On the 7th Day of Christmas ...

... my true love gave to me ...

Oh how I wish!!

On this New Year's Eve, I wish you all much health, happiness, and prosperity for 2005. May you have a wonderful, memorable year to come!

Happy New Year!!

Birds

Have you ever watched as a mother bird pushes her babies from the nest? They are expected to fly or fail. That trip to the ground can be painful. Today, I took the steps to push mine from the nest. I now have a completed application form ready to mail for my son to take post-secondary education next September. I also was talking to my daughter about what she wanted to do and told her that it was time to either get educated or move on. In the midst of the conversation, I found out what she would like to do, and found a course that is right up her alley too. I sent her an e-mail with the URLs in it and left a message on her voice mail. My push, hopefully, is completed. Now they must fly or fall on their own.

Tomorrow is the last day of 2004. I can't say I will be sorry to see the year go. It's been a tough year. I'm hoping (and thinking positively) that 2005 will bring a lot of good things. It is time for my life to move forward as well. The past has been packed up and the period of transition is drawing to a close; time now to move into the next stage. I need my Christmas season next year to be very different from the last few. I'm ready for a positive change. I need it to come. I honestly don't know where to begin, but hopefully all will unfold as I need it to. I believe God has a plan for me. I only wish I knew what He was thinking.

White Christmas?

Well ... we missed out on having a white Christmas, but we appear to be making up for it today. It is a blizzard out there. Rather nasty, to say the least. Not too much is moving, nor should it. This is the kind of day where you want to stay home and curl up by the fire and watch movies or play board games. I think I am going to do some work I brought home from the office. It beats boredom.

If you would like to keep me company, I'll make you something hot to drink and find a way to get you warmed up from the bitter cold and blustery day. Any takers?

T'was the Night after Christmas...

T'was the night after Christmas
And all I could hear
Was absolutely nothing
It's too quiet around here.

The stockings are empty
The meal is done
The gaiety and excitement
For another year gone.

The new year is coming
It's just up ahead
The stars says it's my best yet
I have nothing to dread.

At the toll of the bell
At that midnight hour
The new year arrives
With all of its power.

I shall not fear
What the new year brings
But think positive thoughts
When that midnight bell rings.

For 2005
Holds a promise anew
Of good things in store
For both me and you.

At that very moment
With no one to kiss
I will pray very hard
To receive my wish.

Here's hoping that all
Of our wishes come true
And that 2005
Is a great new year too.

Merry Christmas!

Well another Christmas Day is almost over. It comes and goes so quick. The months of build up are great, but the day passes by all too quick. The smell of turkey is gone, the presents are unwrapped, and the spirit is dwindling. It's been a busy day, but a good one. I hope you enjoyed your day.

Merry Christmas, and God bless us everyone!

A New Frustration

My daughter and I both like games and puzzles that make you use your head. Well ... we met our match. She discovered a website for puzzles and passed it along to me. It has been driving me crazy trying to figure some of them out. I call her saying, "Give me a hint PLEASE! This is driving me INSANE!!" She, of course, laughs her head off at me. It is sooooo frustrating when you can't figure them out. So far I have gotten to puzzle 9 in round 1. I discovered there are 99 rounds. You may have to lock me up before I get that far.

If you want to give it a try to click here. It will drive you insane!! Let me know how you do. Sign-up is free and safe.

The Grinch Has a New Cave

Well lookee here ... the Grinch has found himself a new cave. He even has Merry Christmas on the homepage. Can you imagine that???? He even has a page dedicated to why Christmas should be humbug, but it doesn't hold much water. He claims no one will let him be a Grinch this year. Who is he talking about? Was it me? Was it you? Was it Rose? Who was it? Maybe it was a group effort. Well ... it's about time the old fart enjoyed the season. That puny heart of his had to grow at some point, just as the story goes. Perhaps this is the year.

Now ... if we can just get him some new glasses to see how to write his name on his license, all will be perfect in his world. Well ... almost. I'm sure he still faces a few challenges.

Hey Grinch!! Now that you have found yourself a new cave, do you suppose you can help me find a new abode too? I have only 6 months to do so. I know that seems like a lot of time, and it is if you are waiting for something; but for me, in this case, it is a source of stress because it took me 5 months to find the one I am currently in. Yikes!!! Another day has gone by without success.

It's Getting Closer

Just a few days to go. Are you ready yet for the jolly fat man yet? I hope he brings me something wonderful. Something that renders me speechless. Yes, I do dream big.

Me and Santa

Well ... there you go. It is true! See what my favourite astrologer has to say to me for Dec. 21. I have to say that opinionated is not an adjective I have ever thought of for describing me.

Santa Claus is, of course, an Aquarian. What other sign could he be? Think how opinionated you need to be in order to feel sure that you can find your way down millions of chimneys in one night. Imagine the resourcefulness necessary to receive and honour all those endless wish lists. Consider the courage it takes to ride a sleigh pulled by flying reindeer. You have much in common with Santa ... including the way in which you now have so much on your plate. But you have the same generosity too ... and the same inevitable date with a sense of satisfaction. Between now and the end of the week, there's more in store than you realise.

So ... Santa is an Aquarian too. Wahoo!! But now those last couple lines? What could that mean? Does it mean I am going to get lucky with Santa?

There is only one thing I know for sure: Santa can't bring me what I want for Christmas. If he does, it will be a huge shock. A delightful one, but nonetheless, a big shock.

Here is another story for you.

What You Can

When the challenge first comes along, it looks to be overwhelming. And yet, you know you must get past it, so you do what you can.

Day after day, you do what you can, when you can, as well as you know how. And something amazing begins to happen. What you can begins to be more than what you could. You learn, you experience, sometimes you succeed, sometimes you fail, and most of all you grow.

You grow stronger each time you do what you can. At the beginning it doesn't seem like enough, yet with persistence it becomes more. What once seemed difficult, becomes easy. What once seemed awkward and uncomfortable, becomes natural and even graceful.

Taking on a difficult challenge can bring about a great accomplishment, yet it can bring so very much more. In challenge there is strength to be gained, there are lessons to be learned, there is a kind of nourishment that cannot be delivered in any other way.

If the challenge seems a bit too overwhelming, that's the one you want. Take it on and let it pull you up. Do what you can do, again and again, and what you can do will truly amaze you.

— Ralph Marston

Someday has become one of my most hated words. It implies that I must be patient even longer. I found this poem that kind of puts it in perspective. I hope you like it.

Maybe someday

Maybe someday you'll start living every day true to the best that is within you. Maybe someday you'll really start to seriously pursue your most treasured dreams. Maybe someday you'll stop holding back and live the richness of every moment. Maybe someday you'll show the world who you really are.

Maybe someday you'll explore the best of those possibilities that you know in your heart are there. Maybe someday you'll tell them what you really think. Maybe someday you'll see how truly beautiful life can be. Maybe someday you'll understand that nothing can hold you back.

Maybe someday you'll decide that your life cannot wait any longer. Maybe someday you'll wake up, see how useless most of your worries have been, and simply leave them behind.

Maybe someday is coming. Maybe someday will be sooner than you think. Maybe someday you'll decide to start living life for everything it can possibly be, and you'll wonder why you ever waited so long.

Maybe someday is here.

— Ralph Marston

Need Faith?

I do. It is sometimes hard to hold onto faith, especially in times of adversity, times when it feels like your hopes and dreams are dying in front of your eyes. Here are some quotes I like to hang onto to find hope and strength to go on.

With God, nothing is impossible. — Luke 1:37

Faith expects from God what is beyond all expectation. — Andrew Murray

God is the God of promise. He keeps His word, even when that seems impossible; even when the circumstances seem to point to the opposite. — Colin Urquhart

Is anything too hard for the Lord? — Genesis 18:14

When God is about to do something great, He starts with a difficulty. When He is about to do something truly magnificent, He starts with an impossibility.

So ... I must believe in miracles and know that nothing that lasts happens quickly. May we always keep the faith that keeps hope alive.

Answer to Riddle

Well? Did you get the answer to the riddle? It is simple really. The answer is nothing.

Nothing is greater than God.
Nothing is more evil than the Devil.
The poor have nothing.
The rich need nothing.
If you eat nothing, you will die.

Simple, huh?

A Riddle

When asked this riddle, 80% of kindergarten kids got the answer, compared to 17% of Stanford University seniors. Do you know the answer to this riddle:

What is greater than God, more evil than the devil, the poor have it, the rich need it, and if you eat it, you'll die?

Stayed tuned for the answer ...

As It Was in the Beginning ...

Today we had an Advent caroling service at church. It consisted of several readings with songs inbetween. A couple things in those readings were signposts for me today. They are as follows:

• God had created the Earth and Adam. God looked down at Adam and said "It is not good that man should be alone." And as history has it, he created a woman for him and called her Eve.My question is "Why can God give Adam someone to keep him company, yet He forgets about me?"
• Then the readings went on to talk about Elizabeth and Zechariah conceiving a child in their old age when she was barren. Then Gabriel announces to Mary that she will carry the son of God a a virgin. The scripture reads "Nothing is impossible for God."
  

So ... miracles are possible. Can I have one, please? How long must I wait? Am I not worthy of such a blessing? Why not me?

I hope the author of the following quote is right.

God is the God of promise. He keeps His word, even when that seems impossible; even when the circumstances seem to point to the opposite. — Colin Urquhart

Answered Prayers

It's funny how you sometimes pray for a long time for things you really want to happen and then they do. You have gone so long not seeing it happen, you can hardly believe it when it does. Then the reality sets in about what it means. It is a good thing, yes, most definitely. Then follows the thoughts of what is involved in putting it all in order.

This just happened to me. I have been praying since I was sweating my ass off in this place this past summer that I wanted to get out of here. I didn't want to spend another hot summer here. Today I received official word that I am to vacate my rented apartment by the end of June. The reality caused me to reflect for a moment, and scared me at the same time. It is what I want, but my mind rushes into the "what now" mode of thinking. My mind is swimming with what options I will have, when I will actually move, the thoughts of packing, etc. I know it will all take care of itself, but I have to do my part.

The thoughts of packing up again and searching for a new place and arranging for the move, is more than I want to do by myself again, but I will get through it. I seem to keep finding the strength to get through my challenges. I'm sure soon I will become Lady Hercules at this rate.

Advent: Preparation for Christmas

Today is the first Sunday of Advent. It is the season of preparation for the birth of Jesus. Cool. It means it is viewed appropriate now to begin the decorating and setting the stage for the festivities. We lit the first candle on the Advent wreath today. It is the candle for hope. I liked that. I am constantly looking for hope in my life. I found it timely that we would do that today when I am again in need of hope.

I spent the day decorating the apartment for Christmas. Everything but the tree is in place. Now to address the cards and send them out, do a bit of baking, finish the shopping and wrapping, get trimmings for the turkey dinner, and let the season come.

I love Christmas. I am still waiting for the Christmas I have always dreamed of. Soon ... I hope ... very soon.

Something to Think About

Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet?



Why does Superman stop bullets with his chest, but ducks when you throw a revolver at him?



Why do Kamikaze pilots wear helmets?



What is the speed of darkness?



If the temperature is zero outside today and it's going to be twice as cold tomorrow, how cold will it be?



If people evolved from apes, why are there still apes?



If it's true that we are here to help others, what are the others doing here?



If someone with a split personality threatens to commit suicide, is it a hostage situation?

Typoglycemia

I cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid Aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer inwaht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoatnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit a porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Amzanig huh? yaeh and I awlyas thought slpeling was ipmorantt.

Christmas (A Response)

Well, well, well. We have ourselves a Christmas Grinch. I thought all that grey hair was disguising something. It seems to be green skin and a shrunken heart. I must take a better look next time I see you. Perhaps you have hairy fingers and toes too. What a travesty!!!! A Grinch in our midst at this, the most beautiful season of the year.

OK, I have considered these things you mentioned:

1) Look at the money you waste buying useless gifts that no one wants.
[I take the time to know the person and figure out what the person likes and buy something I know they would like. I don't waste my money giving gifts that they don't want.]

2) Go ahead, make the power company rich with your strings of brightly lit decorations.
[Aren't we supposed to contribute to the local economy? Besides, the lights are pretty.]

3) Kill some trees - put one in your living room.
[I put up an artificial so I didn't kill any. Those real trees that get put up are chipped up and used as mulch or compost later, and new ones are planted every year in their place. No waste there.]

4) Upgrade your stress level worrying what to get Auntie (Insert relative) at the last minute.
[I shop early. No last minute shopping for me. I don't like crowds.]

5) Buy things for inflated prices that will be on sale the week after for half price or less.
[Nope, shop the sales and shop early to get them. Give gift certificates to those who want to get the after Christmas sales.]

Try as you may, you mean old Grinch. I won't let you destroy my Christmas. So there!!! *blows a raspberry* And Merry Christmas to you!!!

Christmas Is Coming

It is getting nearer all the time. I love Christmas. Who says Christmas is only for kids? I love the lights, the gift wrapping, decorating the tree, and the Christmas baking. Then there is that delicious smell of turkey cooking. It is just over a month away now. I hope you are beginning to get ready. I am.

ALF Buses

Our local transit company has invested in new buses over the past year or so. These buses are designed to lower the floor to the curb, release a ramp, and carry wheelchair passengers. Although this concept is admirable and provides for fairness, it doesn't work well for the masses. Let me explain ...

These buses have limited seating with the majority of seats facing each other on the exterior walls. This is to allow for extra space in the aisle for wheelchair accessibility. For that purpose, again, a good concept. However, these are the drawbacks for those of us who are not in wheelchairs:

• Because of the limited seating and no extra buses being sent to pick up the loads during rush hours, half the load are standing and struggling not to fall. The grumbles constantly are running through the crowd. Many are finding alternate ways to get to work to try to avoid this issue, if possible.
  
• The poles to hold onto are staggered alternately from side to side. This makes it impossible to stand and hold poles on both sides of the bus in order to gain stability.
• The majority of women cannot reach the poles at the top, so they risk dislocating an arm when the bus jerks and they can't keep themselves steady.
• If you are lucky enough to be able to stand by a pole, you will find them doubled in thickness with a foam covering. Again this does not work well for females whose hands are much smaller. Because you cannot grip tightly, can only grip from one side of the bus, and can't get steady footing, you run the risk of being thrown around in the bus.
• Because the aisles are wide, people tend to stand two people wide in the aisle. Again a loss of stability.
• There is almost always at least one person entering the bus with a baby or small child in a stroller. I can see one of these days that a standing passenger is going to lose their footing and land on top of that child in the stoller. If that child doesn't get seriously injured, I will be surprised. Look out law suit ...
• It is very hot standing up on the bus this time of year when you are all bundled up and the heat is cranked to keep the seated passengers warm. Don't try to let go long enough to unzip your coat or remove your scarf. You will fall into someone's lap for sure. Pity help you if you should pass out from the heat.
  

These buses have provided me with the most uncomfortable rides I have ever had in the 30 years I have been travelling with the local transit system. Although I can appreciate the concept and reasoning behind the purchase of these vehicles, I don't understand why the money was not better spent in upgrading the "accessibility" bus service already in place for wheelchair passengers. More of those vehicles and better scheduling would make much more sense. They offer door to door service. Who wouldn't prefer that to having to walk (or wheel your chair) in bad weather to the nearest bus stop. I know I would.

What WERE they thinking? Do they think?

Kisses

A kiss is not just a kiss. There are several kinds of kisses.

• A chocolate Hershey's kiss
• A kiss of death
• The dew kisses the grass
• Kiss my a** (not a nice thing to say)
• Kiss off
• A kiss of friendship
• A kiss of welcome, as they do in some countries
• A kiss of the hand (as a gentleman used to do to a lady)

My favourite kind of kiss, though, is that passionate kiss shared with the one you truly love. The kind of kiss that can make your knees weak, your heart beat fast, and take your breath away. The kind that sweeps you away into paradise. Wow!!! What a kiss that is. Mmmm ... mmm ... mmm. Yes!!!

Internet Dating

Many of my friends have suggested that I try Internet dating. Some of them have found successful relationships that way. Some are still trying to find that "Mr./Ms. Right" out there. They claim that it is a wonderful alternative to meeting the right kind of person than going to the bars. The one that most are suggesting to me is Lavalife.

So ... last night I decided I would take a peek and see what all the fuss is about. I was glad to see that I could just check out the "meat market" without ever having to sign-up to get in. There is quite a variety of people there. You get to put in your request as to whether you are looking for a male/female and the age range and location. I found quite a number of men from the metro area listed there. I was actually surprised that there were as many as there were. They seemed to be a quite diverse group. It was interesting that they posted their salary range there. I guess they figure money talks. Some did not want to post their pictures, perhaps because they don't have an electronic one or maybe they want it based on who they are, not what they look like. I know I would not want to put my picture there for the same reason. One man had posted that he would not even e-mail without a picture, so he is looking for someone with looks for sure. Personally, I could see what type he was just from his statement and his picture. Not my type for sure.

By the time I had scrolled through the list of people my search results produced, I had come to a conclusion. First of all, I would not be ready, if ever, to pursue this type of avenue to meet someone. It feels like picking out a book from the library by reading the cover. I also don't trust what some of them say, even in the very small "factual" profile. I need to see into someone's eyes to know if they are telling the truth or not. I like to think I am a pretty good judge of character, and I can detect lies pretty well too in person.

In conclusion ... I don't think this is for me. I would feel desperate meeting someone this way. I trust God to bring about what I am looking for. I just need to be patient, and that is not easy.

Storms of Life

I awake to the sound of thunder
A storm, it fills the air
The weather sets the mood that day
About life, I do not care.

The clouds; they are inside here too
They loom so close above
Threatening to drop their gloom
And dampen thoughts of love.

The winds of life; they change so fast
From north, then south, then west
They blow the clouds around and round
And do not give me rest.

The sun may shine again one day
And burn these clouds away
And love may come and rest once more
And in my heart will stay.

For love, it makes the world go round
It shines its light so bright
It fills my heart and soul with joy
And makes my world seem right.

Nothing in this world compares
To the power that love brings
It heals my wounds, and lifts my loads
And ensures that my heart sings.

Lest We Forget

Today, I am embarrassed to say, is the first time I have ever stood at a cenataph ceremony on Remembrance Day. It, too, was not planned. I had gone to the local gym this morning and came out just in time for the ceremonies to begin. I was going to leave, but something that a vet had said at our church last Sunday kept running through my mind and drawing me in. What he said was this: "There is not one day that goes by that I do not give thanks to the person who drafted me for the wrong country." (He was British.) He continued by saying, "This beautiful country we call Canada is the only country in the world that is not at war. It is the only country that is at peace. God has chosen this country to set an example to the others. We must NEVER forget those who gave up their lives so that we could live in peace."

He is very right. I also saw a wreath of poppies hung on a door in my building that said something to the effect of Don't complain about growing old; there were many who did not have that privilege. Another note that made me stand up and think.

Each time I started to feel cold and wanted to leave, I could only thing of how much more those who died endured for the freedom I now enjoy. Surely I could endure the cold for a short period of time to pay respect to them.

I'm not sure why, but after all these years, Remembrance Day now means something more to me than a day off work and a prayer of thanks for those who gave their lives. The messages I received this year kind of put things into perspective for me.

In Flander's Fields were poppies grow
Between the crosses, row on row.

Let us always remember...

True to Ourselves

This above all: to thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou 'canst not then be false to any man. — William Shakespeare

This is a grounding statement for those of us who can get caught up in the needs and feelings of others, while ignoring or neglecting our own.

We need to trust our instincts and feelings to lead us in the direction we need to go. We must honour and respect ourselves enough so that we can be true to those around us, even if it means displeasing someone else in the process.

To thine own self be true. Yes, they are simple words, but they can put us back on track with who we are and what WE want out of life. Let's follow our instincts, our heart, and our dreams. We owe it to ourselves to be true to us. We are so worth it.

Women

The difference between girls ...



What is the difference between girls aged 8, 18, 28, 38, 48, 58,68, and 78?



At 8 - You take her to bed and tell her a story.

At 18 - You tell her a story and take her to bed.

At 28 - You don't need to tell her a story to take her to bed.

At 38 - She tells you a story and takes you to bed.

At 48 - You tell her a story to avoid going to bed.

At 58 - You stay in bed to avoid her story.

At 68 - If you take her to bed, that'll be a story!!

At 78 - What story???? What bed??? Who are you???

My Favourite Things

These are a few of my favourite things:

• Special moments with my children
• Special times with the person I love deeply
• Cheesecake
• Lemon meringue pie
• Chocolate cake
  
• Sitting by a stream that is peacefully flowing
• Listening to the birds singing sweetly in the trees
• Listening to a song that moves me to tears
• Watching a movie that leaves me feeling good
• Working in the garden, close to nature
• A walk in the park with someone special
• A hug from a friend when I need it most
• Encouraging words from a friend when I am feeling down
• Looking for the beauty in the world around me
• Sitting silently holding someone's hand and knowing that it was the best conversation I've had in a long time
• Peacefulness

Most importantly, my most favourite thing in the whole world is love. There is just not enough of it in this world.

Abandonment

Oh dear ... it looks as though my friends have abandoned me. Hey Keyboard! Hey MouseGuy! Where are you guys hiding? Not much word from you these days. Don't leave me out here all by myself!!!!

Party-poopers!!

Life Sucks

It just plain sucks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Aches and Pains

Our muscles do a tremendous job supporting our frame and helping us to move. We have to treat them with kindness, keeping them exercised and relaxed. I think I've forgotten how to do the last part of that. Oh my aching back!!!!! Anyone got a degree in massage therapy? A heating pad? Oh ... will I ever learn?

Smiles

I love to smile and laugh. I've been dubbed "Smiley" and "Sunshine" by a number of different people over the years because I smile so much. A smile can brighten someone's day. It makes me feel good when I can make someone smile. It makes me feel good when someone makes me smile. I particularly like it when they can make me smile from the inside out. That is the best kind of smile.

I hope to someday have someone I can make smile from the inside out and who can do the same for me. Someone who makes me incredibly happy and who I can make happy in return. After all, that is what life is supposed to be like: living, loving, and laughing together in harmony.

Smile! It is very contagious.

Toddlers

Today on the bus ride home, I shared the bus with 3 toddlers. One was 4.5, one was 3 and the other was just over a year old. What an adventure. The 3 year old was a sweet little girl. She was good as gold and eventually fell asleep on her mother's shoulder.

The 4.5 year old was fairly quiet and keep telling his year-old brother to shhhhh. Well ... that little fella just loved to hear his own voice. He kept screaming, and screaming, and screaming half of the way home. The more his mother told him to shhh, the more he screamed. He eventually stopped and settled down. I think his throat must have gotten sore and his ears started ringing. I know mine were. If there is one thing I have trouble coping with, it is a crying or screaming baby. I want them to be happy!!

I have one question, though. WHO THE HECK TEACHES LITTLE KIDS TO PICK THEIR NOSE!!! That 4.5 year old had his finger stuck in his everytime I looked his way. I thought at one point I saw his elbow disappear. Oh my goodness, little kids can be so gross!!!

How was your drive home from work?

Winter-Is-a-Comin'

The colder weather is on its way. I love the crisp morning air, but I'm not fond of going to work in the dark. It makes it really hard to wake up.

Tonight I brought out my winter clothes and put away the summer things. Some of those things I have decided to part with. I would part with a lot more of them if it were easier to replace them with something more up to date. I did manage, however, to part with a few more things. Off to Big Brothers they will go for those who are less fortunate.

It makes me feel good to give things away like that. Although I struggle for a lot of what I have, there are others who do not have even this much. If I can help in this small way, I will. I don't believe in having yard sales. It is a lot of work for little profit. I would much sooner give it away to someone who needs it. Sure, I would sell big ticket items, but not the little stuff. It makes no sense to me.

Well, I guess I am ready for fall anyway. Now just to get some protectant for my leather coat and boots, then I will be set for the weather to come. Are you ready for the cold and snow?

Iraq

• The garden of Eden was in Iraq.
• Noah built the ark in Iraq.
• The Tower of Babel was in Iraq.
• Daniel was in the lion's den in Iraq!
• The wise men were from Iraq.

Israel is the nation most often mentioned in the Bible. But do you know which nation is second? It is Iraq! However, that is not the name that is used in the Bible. The names used in the Bible are Babylon, Land of Shinar, and Mesopotamia. The word Mesopotamia means between the two rivers, more exactly between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. The name Iraq, means country with deep roots. Indeed Iraq is a country with deep roots and is a very significant country in the Bible.

And also ... This is something to think about! Since America is typically represented by an eagle. Saddam should have read up on his Muslim passages ...

The following verse is from the Koran, (the Islamic Bible)

Koran (9:11) — For it is written that a son of Arabia would awaken a fearsome Eagle. The wrath of the Eagle would be felt throughout the lands of Allah and lo, while some of the people trembled in despair still more rejoiced; for the wrath of the Eagle cleansed the lands of Allah; and there was peace.

Note the verse number! (9:11)

The Truth about Dieting

The Facts:



Q: I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life. Is this true?



A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that's it...don't waste them on exercise.  Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up your heart will not make you live longer; that's like saying you can extend the life of your car by driving it faster. Want to live longer? Take a nap.



Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables?



A: You must grasp logistical efficiencies. What does a cow eat? Hay and corn. And what are these? Vegetables. So a steak is nothing more than an efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system. Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef is also a good source of field grass (green leafy  vegetable). And a pork chop can give you 100% of your recommended daily  allowance of vegetable products.



Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake?



A: No, not at all. Wine is made from fruit. Brandy is distilled wine,  that means they take the water out of the fruity bit so you get even more of the goodness that way. Beer is also made out of grain. Bottoms  up!



Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio?



A: Well, if you have a body and you have body fat, your ratio is one to one. If you have two bodies, your ratio is two to one, etc.



Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise  program?



A: Can't think of a single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No Pain...Good



Q: Aren't fried foods bad for you?



A: YOU'RE NOT LISTENING!!!. Foods are fried these days in vegetable oil. In fact, they're permeated in it. How could getting more vegetables be bad for you?



Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle?



A: Definitely not! When you exercise a muscle, it gets bigger. You should only be doing sit-ups if you want a bigger stomach.



Q: Is chocolate bad for me?



A: Are you crazy?  HELLO ...... Cocoabeans ... another vegetable!!! It's the best feel-good food around!



Q: Is swimming good for your figure?



A: If swimming is good for your figure, explain whales to me.



Q: Is getting in-shape important for my lifestyle?



A: Hey! "Round" is a shape!





Well, I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about food and diets.

Tongue Twister

If a bra is an upper topper titty flopper stopper, and a jock strap is a lower decker pecker hecker, and a roll of toilet tissue is a super duper doody pooper scooper, what do you call a Japanese drummer boy whose father has diarrhea?



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A slap happy Jappy with a crap happy pappy.

Life

Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, champagne in one hand, strawberries in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and screaming "WOO HOO!! What a Ride!" — Author Unknown

Yep, that's the way I see it. That's the way I want my life to be. How about you?

A Few Funnies

Here are a few funnies for you. I won't put the male/female bashing ones up here though. I don't really like those ones. I don't believe we are all the same.

• What's the difference between a porcupine and a BMW? A porcupine has the pr*cks on the outside.
• What is the biggest problem for an atheist? No one to talk to during orgasm.
• Which sexual position produces the ugliest children? Ask your Mum.
• How do you know when you're leading a sad life? When a nymphomaniac tells you, "Lets just be friends."
• Why don't bunnies make noise when they have sex? Because they have cotton balls.
• What does a 75-year-old woman have between her breasts? Her navel.
• What has a whole bunch of little balls and screws old ladies? A bingo machine.
• What three two-letter words mean small?"Is it in?" (No man wants to hear that!!)
  
• Did you hear about the Chinese couple who had a mentally-challenged baby? They named him Sum Ting Wong.
• When a woman steals your husband, there is no better revenge than to let her keep him.
• Young son: Is it true Dad, that in some parts of Africa a man doesn't know his wife until he marries her? Dad: That happens in every country, son. (Women can be mysterious.)
  

Spell Czech

Eye halve a spelling chequer. It came with my pea sea.
It plainly marques four my revue miss steaks eye kin knot sea.

Eye strike a key and type a word and weight four it two say
Weather eye am wrong oar write. It shows me strait a weigh.

As soon as a mist ache is maid, it nose bee fore two long
And eye can put the error rite. Its rarely ever wrong.

Eye have run this poem threw it, I am shore your pleased two no.
Its letter perfect in it's weight. My chequer tolled me sew.

— Sauce Unknown

Giving Thanks

On this Thanksgiving weekend, I have much to be thankful for. I give thanks for

• faith in a world where fear abounds
• food in a world where many go hungry
• shelter in a world where many are homeless
• family in a world where many are orphaned and alone
• my children who I love dearly
• the special people in my life who have touched my heart and soul in ways they cannot imagine
  
• the friends who give me strength and comfort when I need it most
  
• employment when many have no source of income
• love, which makes the impossible seem possible
• sex as a means of expressing deep, passionate love in its truest form
• the struggles in my life that helped me grow strong and to define who I am today

I want to thank you, my friends, for all you have done for me. Those things are more plentiful than you may know, and very much appreciated. Happy Thanksgiving to you all.

An Interesting Twist

Selfishness, we are told, involves putting our own needs above those of others. We are, we are informed, selfless when we put the needs of others above our own. But what about the others? If they allow us to be selfless on their behalf, aren't they being selfish?

Now think about that.

I Wish You Enough ...

I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright.

I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.

I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.

I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger.

I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.

I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.

I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final goodbye.

Today would have been my father's birthday. I am thankful that I had enough of these things so that my final goodbye to him was peaceful. As he lay in his hospital bed at death's door, I gently leaned over and kissed his cheek and said goodbye confident that we would meet again some day.

To all my friends and loved ones ... I wish you enough ...

Time Flies? Or Does It Crawl?

Have you ever noticed that when you are waiting for something exciting, time seems to stand still?

Have you ever noticed that when you have so much you feel you need to do rather quickly that time seems to fly by and you can't get it all done? You have run out of time.

Have you ever noticed that as you get older, time seems to go by quicker? You begin to wonder where the years went.

No matter what we do, we cannot make time fly or drag by. There are still just 60 seconds in every minute, 60 minutes in every hour, and 24 hours in a day. No more; no less.

How much of life we miss by wishing time away. I know. I am also guilty of this by times. You want things to hurry up or slow down to suit your needs. I guess perhaps we just need to have more realistic views of the time it takes to accomplish things. The journey is just as wonderful a part as the destination. Let's try to take time to smell the coffee (or flowers, as you wish).

Sunday Shopping

There will soon be a plebiscite here to vote on Sunday shopping. I'm sure there are many who will vote for it, and many who will not. It depends on your perspective and beliefs. These are the things that come to my mind when I consider Sunday shopping:

• Why do we need an extra 5 hours of shopping in a week? We already have 72 hours.
• When do the employees get their chance to rest?
• When do families get time when they can all get together if they are off busy running errands?
• What about those employees who don't want to work Sundays? Will they be forced to?
• What about those business owners that want a day of rest with their families? When will they get it?
• Will businesses actually make money by being open an extra 5 hours a week or will their overhead actually increase?
  

Is it a selfish request to want to add an extra 5 hours of shopping to our weeks? What if the next step is that your business is open on Sundays and you are required to work? Would your vote be different then?

Women over 40—by Andy Rooney

Here is a piece written by Andy Rooney of CBS 60 Minutes. I believe he speaks a great deal of truth here. Most of this is the norm of 40+ women. However, not all of us fit into each of these statements, but we do for at least some of them. Guess which ones are me.



*********



As I grow in age, I value women who are over forty most of all. Here are just a few reasons why:



A woman over forty will not lay next to you in bed and ask, "What are you thinking?" She doesn't care what you think.



If a woman over forty doesn't want to watch the game, she doesn't sit around whining about it. She does something she wants to do. And, it's usually something more interesting.



A woman over forty knows herself well enough to be assured in who she is, what she is, what she wants and from whom. Few women past the age of forty give a damn what you might think about her or what she's doing.



Women over forty are dignified. They seldom have a screaming match with you at the opera or in the middle of an expensive restaurant. Of course, if you deserve it, they won't hesitate to shoot you, if they think they can get away with it.



Older women are generous with praise, often undeserved. They know what it's like to be unappreciated.



A woman over forty has the self-assurance to introduce you to her women friends. A younger woman with a man will often ignore even her best friend because she doesn't trust the guy with other women. Women over forty couldn't care less if you're attracted to her friends because she knows her friends won't betray her.



Women get psychic as they age. You never have to confess your sins to a woman over forty. They always know.



A woman over forty looks good wearing bright red lipstick. This is not true of younger women or drag queens.



Once you get past a wrinkle or two, a woman over forty is far sexier than her younger counterpart.



Older women are forthright and honest. They'll tell you right off if you are a jerk or if you are acting like one! You don't ever have to wonder where you stand with her.



Yes, we praise women over forty for a multitude of reasons. Unfortunately, it's not reciprocal. For every stunning, smart, well-coiffed hot woman of forty-plus, there is a bald, paunchy relic in yellow pants making a fool of himself with some eighteen-year-old waitress. Ladies, I apologize.



For all those men who say, "Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free." Here's an update for you. Nowadays 80% of women are against marriage, why? Because women realize it's not worth buying an entire pig, just to get a little sausage.

True or False?

Are the following statements true or false?

1. Apples, not caffeine, are more efficient at waking you up in the morning.
2. Alfred Hitchcock didn't have a belly button.
3. A pack-a-day smoker will lose approximately 2 teeth every 10 years.
4. People do not get sick from cold weather; it's from being indoors a lot more.
5. When you sneeze, all bodily functions stop, even your heart!
6. Only 7 per cent of the population are lefties.
7. Forty people are sent to the hospital for dog bites every minute.
8. Babies are born without kneecaps. They don't appear until they are 2–6 years old.
9. The average person over 50 will have spent 5 years waiting in lines.
10. The toothbrush was invented in 1498.
11. The average housefly lives for one month.
12. 40,000 Americans are injured by toilets each year.
13. A coat hanger is 44 inches long when straightened.
14. The average computer user blinks 7 times a minute.
15. Your feet are bigger in the afternoon than any other time of day.
16. Most of us have eaten a spider in our sleep.
17. The REAL reason ostriches stick their head in the sand is to search for water.
18. The only two animals that can see behind themselves without turning their heads are the rabbit and the parrot.
19. John Travolta turned down the starring roles in An Officer and a Gentleman and Tootsie.
20. Michael Jackson owns the rights to the South Carolina state anthem.
21. In most television commercials advertising milk, a mixture of white paint and a little thinner is used in place of the milk.
22. Prince Charles and Prince William NEVER travel on the same airplane, just in case there is a crash.
23. The first Harley Davidson motorcycle built in 1903 used a tomato can for a carburetor.
24. Most hospitals make money by selling the umbilical cords cut from women who give birth. They are used in vein transplant surgery.
25. Humphrey Bogart was related to Princess Diana. They were 7th cousins.
26. If coloring weren't added to Coca-Cola, it would be green.

They are all true. Now go back and think about #16.

More than Just a Colour

Colours are not just colours. They also describe emotions such as

• anger — seeing red
• illness — white as a ghost
• illness — turning green
• jealousy — green with envy
• cowardice — yellow-bellied
• sadness — feeling blue

I have felt all these colours at one time or another. I guess I am a rainbow. A rainbow is supposed to follow the rain, so I guess that is a good thing.

However, today I am feeling a little green with envy, a little red with anger, a little white with not feeling up to par, and feeling just a little bit blue.

What colour are you today?

Blame

I really hate it when people feel they have to have someone to blame for everything that goes wrong in their day or their lives. I work with someone like that. She is always ready to jump in and say, "It's not fault. So and so did that." I hear her do it ALL the time. It burns me.

I've been blamed many times in for my life for someone else's misdeeds. I've finally learned not to accept responsibility for that. I only wish they would take responsibility for their own actions. What is it that stops them? Pride or cowardice? To err is human; to apologize for it and take actions to correct it shows courage.

I guess we all need to accept that we are, after all, fallible human beings. Thank God for that. It keeps life interesting, and I love life.

Waiting

Waiting is not necessarily fun. There are many things that are frustrating to wait for. For example:

• Waiting in line for the washroom when you have to go really bad.
• Waiting for someone to pick you up when you are already running late.
• Waiting to hear from someone you really want to hear from.
  
• Waiting for supper to be cooked with you are starving.
• Waiting for the your ISP to power up after an outage when you are waiting for an important e-mail.
• Waiting for that special package to arrive in the mail.
  

For me, the hardest thing to wait for is seeing my dreams become reality and wondering in the interim if they ever will. I'm told waiting is not wasted time. Something is being worked out somewhere along the line. It takes every ounce of patience I can muster by times to wait for these dreams. Some days its harder to do this than others.

I know that if my dreams ever do come true, they will have been well worth the wait, and I will appreciate them that much more. In the interim, God grant me patience ... but please hurry.

What are you waiting for?

Stupidity

Sometimes I have to wonder about who makes the kinds of decisions that affect our community. Today, yet again, there was a bad accident at the intersection near my home. What I would like to know is this: Who the heck made the decision to only have an arrow for turning left on rush hours Monday–Friday coming up a hill near the top a blind crest? Day after day I see people desperately trying to make that left turn as other cars come speeding down over that blind crest to catch the green light. Yes, the traffic is heavier at those peak hours, but there are many, many other times when it is heavy too and just plain dangerous. If there was an arrow, a lot more people would safely cross that intersection or wait until the light changes to get the next one. Some, will not, of course, but many might. Personally, if it is not peak hours, I don't even try. I take a roundabout route that I know is safer.

Who made that stupid decision about the timing of the lights? Who do we complain to about it? Will they even listen? Do they even care about the lives of the people in this community? Perhaps with an election coming up soon, someone might listen. Do you think they will?

Friends

A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you today just the way you are.

I have a few good friends who do just that for me, and I treasure them. I try to be that type of friend to them in return and to others as well. Thank God for friends. I don't know what my life would be like without them.

TGIF

In Newfoundland, TGIF is printed on the toe of their rubber boots so they know that Toes Go In First. No offense intended to those who are Newfie's or have relatives who are.

For me, today, that means Thank Goodness It's Friday. This has been a long, hard week. I would have loved to come home to a set of open arms waiting to enfold me. Sure could use it. Maybe someday. Right now I will have to settle for collapsing on the couch, unable to move for a bit until I catch my second wind.

Gotta hate weeks like this. It can only get better. The weekend is here!!!

Naturopathic Doctors vs Medical Doctors

I believe medicine of all sorts and practices has been around as long as life has existed on this planet. In North America, modern medicine is still the strongest force. In Europe, natural medicine is the major force with modern medicine practiced to a lesser degree. Our medical system issues licences for M.D.s to write prescriptions and work in our hospitals, but N.D.s are not given the same privileges. I am told that in Europe, the opposite is true.

I have had an M.D. my whole life and have had an N.D. for the past 4 years. I find I have a need for both in my life, particularly since some things my N.D. does not have privileges to do for me. However, the greatest progress I have received in fixing my health issues has come from my N.D. I was surprised, and continue to be, at the depth of questioning I get from my N.D. She wants to get at the root of the problem, not just treat the symptoms and connections are made between the symptoms that other doctors have never even visited. Treating the symptoms does not take away the problem but only offers a bandaid solution to alleviate the symptoms—sometimes only temporarily.

I think it is well past time that our medical system recognize the abilities of this type of medicine to keep us healthy. I, for one, would vote for this recognition.

Aggressive People

There are many personality types in people. There are those who are passive (like me), those who are submissive, and those who are aggressive.

Being a passive personality, I don't like conflict or arguments at all. I will deal with them when and if I have to, but I will avoid confrontation as much as I can. Sometimes it means that people try to take advantage of me (and sometimes succeed) and can put me into a state of speechlessness because I don't know what to come back with right away. Give me a bit of time to think, and I can respond appropriately, but if you are tearing a strip off me, I may be at a loss for words during that moment.

We have someone at work (actually a couple) with an aggressive personality. There is a position that has opened up for competition. I am fairly certain that the person I work with most closely will be applying and get this position, as she should. I am afraid that once her position comes up for competition, this aggressive person will apply because she said she wants that job. I will not be able to work well with her at all. My job is stressful enough by its very nature without having the added stress of an aggressive supervisor to boot. I could see that affecting my physical health in a bad way. I've spent all but the last couple years of my life living with someone who is aggressive. Enough is enough for me. I pray that this scenario does not play itself out.

I wish aggressive people could learn how to tone themselves down and learn to be more reasonable with people. Is that too much to hope for?

Blogs

These blogs can be fun. Especially if we have friends to share them with. I share mine with a few friends. One of them, however, seems to have difficulty with keeping his updated. I guess his name has been adequately chosen as MouseGuy. This means he prefers to use a mouse. But you know what? You can't type in your blog with a mouse. Perhaps that is why it has been more than 3 months since it was updated. Do you think maybe his keyboard is broken? What do you think? Hey Keyboard ... do you think you can take a walk over and lend him yours? Perhaps give him a typing lesson while you are there.

Come on MouseGuy. Come back out and play with us. Don't be a party-pooper!!!

Does It Make Sense?

When you look at the cycle of life, much of it makes sense. The ecosystem was created in such a way that it is survival of the fittest and everything that dies returns to the Earth and so the cycle begins again. We all live and die, but I have difficulty in understanding the "why" when parents have to bury their children. That seems to defy logic to me.

My brother's best friend lost his only child, a 15-year-old son, to lymphoma in the early morning hours of today. I can't even imagine what that family has been through in the past year. It has been incredibly heartbreaking. This guy has been my brother's best friend since high school. He was like part of my family when I was growing up. I hurt for him. This has to be extremely horrible.

I will take comfort in knowing that where he is now is a wonderful place. He was taken there much too soon, but is at peace nonetheless.

┼ ┼ May you rest in peace, Robbie, and light perpetual shine upon you. ┼ ┼

Love Is a Many Splendoured Thing

To love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides. — David Viscott

Remember love is the only thing okay to do in excess.

Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

These quotes say so much about the importance of love in our lives. To give and receive love in its truest, deepest form is God's greatest gift. I believe that everyone on this Earth needs to love and to be loved. Loving someone deeply gives us courage; being loved deeply gives us strength.

Those who have this kind of love in their lives are truly blessed. May all our lives be filled with courage and strength. All else in life then becomes easier to bear.

Old Friends

It's funny how life changes once you leave high school. Those friends you grew up with and went to school with all your life suddenly disappear. Some of them you never see again after graduation day. You sadly hear about the untimely death of some of them. Occasionally you run into someone you remember, and wonder if they will remember you. Sometimes they do, and sometimes they don't. If they don't remember me, I tend not to be the first one to say hello. I find it uncomfortable to have to remind someone about who I am. Obviously those ones didn't know me well.

Tonight, I ran into someone from my school days. It is only the second time I have seen him since graduation day. The last time was about 3 years ago. That time I said hello, but I could see him trying to put a name on me. I told him who I was, and he had a hard time believing it for some reason. Then he asked if I was sure I wasn't my cousin. I thought that was rather hilarious. We don't look that much alike, and she is a distant cousin to boot. Tonight he remembered me so we chatted a few minutes.

It is always nice to see how others are now and what they have been doing all these years. Do you wonder from time to time where your school chums are these days and what their lives have been like? I enjoyed my 20 year reunion for that reason. I got to see so many of those people I hadn't seen in years. Some aged well, others had not. Some did well for themselves, and some didn't. Some days I would like to go back there, and other days I wouldn't. Today, I can say I like who I am now and where I am now. I wouldn't want those days back, but I hold the memories in my mind forever. Those days helped form part of who I am today. Now they are just memories, nothing more than memories.

I Challenge You

I challenge those of you who like to tease me about my restricted diet to try for one week to avoid all the foods I had to avoid for 8 full months and most of which I still have to avoid. This diet is not by my choice, and is a source of continual exasperation. So ... try to stay away from every single form of the following foods for one week. Don't forget to read your labels.

• wheat (in every form, including kamut and spelt, and every food that contains it)
• milk (in every form including casein(ate); the milk protein)
• MSG
  
• sugar (in every form, including fruit and juice)
• yeast
  
• tomatoes
• vinegar
• oranges/grapefruit
• corn
• carrots
• cucumbers
• cabbage
• beef
• pork
• all processed meats
• all shell fish

Not much left from the North American diet is there? I lost 12 pounds in the first 3 weeks, which is all the excess body fat I had. I am much healthier than ever and feel much better. For being over 40, I still have a cholesterol level of 4.0. I bet you you can't do it for a single day, let alone a week. Try it. Then perhaps you will understand how this affects a person's life.

Fire Fighting

Have you ever felt like a firefighter constantly putting out fires? That's what my day was like today. I have been continually working at solving problems since I got up this morning. Good thing I have good problem-solving abilities. I only wonder if I can claim fire-retardant clothing on my income tax. Hmmm ... there must be a way I can get around it.

Sam's Place

Over at Sam's Place he says: "When you like something and enjoy it, you want it." Ain't that the truth!!! Goes for many things, Keyboard. Not just hockey.

Today Is a Good Day

I'm in a good mood today. It has been a very busy day, but it has been good. These are the highlights of my day:

• It is my son's 19th birthday. Kind of makes me feel old since he is my youngest. A tradition I started with my kids and when they were little (and others in my household) was for them to choose what they wanted for supper. This year, he is not home. His friend's Mom is cooking him a big steak and feeding him wine. I did something a little special though. Since he is now of legal age, I bought him a large can of Löwenbräu and a Super 7 ticket for this week. Of course ... I put a note in his card for him to remember who bought it should he win. :o)
• At lunchtime, I took some extra time to run an errand because I didn't get a lunch break yesterday. I not only picked up the things I needed, but I managed to pick up a couple computer peripherals as well, namely a Keyboard and a Mouse(guy). That was, without a doubt, a lot of fun, and the highlight of my lunch break. Keyboard, did you finally get your opportunity to tell Mouseguy to $%@ off? Can't change a tradition now, can you?
  
• Back at the office, it was nice to have the manager of another division that I work with acknowledge how much work I have to do and how hard I work in front of one of our consultants. She also wants me to apply for a job that may be coming up in her section in the fall. She wants me to work for them. That was a real compliment.
• I also had to work with two of the consultants today about documents they are producing. It was nice to have them acknowledge just how much work goes into producing these things.

So, it has been a good day. Hopefully it will continue to be for the rest of the evening.

Food for Thought

If Wal-Mart is lowering prices every day, how come nothing is free yet?



How long a minute is depends on what side of the bathroom door you're on. (Been there, let me tell you.)



Birthdays are good for you; the more you have, the longer you live. (Yep, for sure.)



Happiness comes through doors you didn't even know you left open. (Ah ha)



Most of us go to our grave with our music still inside of us. (Don't be one of them.)



We could learn a lot from crayons: some are sharp, some are pretty, some are dull, some have weird names, and all are different colours ... but they all exist very nicely in the same box. (Wouldn't that be a wonderful world if it worked like that?)



A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour. (I do this!!! Might just as well.)

Gas

There are many kinds of gas. There is gasoline, diesel fuel, furnace fuel, propane, butane, and natural gas. Yes, natural gas. That is the one I am thinking of tonight. I made some homemade baked beans for supper tonight. They were absolutely delicious. I only had a few. Let me tell you ... that is a very good thing. I can only imagine how much natural gas would be floating around this room had I eaten more. As it is, you might not want to share this room with me this evening. *grins widely* Some moments I don't want to share it with myself. (teehee)

Words of Wisdom

You cannot possess what you are unwilling to pursue.

I came across this saying today. It is so true and applies to many facets of life. If you want something bad enough, there is no mountain you will not climb to reach it, no obstacle you will not clear, and no race you will not run. Fear not, for the medal is well worth the race.

If I Had 5 Million Dollars ...

If I had 5 million dollars,
I know just what I'd do.
I'd make some life investments,
Just for me and you.

I'd pay off all the debts I owe,
and buy a house and car.
Then take a trip, just you and me,
to a land somewhere afar.

I'd help my friends and family
to ease their stress in life.
Without the pressures debts can make
they'd feel far less strife.

The children, too, would benefit
When things are more secure.
They could start their lives without debts
Of this I am quite sure.

I'd have a lot of fun, I know,
with gifts of a small degree,
for those in my community
who have been kind to me.

There are many things that I could do
But most of all you'd see,
that having money in the bank
Will not change the I in me.

What would you do with $5 ooo ooo?

Three Welcomes

May you always find three welcomes in life: in a garden during summer, at a fireside during winter, and whatever the day or season, in the kind eyes of a friend.

This quote says it all for me. That is exactly where I find my welcomes, my peace, my joy, my spirituality. Friends, family, and love. It is those intangibles that are the most valuable in life. What else is there that is important?

May you always know where you can find your welcomes and seek them out.

If I Knew

A friend sent this poem along to me today. Now I send it along to all of you, my friends and loved ones.

If I Knew

If I knew it would be the last time
That I'd see you fall asleep,
I would tuck you in more tightly
and pray the Lord, your soul to keep.

If I knew it would be the last time
that I'd see you walk out the door,
I would give you a hug and kiss
and call you back for one more.

If I knew it would be the last time
I'd hear your voice lifted up in praise,
I would videotape each action and word,
so I could play them back day after day.

If I knew it would be the last time,
I could spare an extra minute
to stop and say "I love you,"
instead of assuming you would KNOW I do.

If I knew it would be the last time
I would be there to share your day,
Well I'm sure you'll have so many more,
so I can let just this one slip away.

For surely there's always tomorrow
to make up for an oversight,
and we always get a second chance
to make everything just right.

There will always be another day
to say "I love you,"
And certainly there's another chance
to say our "Anything I can do?"

But just in case I might be wrong,
and today is all I get,
I'd like to say how much I love you
and I hope we never forget.

Tomorrow is not promised to anyone,
young or old alike,
And today may be the last chance
you get to hold your loved one tight.

So if you're waiting for tomorrow,
why not do it today?
For if tomorrow never comes,
you'll surely regret the day,

That you didn't take that extra time
for a smile, a hug, or a kiss
and you were too busy to grant someone,
what turned out to be their one last wish.

So hold your loved ones close today,
and whisper in their ear,
Tell them how much you love them
and that you'll always hold them dear.

Take time to say "I'm sorry,"
"Please forgive me," "Thank you," or "It's okay."
And if tomorrow never comes,
you'll have no regrets about today.

String

Have you ever thought about how many different uses there are for strings and how many different kinds of strings there are. Here are the ones I can think of:

• shoe strings
• strings on your jogging pants to keep them up
• guitar and bass strings
• piano strings (yes, it is a stringed instrument)
• violin strings and other stringed instruments
  
• tampon strings
• twine for tying packages or anything you like
• strings of bad luck or good luck
• strings to close our garbage bags
• string bikinis
• string thongs
• stringy hair
• string of pearls
• apron strings
• string bean
• string of businesses
• pull strings to get somewhere
• string someone along
• string out
  
• string up (hang)
• keep on a string

No wonder the English language is so hard to learn!!!! I'm strung out trying to figure this out.

Magic?

The Gage Canadian Dictionary defines magic as a mysterious influence; unexplained power; enchantment.

I suppose we could guess until eternity about where the unexplained power or influence comes from. I have my own opinion on that. It may differ from yours. Enchantment does sound very magical; very special; like something that could sweep you off your feet; catch you off-guard when you least expect it.

My horoscope tells me today that my life doesn't contain a whole lot of logic (which is true), but it contains a very real, deep magic. Hmmm ... I wonder what that means. Will something enchanting catch me by surprise; something I am not at all expecting? Are my prayers finally being acted upon? Are the stars and skies releasing their "magic" in my life as they have been predicting? Well ... all I can do is sit back and watch my future unfold as I carry on with the day-to-day tasks of life. I can only believe in my heart, that it will, indeed, be magic and absolutely wonderful. I'm praying for that.

Will there be magic in your life? Do you believe in magic?

The Minority Are Forgotten

I am continually frustrated with companies that discontinue products due to low sales volume. From a business perspective, I understand the logic behind it. From a consumer standpoint, it is most frustrating.

I am challenged continually to find food products that are safe for my consumption. If I am lucky enough to find something I like, it seems to be gone in a flash because not enough people are buying it. Sometimes I am told that so-and-so carries it, but I don't have the luxury of being able to go to several different places to get my grocery order each week. Even when I make requests to bring back a product that is superior to what is currently being carried, I am denied. I make requests to bring in an additional product, and it falls on deaf ears.

I am at a point now where I am losing faith in my grocery store. It seems more interested in the money they make than in the community they serve. Whatever happened to a sense of community? After all, community means living together and sharing together. I now know how it feels to be a minority, and it has nothing to do with the colour of my skin. Feeling shut out and shut down is not a positive feeling. We still have barriers to cross, don't we?

A Perfect World

Imagine if you succeeded in making the world perfect for your children. What a shock the rest of life would be for them. — Joyce Maynard in McCall's

That would be a real shock, wouldn't it? Our world is far from perfect and protecting our children from the reality and harshness makes them weak. I only wish the whole world could learn to get along. We may not all like each other, but peace could be obtained if we only practised acceptance of one another.

What is your idea of a perfect world?

My Dream Home

Everyone has a dream home they would like to have, if they are not lucky enough to have it already. Mine is not a mansion, but this is what I would buy if I could or build it if I couldn't find one.

My dream home would be a 6-bedroom home on a lake with a nice piece of property. The property would have some nice big trees, some shrubbery and bushes, perhaps a fruit tree, and some beautiful gardens. The home inside would have a country feel and look to it. I'm a country girl at heart. I want a nice big kitchen with lots of cupboards, an indoor grill, and a solarium. The bedrooms would all be a good size, and there would be at least 2.5–3 bathrooms, one of which would be off the master bedroom. The master bedroom would be a large, with a deck overlooking the lake where I could stand on a beautiful summer night when the moon is shimmering on the water, and be close to the one I love. A very romantic kind of thing. The house would have a nice fireplace where the family could cuddle together on a cold winter night and play games or watch a movie together. All the floors would be mill-run birch hardwood. (I love the colour of the wood.) The rest of the floors would be porcelain tiles. The rest of the details would just fall into place, I am sure.

It would be a home where you would love to be and where love lives. After all, it is love that makes a house a home.

School Daze—A Response

This is a response to the blog at Sam's Place.

I have to say that I am glad that I don't have to buy school supplies or new school clothes this year. It's a little lighter on the pocketbook. Working in education for the past 24 years, I know the reasons behind some of these things that Keyboard mentions.

The school supply lists are created for the younger grades to ensure that each student has the supplies required for the curriculum that has been planned for the year. The reason that specific brands are mentioned in some cases is to ensure that each student starts out with the same things, on equal footings, if you will. Sometimes it is because they are known to be of a superior quality or will last longer. Some types of notebooks will fall apart easily so that students may lose their work, while others are made to last. It is not a requirement that all students have a particular brand, it is merely a recommendation. Teachers and administrators are very aware of how students are treated by each other if they don't come from the same economic background. They try to avoid these issues in the classroom as much as possible. It is not a well-known fact, but there are a lot of ways that low-income families can get help with the purchase of school supplies to avoid embarrassment or ridicule by their peers. We believe in a quality equal-opportunity education for ALL students.

Sometimes there are safety issues around some items. For example, strings in hoods on playgrounds. Sneakers with Velcro are recommended for very young students who do not yet know how to tie their own. This is both a safety issue and one of time management. Grade primary classrooms have many more students in them then in our day. It would be impossible for a teacher to have to tie the shoes for 30 students at every recess, lunch, and after school break. Black-soled shoes leave black marks on the floors of gymnasiums which are hard to clean and can build up to cause a dangerous surface. It all makes sense, somewhere along the way.

As for the fashion, I have to agree with you. There is way too much peer pressure about brand label clothing. Too much emphasis is placed on trends that come and go quickly so that parents are kept poor buying new clothes to keep up with the trends. I was lucky enough to have at least one child who didn't care about labels. She liked the styles, and if she could find the style in something way cheaper, that was good enough for her. Thank heavens. Then again, this is the same child who died her hair blue and didn't care when people called her blueberry. Then she died it burgundy too. She is truly an individual. At least I have e-Bay to work with for the brand name stuff my son likes. You can get some great deals on there. I just got one for him for his birthday. A 75% off the retail price. Can't beat that!!!

God forbid that schools ever dictate that students have a laptop to do their school work. Can you imagine the younger students lugging one to school everyday? How many times would they drop it in the run of a year? Egads!!!! Good thing our school supply days are over, hey Keyboard?

Well ... I still have post-secondary to go, if they ever decide to do that!!!

Boredom

I have never known so much boredom in my life as I have in the past year. I just can't find enough to do to keep me occupied most of the time. It must be contagious in my house because my son is suffering from the same disease. He gets really cranky and mad when he is bored. I hope something gives soon before we lose our sanity.

I am slowly going crazy, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, switch. Crazy going slowly am I, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, switch.

Dreams

I love to daydream. It provides an escape for me into a fantasy world that I can create just for me. That perfect place where all is right in my world, just as I had always wished for. I've been a daydreamer since I was a child. That's why I call myself the Dreamweaver.

Dreams at night are a whole different story. I truly believe that our dreams are where our subconscious deals with things that we don't want to deal with in our waking state. Or they have solutions to problems we have been struggling with because our bodies are in a relaxed state so we have less control over fighting against them. I love to analyse my dreams. Sometimes they are full of hope. Sometimes they do, indeed, provide me a solution to a problem or an answer to a question.

I have too many dreams that are full of struggles. I constantly dream I am fighting against something (usually weather elements) to get where I want to be. In almost all of these dreams, though, the scenery suddenly changes to something absolutely beautiful and peaceful. I like that part of it. It makes me feel like something wonderful will be the end result of hard work. In fact, my Tarot card reading the other day told me twice that I will have a huge, unexpected change in my life in the near future. That would be wonderful. Too good to be true.

This week, I have had many dreams about the pain and anger I have endured in my past. Each dream is different, but the key players are the same. I thought I had gotten past all of this, but perhaps I only have in my awakened state. Perhaps it is simply a fear of enduring that all over again, a place I don't want to go. Perhaps I am subconsciously rebuilding a wall to protect myself, a wall I had removed. Maybe it is because I have trouble trusting that something good will come to me. All I know for certain is that I don't like waking up feeling as though I have been fighting all night long, like I am this morning. It makes the night's sleep feel like it didn't happen.

What do you dream about?

September Is A-Comin'

I absolutely love September. It is my favourite month of the year. The weather starts to cool off some, the evenings are cool enough to sleep well, the leaves begin to turn their beautiful shades, and we still have warm beautiful days. I love the month so much, I even planned my son's birth for then. I think it is the perfect time of year for vacations, weddings, and other special events.

This year my son turns 19. He is rather excited about that. I wonder why??? Then the only thing he can't do is rent a car. I know just what to buy for him too. He would like me to buy him a Honda motorcycle, but I'm afraid he would only get a diecast scale model of one from me. Oh well. He'll just have to work for it like the rest of us.

So I am just sitting back thinking "let September come." I'm going to try to enjoy every day of it. Hope you enjoy it too.

Blah!!!

It's been a busy week. Not much to say today. Hope you all had a good day. Remember: Every day above ground is a good day!!!!

Spooky

I had to walk home at twilight from a visit with my daughter, taking a path between streets. That is a little unnerving at the best of times when you walk alone. However, twilight is a funny time to be out. The sun is not bright enough to see clearly, but it is not dark enough for the street lights to make any difference in how well you can see either. I couldn't see people's faces and sometimes even recognize their gender until they were almost right up to me. Spooky...

Start Early

It's 4 months until Christmas. Start your shopping early!!! I must start thinking about my letter to Santa. This year I want ....

Evolution, Change, and Transition

Over the eons, eras, and generations, life has evolved. Change and transition can be a good thing; sometimes perhaps not.

When my parents were children, times were very different. They both grew up on farms and had chores to attend to each day. Money was sparse, but the necessities of life were provided. No frills, just hard work. During those days, personal lives were kept very private, sex was not spoken about, and children born out of wedlock were something to be ashamed of. Children were still bullies or kind. That doesn't seem to have changed much.

When we were children we still were faced with daily chores, sex was more open with the days of "hippies," and many children born out of wedlock were given up for adoption. Education was a more of a priority for us than our parents generation, and salaries were on the rise. We had a few more toys than our parents generation, but still used our imaginations a lot to make our fun.

Then we grew up and had children. Boy have things changed!! Salaries and the cost of living have risen to the point that both parents now need to work. Education is priority #1 for our children. If they don't hav that, they cannot succeed in life. Salaries and the cost of living are not proportional. We give and give to our children and expect them to do little or nothing in the way of chores. We provide their basic needs and soooo much more. Teenage pregnancies are an everyday happening, and our children don't know how to amuse themselves without expensive toys. Sex is exploited everywhere.

How things have changed! But how do we handle it? We give our children more attention then did the previous generations. I don't see this as a bad thing. We don't expect our children to make their own way through life; we provide the majority of it. Considering the high cost of living this may not be a bad thing either.

But do we coddle them too much? Do we raise children who are toughened to the realities of life or do we shelter them to the point of them becoming soft? The high stress factors of our society are hard to deal with. Do we shelter them from too much of it? Do we solve their problems for them instead of teaching them to make their own decisions? Do we make them work for the things they want or do we go out of our way to hand them over freely over a sense of guilt for some reason? Do we tiptoe around them too much or do expose them to the harshness life can hand their way and teach them how to deal with it? The greed of society has created many hardened criminals and a "me" generation who believes life owes them everything. By giving so many material things to our children, are we creating a society of people who can't think for themselves or know how to appreciate what they do have?

There was a time when I believed that children of military families had it rough, constantly moving from place to place, province to province, or even country to country. Never having a chance to really settle down and have a place to call home. Now I think I was wrong. Those friends of mine who grew up that way were far stronger than I could ever have hoped to be. They were exposed to many different cultures and ways of life to which they had to adjust. They made friends much easier than I do, and they can cope with change and transition easily, sometimes even thriving on it.

Parenting is never easy, nor is change. It's tough to raise children these days. I wish they came with an "owner's manual."

The Happiness Connection

I've just read an article in Reader's Digest that makes the world of sense. It sets out the steps suggested for a parent to ensure their children are happy. These steps are:

• Have dinner together: Doesn't have to be every night and can be a different meal of the day or even just a snack, but this connection is important.
• Try not to rule by intimidation: Set limits in the name of a principle like fair play, sharing, and respecting other's feelings.
• Create your own traditions: Like Friday night movies or Saturday afternoon ice cream or even saying grace before a meal.
• Stick up for what you think is right: Sometimes parents need to be parents and say no and enforce it.
• Read aloud to them as long as they will let you: This promotes togetherness, literacy, and growth of imagination.
• Touch. Hug. Snuggle. Kiss. Pat. Tickle. Wrestle: Saying I love you can become automatic and be ignored. You can't ignore a hug or physical closeness. (This is also true of adults. I love physical closeness. That connection is very important for me too. I grew up without it.)
  
• Philosophize: Give good advice like "You'll always be okay in life as long as you have one close friend." or "Always look on the bright side."
• Get Your Kids Talking: Find times to talk rather than sitting listening to TV or interacting on line.
• Enjoy Your Children: Don't spend all your time regulating them and looking after basic needs. Grab the pleasure of playing with them. Celebrate mud and messes, noise, and spooky things, etc.

All in all, these are pretty straightforward things to do to ensure you are connected to your children. The bond you create with them is irreplaceable and lasts a lifetime. I've done pretty good according to these guidelines. I only wish I had read them 20 years earlier. I would have enjoyed my children more. I can't change the past, but there are always grandchildren to look forward to in the future, just not too soon I hope. I'm too young to be a grandmother yet!!!

Housing

Wow!!! Now I understand why my banker never bothered to call me back about getting a mortgage and why the banking centre rep said to me "You need a second income."

I have just been perusing the MLS listings for modest housing in my community. Apparently there is no such thing. It would appear that even the lowest priced housing would require some sweat equity on my part, something I may not be physically capable of. Even trying to rent something like that is phenomenally priced. My cousin suggested buying something with a rental property attached, but I'm not sure I would have the energy to be anyone's landlord. That would be additional responsibility to handle on my own. Not sure I would want that, but I will keep it in mind. I like my privacy too, so renting rooms in someone's house is not particularly appealing either, unless it was a separate apartment. Hmmm ... there has to be a way out of here. This labyrinth has an exit. Of that I am sure. I am will find it. It will just take me a little time.

I Think I Can ... I Know I Can

Remember the little train that could? It started out by believing it couldn't do something, then it started up that big hill saying "I think I can, I think I can," which later became "I know I can, I know I can."

I was reminded of that story today while at the gym. They usually have a little positive saying displayed there. What a great idea!! Today it said: Refuse to believe you can't. I needed to see that today. Funny about that isn't it, how these things seem to appear exactly when you need to see them? I have always told my children that there is nothing they cannot do if they want it bad enough. It may require time and a lot of hard work on their part, but they can accomplish what they put their mind and heart into. I guess I need to practise what I preach, huh?

I think I can ... I know I can ... with time.

The Meaning of Life

Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure ... than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat. — Theodore Roosevelt

I have done much searching for the meaning of my life. I want to know why I am here, what is my purpose, what does the future hold. I've discovered that much of that is not meant to be known. We only have today to live in. The past cannot be changed, and the future has yet to happen.

What I have found is this: My past has shaped who I am. I made good choices and bad choices over the years, but I am who I am because of them. I made a decision to change my life to rid it of extreme stress. That decision left me with some financial restraints that are difficult to deal with by times, but in reality it is only money. That is not the most important thing in life. I have the necessities of life, but may not have those little things that I would like to have that would make life a little easier. But I WILL have them eventually. It is hard to wait, but I know it will come in time.

This life change left me with a different type of lifestyle that was certainly an adjustment for us all, but that, too, works itself out, and did much quicker than I expected it would. There are aspects of the type of life I left behind that I miss, sometimes very much so, but I still have never looked back or regretted my decision. It is those missing aspects that bring me down by times too. I must remain positive that this, too, will come in time. I met someone yesterday who struggles with this kind of change too, so it was comforting to know that I am not the only one who faces these demons.

How very impatient I am. That is not good. I am working very hard to regain a positive outlook. To regain my belief that I KNOW these things will come in time, and they will be good. Probably better than I can even imagine and perhaps differently than I imagine them as well. So ... if you notice me being impatient, gently remind me to relax. It will come. Stay positive, Dreamweaver, your dreams will come in time, and they will be good. Yes, they will be good.

Courage

Courage — n. the strength of mind to control fear and act firmly in the face of danger or difficulties.

This seems like such a simple word, but it is the most difficult thing I know to muster. Many times in my life I have needed to find the courage to do something that I felt I just could not do. I often, still, find myself in this position, as probably most everyone does. We all have fears we have to face. There is no question that it is harder for some to do this than it is for others. Some people seem to be very strong or unafraid of most everything and just plunge right in, some times never giving it any thought at all. Others, like me, often take a great deal of time of gather the courage to do something, even when you know it is what must be done. It just seems so hard to do. How often I have thought "Surely someone else will do the hard work so I don't have to. Someone else can take that step and make it easier for me." Truth of the matter is, if it is something I want or need to do, then it is me who must find the courage. Stepping outside the box is not easy.

Do you suppose if I follow the yellow brick road that the Wizard of Oz will grant me courage? Follow the yellow brick road ... follow the yellow brick road ... I'm off to see the Wizard, the wonderful Wizard of Oz ...

Perhaps somewhere over the rainbow ...

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Do you remember that song by Tina Turner? That song says an awful lot really, especially if you know the story behind her life.

Respect is something we all deserve to have and need to give to ourselves and others. Tina lived a dominated life under her ex-husband's hands. He bullied her and beat her into a submissive lifestyle. He had no respect for her and she deserved to have it. Eventually she had no self-respect either by allowing herself to be treated that way. I was so happy for her when she finally found the courage to break free of that lifestyle.

Can you imagine how children must feel in school when someone bullies them? We see so much teen suicide because they don't know how to deal with such things or nobody teaches them self-respect. If they live a daily life at home witnessing one parent dominating the other to any degree how do they learn to give respect and expect to receive it as well? Some of them grow up to be bullies, others to allow themselves to be bullied. I grew up in such a household. I know that no families are perfect, but I can see the damage that each of us children have taken with us as a result, and it is not pretty. We watched one parent being dominated by the other and it being accepted over and over again. Now I can see myself and my siblings allowing others to treat us badly or take advantage of us, and we accept that far too easily, sometimes not even realizing that it is happening because it feels all too familiar. I have one sibling who can be that bully, too. It's a sad state of affairs. I think my eyes are open to that far more than those of my siblings, but I still fall victim to that easily because of my giving nature. I find that some people tend to take what they want and need from me without returning much, if anything, and leaving me feel empty and used. My life has been so full of such experiences that it leaves me, by times, wondering how much self-respect I have to allow it to happen again and again.

So please, remove the blinders. Give others the respect they deserve, but just as importantly, have enough self-respect not to allow yourself to be dominated or used by others. Don't become a bully and don't accept disrespect in your life. You are worth it.