Sunday, November 30, 2008

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

Christmas is a bridge.
We need bridges as the river of time flows past.
Today's Christmas should mean creating happy hours for tomorrow and reliving those of yesterday.
~Gladys Tabor (Still Cove Journal)

Decorations are going up around town. The Victorian House tour is next week. Christmas movies are on the Hallmark channel 24 hrs. a day. Singing Christmas carols at church. Reading the Christmas story.


I love this time of year!

This year we won't really be decorating for Christmas...at least not like we normally do. Since we are in the process of moving we really can't pull out all the boxes of decorations. There is no room for the Christmas tree in a living room with our possessions stacked  everywhere. We are traveling back and forth from Tennessee to Ohio to work on our new house--not sure what days we'll be where during the month of December. This year Christmas will be crazy and out of the ordinary for us. We are calling it our "family adventure". Memories from Christmas '08 will be packed in our family's heart.

Friday, November 28, 2008

Black Friday Should Be Called "Crazies On The Loose"

Just the other day I blogged about the crazy holiday shoppers on the loose at Walmart. Well, I had no idea at the time just now certifiably insane people actually are! I saw on the news this morning that some poor Walmart worker got trampled by a frenzy of biserko shoppers. Now come on! Is there any sale that is so important that someone has to lose their life for it? How shocking, scary, awful!  Then as the day wore on I saw where two men had it out at the Toys R Us. Now those same two men are dead. Dead over toys????!!! Come on people no toy, gadget, gizmo is worth that. Wouldn't you hate standing at the pearly gates only to have the Lord say, " My son I love you, but bless your heart, you are an idiot. That thing-a-ma-jig was a stupid thing to lose your life over."

My husband and I did go out to Home Depot today. We stayed away from the craziness at the death trap mall. You better believe we stayed far away from Walmart! If anyone tried to run me over I'd have to go Chuck Norris on them. It would not make me a contender for the Happy Walmart Shopper of the year a happy holiday shopper. Scott and I spent our time at Home Depot or what we like to call our home away from home, looking at paneled bifold doors and toilets. Who knew how exciting that could be? I think having a house in the process of being built has altered what I consider a good time. haha.

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Terror In India

Over a dozen terrorists strike in Mumbai, India. Well planned urban terrorism.  Four suspects killed and 9 arrested so far. Some still holed up inside the hotel.  Setting fires, taking hostages. Westerners targeted.

Scary, huh? Does the world just seem like it has gone crazy? I think so. It seems like it is only getting worse all over the  world. Countries around the globe besieged by fanatics, that are bent on terror and destruction.

Now I'm going to stick my neck out here.....I know that there are a lot of people out there that don't like President Bush....but I don't care. I think history will show us that President Bush was a good president--he has kept this country safe during his watch. We haven't had any more terrorists attacks on our own soil since 9/11 and for that I am grateful. Honestly, I am scared for what our future holds as far as terrorism goes. Obama already knows that he will be "tested". He knows that the eyes of the world are on him right now. I think there is a segment of people in this world that want to know just what he will do if they attack. Will he stand strong? Or will he cave? Will our country remain the "the land of the free and the home of the brave"? Or will we sadly become the land of the controlled and the home of the scared?

Look at this news story that I just now read...... Scary, indeed.

Sources: Al Qaeda Targets Amtrak N'east Corridor


Heightened Security Presence In Place At Penn Station; Attack Could Cripple Transit Between Boston, Washington


Cops, Feds Armed With M16s On Patrol For Forseeable Future


CBS News Interactive: America On Guard



NEW YORK (CBS) ― The world's economic fears were violently pushed aside on Wednesday by another global threat -- terrorism.

A massive coordinated attack was launched in Mumbai, India just hours after the FBI warned that Al Qaeda may be targeting New York's subways and railroads.

If Al Qaeda terrorists have their way there will be chaos and mayhem here this holiday season, a mass transit bomb plot that would probably affect all the subway and train lines at Penn and Grand Central stations.

"The threat is serious, the threat is significant, and it is plausible," said Congressman Peter King, R-Long Island, a member of the House Homeland Security Committee.

Uniformed officers, including this NYPD Counter Terrorism Squad members and Amtrak cops with M-16s, flooded Penn Station Wednesday after the FBI said it had received a "plausible but unsubstantiated" report that Al Qaeda operatives discussed a plan two months ago to bomb New York City's mass transit system.

The report said: "These discussions reportedly involved the use of suicide bombers or explosives placed on subway/passenger rail systems."

Sources told CBS 2 HD the plot involved the Long Island Rail Road. If the explosion went off in Penn Station, the source said, it would affect transportation of Amtrak's northeast corridor between Boston and Washington, LIRR service and New York City subway service.

"This is definitely linked to Al Qaeda and they had very significant details about exactly how they would carry out the attack, where they would carry it out -- that's what makes it sound so plausible," Rep. King said.

The NYPD and Metropolitan Transportation Authority said they were on high alert and adding extra manpower. Even before the threat became public Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said he was adding more cops.

"We always have to be concerned when we have large gatherings like on Thanksgiving," Kelly said. "We always have to have sufficient deployment of police officers."

New Yorkers had this reaction to the new threats.

"I've got to get on a train, but that's horrible," commuter Carolyn Tobin said. "I mean ... the memory ... but just like after 9/11, we just kept going on."

Added Ryan Barreiro: "I'm not too worried about it. That's exactly what they want. If they're gonna get you, they're gonna get you."

"I'm not afraid," Rick Hendrickson said. "I've lived here my whole life, in Manhattan, so has my wife and we just take life as it comes along."

Riders can expect a heightened law enforcement presence -- cops, federal agents, canine teams and inspectors.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Simple Life




FOR TODAY (11/25/08)…
Outside my window.....the trees are swaying back and forth as the wind blows.
I am thinking… that I have so much to do by Thursday!
I am thankful for… my health.
From the learning rooms…we are griping about our math today.
From the kitchen…I am getting all my ingredients ready to make an apple cake.
I am wearing…a turquoise colored sweater. It is very warm and cozy. I LOVE sweaters.
I am creating…a legacy.
I am going…to take my daughter to her well check up at the doctors office.
I am reading…a Christmas novel.
I am hoping…that we get into our new house by the end of January.
I am hearing…..the refrigerator hum.
Around the house…is chilly. I have the heat on, but it's still chilly.
One of my favorite things…is eating chocolate peanut butter ice cream.
A few plans for the rest of the week: Christmas shopping,  Visiting with family for Thanksgiving.

From the Simple Woman's Daybook-----

http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Monday, November 24, 2008

Whew! It's Crazy Out There

I know my blogging has been kind of hit or miss lately. I apologize. I've just been extremely busy. Really. Half the time I don't even remember my own name. (Maybe I should start wearing a name tag...that might help.)

On Saturday we realized that we were out of cat litter, so you know what that means? Yes, another trip to Walmart. I had just gone on Thursday and had no desire to go back. It is crazy out there people! BUT when faced with the stinkiness possibilities of what would happen without the necessary cat litter I decided to venture back out into the foray.  I bribed um...suggested that the kids come with me. It would be our family outing for the day.

Now, normally Walmart is no big deal. Everybody "does" Walmart, right? RIGHT??!!! Stay focused people! Stick with the story. Walmart in November and December is my personal torture adventure. First of all I don't want to have to lug a thousand pound container of cat litter around so I grab a cart. Well, I say grab a cart but we all know how the carts are at this beloved place. The cart guy has smashed them together so tight that I practically need the jaws of life to pry them apart. After working up a sweat and running over my foot I managed to get a cart. This would have been fine had it not shot out from my yanking and pulling at NASCAR speed. I would have felt really badly if I had given the little old lady standing near me, a concussion when the rouge cart ran her over. As it was she gave me "the look". You know the evil eye mom look. Hey, she's just lucky she doesn't have tire tracks running down her front. Hmmpppffff!

So, now that I've got the cart we are off! My adrenaline has kicked in after the cart debacle. I look down the long main aisle. I see a mass of humanity before me. All of them running around like ants. My mission is to get to the pet section without any bodily harm accidents.  I am the queen of the obstacle course. I have been known to take the cart on two wheels if necessary. The Great Cart Crash of '04 doesn't count! At this point the kids pretend they don't know me....you think I let this phase me? NO. I just yell their name louder until they are forced to admit that I am indeed the one that they are riding home with. They have threatened to look into witness protection and relocation. I don't understand what their problem is.

When at Walmart one can never just buy the one thing she came for. Is that even possible? In the process of picking up a really snuggly blanket that is marked way down....what is wrong with it? a young child comes shootin' out of the aisle behind me. He is going 100 m.p.h. with his hair on fire. Not really people...that is an expression. Good grief! He whizzed by me so fast that he was just a blur. Where are his zoo keepers parents? You know if you knock a child down (even if you're just standing there and the little tazmanian devil runs into YOU) everyone will look at you like it's your fault. I kept my eyes open for little Taz just incase he decided to whip around the corner and nail me.

At this point I've lost my own children. They are too old to sit in the cart with me. (Fine, 13 is a little old for that....but maybe an electronic tracking device is in order?) While I am not looking for my kids I get side tracked in the toy aisle. I have always been the one who likes to push all the buttons that say TRY ME. I can't help it. Did you know that there is a baby doll now that brushes her teeth, pee pees in the potty among other things and then sings about it. I was listening to her for the fourth first time and was completely taken with her. I would have bought her for someone if she didn't cost a million forty bucks. As I came around the corner (always dangerous) I heard a loud roar. It was a dinosaur. A dinosaur that young children can ride. It moves. There is also a pony. I don't remember this kind of stuff when I was a kid. How unfair sweet!

I eventually find my children in the electronics department. Really, I knew that. They are always there. My son is being a rock star on Guitar Hero and my daughter is looking for a computer game. I tell them it is time to go. NOW. I can't take the noise, clutter, insanity holiday cheer any longer.

After making it through the check out line and safely through the parking lot we all get in the car. I start the car and begin to slowly back out. Just about the time I'm half way into the aisle a bright red SUV comes barreling  through the parking lot. He  just about takes the back end off of my car. My daughter yells, " that little boy in the SUV just flipped us off."  What can I say?  I tell her he obviously wasn't brought up very well and to just ignore his choice of communication.

I just love the torture holiday shopping frenzy.  Time to go home and stay there!!!!

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Radical Rules or A Radical Rules?

Now, it is no secret that Obama read and implemented Saul Alinsky's rules while he was a community organizer in Chicago. (Same city that Alinsky called home)  I never knew what Alinsky's book Rules For Radicals, actually said. I've been doing some research and find his rules very interesting. I can see that Obama was an excellent student of Saul Alinsky's methods....I can see these "rules" all over the 2008 election. ------THE BOLD FACE TYPE IN THIS ARTICLE IS FROM ME-------- This is the man chosen as our president?

Alinsky's Rules for Radicals


By Craig Miyamoto, APR, Fellow PRSA





(This is an expanded version of the 2000 Third Quarter issue of Public Relations Strategies, a quarterly publication of Miyamoto Strategic Counsel)


To paraphrase some sage advice, "keep your friends close, keep your enemies closer." If your business or organization ever becomes a target of radical activists, it will be extremely helpful to know what strategies of attack will used against you. Short of having spies infiltrate their organization - a practice that is sure to be found out and exposed to your discredit - it would help to study their methods.

Known as the "father of modern American radicalism," Saul D. Alinsky (1909-1972) developed strategies and tactics that take the enormous, unfocused emotional energy of grassroots groups and transform it into effective anti-government and anti-corporate activism. Activist organizations teach his ideas widely taught today as a set of model behaviors, and they use these principles to create an emotional commitment to victory - no matter what.

Grassroots pressure on large organizations is reality, and there is every indication that it will grow. Because the conflicts manifest in high-profile public debate and often-panicked decision-making, studying Alinsky's rules will help organizations develop counteractive strategies that can level the playing field.

Governments and corporations have inherent weaknesses. And, time and again, they repeat mistakes that other large organizations have made, even repeating their OWN mistakes. Alinsky's out-of-print book - "Rules for Radicals" - illustrates why opposition groups take on large organizations with utter glee, and why these governments and corporations fail to win.

Large organizations have learned to stonewall and not empower activists. In other words, they try to ignore radical activists and are never as committed to victory as their opposition is committed to defeating them. Result? They are unprepared for the hailstorm of brutal tactics that severely damage their reputation and send them running with their tails between their legs.

Some of these rules are ruthless, but they work. Here are the rules to be aware of:
RULE 1: "Power is not only what you have, but what the enemy thinks you have." Power is derived from 2 main sources - money and people. "Have-Nots" must build power from flesh and blood. (These are two things of which there is a plentiful supply. Government and corporations always have a difficult time appealing to people, and usually do so almost exclusively with economic arguments.)

RULE 2: "Never go outside the expertise of your people." It results in confusion, fear and retreat. Feeling secure adds to the backbone of anyone. (Organizations under attack wonder why radicals don't address the "real" issues. This is why. They avoid things with which they have no knowledge.)

RULE 3: "Whenever possible, go outside the expertise of the enemy." Look for ways to increase insecurity, anxiety and uncertainty. (This happens all the time. Watch how many organizations under attack are blind-sided by seemingly irrelevant arguments that they are then forced to address.)

RULE 4: "Make the enemy live up to its own book of rules." If the rule is that every letter gets a reply, send 30,000 letters. You can kill them with this because no one can possibly obey all of their own rules. (This is a serious rule. The besieged entity's very credibility and reputation is at stake, because if activists catch it lying or not living up to its commitments, they can continue to chip away at the damage.)

RULE 5: "Ridicule is man's most potent weapon." There is no defense. It's irrational. It's infuriating. It also works as a key pressure point to force the enemy into concessions. (Pretty crude, rude and mean, huh? They want to create anger and fear.)

RULE 6: "A good tactic is one your people enjoy." They'll keep doing it without urging and come back to do more. They're doing their thing, and will even suggest better ones. (Radical activists, in this sense, are no different that any other human being. We all avoid "un-fun" activities, and but we revel at and enjoy the ones that work and bring results.)

RULE 7: "A tactic that drags on too long becomes a drag." Don't become old news. (Even radical activists get bored. So to keep them excited and involved, organizers are constantly coming up with new tactics.)

RULE 8: "Keep the pressure on. Never let up." Keep trying new things to keep the opposition off balance. As the opposition masters one approach, hit them from the flank with something new. (Attack, attack, attack from all sides, never giving the reeling organization a chance to rest, regroup, recover and re-strategize.)

RULE 9: "The threat is usually more terrifying than the thing itself." Imagination and ego can dream up many more consequences than any activist. (Perception is reality. Large organizations always prepare a worst-case scenario, something that may be furthest from the activists' minds. The upshot is that the organization will expend enormous time and energy, creating in its own collective mind the direst of conclusions. The possibilities can easily poison the mind and result in demoralization.)

RULE 10: "If you push a negative hard enough, it will push through and become a positive." Violence from the other side can win the public to your side because the public sympathizes with the underdog. (Unions used this tactic. Peaceful [albeit loud] demonstrations during the heyday of unions in the early to mid-20th Century incurred management's wrath, often in the form of violence that eventually brought public sympathy to their side.)

RULE 11: "The price of a successful attack is a constructive alternative." Never let the enemy score points because you're caught without a solution to the problem. (Old saw: If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem. Activist organizations have an agenda, and their strategy is to hold a place at the table, to be given a forum to wield their power. So, they have to have a compromise solution.)

RULE 12: Pick the target, freeze it, personalize it, and polarize it." Cut off the support network and isolate the target from sympathy. Go after people and not institutions; people hurt faster than institutions. (This is cruel, but very effective. Direct, personalized criticism and ridicule works.)

Friday, November 21, 2008

God Glitter

I know I've mentioned this before but I just can't help myself. The other night Scott and I (and the kids) had just gotten back from visiting in N.Y. We stopped by the house site in Ohio before going to the apartment. (I will be SO glad when we finally move, I'm tired of that little apt. and the traveling back and forth from our home in TN. to OH. Six hour drives seem VERY long!)

So anyway, I was standing outside. It was very cold and very crisp outside. Like freezing your ears and nose off kind of cold..... but I didn't care because I was completely mesmorized by the beautiful stars in the sky. I'm not kidding. I couldn't look away. I told Scott that I'd have moved out here just for this view at night. We are going to live in the country....no street lights....not many other houses.....It is really, really dark at night. When I stood out in what will be our front yard, I stared up into the heavens and it seemed to me that God had flung silver glitter as far as I could see. It was the most brilliant sight. All I could think about was, "Wow. Father Your work really is magnificant. Thank you so very much for this incredible beauty."

Living in the city for the past 16 years makes it difficult to really see the night sky. The lights interfere with truly being able to appreciate what is overhead. Ever since I was very young I've loved astronomy. I remember reading TIME magazine articles about scientist's latest discoveries. I'd pour over books about the planets and the solar system.....amazed by our Milky Way galaxy. I think for my birthday in the spring, I'm asking for a telescope. I'll spend many nights outside enjoying the night sky. That sounds good to me.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

They Don't Make 'Em Like That Anymore

I just finished watching The Bishop's Wife. The 1947 movie starring Cary Grant, Loretta Young, and David Niven.  It is one of my favorite Christmas movies, along with White Christmas and Holiday Inn.

Hollywood just doesn't make good (as in timeless) movies anymore. Back then the men wore suits, the ladies wore pretty hats. Men treated the ladies like ladies and it wasn't unheard of to show husbands and wives loving each other, and families getting along. God is mentioned and it isn't in a derogatory manner. What a quaint idea by today's standards.

I enjoy watching the classics. The old black and white movies. The remakes are nice, but they are never as good as the real thing.

I love to watch Christmas movies.....and it is just getting ready to start! All the channels will have Christmas movies on. I can't wait! I'll spend several evenings over the next month, snuggled up in a blanket, maybe with some popcorn, watching the movies that make me smile and warm me ---no matter how cold it is outside.

Friday, November 14, 2008

One Day We'll Wake Up and Nothing Will Be The Same

I recently read an article about the UN's Childrens Rights Act provided by the Home School Legal Defense Association, of which I am a member. Since I am a reader, researcher, home schooler, parent, and all around curious person I did a little research of my own. What I learned is truly terrifying and should give all of us as parents pause to think. It matters not whether you choose to home school your children, it has to do with your rights and responsibilities as a parent to your children. Please read with your eyes wide open.

Here are some excerpts from HSLDA before I have you read what the UN has to say...............

What Can We Expect under
an Obama Administration?


We do know that the Democratic Party has an official position of supporting public education. The National Education Association (NEA), which is the national teachers union, is a major supporter of the Democratic Party. We KNOW that the NEA’s position is that every child should be either taught by a certified teacher or supervised by one. Additionally, their position is that the curriculum used by all homeschoolers should be approved BY THE STATE, and children should ONLY be able to continue to be homeschooled based upon systematic evaluation BY THE STATE.

It is important to remember that under the United States Constitution, the federal government has no authority over private and home education. This is not to say that they will not attempt to exercise authority in these areas. And whenever private educators accept grants and benefits, there are conditions to receiving those benefits, including being subject to regulation............

Now, for those of us that want LESS government, not more, that is of course bad enough.....BUT here is the thing that should put fear in every parents heart.
"An immediate concern to watch is the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Although we do not know what Barack Obama’s specific position on the treaty is, we know that future Vice President Joe Biden has publicly indicated that this UN Convention should be ratified by the United States.

It does appear that we will soon have the challenge of keeping the UN Convention from being ratified by the U.S. Senate, ratification requiring a two-thirds majority to pass.

Should the UN Convention be ratified, it would impose the United Nation’s view of children’s rights on America. Under the U.S. Constitution, treaties become the Supreme Law of the land, taking precedent over state laws and state supreme court decisions.
The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child is not in the best interest of parents or children, as it would undermine the parental authority that our laws currently recognize. For further information on the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child visit ParentalRights.org.

I suggest you go and check out those parental rights. See what the UN wants for our children...for parents to be nothing more then caregivers. That we as families would have state assigned "guardians" to watch over us and make sure we are doing the right thing for our children according to the state. As a mother, it breaks my heart to read what the UN considers in the best interest of the child. Will we as parents, grandparents, and family stand by while we lose our children to a secular and humanist world? Be vigilant, take the time to investigate for yourself, keep your eyes open. Sometimes the world draws a line in the sand....and there is a decision to make. The majority of the time "the world" is complacent. Apathy is a way of life. Don't be part of "the world". Stand firm and strong at that line in the sand.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Exactly!!

I like to read Dennis Prager's Column. I especially liked what he had to say today. This really sums up so much of what I feel. So instead of trying to put this all in my own words I hope that Mr. Prager won't mind if I just allow you to read what he has to say on the subject.

Some Positive Reactions from the Right--- by Dennis Prager

About The Author


Dennis Prager is a radio show host, contributing columnist for Townhall.com, and author of 4 books including Happiness Is a Serious Problem: A Human Nature Repair Manual.

I spent a good part of the past year speaking and writing against the election of Barack Obama. During the last week of the campaign, my Salem Radio Network colleagues, Hugh Hewitt and Michael Medved, and I spoke on behalf of the McCain-Palin ticket in the Battleground states of Colorado, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Florida.

One would expect that I would be devastated at Barack Obamas election -- as devastated as liberals were at the reelection of George W. Bush in 2004. I am not -- yet. Here are some reasons why:

1. Republicans won the election of 2004, an election that was more important to the future of America and the world than was this election. Had Sen. John Kerry won in 2004, America would have left Iraq in defeat and Islamists would have won their greatest victory ever. Millions of young Muslims would likely have seen in Islamic jihadism humanitys future and signed up for terror; and Iraq would have degenerated into genocidal chaos.

2. The election of a black president is good for blacks, good for whites, and therefore very good for America.

At least at this moment -- no one can predict the future -- many more blacks feel fully American, and fewer blacks regard white America as racist than ever before. One cannot attain a higher status than the American presidency, and a black man will now occupy that position. As the Hoover Institutions Shelby Steele wrote, this is the first time in history that a majority white nation elected a black as its leader.

Conservatives are not surprised. I have argued for decades that America is the least racist country in the world. By and large, only Americans on the right have believed, or at least had the courage to say, this. Now that fact is obvious to virtually anyone with eyes to see.

3. The Obama victory poses a serious challenge to liberalism and to the doctrine of black victimhood.

If fewer and fewer blacks perceive white Americans as racist, a major reason for black support for liberalism could lose its appeal to blacks. On the other hand, if liberalism continues to portray blacks as victims of white racism, more white Americans will regard liberalism as phony -- or worse, as stirring up racial tensions for political gain.

Most whites are tired of racial tension, tired of being portrayed as racist, tired of their children being taught in college that they are either consciously or unconsciously racist, tired of lowering standards for blacks or anyone else. Continued...

So the Obama victory puts liberals in a bind. They either acknowledge the reality of an essentially non-racist America and thereby alienate black and white liberals still committed to this proposition or they continue to play the America is racist card and alienate many whites.

The challenge the Obama victory poses to many blacks is that they will have to abandon ascribing black problems -- such as disproportionate amounts of violent crime and the highest rate of out-of-wedlock births in America -- to racism. Fewer and fewer white Americans will tolerate being blamed for problems within black life.

4. The Obama victory will bring clarity to Americas place in the world.

Now that America is apparently loved again, we shall see how this plays out beyond emotional rhetoric. Will Europe contribute significantly more troops to Afghanistan? Will Germany now allow its NATO troops to shoot at Taliban fighters (thus far they have been allowed to shoot only if shot at)? Will our allies and Russia and China place the needed sanctions on Iran to prevent it from developing a nuclear device? Or is Americas being loved irrelevant to how other countries behave?

5. Conservatives will be able to show how much more decently they act when they are out of power.

The treatment of President George W. Bush by liberals has been despicable, undeserved and unprecedented. We who oppose Barack Obamas policies will, hopefully, act in accordance with conservative values of decency. Hence my simple announcement on the day after the election: I did not vote for him. I did not want him to be president. But as of January 20, 2009, Barack Obama will be my president.

Barack Obama may have a successful presidency or a failed one. If he allows the left wing of the Democratic Party to set his agenda, it will be the latter. In the meantime, however, we can celebrate the aforementioned good of Barack Obamas election and pray for him and for our beloved country.

Simple Life

FOR TODAY (11/11/08)...
Outside my window...The sky is gray and cold.
I am thinking... that I am a very blessed woman.
I am thankful for... family.
From the learning rooms...we are taking a "vacation" break.
From the kitchen...my mother in law is fixing a big Thanksgiving style dinner.
I am wearing...a new blue sweater. It is very warm and cozy.
I am creating...memories.
I am going...wherever the family decides to go today.
I am reading...Breakthrough by Suzanne Somers.
I am hoping...that we will be able to get our house building finished by the end of this year.
I am hearing...my family talking.
Around the house...Molly the kitten is running around.
One of my favorite things...is reading a good book.
A few plans for the rest of the week:Visiting with family here in N.Y

Mention my blog and offer a link back to the main page of my blog. http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Step Back and Take A Deep Breath

I think it is pretty interesting listening to talk radio right now. Sean Hannity is starting the conservative underground. I guess those of us that are conservative republicans (as opposed to the more moderate republicans of the group) are going to have to just hang tough over the next 4 years. We might be down, but we are definitely not out.

I've already seen interviews and news clips of people who think that this presidency will issue "a free ride" for them.  Welfare, bailouts, moochers. Interesting. I think that there will be some disappointed people when things don't work out the way they assumed they would. Or if they do work out that way and a large population of our country keeps their hand out for more freebies.....then what will become of this country??

I really worry where this will all end up.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

So True...So True...

I am upset with the results of last nights election. My friend, Farrah, so eloquently wrote just what it is that I feel. I am going to share her words.

"Just because God works something out a certain way doesn't mean I need to be excited about it. If I see someone suffer, I'm not going to be happy about it even though I know it might be God's will. It might be punishment for sin. That's still not something to be happy about. Jesus wept. I can weep too. In the OT they asked for a king. God gave them a king and warned them of all the grief they would have. People wanted Obama and now they have him. We'll see how wonderful it is. I am tired of Christians trying to make me feel guilty for not rejoicing about the prospect of Obama winning. It doesn't mean I am not at peace or that I am not trusting God. I am sad for what might happen, but I know I have a home in heaven and that's what matters most. And I will certainly not stop praying for all of our government officials and our nation in general."

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Red, White and Blue

This calling of states is driving me nuts.

Red? Blue? Too close to call?

Oh my goodness...

I want to just bang my head on the wall.

Ugh.

(Sorry, that is all I've got right now. I'm tired. )

I think I'm gonna be sick.

Monday, November 3, 2008

A Funny Story To Cut The Tension

On Election Day eve the air is tense with the possibilities....the arguements have been heated, there is spin on everything and the bloggers are typing furiously......on that note I decided I needed to blog about something funny. I was in the shower tonight, washing my hair when I had an idea. ( I do some of my most profound thinking in the shower. Yes, it's true. I think maybe because it is the only quiet place in the house. If anybody knocks on the door while I'm in the shower I just say, "la la la...I can't hear you! Sorry!" It usually works.)

So for your evening entertainment I have a true story to tell you. This really happened. I was there. I know.

As many of you know I taught as a special education teacher for many, many years. A few years ago I had a 2nd grade student in my class. He was a dead ringer for Dennis the Menace. One morning he came into the classroom and was visibly concerned about something. I asked him what was up? This is how our conversation went down.

B: I think Dad broke his tivvy.

Me: (With an extremely concerned look on my face, because I had no idea what a tivvy was...and wasn't sure I wanted to know how his dad broke it.) Um......that is terrible. How did he almost break it?

B:He was horsing around and just about busted it.

Me: Well, that's just awful! (furiously thinking, how can I figure out what he's talking about without appearing stupid to a 2nd grader?)

B: Yeah, I know. Mom was mad.

Me: Oh, my goodness. Does mom have a tivvy too? (trying to use my best teacher deduction skills)

B: No, she uses Dad's.

Me: What does a tivvy do?

B: You know.

Me: Maybe I don't have a tivvy. I need you to tell me.

B: (Rolling his eyes) You got a tivvy.

Me: What would I use a tivvy for?

B: Huh?! Everyone knows you watch cartoons on a tivvy!!

Me: Oh! A  T.V. !!!!! You're talking about a television?

B: That is what I said, " A tivvy."

Me: (Touche'. Score a point for that southern dialect. haha)

Sunday, November 2, 2008

I Knew He Was Gone...

DISCLAIMER: Be aware that this blog entry will have some things in it that might be difficult or painful to read.

Back in August I did a blog about the memory of my husband's late wife, Nancy.  Now, it is my turn to do a blog entry about my late husband, Kennis. This Tuesday will not just be election day, but also the day that marks the eighth anniversary of my first husband's death.  Honestly, I can hardly believe eight years have gone by. It seems like a lifetime ago.

In late October of 2000 I was vacuuming in our living room. Vacuuming like a mad woman. My life was out of control. My husband was chronically ill. He was dying. We had a lot of medical bills. My life revolved around taking care of him..... I was vacuuming and keeping things in order because it was something I had control over...when everything else was so out of control.  On this particular evening my husband said to me in a premonition of what was to come, "Dawn come here and sit with me. The vacuuming can wait. Sit here with me because you know I won't be here forever. I'm dying." I in an angry voice replied, " No, you won't! I don't want to hear you talk like that." " Yes. Come and sit over here with me." Little did I know how quickly his words would become my reality........November 4, 2000 was a Saturday. Kennis was brought to the hospital by me, the afternoon before with extreme pain. (He had a chronic heart condition that he had been diagnosed with the year before at the ripe old age of 32 years and 8 months) He was okay that morning and we talked and laughed. Some of his family visited and we watched the University of Tenn. play against the University of SC. After the game everyone left and it was just the two of us. Things seemed okay... Kennis called me over to his hospital bed, reached his arms up and pulled me close. "You know I love you, right?", he said in his deep mellow voice. " Of course", I replied as I gazed up at him.  Moments later my husband yanked his IV's out. I didn't understand. I remember being confused as I stared at the crimson stains on the white hospital sheets....his voice echoing in my head...." I have to get up. I have to get up NOW! I need to exercise. I can't just lay here. I have to run in the hallway!" I grabbed the nurses button and started screaming, " Help me! Someone help me, PLEASE! Dear God, HELP ME!" Nurses came running in to Kennis' room asking him questions like, " What is your name? Who is the president? What day is it?" Sometimes he answered correctly, sometimes not. I said, "What is the matter with him?" ( I later found out lack of oxygen made him talk out of his mind.) They just shook their heads....and got some new sheets. Kennis laid back down....but not for long. He got back up. He was screaming at me. I KNEW something was terribly, terribly wrong. I screamed again as this time, my husband slumped over in the chair next to his bed.  His eyes rolled back. All I could see was the white of his eyes. At that moment I knew my husband was gone. I stood like a statue staring at him, my feet felt like I had concrete in them. I couldn't move...even as the nurses and doctors crowded into the room yelling, "He's coding!" I vaguely remember a nurse leading me to another room on the same floor to wait. As I waited, Kennis' mother and father arrived. They had no idea what was going on and were escorted to the room I was in.

Much later the emergency room doctor and Kennis' cardiologist walked in. The emergency room doctor looked directly at me....and I know how hard it must have been for him...."Mrs. Satterfield we lost your husband. I'm so sorry. I worked on him for 45 minutes straight. I couldn't bring myself to stop even though we could never get a solid heartbeat. I didn't want to give up because he was so young with a young family. I'm so very sorry." At first I was confused...you lost him? Where is he at? Then I said, " you mean he is dead." I didn't cry. I actually thanked him for his effort. It was all very strange, that I felt I should be polite. I guess that is the body's way of coping with extremely painful news. Don't think. Just do.  Though I was quiet, Kennis' mom let out the most mournful scream I've ever heard. It made the hairs on my arms stand up, like with goosebumps. She slumped on her husband saying, "not my baby boy. not my baby boy. Dear Jesus, why my baby boy?" I remember at that very moment I felt worse for her then I did for myself...I lost my spouse, but she had lost her son. Thinking about our own 5 year old son who at the time was with my mother, I couldn't begin to imagine the pain of losing a child.

Over the days that followed my family and friends were there to support me. They helped me every step of the way. They helped my son, and me to not feel alone. Life started to be a new kind of normal for us. It wasn't the same mind you...it never would be the same, but life could be good again. Indeed, it has been good. God, in scripture, told me that He is a defender of widows and a father to the fatherless. He would never leave me. I cannot imagine what my life would have been like if I didn't know the Lord. My hopelessness was replaced with hope. My grief was replaced with peace. It didn't happen immediately, and there were days that were difficult...but God carried me through the most difficult times and brought me out on the other side.  Scripture also tells me, and I believe that God allows us to go through certain trials so that we can help others when they are in similar trials. I understand things now that it would have been impossible for me to understand had I not had to walk through the valley.

Shortly after my husband's funeral I was cleaning in our bedroom. Trying to straighten things up...it was something to do, you know what I mean. I was trying to stay busy. I looked over at our dresser and noticed a piece of paper that I hadn't seen there before. It was a scripture verse that had been written out in my husband's own handwriting. I gently picked it up and read the familiar scrawl. This scripture was a message to me. A message from a wonderful and loving God. He gave me this message to read. A message that He had also given Kennis. "However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him." (I Corinthians 2:9) What peace I had after reading that. Thank you Lord.

When I think of my late husband I think of truck driving, and NASCAR, Earnhardt, and baseball caps. Woodworking and cooking. Grill master, canning and apple pies. He loved the University of Tennessee football, and his white pick up truck. He loved his daughters and son. He'd try to fix anything and if he couldn't then he'd fake it:) I remember trips to the Bahamas, Florida and St. Louis. I remember the week I spent with him in the big rig. (and realized I could never do that! haha.) Memories tucked away in my mind...

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Get Ready Canada...You Might Have People Knocking At Your Door

I don't know why I do this to myself...I read these political blogs that just make me sick... Jack's blog from CNN. Now, I don't watch CNN and I sort of just happened on this particular blog--you know how the internet is, you can easily skip from one thing to another.  Well, the question was this: What will you do if your candidate loses the election? Now, I said this was from CNN so as you can imagine most responders to this blog are democrats and very liberal. I should have known better then to actually read the comments but it's sort of like a train wreck, I just had to look. (stupid me!)

Many of the people said that if THEIR candidate loses (Obama the messiah, of course) then they are moving to Canada. I'm serious a ton of the responders said that. Now, I think Canada is a great and beautiful country but I love my country and I'm not bailing on it....even if MY candidate (and NO it's not Mr. Obama) loses the election. Anyone that would ditch our country because Obama loses then I say, "see ya and don't let the door hit ya in the tail on the way out." I'm disgusted by these responses. I really am. But hey, we live in a FREE country where we can make our OWN choices (at least for now--I don't know if that will be the case if Mr. Socialist is prez) and if you want to move then GO. That's your right.... But if you do leave, do the rest of us PATRIOTS a favor and don't come back. We don't need people who bail on us.

If you don't drink the Kool-aid then get off my plane!!

Awww......if you don't endorse me then I don't want to be your friend anymore!!

PURGE: SKEPTICAL REPORTERS TOSSED OFF OBAMA PLANE
Fri Oct 31 2008 08:39:55 ET

NY POST, DALLAS MORNING NEWS, WASHINGTON TIMES TOLD TO GET OUT... ALL 3 ENDORSED MCCAIN

**Exclusive**

The Obama campaign has decided to heave out three newspapers from its plane for the final days of its blitz across battleground states -- and all three endorsed Sen. John McCain for president!

The NY POST, WASHINGTON TIMES and DALLAS MORNING NEWS have all been told to move out by Sunday to make room for network bigwigs -- and possibly for the inclusion of reporters from two black magazines, ESSENCE and JET, the DRUDGE REPORT has learned.

Despite pleas from top editors of the three newspapers that have covered the campaign for months at extraordinary cost, the Obama campaign says their reporters -- and possibly others -- will have to vacate their coveted seats so more power players can document the final days of Sen. Barack Obama's historic campaign to become the first black American president.

MORE

Some told the DRUDGE REPORT that the reporters are being ousted to bring on documentary film-makers to record the final days; others expect to see on board more sympathetic members of the media, including the NY TIMES' Maureen Dowd, who once complained that she was barred from McCain's Straight Talk Express airplane.

After a week of quiet but desperate behind-the-scenes negotiations, the reporters of the three papers heard last night that they were definitely off for the final swing. They are already planning how to cover the final days by flying commercial or driving from event to event.

Developing...