Just got back from Las Vegas last night and no time to really write, since I am flyin' off to OKC this morning! I took a few cool photos in Vegas to share in my photo blog, and hopefully, I will take lots of them in Oklahoma too. So, I will miss all of you and your journals and probably suffer from some serious 'puter withdrawls symptoms while I am gone! :)
Leavin' on a jet plane,
Lisa
He enjoys true leisure who has time to improve his soul's estate.
~Henry David Thoreau
Hmmmmmmm....It's so dang quiet here tonight, I just don't know how to act. I am loving it!
Papa and Ab left for OKC today. I just got a call that they arrived safely after flying all day. My grandma is so very excited that they're there! She recently told Papa she wasn't sure she'd live to see us all again!
My 2-week vacation starts on Friday morning, and after the work week I've had, I am really looking forward to some much needed rest and relaxation.
I will head to OKC next Wednesday and spend some loving time with that wonderful grandma of mine.... who I can't imagine life without. There's something really special about still having a grandma around when you are 50 years old! I am so very blessed!
Work has been pretty crazy and it seems that I've had to deal with one staff screw-up after another all week long. Is there a full moon? Sometimes I just wanna bang my head against the desk. I just don't get it when people hand in work that they did half-heartedly....and these are experienced supervisory staff. Argggghhh!
One person submitted a memo that was typed in two different fonts...well, it was a two paragraph memorandum. Uh, HULLLLOOOO? Were you not wearing your glasses when you typed that? What the ? Like I am going to send that up the chain? I don't think so.
On a positive note, I received the above handmade lavendar soap from Marcy @ An Apple a Day and I indulged myself in a fragrant bath after a soothing massage tonight! Heavenly scent by the way! Many thanks to Marcy for working out a trade! (I will get yours off in the mail tomorrow Marcy!)
Now I am off to bed to read a little more of my current book.....The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold. Just finished another pretty good read....She's Come Undone by Wally Lamb.
Oh, something else! My fly-boy is coming home this weekend for his paternal grandpa's 75th birthday, so Tam and I will head down there on Friday night or Saturday morning! I can't wait to see him! I want to spend as much time with my soldier as I can before he heads off to Iraq in Sept or October. ::sigh:: He's his grandpa's pride and joy, and it's a surprise that he's coming for the party! It's going to be so cool to have them celebrate that milestone birthday together!
After Grpa's party we're heading to Las Vegas for a couple of days! I think this is the first time that fly-boy has been there as an adult! He's bringin' along one of his Army buddy's who is so excited, because this is like the biggest event of his life! We'll really show him some fun in Sin City!
Tuesday, the fly-boys will head back to North Carolina, and Tam and I will head home, so I can pack for OKC before leaving Wednesday!
In the meantime...I am enjoying the solitude of my quiet home. Yes, I will miss Papa and Ab, but then again, I have been really missing this quiet!!
G'night y'all!
Weekend Assignment #10 from John Scalzi @ By The Way
Congratulations! You've been given one million dollars. What would you do with it?
But wait! There's more -- seems you've been given two million dollars. Would you do anything different with the second million than you would with the first?
For the purposes of this assignment, assume that you've got two million after taxes -- so you don't have to worry about Uncle Sam and your state and local governments dipping into your pot of cash. Also, you've got it all at once -- no installment plans.
(Extra Credit: If you had two million not to keep but to donate to a charity, which charity and why?)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Whoa! I’ve been "given" one million dollars and I need to figure out what to do with it!
No problem.
According to my father, in the Native American culture, in the afterlife a man (or woman) is measured by what he has given in life. So, in that spirit, I would use much of my new found wealth to benefit others in some way.
The very first thing I would do, is retire from my job, since 23 years of that kind of work is more than enough. And…at 50 years old, I have enjoyed about as much of it as I can stand! I am eligible to retire right now, but if I wait until March of 2006, my retirement formula goes way up and that’s the only reason I am still there.
Since tomorrow is Monday, I’d just call Personnel and advise them of my decision to retire immediately and say "See ya at my retirement party!" Then, I’d ask some of my closest friends and my oldest daughter who is quite the party planner, to help me with the "Mother of all Retirement Parties!"
This party would be the semi-casual, social event of the year, held in a family-friendly setting, but also beautifully decorated. There would be food and drinks, music and dancing, a comedian and magician, games and prizes for all ages, and then speakers who’d tell funny stories about my years in the department.
Then, it would be my turn to speak and I’d tell each and every person there individually, how blessed I was to have them in my life, and why. I’d probably tell them what I learned from them through the years, or say something about a kindness they’ve shown me or my family. I’d then present them with a special gift that I’d picked out especially for them. Kinda like, giving them their flowers while they are alive.
With the rest of the money, I’d pretend I was Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, and I’d be off to help my loved ones get what they need….health wise. I’d spare no expense to get them the very best in medical care and treatment.
For Papa, a new liver and treatment for his Hepatitis C, and whatever else he needed to be strong again. For Tam, we’d get the best possible help for her pain, depression and lupus. Bubba, Cindi and Chuck would get what ever help they needed to get back on the right track in life. Krissy would get her arteries cleaned out to prevent further bloodclots, and then the ultimate in rehabilitation to help with the damage from previous strokes.
Grandma Jessie, and Grandpa and Tutie would get physicals from awesome doctors and whatever they needed to live out the rest of their days healthy and happy. Aunt Mary would have all the experts dealing with her diabetes and the resultant problems.
Trish, Aunt Sherry and I would go to a live-in physical fitness program to lose weight and exercise ourselves back in to our former thinner bodies! Oh, yeah! Then I’d hire us personal trainers and cooks to ensure that we stayed that way! I could go on and on….but I think you get the idea. I think by then, that mill is just about spent.
Ok, now I’ve got two million dollars! The first million would be spent as above, and then I’d start doing a few things for me, and some that would benefit my family as well. I’d go to school and take some classes for the sheer joy of learning. I’d like to become a better writer (better implies that I am a writer, geesh), or actually learn how to write short stories, etc. I’d also take a photography class, since I know absolutely nothing about the subject at this point and I am just learning as I go.
I’d put in a fantastic, park-like backyard, with a Koi pond and waterfall, and exotic flowers and plants. Of course, I’d have a gardener to take care of it, except for when I felt the need to putter around in the dirt.
Ab would be sent to the best possible private school and I'd arrange for her transportation to and from there each day.
I’d hire a housekeeper, so I could work on my writing, photography and scrapbooks and never have to lift a finger to clean a toilet or anything else, again.
I’d also hire a professional organizer to help me get rid of my clutter and organize my life. And, of course, Molly, my massage therapist would be at my beckon call.
Then, I’d make sure that my family and friends were comfortable in life and buy a house for those who didn’t own their own homes. Then if there was any money left, I’d take us all on a vacation cruise to Alaska.
Extra Credit………2 Million to Give to Charity! Which Charity and Why?
When my sister was dying of a rare form of breast cancer (IBC) a few years ago, I was extremely impressed with the excellent care, concern and medical supplies she received from Hospice. They cared for the entire family in ways that really touched my heart.
So, one million goes to Hospice!
The second million would go to a charity that is similar to Make a Wish for children, but it’s for terminally ill adults. I can’t remember the name of it, and they didn’t have it when Kim was so sick, but I'd find out quick and they'd get the money.
I was so pleased to see that someone started a charity like that for adults that are dying, because I would have loved to have given Kim some special wish before she left this world.
Ok.....Here's your Up Close and Personal (pun intended) report on the HOTTEST country/rock concert to hit these here parts in quite some time!
And......I saw it all for free! Since I am such a WINNER!
Yes, country fans....Kenny Chesney rocked the house! 15,000 people; a sell-out crowd..... were there on their feet, clapping and singing along to his greatest hits, and a few rock standards like......OMG, I have forgotten! It musta been that Margarita! (I am a really cheap date...one drink and I am toast!)
Trish and I headed down the mountain to the radio station where it was about 101 degrees in the shade. It's always about 15 to 20 degrees warmer and smoggy down in the "valley." Uggghh! After checking in and signing some important papers (something about liability) we waited in their air conditioned lobby until we could board the bus.
While we waited, we talked to a couple of the employees, and we recognized a female DJ by her very distinctive voice. She says she can't go anywhere in town without people knowing that voice, since this area is fairly big on country music.
It was about an hour and a half trip to where the concert was held aboard a comfy tour bus. This bus was all clean and fancy! It had TVs, a sound and public address system, highback/reclining upholstered seats with pull out foot rests, window shades, reading lamps, etc.
Am I easily impressed or what?
Well....the last time I was on a bus, it was probably an old school or church bus, many, many years ago!
Some of the station's staffers, including a couple of the popular DJs, came along, and they were our hosts for the trip. They treated us like royalty and served us box lunches with our choice of fresh sandwiches (turkey, ham and cheese or roast beef) and either macaroni or potato salad. There were ice chests filled with frosty sodas of all kinds, plus, bottled water.
The DJs brought along several CDs that they played on the sound system (not too loud either), and others that they gave away as Trivia prizes. I almost answered one of the trivia questions, but just couldn't get the brain and the mouth functioning together in time to spit it out!
We arrived with about an hour to spare, until the concert was to begin. We wandered around and looked at the overpriced merchandise that the artists sell...i.e. 35 dollar t-shirts, etc, then grabbed a $7.00 frozen strawberry margarita before heading to our seats.
The seats weren't too far away from the stage, but they were sideways, as opposed to facing the stage directly. That was weird because your seats are all connected and to turn just a tad meant you were almost in the other person's seat. So, you had to turn your head toward the stage. I just had a hard time getting comfortable. A second margarita may have helped, but I didn't want to risk heading up those stairs again after the first drink! (I am clumsy you know!) Fortunately, all of the acts had us on our feet for a good part of the show, and that allowed for us to actually turn toward the stage, with everyone else in our row.
Uncle Kracker opened and I'd have to say, he was pretty fun and I liked a lot of his music. I recognised and really like one of his songs that Ab's radio stations play with lyrics like..You Won't Find Anybody Else Like Me....(Chuck, I know you are rollin' your eyes at my total ignorance when it comes to pop music!)
Rascal Flatts was excellent and they had some great visual effects with their music, such as video backgrounds and special lighting. I love all of their music and especially the song, I'm Movin' On.
Then it was time for Kenny! The screamin' was deafening! Women holding up signs, "Kenny..Will You Marry Me?" and "Kenny, I Think Your Tractor's Sexy!" I really don't find him very attractive, but I love his voice, and he does have some very defined muscles in those tanned arms. Island livin' I guess. He's kinda like country music's Jimmy Buffet, right about now.
Well, I am getting pretty tired, so I am going to finish off this report and hit the hay. I really lost out on a bunch of much needed beauty sleep by going to this concert on a weekday night! We got home at 2:00 in the morning!
I am getting too old for that kind of stuff!
Fortunately, this kind of fun doesn't happen too often!
G'night y'all!
Today started off with a bang!! I consider myself pretty lucky most of the time and today was one of those days.
I was the "10th Caller" to my favorite local Country Music radio station and I won tickets to go see Kenny Chesney, this Tuesday night!
Yeeeeehaaaaawwww!!
The radio station is filling up what they call "The Fun Bus" with ticket winners to see Kenny's Guitars, Tiki Bars, and A Whole Lot of Love Summer Tour, including Uncle Kracker and Rascal Flatts.
This is just too cool! They drive you there and back-plus they feed you! I think they even try to entertain you on the bus, and there are some prize giveaways as well!
Country music is a passion of mine! I just love it and have been to many, many country concerts over the years. Funny thing, I didn't even like it until I got a D-I-V-O-R-C-E. (You true country fans should get that pun in the caps!)
My ex used to listen to it allll the time and I swear I got to know every Merle Haggard song by heart!
After that, he kind of grew on me. Merle, that is.......not my husband! ::wink::
Contemporary country music has so many voices right now that are difficult to distinguish, that it's often easier to connect them with their songs....so, in case you need some help figuring out what Kenny sings, here you go:
She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy
There Goes My Life
When the Sun Goes Down (with Uncle Kracker)
Big Star (I have this for my cell phone ring!)
All I Need to Know
I Lost It
That's Why I'm Here
No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problem
The Good Stuff (Craig Wiseman/Jim Collins)
Well, me an' my lady had our first big fight,
So I drove around 'til I saw the neon light.
A corner bar, an it just seemed right.
So I pulled up.
Not a soul around but the old bar keep,
Down at the end an' looking half asleep.
An he walked up, an' said : "What'll it be?"
I said: "The good stuff."
He didn't reach around for the whiskey;
He didn't pour me a beer.
His blue eyes kinda went misty,
He said: "You can't find that here.
"'Cos it's the first long kiss on a second date.
Momma's all worried when you get home late.
And droppin' the ring in the spaghetti plate,
'Cos your hands are shakin' so much.
An' it's the way that she looks with the rice in her hair.
Eatin' burnt suppers, the whole first year,
An' askin' for seconds to keep her from tearin' up.
Yeah, man, that's the good stuff."
He grabbed a carton of milk an' her poured a glass.
An' I smiled an' said: "I'll have some of that."
We sat there an' talked as an hour passed,
Like old friends.
I saw a black an' white picture an' it caught my stare,
It was a pretty girl with bouffant hair.
He said: "That's my Bonnie,
"Taken 'bout a year after we were wed."
He said: "Spent five years in the bottle,
"When the cancer took her from me.
"But I've been sober three years now,
"'Cos the one thing stronger than the whiskey:
"Was the sight of her holdin' my baby girl.
"The way she adored that string of pearls,
"I gave her the day that our youngest boy, Earl,
"Married his high school love."
"An' it's a new tee-shirt saying: 'I'm a Grandpa'.
"Bein' right there as our time got small,
"An' holdin' her hand, when the Good Lord called her up,
"Yeah, man, that's the good stuff."
He said: "When you get home, she'll start to cry.
"When she says: 'I'm sorry,' say: 'So am I.'
"An' look into those eyes, so deep in love,
"An' drink it up.
"'Cos that's the good stuff.
"That's the good stuff.
```````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Now for Rascal Flatts' songs..............Praying for Daylight, I Melt, These Days, and my favorite....I'm Movin' On.
The only thing I know about Uncle Kracker is his collaboration with Kenny Chesney on When the Sun Goes Down.
My oldest daughter was not amused to hear Uncle Kracker was touring with a country act and when I invited her to go along, she said....."I hate Kenny Chesney!" Hmmmppphh! A simple "No Thanks Mom" would have been fine! Spoil Sport!
Her loss! My buddy Tricia and I will go, and have a great time! Details to follow, y'all!
This is a copy of an earlier journal entry I did about Oreo, our family's cat. I thought it might be appropriate for Scalzi's Weekend Assignment, so here it is again for those who may have missed it the first time, some months ago.
*YAWN and S-t-r-e-t-c-h*
0730-Me....stumbling out of my warm bed. Feet covered with fuzzy socks hit the floor......I make my way to the potty.
Oreo: (black and white spoiled female feline, parked outside my bedroom door, waiting impatiently for her breakfast, which is our mornin' routine)
MMMEEEEEEOOOOOOOWWWW (cat speak for "It's about time woman! I have been waiting here alllll night!)
Me: Rolls eyes and thinks....Geeeezzzz....can't I pee in peace! "JUST a SECOND!"
Oreo: MMMMMeeeeeeeOOOOOOOWWWWWW! (meaning....."I am getting irritated lady!")
Business accomplished, open door and head down the stairs, with Oreo right beside me, neck in neck, heading for the kitchen.
Oreo: Mmmmeeeeeeeyyyooooowwwwwww (OPEN the refrigerator, NOW!)
Me: "SHHHHH! Oreo, everyone's still sleepin'!"
Oreo: MeeeeeeOOOOOWWWWW! ( I don't give a rat's fanny. Where's the tuna?)
Me: Looking in fridge, moving the milk, several styrofoam take-out boxes, and the out-dated cottage cheese......panic.........where's the can of cat food?.......I know I fed her some canned food yesterday morning..........Where is it?
Pulling out the meat drawer...No, not in the meat drawer...silly!
Who'd put cat food in the meat drawer anyway?
Damn, I know it's here somewhere.
IT's NOT!
Oreo: MEEEEEOOW MEEEOOOOWWWWW (What do you mean it's not there? Well, I don't like it cold anyway....So, go look in the pantry and get me a fresh can!) Meeeeeoooowwww!
Me: Running to the pantry......thinking this cat is going to really be difficult if I don't find some canned cat food quick......Oh, there's plenty of dry, but NO canned, Arrrggggh.....Oreo will not like this......Heading to back to the kitchen, I grab her water bowl and fill it with fresh water.
Oreo: MMMEEEEEEOOOOW (GAWD, what is taking you soooo long?)
Me: Placing water bowl down in front of Oreo, who sniffs it.......and
Oreo: mmmmmmmmeeeeeooooowwwwwwwwww (WHAT THE HELL???....THAT'S WATER!)
Me: Filling up food bowl......with dry food.....gingerly I set it in front of Oreo and run to my computer!
Oreo: Runs to my computer.....
MMMEEEEEEOOOWWWWWWW (DRY FOOD? JUST DRY FOOD?....Where's the TUNA???)
Me: "Sorry baby...Momma's soooooo sorry....We're out of canned food...I promise I will go and get you some today! Promise.....Hey, Wanna go out and play in the fresh air? Watch the birdies? Here, lemme get the door sweetie!"
*Opens Door*
Oreo: Runs to door, peeks out, see's NO TUNA and heads back in toward the couch.......the ARM of the couch...stretches out and digs her claws into the fabric.......SCRATCH, SCRATCH, SCRATTTTTCCCHH!
Me: "Hey....Oreo, NO, No, go use your scratching post!" SCRATCH......"No".....*Throwin' a pencil toward her, hoping it will get her attention!
Oreo: MeeeeOOOOOWWWWWW.....*looking over her shoulder as she gets in one last scratch and stretch..........................cat speak for........
Go back to bed...........BITCH!
Papa and Tam were not feeling up to making the 2 hour trip to Simi Valley, to view President Reagan’s casket yesterday. So Ab and I headed down there by ourselves. She was a reluctant passenger. Ab was somewhat put out at the possibility of having a long wait in line, "just to walk by" the President’s body. "What’s the BIG deal?" she said when I insisted that she come along. "You can just watch it here on TV Mom!"
At 12 years old, she hasn’t quite developed her appreciation for this great country, her freedoms or the understanding of the awesome significance of the opportunity before her. I told her that someday, I hoped that she would grow to appreciate the historic value of the event, and that she would be able to tell her children and grandchildren about it in the years to come. She loosened up a little when she asked if we could go to the Thousand Oaks Mall and shop for some summer clothes after we finished up at the Presidential Library, and I agreed. A promised dinner at The Cheesecake Factory, sweetened the deal.
Since we were coming from the North, we didn’t hit any traffic associated with the crowds until about a mile from the entrance to the Moorpark College parking lot. At that point it became stop and go traffic and it took us about 45 minutes to enter and get into the serpentine line of what seemed like millions of people.
First we passed the tables that were piled high with items that many visitors brought as tributes. We had to stop and look, because it was amazing. The tables were overflowing, so that hundreds of items were left underneath of the tables as well.
There were flowers, both professionally arranged and those picked from a home garden and placed in vases. There were grocery store bouquets, of every kind of flower, wrapped in colorful paper. There were funeral wreaths with ribbons, on stands and many single roses. I saw photographs, framed and unframed; many that contained messages to the President or his family. There were colorful drawings from school children and poignant messages, including those from people who just couldn’t write English very well.
There were tall glass candles burning and other religious items like crosses. Plus, Jelly Belly brand jelly beans in pretty glass containers and then generic old jelly beans in the original plastic packaging. There were stuffed animals and handmade posters from children and adults. Every kind of red, white and blue ribbon, and patriotic symbol imaginable, including all types of flags; cloth, plastic, and some in the form of balloons. I even saw a couple of Republican magazines. There were cowboy boots and hats with messages attached. And, of course, hundreds of cards addressed to Mrs. Reagan or The Reagan Family.
It was a beautiful day; somewhat overcast with temperatures in the high 60s. The sun peeked out from behind the clouds every little while, so we stayed cool and managed not to get a sunburn. I wore my patriotic visor to help shield my face. Many in the crowd wore red, white and blue clothing, American Flag pins, and patriotic hats. The crowd was extremely diverse in age, race, color and country. I stood in line opposite some Vietnamese people and the women wore, what I was told later was traditional evening dress, in bright yellow, with red, white and blue scarves. The men with them were wearing their Vietnamese military uniforms. I overheard someone say they were from Orange County, which has a big Vietnamese population. I saw a family speaking in Sign Language and a blind woman with her cane and a companion to help her through the line. There were amputees and people in wheelchairs. Mothers with newborn babies, toddlers in strollers, and kids in school uniforms. There were elderly couples and young people of all ages. Everyone was well behaved and respectful of one another.
The security presence was obvious, with police officers from many surrounding agencies, and of course, men in suits with cellular telephones that I thought may have been Secret Service guys. Helicopters flew overhead often, but they weren’t intrusive. I saw a few Bomb Squad officers in and around the parking area, but noticed that the dogs were in their vehicles. The media took up a great deal of the parking area with their big trucks, satellites and camera equipment. There was one female reporter and her cameraman that searched the crowd for men wearing ball caps identifying their military unit, so she could obtain their thoughts on the late president.
The Red Cross provided ice water to us while we were in line at the college and also later at the library. Porta-Potties were lined up for use by the visitors who were desperate. It took us 2 hours to make it through the 4 switch backs in the line, and then we made it to the tented area where we went through the security check and metal detector. Near the metal detector, there were boxes full of cameras, bottles of lotions and sunscreen, pocket knives, etc. that were not allowed. This was despite the fact that the news advised the public about what items were not permissible, and the flyers that volunteers handed out while we stood in line, that fully explained what we could and could not have in our possession. Two private security guards stood over those items, but I believe that the police told people that they couldn’t guarantee that their items would be there upon their return, so they were taking their chances by leaving them there, instead of returning the items to their cars.
Once we made it through security, we promptly boarded a bus. They had it down to a science by Tuesday afternoon and the busses left as soon as they were full and another one would take it’s place in line. It took us about 20 minutes to drive the surface streets, then up a hilly road to the library, that sits upon a hill overlooking the valley. The long, long driveway was lined with small American flags about every 5 feet. There was a circular driveway that had a grassy area surrounding the library marquee and it was full of floral tributes as well. More media trucks and equipment lined the parking lot, which was covered with security. There were about 5 busses ahead of us in line to be dropped off right at the door to the library courtyard, so we waited about 10 more minutes until we arrived at the drop off point.
We exited the bus and were ushered in to a line, 2 people across and that is how they wanted us to enter where the President’s casket was displayed. People talked quietly in line as we anticipated our turn inside. It took about 10 minutes to reach where he lay, and we were temporarily delayed while they had a changing of the guard at 5 pm.
When we walked through the door, you could have heard a pin drop. I had chills then and I have goosebumps now just thinking about it. The energy in that room was awesome. It was unlike anything I’d ever experienced before. I can’t imagine ever feeling that way again. It was as if President Reagan’s spirit filled the room and we were enveloped in his glory. Thethrill of being so near, and participating in such a historic event was incredible.
The military members who stood guard were so still, they almost looked as if they were toy soldiers. Everyone walked slowly keeping their eyes on the flagged draped coffin. Quietly, with respect and honor. Some paused on occasion, turning directly toward the casket, as did I. Many bowed their heads and some made the sign of the cross. But, each of us seemed to be mesmerized by the experience of this great moment in time.
When we exited, a Library staffer handed us the card that’s in the photograph above. What a keepsake! As we were leaving the library staff said, "Thanks for coming!" I said, "Thank you for having us!"
I will never forget that wonderful opportunity.
Tomorrow, Papa, Ab, Tam and I will take a two-hour, scenic drive "down south" to the Reagan Library to pay our final respects to the President. I arranged to take a half day off from work to do this, since I think it’s such a historic opportunity, especially for Abbie. Some day she’ll be able to tell her children and grandchildren about being one of those many people who passed President Reagan’s casket before he was laid to rest after his long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Tonight, I sent my condolences to Mrs. Reagan via the Reagan Library’s website. Who knows if she’ll ever really read what I wrote, but it felt good to do it. I told her how much I admired the strong love that she shared with the President, and how it was an example of the deepest devotion, respect and the sanctity of marriage.
Then I told Mrs. Reagan about my oldest daughter sharing the President’s birthday; February 6th, and how she once sent the President a birthday card when she was about 9 years old. As she sat there wondering what to say to the big guy, my Uncle Lee told her that she could send the President a dollar of her birthday money to help with the Federal deficit. Uncle Lee had to explain to her exactly what the deficit was, and when she understood, she told President Reagan that if "all kids would send in just one dollar from their birthday money, we wouldn’t have a deficit anymore!" Tam then asked the President to stop in for dinner, if he ever happened to be in the neighborhood!
Unfortunately, a few months later the White House returned her dollar with a terse note saying that they "could not receive monetary contributions." But, shortly thereafter, Tam received another envelope containing a letter from the President, himself! Signed and everything!
Mr. Reagan commented about how thoughtful she was, thanked her for the card and said he was always glad to hear from young Americans. We promptly framed the letter and Tam became his biggest fan! (So what if it was written by an aide to an aide, and stamped with his signature!)
Now, of course at 31 years of age, Tam realizes the significance of that special letter and she wants to show her respect to that great American in death.
I think that’s pretty special.
I am hoping that Ab will someday also recognize the importance of the day she participated in history.
Here’s the computer generated response I received after sending my message to Mrs. Reagan:
Monday, June 07, 2004
Dear Ms. Lisa (omitted purposely),
On behalf of Mrs. Reagan and all of us affiliated with the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation, I want to thank you for signing our condolence book.
Your act of kindness will be shared with Mrs. Reagan and while she will not be able to respond personally, please know how much she appreciates your thoughtfulness. Your message along with all the messages we receive will be stored permanently at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum -- the place Ronald Reagan built to preserve his legacy.
As you may know, we have established the Ronald Reagan Memorial Fund to support programs and activities at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum that will forever perpetuate the timeless principles that Ronald Reagan championed -- Individual Liberty, Economic Opportunity, Global Democracy, and National Pride. If you are interested in more information about this program, please refer to our web site at http://www.reaganfoundation.org/welcome.asp
Sincerely,
Duke Blackwood
Executive Director
1. If you knew that NO ONE would EVER read your journal...NO ONE, EVER...would you continue writing as is, write more, write less, or pull the plug?
Answer-I think I'd continue writing as is....just because I like to write and I believe it's the only thing keeping me sane at the moment. In fact, I've got some hand written journals that I hope NO ONE ever reads. Not because there's anything THAT exciting inside, but because I wrote them back then (so long ago that they are probably pretty juvenile sounding) for me for therapeutic reasons.
2. Give the link of the entry in your journal of which you are most proud, and explain why it makes you proud.
Answer-Life (?) for Bill is an entry, actually a total of four entries, in which I wrote about a man who was hospitalized next to Papa recently. It details what I saw and felt, seeing this once accomplished man reduced to helplessness and experiencing shabby care. I guess I am proud because it just flowed as I wrote it, since his situation really touched my heart. (((Bill)))
3. If you HAD to get one or the other, would you rather get a tattoo or a piercing, and where would it go? (You cannot count one that you already have.)
Answer-I've always prided myself on NOT getting a tattoo, especially when they became so fashionable. And...I still only have one pierced hole in each ear. They are enough hassle, so I doubt that I'd ever get any more holes in my ears that would require earrings and care to keep them from closing.
Sooo, I guess it would have to be a"Tribal Band" tattoo with the Cherokee Seal (my tribe) on my left-upper, flabby arm. My "little" brothers both have those tattoos and they look great, but they are young and muscular. Personally, I'd be so self-conscious about having a tattoo, that I wouldn't show it anyway. So, what's the use!
4. Which of the following do you MOST believe in:
a) Ghosts
b) Mindreaders
c) Time Travel
c) Love at First Sight
e) Extraterrestrials
Answer-Despite the fact that I have had several situations that I wished were love at first sight, I am enough of a realist to understand the role that chemistry plays in attraction. I've experienced plenty of those "across a crowded room" moments in my lifetime! But, I don't think it was ever LOVE! More like...Lust!
I guess I would have to say ghosts.
Certainly there have been times I thought I felt spirits nearby and I believe I have actually seen one a time or two. Anything's possible, I guess.
5. Other than North America, if you could choose any other continent for a one month vacation, which would you choose?
Answer-Dang, is this a test? I am trying to remember my geography. I guess it would be Asia, since I'd love to spend some time in Japan. A few years back, we had a cultural exchange student from Japan, named Chuyuki and I'd love to spend more time with her. I learned so much about her culture and people, that I would really love to experience it with her and her family.
And, here is the first of the questions submitted by you:
6. READER'S CHOICE QUESTION #1 from Jennifer: If, by some bizarre new law, you were restricted in your eating preferences to only one restaurant for the remainder of your natural life, and you had to choose -- HAD to choose or die -- which restaurant would you select?
Answer-Speaking of Japanese....It would have to be Kasagiri, here in town. It's not my absolute favorite food (mexican is my favorite), but to sustain a healthy lifestyle for the remainder of my days, it would be the best choice. I think they have enough variety and tastes to suit me and at least I'd be eating my veggies! Everything is presented so pretty! Plus, I think it would be better for weight control, since I used to see Chiyuki eating salad for breakfast!
"Be not afraid of greatness: some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them."
~William Shakespeare
Last night was the Junior High graduation ceremony for Ab’s school. There were a whole four, yes four-8th grade graduates, all girls! They were part of Ab’s combined 7th/8th grade class at Carden, which is a "private" school with about 120 students in Kindergarten through 8th grades. Carden is a wonderful school, with loving teachers who hug the kids. Each morning they have an assembly where all students gather together to greet the teachers and parents with a hearty handshake. After the Pledge of Allegiance, they say the Carden Prayer and then the weekly standard...which is often something like...Recognize the achievements of others!
Ab was "promoted" into the 8th grade class. She received several awards (see photo) from her teacher, who will have her in class again in the fall. The teacher selects a quote for each child and she chose "The secret to getting ahead is getting started." That quote will make a lot more sense to the reader a little further into this entry. Of special importance was her Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Creative Expression. Mrs. Mattern stated that Ab really new how to express herself in writing, poetry and art! Ab also received an award for Outstanding Participation in Music, and in Computers, for meeting her typing challenge goal of 31 words per minute! I am really amazed by that skill at twelve years old. But, some of the 8th graders were typing over 60 wpm! Wow!
The teacher really got to know the 7th graders this year and she’ll have them for their last year too. There has to be some advantages to that. I sure hope she’s found a better way to deal with my Abigail for next year, since she gave her a failing mark in literature. She assured me she has "a plan" for the new year. I was kind of shocked that Ab got such a bad grade, because we expect and normally get pretty good contact from the teacher, except for in this situation. I had no idea that she was failing anything. She is so very intelligent, wonderfully artistic and she has excellent writing skills. But, she’s also terribly unorganized, easily distractible and she is a pretty amazing procrastinator!
At only 12 and a half, she’s young for 7th grade. She attended a private kindergarten at age 4, because she was "ready" according to her teacher. As a result, she’s younger than any of the other kids in her grade. That sometimes shows in her level of maturity and her ability to complete assignments and stay on task. Also, last year she was tested and diagnosed with ADD and takes medication for that problem. Her teachers are supposed to assist her as best they can, since the behavior is not willful! But, in private school, they can sometimes take the attitude that they don’t have to "put up" with that kind of kid, when they have a majority of super-students. I was kind of sad to hear all the accomplishments of the graduates, knowing that Ab may never live up to the likes of some of the same types in her current class. Maybe by next Fall she will have matured a bit more. I hope so.
Ab was very sad to see her older classmates and friends leaving for public high school adventures. Ab desperately wants to attend the high school in our town, but we’re not so sure it would be in her best interest. Especially considering that Bubba really started going downhill when he started high school here. This town has a serious problem with teen drug/alcohol abuse and very little in the way of constructive activities for the kids. But, there are not any private high schools here and I can’t do home schooling, while I work full-time. Papa certainly isn’t up to taking on home schooling for her either. Tonight she was in tears, after overhearing my conversation with another mother about the possibility of car-pooling our kids to Christian high school in a town about 45 miles away from here.
I am hoping for a much better year for Abbie in 8th grade. This year was pretty stressful for her with her brother’s drug use and his running away and Papa’s illness, surgeries and frequent hospitalizations.
All that, on top of having to cope with life as a "teen" in general.
Carden Prayer
Father in Heaven, to Thee we pray, Asking Thy help, day by day. In all we say, in all we do, Make us kind and generous too.
Make us eager in our work today, Make us joyous in our play. Help us always to follow Thy rule, Father in Heaven, Bless our School.
Amen
Posts
All Comments
