Just because I enjoy it....

(if you want to play the video and the background music is playing you can pause the music at the bottom of the page.)



Hello world
Hope you're listenin'
Forgive me if I'm young
For speaking out of turn
There's someone I've been missing
And I think that they could be
The better half of me
They're in their wrong place trying to make it right
But I'm tired of justifying
So I say to you

Come home
Come home
Cause I've been waiting for you
For so long
For so long
And right now there's a war between the vanities
But all I see is you and me
The fight for you is all I've ever known
So come home
Oooh

I get lost in the beauty
Of everything I see
The world ain't half as bad
As they paint it to be
If all the sons
All the daughters
Stopped to take it in
Well hopefully the hate subsides and the love can begin
It might start now... Yeahh
Well maybe I'm just dreaming out loud
Until then

Come home
Come home
Cause I've been waiting for you
For so long
For so long
And right now there's a war between the vanities
But all I see is you and me
The fight for you is all I've ever known
Ever known
So come home
Oooh

Everything I can't be
Is everything you should be
And that's why I need you here
Everything I can't be
Is everything you should be
And that's why I need you here
So hear this now

Come home
Come home
Cause I've been waiting for you
For so long
For so long
And right now there's a war between the vanities
But all I see is you and me
The fight for you is all I've ever known
Ever known
So come home
Come home

So when was the last time I posted.......

Yep.  I am behind that is correct.  A lot has been going on though.  

So, I am driving around today at lunch pick up some movies, go to the bank and get lunch and exhibiting my normal road rage (I swear I am going to get a job at the DMV so I can stamp DENIED - DENIED - DENIED on everyone's application) and out of nowhere what song is suddenly stuck in my head.....BABY GOT BACK - Really?????  WTH did that come from....I must be losing my mind for sure! "Oh baby, I wanna get wit'....." oh wait, see there you go it happened again!  Anyhoo....the DMV....Yep, whomever it is that gets to decide who gets one of those nice little cards with their picture on it needs a good swift KICK!  What is wrong with people?  They are all in their own little bubbles which would not be totally bad if they could at least operate and control their little bubbles!!  I know I have been on this box before but for real....IF You CanNOT Park it or Drive it...DON'T BUY IT!!!!  I really think this is a good rule of thumb.  I mean I like a Ducati personally but do you see me cruising around on one.....UM NO!  Common Sense people.  Stick with what you know until you learn what you don't.

So Starla had a rough week last week and I decided over the weekend we would go on a picture adventure!  A day out, running around, no worries and of course some picture snapping for my Snapshot blog.  So we chose Sunday.  We left around 8:30-9am and had a plan.  Well as usual plans just didn't go as planned.  I am starting to wonder what the point of a plan is anyway.  It always changes so why bother?  Who knows...anyway....Our first top was going to be the English Mountain Fall.  OK....So....we are pretty sure we did eventually find the correct road but needless to say we never did make it to the fall.  The road got smaller and smaller, the hill got steeper and steeper, the snow started appearing more and more (now mind you where we started at the bottom of that mountain it was 60+ and SUNNY) and well my civic is simply not a 4WD so went it started getting a little too sketchy and the turns with the slightest bit of room to turn my tiny car around were too tiny I very cautiously turned my little car around and we headed back down.  That will have to be a jeep trip or a 80 degree day trip for my little car!  It was eventful though.  We even met a nice little suicidal doggy.  Yep, I pull over at a proper pull off and take a pic of a house and get back in the car and out of nowhere appears this white ball of fur with a haunting stare.  So I get back in my car and of course proceed with caution. (I hit a bunny one time - it committed suicide - and then I cried all morning and didn't eat lunch I was so upset - I tried everything in my power to not hit that little guy and he was just determined!)  Anyway, off subject there.  So I am driving slowly but being sure not to actually stop and the demon dog proceeds to pop up in front of my bumper for a good quarter mile!  I was laying on the horn, making all sorts of noise and clearly along with the demon dog his owners didn't care either.  Nobody ever came out to get him.....it was very stressful and eventually we get past him.  So.....as we pass him again, now this time I am driving down the mountain and the moment we think we are clear these furry ears and nose pop up dead center of my bumper!  Starla and I both let out simultaneous screams that would impress any Hollywood producer out there!  I just knew that demon dog was dead!  Nope...it was there jumping on the hood of my car popping up like a sneaky little weasel for a good quarter of a mile back down the road!

So, once that was all over I decided to take her to the Historic Harrisburg Covered Bridge.  I mean it was down the road and I had never actually been to it although I knew it was there.  It is one of only 4 existing covered bridges in Tennessee.  So off we go.....of course my GPS didn't want to take any address I gave it for some reason that day so I called a friend of ours that used to live on the stinking road.  Go figure....she gets us lost!  She says go here and go there then be careful when you drive over the bridge because it is only one lane!  Don't want to get hit.  She says "then if you just keep driving it will take you into the arts part of Gatlinburg" - Great, I am totally good with that.  Well asked some man down the road about the easiest way and he got me to the correct road......saw the bridge, took pictures and to my surprise Starla even read the sign and the info on it!  We are off to Gatlinburg....Oh wait....you would know there is just no way it could be so simple!  HA HA HA  So next thing you know I am hearing banjos and Starla is checking the door locks and looking a bit uneasy in her seat.  Heck what am I talking about - we were in deliverance!  I was feeling a little uneasy myself.  Eventually we do find a spot to turn around, I mean this was beyond "back road".  I just wasn't sure we were going to make it off that road ALIVE!  What an adventure I must say.  I heard banjos playing all night long!

Next stop....well after food of course...we had a nice lunch at the Brewery in P.Forge and then off to Cades Cove.  Of course, I am playing with my new GPS (which I quickly discovered I was way smarter than) and it takes me the Gatlinburg way.  Well I wanted to go through Townsend, none the less we are following the GPS lady.  So after some confusion (because my GPS is a bit of a moron)  We end up going the very long route to Cades Cove.  No biggy, we are in no hurry and hey, I drive a civic...I am good on gas.  Of course some roads are still wet and some still have a little snow but no biggie still.  We keep on going and enjoying the ride up River Road and the scenery of course is all worth it.  Starla enjoyed her trip to Cades Cove although it was really too late for much wildlife, I told her next time we are going EARLY.  We got out some and let her do some exploring and snapped pictures all that jazz.  Saw this sweet older couple.  She had a snazzy camera was was going to take her husbands picture and so I offered to take one of the both of them.  of course she was all excited and I snapped a few pictures for them and she said "this will be a great birthday picture honey!" aww so sweet they are doing this for his birthday and out having fun at that age.  I give her the camera back and she is checking out the pictures and as she walks away she says "Oh, this is great!, I am putting this as my new Facebook Profile Picture!"   BAWHWHWHW  Starla and I both giggled, how cute was that.  It was great.  I thought it was adorable that this woman was on facebook and so excited to go home and update her picture.....Sweet as could be!

We head out and well that took a LONG TIME!  I mean the first warm weekend and there was really nobody in the South East it seemed not at Cades Cove.   Of course when we eventually hit cell coverage area again my mother was about to have a stroke that we had been kidnapped in deliverance and she and dad were ready to call the law as they had been calling one another and texting me and Starla for hours.  Of course, the one time she doesn't call my sister and my sister knew exactly where I was.  We had talked to her before we went into Gatlinburg but mom didn't want to call and worry her since Starla was with me.  I find that interesting....I mean really?  My sister wont care if I get kidnapped just if Starla gets kidnapped?  Hmmmm  I will keep that in mind come the birthday/holiday time....LOL   Anyway long day, lots of adventure, we had a blast and it was good.  

"I just can't help myself, I'm actin' like and animal. Now here's my scandal....."  Ooops...did it again!

Work has been work......I have no changes to share at this time on that front.  I am still doing good with my snapshots.  I have yet to miss a post.  Just 10.75 more months to go!   ha ha

There is your update for now.....more later....promise!

At twilight, nature is not without loveliness, 

though perhaps its chief use is 

to illustrate quotations from the poets. 

~ Oscar Wilde

and so today was an interesting day......leading me back to this previous post.....

"Year 2011 Career (Libra)

You're still revamping your true vocational calling by cutting out all of the extraneous little side-jobs that once ate up so much of your precious time. The final days of the North Node in your career sector at the start of 2011 give you one last prodding to determine your own true north. No longer can you beg the question. Fence sitting in all aspects of your life is quickly becoming an extinct option, especially when it comes to your work. By nature you're indecisive but 2011 is the year for commitment. Put your doubts aside and just get on with what you do best: bringing more beauty and harmony to everything you touch. At the end of the day, you're an artist -- and that's that. 

Although you may still be saddled with your fair share of responsibilities, you're finally able to see the forest through the trees and get a grip on the bigger career picture. You prefer any work that involves socializing, utilizing your creative and intellectual talents and of course flirting your heart out. This is why sitting behind an isolated desk doing menial tasks will just never rock your world. You're finally coming to terms with saying no to anything you consider a giant waste of your time, and you can thank Saturn for that. Adding to the planetary support to align work with soul, Neptune, the planet of glamour and dreams enters your work sector this April through August. It shall then again return in 2012 to stay for an extended 14-year ride, making sure that you absolutely adore what you do. This is a wonderful opportunity to find meaning and inspiration in your work."

 

"The wise man bridges the gap by laying out the path 

by means of which he can get from where he

is to where he wants to go."

~ John Pierpont Morgan

a flower blooming in the desert sunshine

Just love this entire album....

Trying hard to swallow this pill
Maybe then I'll be able to feel
I can do it, I know I will
Trying hard to make it go down
Always manage to slip and slide
Always taking a carpet ride
Always wanted to look not hide
Cause I never want to be found
until I take a look around

Cause They think I'm a waste of time
They think I'm lost and that's fine
They call me crazy while they're holding me down
But I'm overflowing and I'm gonna get it out

Maybe I can walk on the sun
Maybe I'll be the only one
Man I just want to have some fun
Cause baby I'm born to roam

They can try to turn off the light
But they better expect a fight
They can try with all their might
But I'm never gonna go home,
So please leave me alone

They think I'm a waste of time
They think I'm lost and that's fine
They call me crazy while they're holding me down
But I'm overflowing and I'm gonna get it out

It's taken all my life, it's taken all this time
And only I know why
Gotta make a plan gotta take a stand,
tell them who I am
So I can breathe this morning

Cause They think I'm a waste of time
They think I'm lost and that's fine
They call me crazy while they're holding me down
But I'm overflowing and I'm gonna get it out

 

Cause They think I'm a waste of time
They think I'm lost and that's fine
They call me crazy while they're holding me down
But I'm overflowing and I'm gonna get it out

Toby Lightman

Overflowing

Bird on a wire

Just one of many little treasures hanging from the tree in the cemetery

♥ ♥ ♥

Ahhh what a beautiful start to the new year it has been!  I feel so blessed to live where I do.  We of course have the beautiful mountains, the wonderful luxury of 4 true seasons; every day is something new.  We are also very lucky that in the specific area we are in we have been missed by the natural disasters that seem to take over in so many areas.  We don't get earthquakes, hurricanes and we have even been missed by the tornadoes.  It almost seems at time that we live in this little protected bubble.  We are luckier than we often think in regards to all of this.  The news said Thursday that our area had 6.1" of snowfall all together since the first snowfall of the season.  I mean really?  What on earth are people complaining about.  You would think that we had 6"+ each snowfall and people had been stuck inside for days.  In our area we haven't seen any major snows, we haven't lost our power due to the snow.  All of these people that seem to preach "Find the good in everything" seem to lose sight of their own words so often.  The way I see it.....I chose to live here and if I don't appreciate the mountains I don't have to live in them.  We have some time left of 20-30 degree temps because in case anyone forgot - it is Winter!  That is one of our 4 seasons.  It is going to happen like it or not and if it is going to be this cold I feel blessed that it is so beautiful!  Think about the areas just an hour or so from where we live that have had serious snow storms (being stuck for days and days - not just leaving late for work), the floods and tornadoes that have taken over neighboring communities, the hurricanes that leave nothing untouched.  This small little area we call home, taking all of these things into consideration, is a very special place.  Mom always says, find the good in the day.  I feel like I have been saying that to a lot of people lately that just don't get how blessed we are to live where we live.  You might get into work a little later than planned but your drive there will be beautiful.  Take a step back and soak it all in or, I guess you could consider relocation and see if you would be more of a fan of all the disasters surrounding us.  I think I will stay here.  I think I am good with having my moderate seasons.  To each their own but I love my seasons.  There is something special about all of them. Of course, our past 2 summers have just been absurdly hot BUT they are just seasons.  We get a break from one every couple months and move on to another.  At least every day is not nasty, sticky hot and every day is not a little winter storm.  Variety is the spice of life and we get that here!

The boys from the neighborhood have decided that pulling one another on sleds tied to 4 wheelers in the field outback is a good way to enjoy the winter evening.  I have to admit, it is a little funny when I walk out and see one falling off....the laughs are so loud it is hard to believe they are not right in the back yard!  LOL

Not to mention, Mother Nature has give me a wonderful background for my new daily snapshot blog!

BEAUTY EVERYWHERE!

Such Simple Beauty

♥ ♥ ♥

Loving Mother Nature

♥ ♥ ♥

♥ ♥ ♥

"Our task must be to free ourselves 

by widening our circle of compassion 

to embrace all living creatures and 

the whole of nature and its beauty." 

~ Albert Einstein

♥ ♥ ♥

I have been here, just not doing a great job of updating....sorry!  I have however started my daily snapshot which with dedication will be updated daily!  So, I have been doing a lot of thinking about a lot of different things lately.  I have to say, although it was just a dusting, it was nice to see that little bit of snow outside Christmas morning!  We have already had more this year (which is not much at all) then we have had in the 13 years I have lived here.....It is crazy!  There are so many kids around here that just have no clue what to do when it snows.  Should they look at it, ignore it, maybe walk in it......PLAY IN IT!!!  Of course they have never really had snow to play in so this is a new concept for them.  PLAY, PLAY, PLAY!!  I know it is not going to amount to anything but as I am writing the little flurries are falling outside my window.  It makes my heart smile!

I am very thankful that I am able to have my Mamaw.  She is over 75 and STILL works 40 HRS A WEEK on her FEET and is still kicking!!  I hope she lives to break the record for oldest person!  For some reason when we get together be it for Christmas or even her birthday everyone is always rushing her and pushing her.  It drives me mad!  I love to watch her open her gifts.  It is just pure joy.  Here is this woman that has worked her ass off her entire life and has no understanding of what the word retirement means.  She still works 40 hrs a week or more on her feet all day long.  Yes, she deserves more than a gold star for sure! I love and appreciate how she finds she joy in the smallest part of it.  Now, we have been brought up to save where we can so yes, we are that family that saves bags and uses them the next year, BUT Mamaw actually takes note of the small things.  The simplest little bow.  She appreciates the entire package not just what is in it.  She was so cute Christmas day opening her gifts and commenting on the bows and bags and then this one she picked up and she just loved the paper!  She says, "Hmmm well, I guess there is no way to really save the papers is there?"  She cracks me up.  Anyway, I guess that turned in to a long story rather than a short one but I guess it just really irritates me how everyone is always pushing her and rushing her on to the next thing.  Like and impatient room of children waiting for the final school bell to ring all clambering in line at the door about to run over one another. This year it seems especially here close to the holidays so many people close to me have lost the ones they love.  Parents, Grandparents, Children......I can say for sure that I don't want to be that person down the road saying to myself, "What I wouldn't give for an opportunity to see the joy Mamaw found in something so simple and small".  I want to appreciate every second of it.  So, as far as I am concerned if she wants to take 10 minutes to open her gifts of 45 minutes.....APPRECIATE THEM.  Tomorrow is not promised.  It just annoys me when she gets pushed.  At 75+ she should be able soak some things up and enjoy them.   Just my thought, everyone has their own opinion.

For some reason here on a daily basis I am learning how truly selfish and ungrateful people can be.  I had some one that has gone on and one for a year now about how hard things are for them and blah blah blah only to discover that they make 5xs or more what I make in a year.  All I can say to that is don't come crying to me that you have a car payment and I don't so your finances are SO flipping hard.  Good lord, you make more than 2xs what the owner of my place of employment makes so cry me a flipping river....nope, not listening to that anymore for sure.  Had someone say they felt bad for a salesman that has had it made in the shade for years because over 15 years later someone has finally stepped in and told them they had to actually get out of their chair more than once a day.  Well hello!  About time they quit paying you for nothing.  Some people have just been too spoiled for way too long.  Listened to another person talk about their Christmas.  Well I think when we started the conversation we expected to hear good things.  No such luck!  Got to hear how the two things they asked for were exactly what they got.  Well not "exactly".  The coffee maker was not cheap and was the good one but it wasn't the BEST one so they actually allowed this to cause a fight on Christmas morning.  Really?  What happened to just simply saying THANK YOU!  Heck, they didn't have to buy you anything at all.  Appreciate the fact that they paid attention and got you something they new you wanted.  If you didn't like the style exchange it later.  It is OK.  Say THANK YOU!  Well then someone else entered the conversation and asked about the other gift.....OH LORD........that is when it hit the fan!!  I mean apparently they got exact ring they requested but the size was slightly off (mind you they were wearing the ring during their entire rant) So of course, in true fashion this was absolutely unacceptable!  I have never seen anyone so angry over a gift before and just because they would need to make a 5 minute stop one after noon and trade it for the correct size.  I mean it was just unbelievable.  I just sat back almost in complete shock.  The only thing I could manage to get out was "It is the thought that counts" and they replied... "Oh hell no it is not and they didn't put any thought into it.  Did they have to return anything I got them" and so on.  I mean it was to the point that the person that asked the question to start with was apologizing for even asking and ended up leaving the room because the rant was still going on.  I have a feeling a lot of people are going to get a big reality check in the near future.

Even if my Christmas wasn't filled with everything I could have written on a wish list, even if we only got a dusting of snow, even if something I got didn't fit and needs to be exchanged, even if........It was still perfect because I had my family to spend it with.  I got another Christmas with my Mamaw and the joy she finds in the small things.  I go about an hours of sleep on an uncomfortable bed that kept moving around but I woke up to enjoy Christmas morning with my Mom.  There are a lot of people that didn't get any of that and that is what is most important.

Monday's I am currently not working.  I have had strep and everything else so I haven't done much with those Mondays.  This week Gracie and I took off to Panther Park for a little walk around lunch time.  It was nice.  It was cool but not freezing and the exercise was good for us so all and all it was a good day.

So tonight is my date night with my favorite little man Dawson.  Oh yeah, his mommy is coming along too....LOL  I don't know how my dear friend Julie ended up with such a cute little man....HA HA  j/k Juliebean.  He acts just like her though and it is hilarious!  It is like free entertainment for sure.  I am looking forward to it though.  I haven't seen him in weeks.  He wanted to come see Gracie on Christmas but I wasn't home.  Spending time with kids is always a good cure for stress if only for just a little while.  They manage to find joy in the smallest of things.

In 2011 I plan on changing some things.  We will see how it goes and how everything plays out.  I will always been making random postings on things I am thankful for.  Since Mamaw has been on my mind so much she was the first for the blog.....lol

Hope everyone is getting their new year started off in the right direction!

"The object of a New Year
is not that we should have a new year.
It is that we should have a new soul."

~ G. K. Chesterton

So, considering I almost always have a camera with me I was going to do a daily snapshot last year but wasn't sure I could keep it up.  Tiff said she has faith I can so I am going to give it a go this year.......

Hope everyone has had a wonderful start to their new year.

http://rens2011dailysnapshot.blogspot.com/

"If the family were a fruit, 

it would be an orange, 

a circle of sections, 

held together but separable

each segment distinct." 

~Letty Cottin Pogrebin

 

 

.........and in 2011

Year 2011 Career (Libra)

You're still revamping your true vocational calling by cutting out all of the extraneous little side-jobs that once ate up so much of your precious time. The final days of the North Node in your career sector at the start of 2011 give you one last prodding to determine your own true north. No longer can you beg the question. Fence sitting in all aspects of your life is quickly becoming an extinct option, especially when it comes to your work. By nature you're indecisive but 2011 is the year for commitment. Put your doubts aside and just get on with what you do best: bringing more beauty and harmony to everything you touch. At the end of the day, you're an artist -- and that's that. 

Although you may still be saddled with your fair share of responsibilities, you're finally able to see the forest through the trees and get a grip on the bigger career picture. You prefer any work that involves socializing, utilizing your creative and intellectual talents and of course flirting your heart out. This is why sitting behind an isolated desk doing menial tasks will just never rock your world. You're finally coming to terms with saying no to anything you consider a giant waste of your time, and you can thank Saturn for that. Adding to the planetary support to align work with soul, Neptune, the planet of glamour and dreams enters your work sector this April through August. It shall then again return in 2012 to stay for an extended 14-year ride, making sure that you absolutely adore what you do. This is a wonderful opportunity to find meaning and inspiration in your work.

So with that being said.....Maybe, just maybe my friend Saturn can light a fire under the tail of my friend Neptune because I might loose my flipping mind if Neptune does not get here before April!  LOL

Year 2011 Romantic

Co-dependency be damned, Libra! You've had your fill of accommodating every wish, desire and need of your mate to your own detriment. You're also finished with sugarcoating the truth and resorting to passive-aggressive tactics to get your needs met. For a sign that prefers balance, such extreme give and no take throws your scales way off kilter. The imbalance can no longer be ignored or justified. The rules of the game have changed and you've learned to just say no. Saturn has been working hard on rebalancing the karmic scales and forcing you to draw some serious lines in order to regain important equilibrium in your partnerships. Relationships continue to be a major priority this year Libra, but topping this list is the relationship you have with number one. Falling in love with yourself and being true to your needs is no longer a luxury but a dire necessity.

So seeing as how I am single.....I don't really feel that applies to my life at the moment......I think I have already gotten to the point before my sign did......LOL

You've survived enough painful romantic disillusionment to last you a lifetime during Neptune's spell in your romantic sector over the past fourteen years. Of course falling in love certainly has it's high points but the crash after the reality check gets to be too much after enough heart-break repeats. The good news is that Neptune leaves your romantic sector for good allowing you to once again trust your perceptions when choosing your match. Love is especially in the air when Venus enters Libra in late September and early October, just in time to guarantee a wonderfully amorous birthday season.

So I was going to say 13 years but I can see the 14 years in there for sure!!  

The first few lines were as if I had written them in my own diary and someone went and plagiarized from me to put them here..............

"The object of a New Year 

is not that we should have a new year. 

It is that we should have a new soul."

~ G. K. Chesterton

Hope you all have a safe and happy new year!

 

The Shoestring Philanthropist......

So, I will post the link to this story below.  I am up for learning about just about anything so I am always looking stuff up in my spare time.  I came across a story called "The Shoestring Philanthropist" that was in Parade magazine.  

You may have heard this story before but when I was little I had begged and begged for money for a toy.  It was cold and snowing and we were at Brendles on Tunnel Rd for those of you that remember that place (I don't think it is still there) anyway, finally my mother had just about enough of it and I supposed wanted to shop in peace so she gave me some money and asked my sister to drive me across the street to K-Mart to get me a toy!  Wooo Hoooo I winned, I winned!  Anyway, as we were leaving the parking lot there was a man standing there looking such a mess, something I guess I had never paid attention to before I mean I was a kid.  He was holding a sign that simply said WILL WORK.  It was not asking for anything, he wasn't being picky.  It was so cold and snowy out so I decided I wanted to help.  So my sister said OK and she rolled the window down and told him to go stand up by the Burger King. (it was in the parking lot) We went through the drive-thru, spent all of my money and what little my sister happened to have in her pocket.  We bought coffee, orange juice, hot food.....we drove back around to the man, crouched down behind the sign to block the wind and gave him all the food.....He was so beyond thankful.  In years since my sister and I have been known to buy a bag of warm deli food, juice and snacks at Wal-Mart or somewhere with the only intention of finding someone as we left to give it to.  Such little things that we so often take for granted can touch someone else in such a big way it is unreal!!

A few years ago my family and I had been to the Copper Cellar on Christmas Eve, it's a nice place, and as we were leaving there was a man, clearly not clean or anything and again it was very cold out.  I watched these people actually cower and grab their bags tighter including a family member of my own whom will remain nameless.  As we were passing I simply turned back around and gave the man my to-go box with my left overs.  It was so appreciative and so grateful.  I turned around and my unnamed family member said "Wow, I just never thought about that!" and I said well, "He didn't want to attack anyone or anything, he is cold, hungry, alone; it is Christmas eve! I mean, really, in most cases I would have taken that box home and it would have sat in the fridge until trash day" and she said you are exactly right, that was very nice.  Yes, it was "leftovers" but really, isn't that about 100 times better than him having to eat something out of the dumpster?  

Some people can't be trusted.  I worked several years here locally in a Package Store in the evenings.  I can't tell you how many people walked in, some times multiple times a day, and purchased "minis" with change and wrinkled up 1's that people had given them.  For those reasons I don't give people $$.  I was traveling with a friend one time and this man and small child were at the station trying to get someone to help as they were out of gas and living in their car.  We decided we would not give him $$ but we would put a little gas in his car.  You can always find simple ways to help others.

I get really frustrated when I see people posting on facebook every day of the week that they are eating out multiple meals a day, at nice places and having their $7 fancy coffee everyday and then they complain about how tight their budget is and they don't reach out to help others, they don't donate when people are raising money for a good cause because they can't afford it.  Eating out every day let a lone multiple meals is stinking expensive!!  Can you imagine how many people you could give a warm coffee and biscuit to, especially this time of year just by skipping that expensive coffee and waiting until you get to work and drinking regular coffee.  1 of your fancy coffee drinks could help 2-3 people they are going without, right there in your very own town.  With the economy so many people are on hard times that never would have been before.  What most seem to take for granted is all it takes is one little thing to happen and we ourselves could be the ones standing in the cold praying for something warm to eat or gas so our family would not freeze in the car! Just simple cut backs make a difference.  I traded buying gifts for the 4 people here at work I normally buy for and took that money and bought Christmas gifts for 2 children in NC.  See, Dec 4th their mother, a girl I went to school with (young, vibrant, whom should have had so much more time) passed away.  Medical bills have been more than what the family could handle.  It will make a difference in those children's lives and that is what matters.  Yes, the people here at work would have enjoyed their gifts but I think I chose the better option this year.  It was a simple trade, a simple choice and a good one!

The thing you hear about it making you feel better....Guess what.....IT IS TRUE!  It will stick with you when you make a habit of it as well.  I have had to make a lot of changes this past quarter with my situation changing and although the cuts have been stressful, frustrating, upsetting.....I still have SO MUCH that others do not and I have to always remind my self when I get so down that I am very blessed. 

I see all of these groups and even know some of these people and it seems that everyone leaves this country to help overs yet there are so many people in our own neighborhoods that NEED help.  My best friend since I was 10 was adopted and had a "Big Brother" through Big Brothers and Sisters program and I have to say, his Big Brother made such a difference in his life and til this day they are still family.  Still see one another, still talk, attend weddings all of that stuff.  It didn't cost this guy $ just a little of his time to help someone else and it was wonderful!  I like to see people help HERE.

Anyway, all that being said, while reading the above mentioned article I came across a group called the Cause & Affect Foundation.  Yes, they help a lot in other countries but when I read their blog I discovered that they also help at home and they have taught other young people to step up and help others as well so you should check them out.  

As you enjoy your holiday vacation time and you are out and about enjoying all the things we should be so blessed and thankful for and you see that man, think, do you really need that leftover box, would it hurt you to share and help someone else??  It will not cost you a dime!

Just a thought.

"I would maintain that thanks 

are the highest form of thought,
and that gratitude is happiness 

doubled by wonder."

~ Gilbert Keith Chesterton

Well I have been a little slack on updating....sorry for that.  So much has been going on.  It is so strange to me that Christmas will be here in just 3 days!  YIKES!  I am not ready for it as I would like to be but it is what it is and some things just will not get done this year.  This is ALWAYS my favorite time of year.  The past couple months though I have been under an unusual amount of stress and it has just not been the same for me this year.  Regardless, it is here, it is going to happen with or without us so we might as well jump right in. I am thankful to have all of my family here and with me for the holidays and all of the "normal" days that take up the space between holidays.  Personally I simply know too many people that don't have that this year and have not had it in the past and my heart always goes out to them as time passes, as I get older, I realize more and more how very blessed those of us are that have it.

Most of you that know me also know that I can be very opinionated although over the years I have learned that I can't always share my opinions with those that need to hear them without hurting feelings so I do a lot of tongue biting too.....LOL   I mean I just don't get how it is so easy for some people around me to take their loved ones for granted.  

I have one friend who's family lives maybe 45 minutes away yet what do they choose to do most holidays?  You might have guessed by now (knowing me) they sit on their rear ends, in their pjs, voluntarily not spending holidays with their loved ones.  I just want to give them a good swift kick.  I mean they make time for co-workers and buddies to eat, drink and be merry and enjoy holidays and completely ignore their family.  "Oh well, we may see them at Christmas"  You may?? WTH is that all about, it is not like you live in a different country or even state for that matter.  You live in a different bordering county.  Get up off you rear end and go!!  Tomorrow is not promised.  I mean I really can't believe that anyone at our age could not grasp that.  Dec. 4th, a girl I grew up with, single mom of 2 children (11 & 13) lost her life.  She was my age.....She wasn't old by any definition of the word and yet she does not have a tomorrow, her children do not have 1 more day with their mother.  They will not spend Christmas with their mother, enjoying the holiday because they are selfish or lazy or ungrateful.  They will not be here because they don't have that option.  What I can say, they made the best of every day they had.  So while you sit on your rear end, in your pjs doing nothing, teaching your children nothing about how blessed you are to have a family.....Tomorrow is NOT Promised.

I have a friend that is not spending the holiday or any time for that matter with his father.  Why you ask?  Well be cause just as the children above he does not have that option.  I will say though that they made every effort to make the best of the time that they had and not just when he fell ill.  They spent time together and valued one another before that.  His daughter got to know her granddaddy.  Even living almost an hour away they saw each other most weekends.  They appreciated one another.......Tomorrow is NOT Promised.

As I sit here and type this there is a funeral precession driving past my office......

You have a grown man that cries to everyone about his children not wanting to be his friend on facebook (mind you we are adults so maybe he should grow a pair, put on his big girl panties and act like the adult in the situation) meanwhile one of his children, after all the hurt and pain they have endured due to his actions, makes the "big gesture" they make the first move (we are talking about a 13 year old, not an adult) and requests their fb friendship, requests that they make an effort to be back in their lives and how does this adult react to a simple question??

CHILD:  Can I come see you on Christmas?

PARENT:  No.

CHILD:  Well can I come see you afterward and give you a Christmas present at least?  (Keep in mind said parent lives 15 minutes up the road)

PARENT:  I don't know if I can find time?

YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!!!!  I mean seriously, tell me one good reason while I should hit the breaks should you ever cross the road in front of my car..... I am waiting..........Oh yeah.....there is not one reason in hell!!  When you are old and everyone is sick of your crap, you will be that nasty old person from tv shows (that we all want to tell ourselves really does not exist) that will be on your death bed approaching you day of judgment and your very own children, your own flesh and blood, will not be standing there by you and who's fault is that?  YOUR FAULT!  Because you  have done such an amazing job of being the adult and not blaming children for your poor choices. 

FRIDAY, December 14, 2010  (You like how I am sneaking in that "blog date" bawhahahaha)

I actually went to Biltmore Candle Light.  I know right, weird, I spent 18 years of my life right up the road and never had been at Christmas time or at night for that matter.  It was beautiful.  I will post a few pics below.  Of course I had to stop before and have my Frank's Pizza.  One of my friends is good friend's with the owner so as I am eating I look over and the owner keeps walking over to the dining room, talking on his cell phone and staring at me.  Then a waitress walks by and says "He is talking about you"  HA HA HA  It made for an interesting dinner and then it was off to Biltmore.  Got home around 1am and sadly woke up Saturday with a migraine and spent the majority of the day sleeping!

BEAUTIFUL! (It should be no surprise that most of Richie Rich was filmed here)

Sneaky Pirate totally snapped this pic when I was not paying attention!!

SUNDAY, December 19, 2010 (Yep....did it again)

Sunday morning I got up, rushed to straighten and clean the house.  I put up some more Christmas decor, just because I am behind does not mean I will not get it done....lol  I headed out, picked up a Christmas gift or two.  Then I went to meet my friend Leylith for lunch.  So we had decided to go to Asian House.  Well we get there and apparently everyone in town had the same idea!  We then decided to go to El Pasarrio in JC.  Well she had never been there so it would be something new for her.  The food is always good, the service is always good so good choice.  Well we get there and our poor waiter gets completely overwhelmed.  Finally about 10 minutes after she gets her food I get mine....no biggie, no schedule so we are just going with the flow.  So half way through our meal the fire alarm starts going off....now let me just say this place is packed and we are all chowing down on some good Mexican food, you look up from the table....everyone looks at the fire alarm, everyone watches all of the staff race towards the kitchen.....not one person stopped eating or got up from their table!!!  We all just continued on like it was no big deal, luckily for all of us, it was no big deal.  Anyway the alarm wont stop beeping until the Fire Department gets there to reset it.  (We are just a few minutes up the road from the JC Fire Department)  About 20 minutes later guess what ..... the fire department shows up!  I mean clearly by that time they place would have burnt to the ground had it been an emergency......Glad to know they are so quick on their feet!   As they walk in to the place, all casual like, they are greeted with loud applause, laughter and tons ppl taking video (I am sure they are all posted on youtube now) when they left they were still shaking their heads trying to figure it all out.....they seemed to think that it taking them 20 minutes to get 1 mile up the road to put out a fire was just no big deal....Needless to say lunch was great and a little free entertainment on the side made for some good laughs.  Afterward we went back to my house and I helped her put teeny tiny pics in a bracelet for her Mother-in-law which I later heard she LOVED so that was great!!  I was more than happy to help out!

So more later, I mean really, you can only put so much into one blog post!  lol

I do hope that everyone takes time out in the future, more than just major holidays, to truly appreciate their families and say a little prayer for all of those who are not so fortunate.

The family.  

We were a strange little band of characters 

trudging through life sharing diseases and toothpaste, 

coveting one another's desserts, hiding shampoo, 

borrowing money, locking each other out of our rooms, 

inflicting pain and kissing to heal it in the same instant, 

loving, laughing, defending, and trying to 

figure out the common thread that 
bound us all together.  

~Erma Bombeck