Mindless ramblings
March is packed full of birthdays for me. Today is someone I know’s birthday. I can’t think of who, though. I guess I’ll just put my faith in those facebook reminders and hope for the best.
I weighed in a day early today because, well – because I could. We’re going out to eat tonight for my daughter’s birthday (Saturday), and I know I won’t be working out. The scales teetered between 132.5–133 lbs!! So I’ve lost 1.5 lbs this week alone, only through diet – I can’t really say I’ve worked hard at exercising this week. I’m thinking, just think what the results might have been had I worked out too! So, total weight loss now is at 8 lbs. Can’t wait to get back under 130… I’ll feel like a contestant on Biggest Loser overcoming one of those number hurdles.
I’ve gotta reroute a bunch of wiring from my computer at work today. This is only part of what I’m dealing with.
Pardon the little piece of past there, the top of a cheetos bag. You have no idea how much I’m dreading this. It’s about a decade’s worth of poorly routed wiring – with all the dust I’m sure I’ll be a bag full of sneezes by the end of the day. That old G4 goes to the graveyard too, it’s been inoperable for a long time. Got a new hard drive this week (1 TB – wow feels weird even typing terabyte), so I’ll need to reroute 3 hd’s now. Once everything’s done, it’ll be well worth the effort.
Looking so forward to dinner at the Japanese restaurant tonight! These guys really put on a show – not to mention such good food. Then there’s that added bonus of getting a chef who’s not only able to juggle fire well but is a good comedian. 🙂
Everything is so green outside… what’s already been blooming is starting to change over to green and I love it. It’s almost like a fill-in on what’s been missing all this time, when the leaves come back. I love green, especially that ‘new’ green. Spring Euphoria – that’s what it is. Yeah.
Feather light
I am light as a feather this morning. Almost all of me. My mind. My soul. My whole sense of being.
Hey, did you hear about Mark Sanford and John Edwards being on the same democratic ticket for 2012? Mark Sanford will handle International Affairs, while John Edwards will take over Domestic Affairs.
Bah-da-BAH!! 😀
Although this joke’s probably old by now, I’ve gotta admit that I still find it funny as hell. Hey, if I don’t laugh, I’ll cry. Gotta lighten up sometime.
Birds of a feather flock together.
Ever thought about that phrase? It simply means ‘those of similar interests stick together’. I believe it to be something more like birds of ‘like feathers’. There are many varying opinions as to the origin of the phrase, and after doing a little research myself I’ve decided to just pout and settle with “a proverb of undetermined origin.”
People tend to be drawn to others with corresponding interests. They can also be attracted to persons with alike beliefs, morals and standards for living. On the high side, morale is generally high in these type groups. On the low side, certain traits and characteristics, if taken to the extreme, can be a very bad thing. Take terrorism, for example.
I see a big ole’ flock o’ DoDo’s up in Washington. Spotted ’em all the way from down here.
On another note, there is one thing that is not feather-light this morning. My heart is heavy for three of my friends, each of which has a parent in the hospital. Only one of these cases has a ‘good’ prognosis for the father. The other two, one mother is on life support and the other mother has had lung cancer spread to her brain in what is now a stage 4. I simply cannot imagine what these friends are going through. It’s simply incomprehensible to me, to lose a mother or father. I pray that God will lift my friends and their parents up.
Just another slap of reality to remind us that our time here is indeed so short. To do our very best to be happy, enjoy the time we do have – and love like crazy.
Crystal Blue Persuasion
Diamonds are formed from ugly rocks under great pressure. The pressures of life can cause us to transform into something strong and beautiful. As well, it can cause a complete and total meltdown of body, mind and soul.
I sit here with a glass of wine beside me, my cat by my side, lights dimmed. The flame of a candle dances near me. It’s nighttime and my body is preparing for sleep, though I don’t want to sleep just yet. I want to bask in the last night of my weekend freedom – and immerse myself in the peace the heavy rain in the background brings.
I don’t want to become me again until tomorrow.
I’m safe here.
Outside, it waits. This country I so loved and respected has been all but completely consumed by vile and contemptuous beings – who hide under the title of government. They are the beaks that slowly pick the last bit of meat from my ribs as I lie helpless, alone. And so, it waits. They wait. For me.
I hide.
I won’t think about the stress of life or the liars, the manipulators and the cheaters who lie in wait immediately outside my little sanctuary in the sky. The fresh smell of spring night air is still being ushered in from outside an open window. The rhythmic sound of the falling rain is my audio for the night – I need no other sound.
I will dwell on my endless blessings. I will drive into work tomorrow and apply myself wholeheartedly, still. I will forget about all the evil that has transpired in the course of my lifetime, leading up to this very moment in time.
I will embrace in myself that which cannot be stolen or lied to.
For now, here… I’m safe.
Remember When…
The song always gets to me. I think it does most people – well okay, maybe females are a little more susceptible. Guess it’s because whatever point it takes us back to was a time where we were blissful and happy – a particular time in our past that is no longer around. Remember the past?
Click here to play it in the background.
Where does the song take you? C’mon, I know you’ve heard it before. To what realm in your life do you find yourself being transported back to whenever you hear it? Childhood? A past love? Your children?
For me, it’s all of the above.
My childhood. The friends I had… the good times and memories of when everything was so much larger than me – and seemingly magical. My family played a very big part in my life. It was always made clear to me how much I was loved, and wanted.
Past love? Well, I can only speak of one… the one of my past life, my 20-year marriage. Things were so good for the first half, or more, which I think he’d agree. After so much had happened, time revealed that there was no possibility of mending the extensive amount of damage. Irreparable. Be ever-mindful of your words and your actions, my friends – for the old saying is true. You can NOT take these back.
My child. The biggest blessing of my life. I look back to see I that took for granted the devine granting of a child. I admit it. That sweet voice, I can still hear it. The pitter-patter of those little feet. The wonderful week-long vacations that we were able to take when she was younger, much thanks to my Mom and StepDad. Those loving hugs, a sweet-smelling angel holding on tight… never being the first to pull away. She’s an adult now, getting ready to graduate college in 2 months. I’m left with only memories of those young years. The most precious memories.
Most of all, it reminds me of how much of my life has gone by now – and how I’m starting over at this late age. Okay, maybe it’s not that late in life yet, but enough so that over half of it has already been lived. Somehow it all seems very surreal, even now. Funny how things in life change and evolve over time, without you realizing how significant the end result will be. And I realize now that sometimes, looking back is a part of life.
Remember when?
Things that Matter
I was listening to the song Things that Matter by Rascal Flatts, and thinking about the lyrics. Such a simple song with a vast meaning.
Things that Matter… things that don’t. I was in the kitchen getting Camille’s food out and dropped the container. Nothing was spilt, but a profanity slipped out just the same. Did it matter that I’d dropped something? Nope. Didn’t matter. Even if I had spilt something, just wipe it up.
Things that Matter… things that don’t. The life I now live. Being content and at peace, and knowing deep down that my decision to live alone was the right decision. Does this matter? Yes, it does.
Time ain’t on my side… Don’t want to leave this world with Why Didn’t I? Why Didn’t I? Yeah, Why Didn’t I?
People in life who desperately try to tear you down. Do they matter? No. They do not.
Family and friends who are and always have been there for you… These are the people that Matter.
Sometimes I take on this world by myself. Thinking I got all the answers, don’t need anybody’s help. Well God was right there waiting for me all along…. To fall down on my knees, surrender all.
Things that Matter… things that don’t.
A quickie
42 today, I am. Happy Birthday to me. 🙂 I’ve had so many birthday wishes on facebook that it’s overwhelming to me. Makes a girl feel real good.
Not much to write about today – maybe it’s because I haven’t had my morning dose of news yet. Instead I’ll post a link to my Mother’s blog in which she made me the topic of today. I’m very blessed to have such a wonderful and talented Mother, and her blog for today actually made me cry when I read it.
My Friday
I am without profound thought this morning. This can be a very good thing.
I am, however, ecstatic! Since I’m off tomorrow, today was my official weigh-in day on the scales here at work… and I have lost 2.5 pounds in one week alone. Actually in less than a week since I’m weighing in a day early. I worked my ass off for it, too – a lot of hard work and sweat. The 135 mark is broken (okay it still makes me sick to type these numbers knowing I dropped 20 pounds a year ago and gained it back) at 134.5!! YAY BON!! Total loss is now 7 pounds. It’s no Biggest Loser total, and it’s not going as fast as last year – but hey it’s still going.
My friend just came in this morning with a sausage biscuit in celebration of my birthday tomorrow. And you know I didn’t turn it down. Damn.
Tomorrow night I’m going out to eat with my most fave people in the world. I’m looking very forward to that!!
What’s wrong with this picture? The subject of the last two paragraphs was FOOD. Think thin Bon – think THIN.
Thought for the day: You know you’re a nerd when you have the Thesaurus bookmarked on your bar.
Guilty
Have you ever thought about the saying ‘guilt by association’? For some unknown reason, I woke up thinking about it this morning. It’s a subject that can run so deep that it actually ruined my last hour of sleep. Because, of course, my ever-wandering mind decided to take it on a bon-trip. **Said while doing a James Gandolfini eye-roll**
Guilt by association. Here’s one term in life that’s very simple – it means just what it says. Lays it right on out there. If you associate or align yourself with someone who is guilty, it makes you guilty as well. Say I give you two very good examples. I consider the first one external, inflicted on you by an outside source, with little to no control on your part – and the second internal, something you as an individual decide to do or participate in.
Once upon a time there was a successful business owner. He had a wonderful family, many friends and the respect of his employees. Along comes a snake of a man that he allows to infiltrate his company. Said snake secures his self a comfortable position in the business, and begins annihilating the business owner’s employees of long tenure with his dirty tongue and slithering acts. The workers were hurt the business owner not only allowed this to happen but to continue, and eventually the entire crew was forced to seek employment elsewhere. The business owner lost the respect of these employees. Guilt by association, or alignment.
Once upon a time a lady fell in love with a man. It was a whirlwind romance, and all happened within a short period of time. It was made apparent to her almost from the very beginning that the man was an atheist. The lady was a Christian, and the fact that she was with someone who rebuked the Lord bothered her considerably. She was in love though – so she consistently made excuses and thought one day, someday… he’ll come to know and accept the Truth. One day the truth came out all right, but not the kind of truth she’d hoped for. This truth had a very ugly head, beastlike even – the relationship ended there. In retrospect, to this day the lady bashes herself for ever allowing herself to be with someone who denounced the Word of God. Guilt by association, or alignment.
Sometimes it’s hard in life to disassociate ourselves with a person we know we should not be aligned with. It can be very difficult to just say no. Oftentimes mistakes have to be made to learn to do ‘the right thing’ – I’ve certainly made my share of those mistakes.
Align yourself with good people, always try to do the right thing, and help others whenever possible. Not only will it make you feel good and draw you closer to God, but you’ll be avoiding the old guilt by association thing.
First Impressions
Anyone who knows me knows what a sucker I am for a good writer. Yesterday I happened upon a piece that made a huge impact on me. I’ve since researched it to find not only are there many variances of it, but the author to be unknown. That’s a real shame, because this brilliant composition deserves to be credited with a name. Another variance of the title I found is ‘A Time Comes In Your Life’. I believe the original to be ‘The Awakening’. Please take note that I did not write it.
This piece stands further apart from just about anything I’ve ever read. I relate on a personal level with virtually all of what is written. This is really good stuff… hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
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The Awakening
A time comes in your life when you finally get…when, in the midst of all your fears and insanity, you stop dead in your tracks and somewhere the voice inside your head cries out…ENOUGH!
Enough fighting and crying and blaming and struggling to hold on. Then, like a child quieting down after a tantrum, you blink back your tears and begin to look at the world through new eyes.
This is your awakening.
You realize it’s time to stop hoping and waiting for something to change, or for happiness, safety and security to magically appear over the next horizon.
You realize that in the real world there aren’t always fairy tale endings, and that any guarantee of “happily ever after” must begin with you…and in the process a sense of serenity is born of acceptance.
You awaken to the fact that you are not perfect and that not everyone will always love, appreciate or approve of who or what you are…and that’s OK. They are entitled to their own views and opinions.
You learn the importance of loving and championing yourself…and in the process a sense of newfound confidence is born of self-approval.
You stop complaining and blaming other people for the things they did to you – or didn’t do for you – and you learn that the only thing you can really count on is the unexpected.
You learn that people don’t always say what they mean or mean what they say and that not everyone will always be there for you and everything isn’t always about you.
So, you learn to stand on your own and to take care of yourself…and in the process a sense of safety and security is born of self-reliance.
You stop judging and pointing fingers and you begin to accept people as they are and to overlook their shortcomings and human frailties…and in the process a sense of peace and contentment is born of forgiveness.
You learn to open up to new worlds and different points of view. You begin reassessing and redefining who you are and what you really stand for.
You learn the difference between wanting and needing and you begin to discard the doctrines and values you’ve outgrown, or should never have bought into to begin with.
You learn that there is power and glory in creating and contributing and you stop maneuvering through life merely as a “consumer” looking for your next fix.
You learn that principles such as honesty and integrity are not the outdated ideals of a bygone era, but the mortar that holds together the foundation upon which you must build a life.
You learn that you don’t know everything, it’s not your job to save the world and that you can’t teach a pig to sing. You learn the only cross to bear is the one you choose to carry and that martyrs get burned at the stake.
Then you learn about love. You learn to look at relationships as they really are and not as you would have them be. You learn that “alone” does not mean lonely.
You stop trying to control people, situations and outcomes. You learn to distinguish between guilt and responsibility and the importance of setting boundaries and learning to say NO.
You also stop working so hard at putting your feelings aside, smoothing things over and ignoring your needs.
You learn that your body really is your temple. You begin to care for it and treat it with respect. You begin to eat a balanced diet, drinking more water, and take more time to exercise.
You learn that being tired fuels doubt, fear, and uncertainty and so you take more time to rest. And, just as food fuels the body, laughter fuels our soul. So you take more time to laugh and to play.
You learn that, for the most part, you get in life what you deserve, and that much of life truly is a self-fulfilling prophecy.
You learn that anything worth achieving is worth working for and that wishing for something to happen is different than working toward making it happen.
More importantly, you learn that in order to achieve success you need direction, discipline and perseverance. You learn that no one can do it all alone, and that it’s OK to risk asking for help.
You learn the only thing you must truly fear is fear itself. You learn to step into and through your fears because you know that whatever happens you can handle it and to give in to fear is to give away the right to live life on your own terms.
You learn to fight for your life and not to squander it living under a cloud of impending doom.
You learn that life isn’t always fair, you don’t always get what you think you deserve and that sometimes bad things happen to unsuspecting, good people…and you learn not to always take it personally.
You learn that nobody’s punishing you and everything isn’t always somebody’s fault. It’s just life happening. You learn to admit when you are wrong and to build bridges instead of walls.
You learn that negative feelings such as anger, envy and resentment must be understood and redirected or they will suffocate the life out of you and poison the universe that surrounds you.
You learn to be thankful and to take comfort in many of the simple things we take for granted, things that millions of people upon the earth can only dream about: a full refrigerator, clean running water, a soft warm bed, a long hot shower.
Then, you begin to take responsibility for yourself by yourself and you make yourself a promise to never betray yourself and to never, ever settle for less than you heart’s desire.
You make it a point to keep smiling, to keep trusting, and to stay open to every wonderful possibility.
You hang a wind chime outside your window so you can listen to the wind.
Finally, with courage in your heart, you take a stand, you take a deep breath, and you begin to design the life you want to live as best as you can.
~Author Unknown
New Week, not weak
I recently regained possession of my old high school annual. This book has remained hidden for years in the attics of where ever I lived at the time; safely tucked away in a box with other ‘childhood’ memorabilia. There’s a reason I haven’t had it out in almost twenty years. You see, I couldn’t get it out and look at it unless I was in the mood to be accused of wanting to look at old boyfriends. Told, why else would I want to look at pictures of when I was in school? And everyone knows, within the walls of a high school yearbook, therein lies only one’s past boyfriends… and nothing else. Pardon the sarcasm.
While at my guys house this weekend, I retrieved it from the trunk of my car and we both sat down and took a stroll down memory lane. It’s been so long since I’ve looked at it that I’d forgotten about certain teachers and friends! It was very cool to be able to peruse through old memories of adolescent times in high school and junior high again. My boyfriend and I went to the same high school and junior high, in the same grade – so it definitely was something we were able to enjoy together.
The Academy Awards (Oscars) were last night. I watched as much as I could of it before bedtime, but I obviously missed the best parts. I’ll have to youtube the acceptance speeches later on.
I am happy to hear about the best actor and best actress award going to Jeff Bridges and Sandra Bullock – I’ve always had the utmost respect for both of them. I’m gonna have to see both of these movies, my mouth’s already been watering to see ‘Crazy Heart’ since I first heard of it’s release.
This is a four-day work week for me, yay. I made that little joke a while back about taking a Friday off on my birthday, well I did just that. It’ll be well-earned, that’s for damn sure. I think it’s supposed to be raining but as we say here in the south – ppsshh, that don’t bother me none….
TTLFTF
Thank the Lord for the Friday. It’s a beautiful day outside, and looking around again – there’s so very much to be thankful for. I could take up an entire blog listing my many blessings, and have done so before. I’ll spare anyone reading this today and instead thank God for them in silence. 🙂
My weekly weigh-in shows a second week in a row of losing 0. Zip. I just don’t get it. *Smacks self in face* Okay okay, yeah – I do get it. Although I’ve been maintaining my calorie intake, I haven’t been exercising every single day like I should. This week I’ve sneaked a nap or two in after work when I should’ve worked out instead. I know what I’ve gotta do in order to accomplish this – get my ass buttocks in gear. High gear. After all – Spring is almost here! I can actually see a poem coming out of this.
Tonight my beau is coming over with a couple of steaks and we’re gonna try out my new electric grill I got to cook out on my balcony. I’ve gotta run by the market on the way home and score a potato to bake for him. Okay, I might get a small one for myself but I really need to stay away from the whites. Which I’ve pretty much gotten used to doing without, anyway. I can’t wait until it really is Spring, because I’ll be out there cooking my meat every night on it. Now, if I just had that hammock…
There’s a special 20/20 on ABC coming on tonight that features the story of Jaycee Dugard. This is the lady who was kidnapped by a pedophile as a child and held captive in he and his wife’s back yard for a period of eighteen years. I cannot imagine the pain and horror this lady went through – there was such a large portion of her childhood, and life, stolen. This special promises to be a good one, it’s the first we’ve seen of her since her and her children’s rescue from that certain hell. There’s two specials airing tonight, and I’m not sure if it’s the 9pm or 10pm show. I dvr’d both to be on the safe side.
Well, our own Carolina Panthers has decided to say boobye to Jake Delhomme.What a great guy he is, but as they say ‘you do what you gotta do’. Unfortunately, sometimes the most difficult thing to do in life is doing what must inevitably be done. He will always hold a large piece of outstanding history with the Panthers, and I sure do wish him the best.
More waves…
I’m guessing I need to take on a little lighter note after yesterdays blog. I’ve had more than a couple people ask me ‘who were you writing about?’ It’s natural curiosity to question the identity of the Village Idiot, or perhaps if my overly-detailed description is even authentic. Well, it’s authentic all right. Furthermore, I have personally lived this certain hell of knowing such a person. Of course, the individual shall remain nameless. Those of you who are close to me already know of the person I wrote about. Realistically speaking, it’s possible that we all know someone of this very nature.
A lot of people probably think I’m obsessed with the sea and waves, as much as I’ve talked about it in the past. Well, maybe I am. To me it’s intriguing, mesmerizing. It is also ever-demanding of our respect. Being face to face with a huge tidal wave is a continuing dream I’ve had my entire life, and I’ve written about on a couple of occasions.
And dreams always seem to come to pass – in some way, shape or form.
For years now I’ve thought that maybe, just maybe, someday I’d like to take a cruise. Just to see what all the fuss is about. Well, this just puts a whole different spin on the term cruising.
How about being out to sea on a cruise ship, and a massive set of waves pound the bow busting out 5 large windows in a public area – killing 2 people and injuring 14? A passenger said there were three ‘abnormally high’ waves that hit, with the second and third being the largest. The waves were 33 feet (10 meters) high and flooded cabins and busted windows and frames in a restaurant. My God, that’s just the thing nightmares are made of.
This was a 12-day cruise that traveled from Barcelona, Spain to Genoa, Italy. It occurred approximately 24 miles off the coast of Cabo de San Sebastian near the Spanish town of Palafrugell. Of the two who were killed, one was German and the other Italian. It’s indicated the weather was the cause of the waves, as the wind was reported to be 45 mph.
I do adore the ocean. But I do believe I’ll rethink the whole cruise idea. Just put my ass on a plane and land me somewhere near the clear blue water for a week. I’ll find my way to the ocean. And I’ll be just as happy, thanks.
The Ruin of the Village
As I travel to work this morning, it’s so peaceful. The long stretch of highway that still harbors undeveloped land is my serenity during the drive in. As I gaze at the car traveling ahead, I take note of the rhythmic falling of frozen snow from it’s body. It seems to align perfectly with the melodic voice of Gary LeVox in the background. Yeah. Peaceful.
And I think. And wonder. Why it is that certain people try so hard to ruin other’s peace.
Now, I realize the true definition of a Village Idiot does not correspond perfectly with the traits and characteristics of the person I am so describing here. But bear with me, if you will. I happen to think the term Village Idiot has a nice little jingle to it, so… that’s the moniker I choose for this individual.
The Village Idiot works very hard indeed. The Village Idiot will make it her life’s goal to create drama and manipulate others. The Village Idiot thrives on tension, hostility and mental anguish.
The Village Idiot proclaims to be a Christian, all while holding many years of hatred in her heart. She will use the word God and Jesus only when she feels it will be of true benefit to her. The icy heart of the Village Idiot will never be open to the truths and silent hells of others. To the Village Idiot, there is no ‘other side’ of the story, because it is her way or no way.
The Village Idiot is unable to hold her sharp tongue, for either enemies or loved ones, including her own children. Having cut and edited another person’s story in order to better accommodate her own drama-filled life, the Village Idiot is a professional story-teller.
The Village Idiot doesn’t have many friends, and unbeknownst to her, the few she has must walk on eggshells. The Village Idiot has on-again/off-again relationships with the majority of the people in her life. She is consistently on the outs with her family and friends.
The Village Idiot will express her views in a manner that displays her own true ignorance. She forms her opinions without ever attempting to check facts beforehand. Politics, religion, family life – the Village Idiot believes she knows it all, and wants others to believe it as well.
The Village Idiot blasts others for performing acts that she herself performs on a daily basis. There will be no reasoning with the Village Idiot, for reason itself does not exist within her brain. The Village Idiot will smile to your face, and her razor-sharp tongue begins to wag as soon as you walk away from her.
The Village Idiot will never be fully aware just how large of an ass she consistently makes of herself. How, in her absence, her own family and friends discuss her psychotic ways.
In my ever-continuing endeavor at aging gracefully, I find that my toleration factor for the Village Idiot has completely and totally disintegrated. And guess what? It’s one thing I have no desire to get back.
01 March, 2010
Hard to believe another month has started in the year. It gets me a little nostalgic this morning… especially after the great night out I had with my girls Saturday night.
Guess I wasn’t aware just how much each and every one of us needed that night, and the laughter that always accompanies it. My bestfriend ended up coming after all, which made me very happy. We were still missing one, though – there are seven of us… but we still had our usual blast even considering we were missing our Dawn.
The 1985 and 1986 graduating year. Seven ladies all growing up together on the same side of town during the 70’s and 80’s – running together, playing together, going to school together, eating the same Zack’s hamburgers (which is still open to this day), celebrating our accomplishments, and sharing our laughter and heartbreaks.
Now it’s 2010. That’s 24-25 years past our graduating classes – which seems like a lifetime ago. Now we share our children’s laughter and heartbreaks, and celebrate their accomplishments. With life, comes change. All of us have changed – yet in a way, have remained exactly the same.
Each of these ladies are so special and dear to me. The qualities and characteristics of the women we’ve grown into has now formed an even stronger bond between us. Each of us is a link, making up a chain.
The relationship we have continually reminds me of the movie “Now and Then”, released in 1995. In fact, it reminds me of it a lot. Check out the trailer.
We’re already planning our next outing – which I’m really looking forward to. We’re going to a Vineyard! Hoping to do that sometime late this month or early April. And I can’t wait. 🙂
Needful things
You really can’t get any two more different ramblings than those which I have right now. This is me, though. A smorgasbord of thoughts running rampant through an already overactive mind that’s currently working overtime. So I have to unload sometimes, and this blog is my dumpsite. This is my life.
The Life of Bon.
Oh, they’ve finally labeled it. It’s taken this long. (Initial thoughts on Ft. Hood.). The Ft. Hood attacks are now officially being termed as “an act of radical Islamic Muslim Terrorism”. Geez, why couldn’t they have labeled it as such when the details of the attack first surfaced? In my humble opinion we have a buffoon as the Homeland Security Secretary, Ms. Janet “The System Worked” Napolitano. America is slippery at best with her holding this position. I trust her about as far as I can throw her since she’s already been proven a liar. Oh, she needn’t feel alone in her position… I believe her to be just one of many buffoons within the current administration.
When the hell are the higher-ups of this country going to stop worrying about offending the people of Islam by using the term radical Islamic Muslim terrorists? Radical. Islamic. Muslim. Terrorism. Say the damn words! And often. Because it’s alive and well.
On a much different note, I was recently sent a survey via email correspondence that ended up telling you some of the qualities that your perfect mate would possess. Laughable, I know, because those little survey things are never really accurate anyway. But, it got me thinking, what are we really looking for in life from a partner? And is it actually possible to find your soulmate?
Oh yeah… I must go there. So off I go.
- True sincerity.
- He will be honest and forthright.
- He will have high goals set for the future, and consistently work hard to achieve them.
- He will possess confidence in his self without being haughty or boastful.
- He shows kindness and consideration to wait staff, clerks and the general public who services him.
- Noticing a stranger in a tight spot, he will stop to help them.
- He’ll keep his manners about him even when he thinks no one is watching.
- He knows what he wants in life and how to get it – furthermore, gets it.
- He will have a patience level beyond that of anyone I’ve ever known.
- He will have class, and strong moral values.
- He will be a non-smoker. (Only because I have to stay quit myself.)
- He will love his children unmercifully.
- He will provide a strong sense of stability, and is reliable.
- He will have impeccable hygiene.
- He’ll enjoy taking that occasional trip or vacation.
- He will be tall.
- Loves to laugh and cut up, but also knows when to be serious.
- He will do his best to protect me at any cost.
- He’ll be a hard worker in whatever profession he has.
- He will be able to calm me when I am in disarray.
- He will believe the Bible is the Truth, and love and trust our Lord.
- He’ll respect my southern belle beliefs.
- He will never show even the slightest hint of violent behavior.
- He will love animals.
- He will have me on his mind 24/7, and I’ll know this only because he tells me so.
And I will never, even once, doubt his love for me.
Sound like a lot to be looking for? I say, nah. These are the essential traits I’m in search of. As well, I would expect everyone has that mental list of necessary traits they’re seeking in a lifetime partner. Realizing that no one is ever going to find that exact match, neither do I believe we have to settle. The truth is, we are all sinners saved by Grace – so there’s not a perfect one of us out there. But there are certain key elements we must insist on in order to maintain a long and successful relationship. These just happen to be mine…
True Olympians
I have enjoyed the Winter Olympics so much. This year’s winter games seem to have captured my attention in a way they never have before. Unfortunately the tragedies in this year’s games, starting with the luging death of Olympian Nodar Kumaritashvili – will forever be embedded in our minds. My thoughts and prayers still remain with his family and his grief-stricken mother and father, and many friends, family members and fellow Olympian athletes. He has been described as a real joy to know.
The word perseverance has forever been redefined for me. One hell of a lady, this Joannie Rochette is.
The Canadian figure skater has made the biggest impression on me. Most of us know the story by now. Her parents arrived in Vancouver Saturday night, and her mother had a massive fatal heart attack just hours later. Joannie was forced to make the decision whether to skate or not for her Olympic dream on Tuesday.
She made it well-known from the very beginning that her mother Therese was her inspiration and backbone in figure skating. In a January interview with the Monitor, Mrs. Rochette described the approach she took toward her daughter Joannie’s skating. “I always encouraged her to have confidence in herself, to believe in her dreams, to consider the progress that she has accomplished over many years,” said Mrs. Rochette, who conducted the interview in French, via e-mail. “But in periods of great stress, I also have the necessary distance to remind her of a rule she knows well: above all, skate for herself, for her own pleasure.” Later in the interview she says of her daughter, “The hurdles she faces motivate her to rise above them. Joannie has always been naturally determined and persevering.” In 2008, Joannie wrote of her mother, “Even if it requires quite a big deal of humility at 22 to admit you need more of your mother, I expressed it and she drives from home to St. Leonard once a week to come supervise with her unique eyes my training.”
Knowing her mother would insist on her to, Joannie made the decision to skate – her father has stood solidly by her. Last night, she gave the performance of her life in the ladies short program, and held all it together right up until the very end. Watching the raw emotion of her and her father in the audience was, well simply agonizing. My heart breaks for both of them – here is an only child who has just lost her precious mother, and a husband and father who has just lost the love of his life.
I shed a lot of tears watching her last night, the very last performance of the female skaters. It must have been torture for her to have to wait that long to perform. I found my tears still abound as I watched her on the news again tonight, as well as when I came across these pictures of her performance that I’m posting the link to here. Please, if you haven’t already seen, click through them.
I would love nothing more than to see this young lady take home the Gold. No, I’m not abandoning my country. Aafter witnessing her performance last night I honestly believe she deserves it. With her determination and perseverance, I honestly will not be surprised if she takes the prized metal home with her.
Determined and persevering. It is with respect and admiration that I use her own Mother’s words.
Update 2-26-10:
Joannie got the Bronze metal. 🙂
Good scents
I’m right about ready to take a Friday off. Although it’s only mid-February, it seems like forever since I’ve had a three-day weekend. We tend to get spoiled around the holidays with all the time off, and get a real slap of reality when it comes time to get back to basics. I need a day off.
Actually, I think I’ll request my birthday off. Yeah. That’s on a Friday this year. What better day to take off than your birthday?
I’m actually proud of myself. Today I’m in a pair of jeans I haven’t been able to pull up in a very long time. I’m now able to look at myself in the mirror and tell a bit of difference, albeit slight, in my shape. It’s an awesome feeling.
As I stepped outside I immediately noticed the air has that smell about it today. You know – that sweet smell? It’s the smell of Spring. Call me crazy, but I believe most of you have smelled it before. It’s out there today, that’s for sure – and it’s very presence was unexpected. What a wonderful scent….
The birds, if nothing else, are busy prepping theirselves for Spring. All the chattering, whistling, building and playing – I love watching it. Can’t wait to get my balcony back in order again – hummingbird feeder up, couple ‘o hanging baskets, put the palm tree back outside. I need to get a stand for my now-enormous fern that I’ve kept alive all winter – I plan to put it outside my front door and get a new one for the balcony. I need something I can easily lift up and down off the hanging chain on my balcony, and I simply cannot lift the big one anymore. And, I already have a new citronella bucket ready to go. 🙂
Yep, this ole’ girl’s still anxiously awaiting Spring’s arrival. I can think of nothing else. But for now, everybody remember to…
Thought for the day:
Years ago I preferred clever people. There was a joy in beholding a mind bearing thoughts quickly translated into words, or ideas expressed in a new way. I now find that my taste has changed. Verbal fireworks often bore me. They seem motivated by self-assertion and self-display. I now prefer another type of person; one who is considerate, understanding of others, careful not to break down another person’s self-respect. My preferred person today is one who is always aware of the needs of others, or their pain and fear and unhappiness, and their search for self-respect. I once liked clever people. Now I like good people.
~Solomon Freehof
Rejuvenated
What an awesome weekend, though it went by too fast. Doesn’t it always? I woke up this morning thinking I had another day left, and I do hate when that happens.
My eyes are bothering me bad, almost to the scary part. My vision is blurred to the point I have to get right up on something in order to read it… all this has come about very quickly, like within the past year. Or less. I simply MUST have them checked soon, especially with the issues that have recently come to light with my own Father’s eye problems.
I’d love to have yesterday as a do-over. It was the most perfect weather… in the sixties and sunny. Before going over to visit his family, we washed the cars – and by God they looked good when we were done. The neighbors must’ve thought we’d never washed a car before because I was out there taking pictures when we were finished. Of course, it rains this morning. That’s the way it always goes, but it’s all good. We enjoyed doing it, and even got some much-needed vitamin D from the good ole’ sun shining down on us.
So – once again, I have a Bon-amazement story. My guy treated my windows with this stuff called Rain-X. Now I’d heard about this stuff before, and I know Auto-Bell uses something similar when you take your car there. He told me that I wouldn’t even have to use windshield wipers in the rain if I didn’t want to. Now I admit, I had a little trouble believing that – but I found out he was right this morning. My gosh, that stuff is incredible! I tested it out at 55 mph in heavy rain, no wipers! He’s right, they weren’t needed. So nice!! **Insert Rain-X spokesperson here** In fact, I’ve never seen quite so well in a heavy downpour. I find it simply amazing. Guess you can tell it doesn’t take much to impress me.
The lake was especially beautiful this morning. Under the gray sky, it took on a dark bluish-gray hue, with light mist topping it. It was all I could do to keep my eyes off it, that mystical look about it. I sometimes oftentimes wish there was a place to pull over and just gaze at it for a few minutes… the tranquility and peace it brings me is indescribable.
Seems like things always come back around full-circle. I still get a bit nostalgic and emotional at times, even when I seem to be convinced I’m long past that. All of you people who have loved one person for a long time, had your heart crushed , and then found love again – realize how lucky you are. Constantly remind yourself of it, if you must. Realize how awesome it is to have someone finally love you the way you deserve to be loved, the kind of love that’s gentle, warm, heartfelt, full of compassion. Some people don’t get those second chances. I’m reminded of how fortunate I am, how lucky I feel, whenever I hear the song Broken Road. (click here for song/video).
I set out on a narrow way, many years ago
Hoping I would find true love, along the broken road
But I got lost a time or two
Wiped my brow and kept pushing through
I couldn’t see how every sign pointed straight to you…
Every long lost dream led me to where you are
Others who broke my heart, they were like northern stars
Pointing me on my way into your loving arms
This much I know is true…
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you
Yes He did
I think about the years I spent, just passing through
I’d like to have the time I lost, and give it back to you
But you just smile and take my hand
You’ve been there, you understand
It’s all part of a grander plan that is coming true
Every long lost dream led me to where you are
Others who broke my heart, they were like northern stars
Pointing me on my way into your loving arms
This much I know is true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you
But now I’m just rolling home into my lover’s arms
This much I know is true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you
Dirty Dreams
Another night with very little sleep. Seems like I was up every hour. And these damned dreams, I’d like to have a night or two without them.
Last night I dreamed I was in a station wagon with an old girlfriend, who happens to be the mother of one of my daughter’s friends. She was driving erratically, and took a course off the road and down an embankment into a nearby field of sorts. We almost flipped going down it. Once we got to the ‘field’, we were stuck – we got out and noticed there was mud literally everywhere. We were then greeted by a couple of little dogs, fortunately they were friendly. Thick, heavy, orange mud abounded all over the place. I was barefoot, and everywhere I stepped was this mud, going in between my toes. The saving grace was there were also puddles of water here and there, they were muddy as well but held enough water to rinse off – albeit temporarily. I was then introduced to four ladies who are the sisters of a dear friend of mine (a different friend, not the driver of the car).
Obviously the key word in this dream is Mud. I didn’t like the interpretation of it.
- To see mud in your dream, suggests that you are involved in a messy and sticky situation. It also suggests that some internal cleansing is needed.
- Walking in mud interpretation #1: To dream that you are walking in mud, suggests that you are feeling weighed down by a situation, problem, or relationship. You are feeling frustrated.
- Walking in mud interpretation #2: To dream that you walk in mud, denotes that you will have cause to lose confidence in friendships or relationships, and there will be losses and disturbances in family circles.
- To dream that mud has gotten on your clothing or body, signifies that your reputation is being attacked and called into question.
Well, enough already of the dream stuff.
I heard something that was absolutely a scream on the news this morning. There’s this new ‘company’ out there called Eternal Earth-Bound Pet, completely founded, operated and ran by atheists. For a nominal fee, this ‘company’ promises lifetime care for almost all domestic pets if their owners are transported to heaven within the next ten years. All of the atheists who are signed up across 20 states are self-professed sinners and blasphemers, and guarantee they will be left behind when the rapture comes and the chosen are lifted.
The group insists that this offer is real, as real as we christians believe the coming rapture to be. The founders are striving to assure us believers that our animals will “live in loving homes, not in animal shelters or pet mills”.
You’ve gotta be kidding me. These idiots have no idea how their very own quality of life will suffer after the imminent rapture (that they are now monetarily profiting from) occurs. There will be catastrophes of epic proportions everywhere. Pain, grief, sorrow, depair, desperation….you name it. Do you think they’re gonna worry about living up to some contract for pets of the persons who will now be considered lucky and blessed in their eyes? It’s gonna be a job for them to be able to keep their own pets alive and intact.
So, thanks for the offer, atheists – but no thanks. I’ll continue to rely on the fact that my dear Lord has a plan implemented for our dearly loved furbabies, as he has a plan in place for everything and everyone. I will make no deal with the likes of you. The Lord created them, and upon his return for us I trust and believe our dear pets will be taken care of in a way mannered by Him.
And Him alone.
Infinite blessings
Who says we have to wait until Thanksgiving to express our thanks and count our blessings? I find no better time than the present to take up an entire blog to count the very many I currently have. So if the aforementioned subject matter happens to bore you, you’ve at least been warned. 🙂
I am so very thankful. I started thinking about this when I got up this morning. Our great and powerful omnipresent Lord has given me more than I could ever express gratitude to Him for, even if I’d began when I learned to talk and continued speaking it until my dying day.
My bed I slept in last night. So soft, so snug. In my warm safe dwelling. So comfortable. Let’s back up. Coming home to my warm dwelling after working yesterday. Hmm, let’s back up more.
Begin yesterday. Driving to work in the morning. My loyal car that’s been never-failing so far, it’s been such a good one. My hard rock of transportation. Coming in to my job. My work is the most drama-free, laid-back place I’ve ever worked. These people are awesome, literally all of them. As usual I brought my lunch and snack to work, and drinks. Food, I have food – and plenty of it. I come home, again to my warm safe dwelling. Changed into my workout clothes and got on my exercise machine, one of my very own situated in the comfort of my home. A nice hot 20-minute shower after I cooled off, oh what a luxury, that shower! All the amenities that go along with it, good shampoo, conditioner, wash, all of it. Feels and smells so great. On to a dinner, leftover chicken which I cut up with onions, peppers and tomatoes to make a fabulous chicken wheat burrito with hot sauce. Such a good dinner, while watching the nightly news on my television in a toasty warm candlelit living room. My little furbaby loving on me, such a healthy sweet kitty.
A nightly talk with my Mom and my Dad on the phone. Another blessing, not only the phone but my parents. The ability to pick up the phone and talk to them basically any time I wish. My daughter, who I couldn’t be more proud of. She’ll be taking the walk across the stage this May to graduate from college. The wonderful man in my life who has taught me so much about myself. Such blessings, the people who surround me on a daily basis. Thank you, Lord.
The freedom to come and go as I please. The only real rules out there are to pay your bills and obey the laws. Yes, I can do that. Because – I’m blessed like that.
It only takes a little bit of reminding yourself of the many blessings you have in your daily life to not dwell on the petty things in life so much. I truly believe that the more time we spend counting our blessings, the more affordability we’ll have enjoying them, thus enjoying more of this thing called life.
I thank you Lord for all the blessings you’ve bestowed upon me, and those you continue to bestow. I realize that I’m so undeserving of it all. I will forever attempt to express my eternal gratitude to you for all You do for me, and your unconditional love for me.
Life of Bon 
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