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!
Monday, April 23, 2012
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.
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.
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
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
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
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!!
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:
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.
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.
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
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?
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.
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.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
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.
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.
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