I perceive to be the worst. We all know those "full of faith" people who are inspired by challenges, those folks who have such a great faith in God that their circumstances are always received as blessings, even the difficult ones... but I have never been one of those people.

I have thought that my childhood faith was somehow skewed in my childish mind and those early beliefs get me every time! Did any of you have this thought: If I am a good girl, then things will go well for me. That translated into, if I am a Christian, my life will be perfect.

Okay, I know... you are saying, what an idiot! Anyone who reads the Bible KNOWS that this is SO NOT TRUE! But my head knowledge does not align with my feelings, and particularly when I am in a situation where I believe that I have done nothing wrong.

Immediately, the HS will nudge me and say, 'but Jesus did nothing wrong', 'he was perfect and he obeyed perfectly' --- so unlike me who disobeys almost daily... and if Jesus was not protected from circumstances of this evil stinkin' world, why would I presume that I SHOULD BE?? I mean, that is pretty arrogant, right?

~sigh~

Anyway, this is my entry for today - these Word challenges are not exactly what I want to be thinking about... it reveals so much in me that still needs to be worked on. :( God help me.

Inspire

2006-10-06T23:25:00.000-04:00

Our challenge at Scrappy Chatters today is to share about the word Inspire. This word is something that I struggle with... probably because of my own more "realistic" (dare I say negative?) view of the world. Especially during the past few months.

As a Christian, I believe that it is wrong for me to not be inspired... but how can you do that if you do not have hope?

The thing that I have fallen back on is the love and support of friends. THEY are the ones who have inspired me... they believed in me, believed that I was a person of value, and their words of encouragement have inspired me to pick up my feet and move one step further than I thought I could.

In the lowest of times, my children can inspire me with their smile or laughter - they have such a purity in their emotions. It is only as we grow older that we learn to guard ourselves, perhaps even becoming manipulative or deceptive...

I will end with a word to inspire you! Never quit, never let go of your dreams, and never let love grow cold... Your next big thing is just in the horizon so keep on walkin'.

CARS!#@$!

2006-10-03T10:56:00.000-04:00

Why is it always something? After a not-so-good night of not-sleeping-well, one of my girls came in and said that she needed to borrow my car because she had a flat tire! Not that I have a life, of course, or might need my car... ugh! So she left me with her disabled car and her keys and instructions for me to get someone to take care of it. These are the times when I revert back to childhood and wish that I was Samantha and could just wiggle my nose. :)

Yesterday, I took another daughter's car to the dealer to have a couple of minor repairs made - things like buttons to move the side windows... nothing huge you see, but those little annoying things that just drive you CrAZy!!

I did have a meeting to attend tonight, but without a vehicle, I will not be able to go. And I also cannot clean out my car which has some yard sale stuff inside... I have to try to do all of these outdoors things now because I HATE cold weather and cannot be outside at all once the weather turns. I might freeze, then crack, and then what good would I be? lol

My daughter ~ Photo Cube

2006-09-25T10:27:00.000-04:00

Funky Friday

2006-09-08T11:40:00.000-04:00

I'm doing laundry and straightening my bedroom a little. I've had a headache all week and it's been a bad week in that regard. However, I'm hopeful for next week. I seem to have more trouble with migraines when I'm having menopausal symptoms, and the hot flashes have been bad this week as well.
It was fun to celebrate one of my daughters birthdays this week - and I have another girl to celebrate this coming week - it is crowded this month!
So today is a quiet day, no expectations, no schedules, and I hope that I can relax and get over this headache syndrome... it's exhausting me.

Super Sunday

2006-09-03T23:46:00.000-04:00

Well, we continued to celebrate #2's birthday by going out to eat. We had a 45 minutes wait but we talked and visited with each other and it was all good. It did take so long that we were not able to go to the movies though. This afternoon, we printed out some photos, figuring out my new computer printer a little bit. I hate change, so anything new is always a big disruption to my life, Grrrrr. Singing tonight for church was the youth choir, so I was really enjoying hearing them again. Still... church continues to be hard for me. Too much anger still inside me. I cannot seem to let it all go... #3 had a friend over and after I watched Design Star, we all went to the big ol' Walmart store. They are continuing their remodel and so things are still in disarray, and again, change is not good so I'm wandering all over the place looking for items that used to be in one place, now in another. We got paint for my LR which I hope to use this week. However, I have out of town plans again, so it's really hard to be working on your house or any housework when you are not at home! :)

Rainy days

2006-08-31T16:13:00.000-04:00

Well, today has been a pretty steady downpouring of rain and a gray cloudy day outside. It doesn't matter since I haven't had to BE anywhere. For that, I am thankful. I was out of town for 2 days and staying busy. I'm feeling some better. Since I attended the High School Open House tonight, I was reminded of my daughter's absence - the choir sang the National Anthem and they sounded so good, as usual! I remembered last year's Open House when I walked around with her and visited all of her teachers who always have had wonderful things to say about her.
I was able to meet a new teacher this year. An art teacher who says my child is very talented and that she will be pushing her to create outside her comfort zone; I re-met the Latin teacher who always has a lot of information; of course, the choir teacher and assistant; and finally a re-meeting with the math teacher who summarized how the semester would unfold. I think that three of these classes are okay (math always has lots of home/practice work) but the english class will require a lot more effort.
Am preparing for a birthday weekend as we take Labor Day weekend off! Hooray for ALL holidays!!

Tired...

2006-08-25T12:39:00.000-04:00

Well, we returned home last night after an exhausting 2 days to help move one of my girls into her dormitory. The weather was HOT and humid; she was up 3 flights of narrow stairs (crowded with other students, dads, and family!); we had more shopping to do and then all the electrical and computer cords and wiring! It was a full and successful time. We spent the night with good friends, who we then took out to breakfast the next morning. Then to make a bank deposit for daughter, and then out to lunch before another trip to Walmart and Lowe's. Last minute things, you know!
I'm already planning another trip down on Monday, perhaps with two of the grandparents. It is still 4 days before classes start, but they are going to be busy with team-building exercises and ropes courses, all things designed to get the kids bonded and knowing each other before school starts. I'm excited for her, as well as anxious. I know that it will be harder than she expects and it will be more fun than she can imagine. I'm also sad for myself, as I have another one that is leaving the nesting area of my wing-span! It's a hard thing. As we move through the transitions that God has laid out for us, He is always there, but I'm not always open to talking. It is a problem when I'm depressed.
Anyway, just wanted to post an update.

Sunday Smiling

2006-08-20T23:01:00.000-04:00

I have to say that today has been a much better day... even though I was dreading it and woke up about 5:00 a.m... I had told one of my daughters on Saturday afternoon that I was planning to go to church even though I didn't want to... maybe just saying it out loud helped me push through the painful anticipation.
Sunday School was good, but another hard lesson from Romans. Kinda weird, talking about Rejoicing in our sufferings because it produces in us perseverance, then character, and then hope. I mean, who needs character anyway?!! Wow. God's Word is always so powerful. I don't know why I struggle so much reading His Word or talking to Him when I'm feeling so down and depressed. Logically, I KNOW these things, but my feelings just overpower my good sense sometimes. That's why it is so good to have a godly husband and godly friends to pray for you and lift you up. Anyway - if you want to read some of this deep-ness, Romans 5 is the location.
And then tonight, we had a Ministry Fair at our church and it was so good to be doing something useful. I almost felt like my normal self. Oh I'll be so glad when this latest valley is a faint memory.
Hope you had a good weekend as well. Chat with you soon.

Sandy's Smiles

2006-08-18T12:21:00.000-04:00

Where IS the Joy??
Well, after a night of crying myself to sleep, I can only surmise that I'm depressed. Do I have reasons for this? I suppose, but it's no way to live. Oh, I can ACT the part and do what I have to in order to fulfill my responsibilities, but I am having no joy. Things... well, I don't even want to share them "out loud"... you would wonder why a Christian person would even suffer in this way? Well, I wonder... my DISC personality is a "C" - this is an easy test that Larry Burkett first shared on his website and I have really learned a lot about myself and others, and yet - it doesn't help me to cope with things when they ALL come crashing down at the same time. If you aren't familiar with this personality inventory, it's very good and very accurate. You can find it here (http://www.crown.org/tools/personality.asp). Don't forget to share with me, okay?
Still waiting for a smile from someone, anyone??

Sandy's Smiles

2006-08-17T09:11:00.000-04:00

Technical Difficulties, eh??

It's been a little while since I've been able to post. We've had more than the usual summer thunderstorms here and have had some power/technology issues. Who would have expected that in this modern age we live in...

Anyway ~ one of the things that happened while I was "out" --- it was the first-ever Sales Tax Free weekend in our state and so we used that time to purchase school clothing and needed items, even a computer. I also celebrated my birthday with family. And church has become like high-school drama land lately. All of these things are more detail than I can bear to relate. Just know that my life continues to be full in all ways. I need a smile from you, can you share?

Hump Day...

2006-08-02T09:49:00.000-04:00

I am pondering why Wednesday is called "Hump Day"... does anyone know? I have found Wednesdays to be difficult, in different scenarios and for different reasons. Working at the church, it was a hard day because that meant I was there in the same building from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. (regular hours) and then over to the fellowship hall for the supper hour and then continuing into the evening for the regular midweek activities. That's a very long day. On the other hand, as a non-working person, Wednesday seems to be the day that we are just anticipating the weekend and how can we get through the rest of this week?! It's funny I suppose... if anyone has an idea, please comment. I'd like to hear it.

Smile for today: A sense of humor can help you overlook the unattractive, tolerate the unpleasant, cope with the unexpected, and smile through the unbearable.

Monday Morning

2006-07-31T06:59:00.000-04:00

After two nights of interrupted sleep, I'm feeling exhausted. Up at 5 a.m. and up until 12:00 midnight --- I've always been one of those people who required at least 8 hours of sleep, so as I've gotten older, this no sleep/little sleep thing has been distressing. When I visited my OB/GYN last month, she told me that the best thing I could do is just think, well, I'm awake, and then roll over and go back to sleep. Easier said than done.
HOWEVER ~ growing old is better than the alternative, and I don't mean plastic surgery!
Although, speaking of plastic surgery, I watched extreme makeover this weekend and am always amazed at the difference. I just wonder, if you fell in love with one face, and then that face is so different... I mean, that has to impact you, right?
My smile for today comes from God's Word where He says to each of us, "I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." That's to YOU! You can make a difference and you are worthy. Believe it, Live it. :)

Sandy's Smiles

2006-07-31T06:57:00.000-04:00

Sandy's Smiles
Sunday Sunday... what a day. :)
I'm glad to be back home, that's all I can say.

I'm home

2006-07-29T09:23:00.000-04:00

Well, after a long summer of mission work and family events, I am home. It's good to be home - no matter that my house is a disaster area!! I'll get started on that soon. You know, I just discovered this past year that you have to actually BE at home in order to CLEAN your home... duh! Anyway ~ that is my latest goal. We'll see where I can go with that.

In the meantime: The smile for today is "No place like home"!!!

Sandy's Smiles

Welcome to Motherhood

Get a Job, Sha-na-na-na-na...

Starting New Habits and Saving Money

Lies and Truth... Love Conquers All

Success

My name is Sandy and I'm a Salt Addict

Reacting to Criticism

Boundless Summer Challenge

Complaints & Customer Service

Colonoscopy Time

Blood-Gathering is not just for Vampires!

Are you the Carrot, Egg or Coffee?

Are You a Masterpiece?

35 Reasons Not To Sin

What Country Am I In???

Yes, There is a Cost

News Media

Tis the season of Proms...

Stimulate What Exactly??

Ah... the Bookworm

To Vote... or Not to Vote?

Women... ah the drama of it all

Kingsport Animal Shelter... Bring It On

Scrappy Days with the Bearnson gals

Importance of Cell Phones

George Carlin... and eternity

Maddening Musings of a Mother Unmasked

Military in America

Home from Cropmania

Political Review ~ interesting sites

Helping Hand

Kiss me once...

~ A New Form of Government ~

10 Reasons to be Grateful

Lightening Bugs...

Disturbing Info

Sudoku Park - Billions of Free Sudoku Puzzles

Do you have a "Stop Doing" List?

QUIRKY Quiz

wow... how time flies

New York again...

**Thanks Missy**

Photos of the trip

SPRING in New York City?

Who Are You?

Spring is Here...

Kaleidoscope & Caution

2nd Chemo...

"I'm Bored!" she said.

Quiz for us Older Folks!

February is Heart Month

Pink Ribbons

A New Year

Renewal

Challenge

Inspire

CARS!#@$!

My daughter ~ Photo Cube

Funky Friday

Super Sunday

Rainy days

Tired...

Sunday Smiling

Sandy's Smiles

Sandy's Smiles

Hump Day...

Monday Morning

Sandy's Smiles

I'm home

Thanks Missy