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Monday, April 23, 2012

Coincidence

I'm posting this here instead of my new blog because it pertains to this blog specifically. Twice in 2010, I wrote about Garick Zikan. (For those not in Bristol, he is a local news anchor.) Periodically, I have seen blog views that came from a google search for "Garick Zikan". Of course, I have know way of knowing if it is a fan, a friend of his, or even himself.

Saturday night, on my way home from work (and still dressed in my Walmart blue and khaki), I stopped at Kroger to get some milk. Garick Zikan was also at the dairy cooler getting milk at the same time. What I found interesting was that, later that evening, I noticed that about 40 minutes after that incident, someone accessed this blog via a google search for "Garick Zikan". It could just be coincidence, or it could be that he recognized me from the picture on the right and looked it up when he got home to see if that was me.

Mr. Zikan, if you do happen to read this blog, drop me a note to let me know. That would be too cool!

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Reminder

I've noticed that only a few of my readers have followed my blog to its new home. (Click here to check it out.) So, I decided to post today's post in both places.


In celebration of Neil Diamond's wedding yesterday, I'm showcasing some of his music here today. (For those of you interested in the news story of his nuptials, here's the link: click here)

 As for my take on it, I have two things to say. First, you're never too old to follow your heart. Second, age difference is a big deal only if you make it one.









Saturday, April 21, 2012

Moving

I'm moving. Well, I'm not moving, but my blog is. This blog will remain as an archive, but all new posts will be on my new blog site at wordpress.com.

4-21

Today is National Random Drug Test Day.


If you don't see any humor in that, I suggest you read yesterday's post entitled "4-20". If you still don't see any humor in that, then I can't help you.

Friday, April 20, 2012

Nightly Music

Tonight, it's Charley Pride.


4-20

Sam informed me that today is memorable for three reasons:

1) Pot Day
2) Hitler's birthday
3) Anniversary of the shooting at Columbine

I think it's interesting that Hitler's birthday is the day after Holocaust Remembrance Day. Yesterday, in one of Sam's classes, they had to give presentations on a topic relating to the Holocaust. Sam's topic was Auschwitz. He said he did a good job, and I'm sure he did.

Another interesting thing to note is that kids at Sam's school will get in serious trouble if they even mention Columbine.

As for Pot Day, well... Sam found that most interesting.

My April 20 has started out very well. When I dropped Sam off at school, I drove around to the track and did my daily walking. After that, I had to face my hardest part of the day -- I had to have blood work done. I have horrible, tiny veins, so having blood drawn is always a bad experience. Once I got that out of the way, I went to Manna Bagel for my traditional Friday morning bagel. My "bagel buddy" JC Hobbs was there, and so were my pastor and his wife. It was fun sitting and talking to them for a while.

When I drove up to the bagel shop, I was listening to oldies on the radio, and the song "Sugar, Sugar" had just come on as I pulled in behind a car with the license plate "SHUGAR". I thought that was kind of funny, in an ironic sort of way.

I have about three hours before I have to leave for work. That's plenty of time to get lots of housework done. Yay, me! I hope you all have a great day

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Music for Tonight

Tonight's a John Prine kind of night.

WOW!

"Wow" is the word that comes to mind to describe all the awesome ways God has blessed us in the last 8-9 days. He has answered prayers, provided things we didn't even ask for, and opened doors to some incredible prospects. I can't say much about all of this right now, but stay tuned in for details as I'm able to give them. Right now, I'm bubbling over! So, later tonight, Sam and I are going out for some fun. Can't wait! So excited! Yay!!

Facebook

For those of you who have checked on me, thank you for your concern. Everything is just fine; I have just decided to deactivate my Facebook account, for the time being, anyway. Anything I deem worthy of posting, I will share here. Hope everyone has a great day!!

Observations

My mom used to be fond of quoting this little rhyme:

There was once a little girl with a little curl
Right in the middle of her forehead.
When she was good, she was mighty, mighty good,
But when she was bad, she was horrid.

That kind of sums up my observations on marriage. My parents had one of those mighty, mighty good marriages. I never once saw them fight, or even argue. Growing up in that environment gave me a very idealistic view of marriage, one that could be true but, most often, is not.

The biggest lesson I learned from my marriage is that, just one person can't make it a good marriage, no matter how hard they try. Although one person may be giving her all, if the other person is completely ego-centric and goes into it categorizing in his mind who gets what in a divorce, it's not likely to last long at all. When you add to that the lies that were told to make the marriage happen in the first place, it's truly a miracle it lasted four years.

That's why I can not envision myself ever considering getting married again. I have friends I can talk to, reminisce with, go to dinner or a movie with; but I don't think I can ever trust another man enough to give my all again.

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Fashion Tips

Working at Walmart, I see so many people who apparently don't know how to dress, that I felt it would only be right for me to give a few tips.

1) Pajamas are for sleeping in, not for going shopping in.

2) But, if you're going to wear pajamas to Walmart, at least make sure the top and bottom match somewhat.

3) Just because you can squeeze yourself into it, doesn't mean it fits.

4) If you're going to wear white pants, don't wear black panties.

5) Wearing a bold, printed bra under a tight, white tank top tends to make you look like a slut.

6) Wearing an off-white shirt with very faded jeans makes the shirt look old and dingy.

7) Swim trunks are for swimming in, not for going shopping in.

8) But, if you're going to wear swim trunks to Walmart, do NOT wear suspenders with them!

9) If your large, flabby belly is hanging out below your shirt, don't get upset if I throw up.

10) Buy a mirror, hang it in a prominent place in your house, and look in it before you go outside.

Monday, April 16, 2012

Photographs and Memories

Real Christianity

Disclaimer: This post is not directed toward anyone more than to myself. If you see yourself, or someone else in these words, it was not intentional.

Lately, I’ve been considering how the world views Christians. There are lots of people who claim to be Christians, (many who even go to church every Sunday, perhaps sing in the choir or teach a Sunday school class or work in some other ministry of the church) who give non-Christians an excuse to have nothing to do with God or church. At church, they are all smiles and amens, but at home or work their actions belie their words.

I know that I have been guilty of that myself. I’ve always been quick to let people know that I am a Christian and a faithful church-goer, but my life hasn’t always lived up to my speech. Having grown up in church, the right words roll so easily off my tongue. At church, I’ve heard literally hundreds of people get up and testify about what God has done for them, and it is so easy to parrot those words.

I’ve made sure that the people I work with know that I’m a Christian, but have I shown them by my actions or only by my attestation? I know I tend to be too critical of people: co-workers, managers, customers, etc. I’ve been trying lately to do better with that. So many people who come in the store are unlovely, unlovable, and sometimes downright disgusting. It’s not so easy to show Christian love to those people. I’ve become aware that perhaps God put me in my position to be a light, an example of His love. I’ve been consciously trying to be kind and show compassion, especially when it’s the hardest to do, because perhaps, I will be the only person all day, or all week, to show them kindness. Verse 22 in the book of Jude comes to mind often, “And of some have compassion, making a difference.” That’s what I want to do…make a difference!

On another note, how many times are even the words spoken in church hollow? How many times have you heard the same person get up and say the exact same thing every time they speak, with such familiarity that it sounds like a broken record, with no discernable emotion or sincerity. I am so very grateful that God saved me! I certainly didn’t deserve it, and neither did anyone else. So, how can anyone get up and say, “I’m thankful for my salvation,” in the same tone of voice that they would say, “The sun is shining today”? Are we thinking about what we’re saying, or are we just reciting what we’ve always heard and think everyone expects to hear? Is God working in our lives? If He is, how can we be so monotonous in talking about it? And, how can we say we love God and go on living as if He is somewhere far off in space and unconcerned about how we represent Him?

Sunday, April 15, 2012

God Answers Prayers!

Sam has always enjoyed going to church and learning about the Bible. Even when he was very young, his Sunday School teacher would come and tell me how he would get so involved in the lesson that he practically taught it himself. Last year, Sam got up in front of the church and said that God had called him to preach, and he was very active in the youth group. Then, for the past several months, he has suddenly not been interested in church, especially youth group. At first, I thought it was just because he was still fatigued from his bout with mono, from which he still hasn't fully recovered. I came to realize, though, that there was an obstacle keeping him from church. I told Sam to pray about it, and I also prayed that God would either remove the obstacle or reconcile Sam's heart to the situation. Tonight, God removed the obstacle, and Sam is happier than I've seen him in a long time. He has missed the youth group and even become depressed over the situation, and now he has a renewed vigor and a great big smile on his face. As concerned as I was about him, being his mom, I know God was even more concerned, and He took care of the problem without our having to do anything other than pray. Thank You, God, for loving my son even more than I do!

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Observations From My Kitchen

1) If a messy kitchen is a happy kitchen, my kitchen must be delirious.

2) A husband (or son) is someone who takes out the trash and gives the impression he just cleaned the whole kitchen.

3) Countless people have eaten in this kitchen...and gone on to lead normal lives.


I can't take credit for this. It was on today's page of the daily calendar in the Money Center. I thought it was cute and wanted to share it.

#1 is not really true in my house. My kitchen is actually quite clean (at the moment, anyway).
#2 is in fact a reality when referring to my beloved Sam.
#3 is also true.

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

My Favorite Memories



Some of my favorite memories are:

1) All-day shopping sprees with Mom, even though I've never been much of a shopper. Just getting to spend the day with her made it special.

2) The many times Daddy and I "fished" in Rocky Creek without ever catching anything. Again, just getting to spend time with him made it special.

3) My 18th birthday present - going to San Antonio to see the Celtics play the Spurs. The only disappointment was that Larry Bird was out with an injury and wasn't even there.

4) Tagging along (with my Aunt Kitty) on Mom and Dad's 2nd honeymoon. It was an EPIC trip!

5) Camping in a tent in Colorado for a week with Sam in 2002. He was sick and running a fever all week, but he still says it was our best vacation ever.

6) Angel, the best dog that ever lived. RIP

7) My Grandma's 80th birthday party.

8) Spending all my allowance and then looking at my brother with just the right amount of "puppy dog eyes" so that he would share his with me. (He was the BEST big brother, just sayin.)

9) Staying in a tent at Anastasia State Park, near St. Augustine, FL. We had a blast, even though it rained the whole time we were there.

10) Being the only one in the family who could get the campfire started ... when I was only 10 years old.

11) Getting to see the beautiful Cola de Caballo (Horse Tail) Waterfalls near Monterrey, Mexico.

12) Riding the Alpine Slide in New Hampshire.

13) The trip Kiki and I took to New York City.

14) The trip Sam and I took to New York City.

15) November 18, 1995.

16) My trip to Wasilla, Alaska, in the summer of 1996.

17) Patti and Nic's visit to see us in Texas Christmas 2002.

18) My college graduation present from Mom and Dad -- a two-week road trip with a friend. I got to visit friends in several states, including PA, CT, NH, KY. It was awesome!

19) My 1991 Pontiac Firebird.

20) Watching a chicken cross the road.



So many, many more, some of which I can't seem to put into words.

Monday, April 2, 2012

Where Do You Want To Be?

You don't look back, just keep looking forward,
Until the way ahead becomes too dark to see.
Then, as you glance back over your shoulder,
You see the place where you really want to be.

Thursday, March 22, 2012

More Teenage Driving

I put this on facebook earlier this evening, but since not everyone who reads my blog is friends with me on facebook, I decided to post it here as well.

Sam and I always have very interesting conversations. Just ask my co-workers--they put up with my telling them all the witty things Sam says. This evening, while Sam was driving, we had this short conversation...

Me: To me, a good driving trip is when I don't have to correct you on anything.

Sam: To me, a good driving trip is when I make you yell, "SAMUEL!!!" at least three times.

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Chronic Pain

I've never been one to suffer much from pain, rarely even had a headache, until the last few years. My mom was in pain a lot due to arthritis and fibromyalgia, but I didn't have as much sympathy for her as I should have. A few years ago, I began experiencing muscle aches all over my body, and the last year or so they have gotten much worse. I used to be very active and love to play sports. Now, pain keeps me from doing so many things, and makes me feel horrible for days if I go ahead and do what I want to do.

A previous doctor of mine said it was probably fibromyalgia, without doing any tests since I didn't have insurance, and I had all the symptoms. Talking with friends of mine with fibromyalgia, it sure does seem like a possibility. My new doctor is taking time to do some tests, and I'm glad she is. The MRI I had last month came back normal. My lab work has indicated deficiencies in a couple different vitamins, so I'm taking those now to see if increased levels will ease my pain. My insurance company sent a note to my doctor indicating that one of my prescription meds could cause muscle aches, so I'm going a month without it to see if it makes a difference. So far, nothing has helped.

Last night my arms and legs felt as though I had been working out with weights much too heavy for me. They were weak, limp, and very achy. I took a Lortab and went to bed. At least I was able to get a good (and long) night's sleep. This morning, when I awoke, my arms and legs felt better, but the muscles in my torso were hurting very badly! It felt like I was being squeezed to death by a boa constrictor. (When I told Sam that, he asked how I knew what it felt like since I've never had a boa constrictor squeezing me.)

Along with the pain, I'm having some strange neurological symptoms. I have numb spots on each leg and one arm. Periodically, I have shocks shoot through my body. When they are in my back, they shake my whole body, and I look like I'm having some kind of fit. Also, whenever I laugh really hard (which is several times a day), I start to black out and feel like I'm about to faint.

All of this is very disconcerting, not to mention scary. And, a diagnosis seems to be a long ways off. Those of you who pray, please say a word or two for me and for my doctor to know what tests to do and what to look for. Thanks!

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Teenage Driver

This past Wednesday, I was the best mom in the world. For several months leading up to that day, I was the worst mom in the world. Wednesday, Sam "finally" got his learner's permit. Since he's already 16 years and 3 months old, it really was about time. (Circumstances kept us from being able to get it sooner, and quite frankly, I wasn't ready yet.)

During the past several months, we made many trips to large, empty parking lots where Sam could practice driving without the risk of running into anything; and last semester he took Driver's Ed at school. So, he was more than ready to get behind the wheel.

Everything went very smoothly at the DMV. He passed the written test with no problem at all, and he drove us home. That was his first experience driving my 5-speed on the road. In Driver's Ed, he was able to drive an automatic on the road, but this was a new experience for him and for me. Although he did very well, I was a little shaken by the time we got home.

It would be much easier, at this stage of life, to have an automatic, but I so love my Mustang! Thankfully, Sam has done much better each time he has had the opportunity to drive it, and I am very proud of him!

Monday, February 13, 2012

"Regal"

If someone were to describe you in one word, what would that word be? I can think of several one-word descriptions for myself -- clutzy, funny, forgetful, caring, pudgy, short, and the list goes on…

At my mom’s funeral, nine years ago, those present were given the opportunity to eulogize. One of mom’s high-school classmates stood and said that Mom could be described by the word “Regal”. And, she was absolutely right! Regal means belonging to or befitting a supreme ruler. That fits so well with Mom’s name, Patricia, which means of noble descent. My mom was the most ladylike lady I’ve ever known, and she always carried and conducted herself as if she were royalty.

Of course, she was and is royalty. When she accepted Christ as her Savior, she became a child of the King of Kings. Now, she is in her royal home in Heaven.

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Charity

What is Charity? In our society, the word is most often used to describe giving to a non-profit organization or to people less fortunate than ourselves. While that is a good example of what charity does, it doesn't convey the full meaning of the word. In the Bible, the word "charity" is used to denote a Christ-like love, the Greek word "agape".

Nowadays, the word "love" is vastly overused. We "love" everything from our pets to sports teams to foods to video games. You get the picture. So, when we say we love another person, the word has lost much of its value. I Corinthians 13 is called the love chapter because it describes what love does. In that chapter, the word used for love is the word "charity". In his sermon this morning, my pastor encouraged us to all read verses 4-7 and substitute our names for the word "charity". I have done so below, and I encourage each of you to do so also, and to evaluate whether it is true in your life. When we have Godly love for others, it will be true about us.

Suzanne suffereth long, and is kind; Suzanne envieth not; Suzanne vaunteth not (her)self, is not puffed up,
Doth not behave (her)self unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

Thursday, January 5, 2012

New Years

Yes, I realize that New Years Day was four days ago, but today is my New Years Day, as it is my BIRTHDAY!!! Being as close as it is to New Years, I wait until my birthday to make any new years resolutions I feel might be necessary. This year, I resolve to be much more mindful of God's blessings in my life.

Over the past few months, I admit that I somewhat lost sight of God's blessings. Sam was sick for so long, and it seemed like nothing was going right. As I look back, though, I realize that there were actually more good things going on than bad things, but I had started focusing on the bad to the point of not noticing the good.

This week, I have made a point to see all the good thing God has done for me and Sam lately. He has worked through friends, co-workers, and family to bless us beyond belief! This year, I resolve to praise Him more for what He does in my life and be more vocal in letting others know what a great God I serve.

As an added bonus, today I have received over 120 birthday wishes through phone calls, emails, text messages, and facebook posts. God has blessed me with the best family and friends, and I am so very grateful!!